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In my life this week…
Something about this lovely spring weather seems to be motivating me to catch up on some long-overdue organizing projects. I love the challenge of making spaces neat and efficient! I have one last kitchen cabinet to clean and organize, then I’ll be moving on to other areas. Many other areas, for sure!
In our homeschool this week…
We have been working at wrapping up our school year. I absolutely cannot believe that we only have about ten school days remaining!
What we’re working on:
Writing projects–I don’t feel like we have accomplished nearly enough in writing this year. We’re definitely making a major change in our writing curriculum next year.
Dissection–This week Brandon dissected a fish. We were amazed at how much more complex its body systems were, compared to the earthworm and crayfish he dissected previously.
PA history–Devin and Kaylee have completed their literature-based PA history course, but I need a few more concrete ways to demonstrate what they have learned.
Diagramming sentences–Keaton has just started diagramming, which isn’t covered in the Easy Grammer texts that the older kids use. I still think diagramming is . . . kind of neat, I guess. Yes, I’m unusual that way!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We went to visit some wonderful (homeschooling) friends this week. The kids always enjoy their friends–and all the animals–when we go to visit.
Kendra got to meet an adorable puppy . . .
. . . and a fluffy little chick!
The older kids spent most of their time outside with the chickens, calf, pony, and miniature horses.
My favorite thing this week was…
I did something completely out of the ordinary–I went shopping for something besides groceries! Clothes. For me.
I didn’t have any success at the shoe store, but I did find a white jacket and a white blouse, both dressy enough for church. I think the white blouse will be perfect with the fuschia floral print skirt I made a few weeks ago.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Has anyone used Institute for Excellence in Writing materials? I am very impressed with what I’ve learned about IEW, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m grateful for…
. . . the abundance with which my family has been blessed. We have always had enough, and often a little more. God is good!
After six years as a faithful Saxon math student, Kaylee made the switch to Math-U-See (Epsilon level) this year. I’m pleased that she is finally understanding fractions well. Even better? She recently told me that she actually likes math now!
Grammar
Kaylee is using Daily Grams 7 for grammar this year. She has been using the Easy Grammar and Daily Grams texts for three or four years now, and I believe they have helped her develop strong grammar, usage, and mechanics skills.
Writing
This year Kaylee is using Winning with Writing to develop writing skills. I personally like the format of this text, particularly the way that each part of the writing process is emphasized. However, Kaylee prefers a more free-style approach to writing, so we’ll be using a different text next year.
Literature
This year Kaylee used School of Tomorrow Literature 7 PACEs. The study booklets include basic comprehension questions, but they do not contain literary analysis or in-depth study of any kind. They have, however, been easy for her to use independently.
Vocabulary
Kaylee used Working with Words 7 for vocabulary practice this year. She commented several times about how much she enjoyed this inexpensive workbook.
Social Studies
This year Kaylee is covering Pennsylvania history. She is using Keystones 2 Pennsylvania History, a literature-based study. This approach seems to be more interesting than the typical textbook coverage of our state’s history.
Science
Kaylee is using School of Tomorrow Science PACEs this year. She is a motivated independent learner, so the PACEs have been a good fit for her. She has asked to continue with PACEs again next year.
Health
Kaylee completed the School of Tomorrow Health Elective PACEs this year. This course is designed as a high school health course. Even though Kaylee is an excellent student, this course was very challenging for her. In retrospect, I would have delayed this course until ninth grade.
Physical Education
Kaylee pursues physical fitness by participating in both group and individual activities. As a family, we try to promote individual exercise as a life-long habit.
What materials have you used and loved (or not) for seventh grade?
All this week I have felt like I was not accomplishing anything. And then today I suddenly realized:
Although my house is not pristine, it is comfortably neat and clean.
There is only one load of laundry waiting to be folded.
School is completed for the day and prepared for tomorrow.
So far this week, our family has eaten fifteen meals, all of them at home. And after all that, there is only one sink full of dishes to be washed at the moment.
Maybe I have accomplished enough.
In our homeschool this week…
Everyone is working hard to get things finished up for the year. We have around fifteen days to go before we begin summer break.
With the end of the year in sight, I am ready to start working on the kids’ portfolios. They are not due until the end of June, but in the meantime they must be evaluated. Anyone else in Pennsylvania working on end-of-year portfolios?
My favorite thing this week was…
I have so enjoyed reading time with my children. We are reading The Hiding Place together in the evenings. What a thought-provoking book!
Questions/thoughts I have…
I love the idea of year-round schooling, but I really don’t know how I would manage without the summers “off.” I need to get caught up on so many things, and I also need a chance to clear my mind before jumping into new lessons.
Maybe some of you year-round homeschoolers can chime in here–how do you manage without a summer break?
Keaton is using School of Tomorrow Math PACEs. While he has definitely made a lot of progress in math this year, he is noticing how much fun the other children are having with Mr. Demme and Math-U-See. So it looks like he’ll be making a change for the new school year.
Grammar/Writing/Literature
This year Keaton is using School of Tomorrow English PACEs. Unfortunately these have not been a good fit for him. He loves being able to work independently, but the parts of speech and grammar rules are introduced too quickly for him to really master the material.
