Thursday, August 15, 2013

It’s That Time Again…

 

A couple of weeks ago this is what our school room floor looked like.  Multiple boxes and books, books, books, with a microscope and a preserved frog thrown in to make it super interesting!

We are starting school on Monday.  I’m still trying to grasp that.  Summer, where did you go?!!

This year I will be teaching and learning (!) 2nd grade, 6th grade, 9th grade, and 11th grade. Two in high school… Let the fun begin!

We’re mixing things up this year and on Mondays I will be teaching a full week of Biology to my two oldest and two of their homeschool friends. I am excited about having science class at my dining room table.  Dissections and microscope work are right up my alley!  I really think I am more excited than the kids!

And while Biology is happening I will also be teaching beginning Zoology to my youngest two, using Apologia.  This will be my first year using the Apologia elementary/junior high level science and I am looking forward to a good positive change in our science classes using lap books and some super cool experiments.

 

 

school-SycamoreLane Photography

 

We are mixing up a few other things in our schooling.  I tend to ditch what doesn’t work, stick with what does,  find new ways to help my kids learn, and implement practices that help me to teach more efficiently and to the best of my ability…  Each. And. Every. Year.

  But, for the most part our days will run on the same schedule we have used for years. 

 

 

School-1-SycamoreLane Photography

 

 

School shopping took place yesterday and I’m in love with all the colors!  Little Miss and I had a blast picking out the items we needed, the boys…. not so much.  I think it was too stark of a reminder that summer break is coming to a halt.   My girl loved her new markers and crayons so much that she broke them out as soon as we got home and began creating, and creating, and creating.  This morning she made two puppets out of lunch bags and even put on a puppet show for us! 

Yes, my friends that is what homeschooling is all about. 

Learning, creating, and growing, all such a part of who we are that it just comes naturally. 

And she’s not the only one.  I have noticed some story writing and illustrating going on this summer.  There are always notebooks lying around with pencils and pens scattered about our house.  The imagining just keeps going and flowing even when on summer break, they just don’t realize that every word they put down on those lines is helping them to be stronger writers.

 

 

School-SycamoreLane Photography

 

So, as the days for school draw near this has become my prayer…

Lord,

Have Your hand upon our school this year, working in our hearts and minds.  Light a fire within us for You!  Fill our days of learning with Your strength and place within my children a deep desire to learn.  Strengthen their focus and help them to concentrate.  Lord, I pray that our boundaries will expand this year.  That we will have more and more opportunities to share Your love with those we meet.  Lord, let your glory shine through us!  I ask for Your wisdom and discernment as I teach my children this year.  May my focus be stayed upon You so that I can teach them all that you have for them.  Lord, thank you for this blessing of homeschooling you have place in our lives for another year.  May we all bring glory to you through each and every day of this brand new school year. 

You Lord, are magnificent and worthy to be praised!

Amen

10 comments:

  1. And so it begins...I'll be thinking of you and praying for you as we jump back into it on Monday too!

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  2. Wow! Love this Jenn, you will love Apologia! We did Astronomy last year and this year we are doing Anatomy and Physiology. Only 2 weeks in and loving it too! While your are older than mine, we too are taking the ditch what does not work and keep what does. We are doing Total Language Plus different this year hope it helps better than ABEKA. Do you have any suggestions for a reading program for a stubborn 5 year old who does not like spending a lot of time doing blends? She is a stinker!

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    1. Ginger... that's a tough one for me! We have stuck with A Beka for reading because I wanted my kids to have a strong grip on phonics. Now it hasn't always been easy and I do TWEAK it