On the other hand, Keaton has really enjoyed the School of Tomorrow Literature and Creative Writing PACEs. Based on some recommendations that I had read, we chose to place him in the fourth grade PACEs for this subject. This year he has read and enjoyed books such as The Red Rag Riddleand Charlotte’s Web. I’ve appreciated the thorough coverage of reading comprehension and the gentle, fun approach to writing paragraphs.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Keaton’s spelling and vocabulary are both covered in the School of Tomorrow Word Building PACEs. Each PACE covers fifty spelling words. Although he would prefer to do more of the work orally, he has done very well with the PACEs.
Social Studies
Keaton is using School of Tomorrow Social Studies PACEs to study American history from its beginning until the present time. The PACEs also cover U.S. geography, focusing on learning states and capitals, and the location of each state. The new fourth edition PACEs are a big improvement over the older version, with more color and the addition of some actual photographs.
Science
The School of Tomorrow Science PACEs have been a big hit this year. Keaton loves the format of the PACEs and finds the content very interesting. Topics this year have included work and force, potential and kinetic energy, living and nonliving matter, and volcanoes. As with the Social Studies PACEs, the fourth edition is much more colorful and appealing than previous editions.
Art/Music
Art and music have been very relaxed and self-directed this year. Keaton follows his own creative interests in art, mainly drawing and doing thumbprint art. For music, he participates in group singing and children’s programs at church, and he listens to a variety of musical styles and artists at home.
Physical Education
Keaton does not participate in any team sports. Instead, we encourage him to be physically active in individual and group activities, and try to promote individual exercise as a lifelong habit.
Are you wondering why Keaton has done exclusively PACEs this year? He requested to have all PACEs because he desired to work independently as much as possible. Although we will be making several changes next year (most notably math and grammar), he is still interested in learning on his own as much as he possibly can.
What materials have you used with your fifth-grader?
We spent part of the week passing unwelcome viruses from one person to another. All better now, thankfully!
In other news, I didn’t plan a menu this week. How frustrating that has been! And yes, I know better. Enough said.
In our homeschool this week…
I believe the kids are getting spring fever. We are so ready for school to be finished! In fact, some of the kids are voluntarily putting in Saturdays because they just want to be done already. I’ve decided it’s kind of like that whole “lame duck” thing, except that we are not involved in politics.
What’s working/not working for us…
Math-U-See is definitely working for us! In fact, it has been such a success that I have considered selling my Saxon math books. Anyone who knows me well, knows that this is a BIG DEAL! I did say considered, you understand. No promises just yet.
Things I’m working on…
Remember those skirts I was working on last week? Well, I got two of the skirts finished. I opted to hold off on making the third one, since I ran out of elastic. Here’s a peek:
Khaki Twill Skirt
Fuschia Floral Skirt
I’m reading…
I’m not getting nearly as much reading done as I would like. I am reading my Bible, though. And I have a book about the Duggar family that I’m anxious to start reading. Maybe next week?
I’m cooking…
We made yummy homemade pizza for supper tonight! Kaylee mixed up a big batch of our favorite pizza sauce, with plenty left over for the freezer.
I’m grateful for…
If I could choose only one thing to be thankful for right now, it would be the privilege of being a mother. I’m so blessed!
Collin is using Math-U-See Alpha, and he loves it! After watching Mr. Demme teach each lesson on the DVD, Collin completes the worksheets independently. I rarely need to add any further instruction, other than occasional help with thinking through a word problem. We are definitely continuing with MUS next year!
Grammar/Writing
For grammar Collin is using School of Tomorrow English PACEs. These second grade PACEs include manuscript handwriting practice, phonics review, and a very gentle introduction to grammar. They also provide practice in writing sentences and friendly letters.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Collin is using School of Tomorrow Word Building PACEs for spelling and vocabulary. Each PACE contains twenty spelling words with definitions. The Word Building PACEs also teach phonics rules to aid in spelling and reading.
Reading
Each day I assign a portion from Abeka’s third-grade readers. In addition, Collin reads independently according to his interests.
Social Studies
Collin is using School of Tomorrow Social Studies PACEs to learn about history, geography, and our country. Topics include our President, citizenship, famous buildings, George Washington, and more. The fourth edition PACEs are definitely more appealing and visually attractive than earlier editions. In fact, Collin has asked to continue using them next year!
Science
For science Collin is using School of Tomorrow Science PACEs. This year he has studied the days of Creation, animals, seasons, and the five senses, among other things. Again, the fourth edition is a big improvement over the previous edition, and Collin wants to use PACEs for science next year as well.
Art/Music
We have approached art and music in a very relaxed manner this year. For art, Collin draws pictures, makes thumbprint art, and generally does whatever interests him creatively. For music, he listens to a variety of music styles and artists; he also participates in group singing and special programs at church.
Physical Education
Collin does not participate in any team sports. Instead, we encourage him to be physically active in individual and group activities, and try to promote individual exercise as a lifelong habit.
Now it’s your turn! What are you using for second grade?
It’s just been everyday life at our house this week, and that’s not a bad thing. Not at all!
In our homeschool this week…
This week we got the dreaded call from our local school district. If you are familiar with PA homeschool law (Pennsylvania is a highly-regulated state), you’ll understand the sinking feeling that came over me when I received the message.
I listened as a voice curtly informed me that they had not received my affidavit and other necessary paperwork, due before the start of the school year in order to homeschool legally. But I knew that we had turned in everything required by law–and on time, too!
I nervously searched through my files for the written receipt that I always request when dropping off anything at the local public school. Yep, it was there . . . proof that we had indeed filed the required paperwork before the deadline. I’m so very thankful that I insist on a written statement of receipt! So, so thankful!
When I returned the call, the curt response soon became apologetic when I was able to offer undeniable proof that I had indeed submitted the necessary paperwork required by state law. The woman asked if I could provide copies of everything for their records, and yes, I was happy to comply!
I hope this incident has helped to lay the groundwork for a more positive relationship with the district superintendent and his personnel. After all, I value the freedom to homeschool my children!
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Always, always, always get that written documentation when providing any paperwork or materials required by your state’s laws!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We didn’t really go anywhere this week, but I was so encouraged by visits from two other homeschool moms!
Questions/thoughts I have…
I need advice on choosing a writing curriculum for my tenth grader. We haven’t done much writing at all, and I’m feeling the need to remedy that. I’ve considered Write Shop and Jensen’s Format Writing so far–what would you use with a tenth grade boy who doesn’t enjoy writing?
Things I’m working on…
I’m sewing some much-needed clothing for myself today! I’m hoping to have three skirts completed by the end of the day. Anyone want to hold me accountable?
I’m cooking…
Honey Whole-Wheat Bread–twelve to sixteen loaves each week!
Have you ever wished you could attend a homeschool conference without leaving your home? Well, you can!
The Homeschool How-To Conferenceis a FREE online event, broadcasting from May 1-3, 2012. The goal of the conference is to teach families how to use the Bible as the foundation of their homeschool. You’ll learn ways to use the Bible when teaching history, science, math, geography, language arts, and more.
Special speakers include:
Kraig and Anne Elliott – Foundations Press – “A Biblical Home Education” & “Teaching History from the Bible”
Dave and Debby Klein – InKleinations – “The Education of Kings”
Davis Carman – Apologia Educational Ministry – “Family: Our Best Apologia Ever”
Lee Binz – The HomeScholar – “Finding the Faith to Homeschool Through High School”
Elizabeth Brown – The Phonics Page – “Syllabic Phonics for Bible Reading”
Don Potter – DonPotter.net – “Using the Bible as the Center of Teaching Reading”
Susan Stewart- author of Science in the Kitchen: Fearless Science At Home - “Learning Way of Life”
Merle Reece – Student of the Word Curriculum
Andrew Pudewa – Excellence in Writing – “Designing Bible-Based Writing Lessons”
Kelli Becton – Adventurez In ChildRearing – “Exploring God’s Creation”
Jim Pence – See the Light – “Integrating Art & the Bible”
You won’t want to miss this online conference!
Register for the FREE conference OR purchase a Premium Pass for only $49. Premium Pass holders receive a goodie bag (worth over $200) full of extras from the sponsors and MP3 downloads! Right now you can get a 10% discount when you purchase the Premium Pass and use the code “adventurez.”
Giveaway: Enter to win a Premium Pass to HHTC!
One reader will receive a Premium Pass ($49 value) to the Homeschool How-To Conference, including the goodie bag worth over $200! If you purchase a Premium Pass and then win this giveaway, your purchase price will be refunded.
I took a break from organizing this week, in order to sew new living room curtains. I don’t enjoy making this style, but I am so happy with how they turned out. I would never have been able to get them done without Kaylee’s babysitting help. Thanks a bunch, Kaylee!
In our homeschool this week…
We are counting down the days until our school year is finished! I think we are pretty well on track to complete almost everything. In fact, some subjects are already finished for the year.
We still have standardized testing to be done before the end of the year. Pennsylvania requires testing in grades 3, 5, and 8, and it so happens that I have a fifth grader and an eighth grader this year. I must confess I am a bit nervous about testing this year, since both kids being tested are somewhat “behind” in math.
Have they made progress? Definitely. And I’m proud of how much they have accomplished.
However, since we are homeschooling in a highly regulated state, I become a bit anxious whenever we don’t attain the standards of the local school district. Advice and prayers are welcome!
I am inspired by…
I get so much encouragement from other homeschooling moms of larger families, like Amy and Jamerill!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
If you heard about the children’s opportunity to be filmed for our chiropractor’s new website last week . . . well, the camera guy never showed up, so we had to go back again this week. Everything went well, and the kids are looking forward to seeing themselves on the new site when it goes live. (They were photographed for the chiropractor’s billboards last fall, and it is so novel to see our kids on real billboards!)
together in the evenings. What a thought-provoking book!
and 
. I’ve appreciated the thorough coverage of reading comprehension and the gentle, fun approach to writing paragraphs.
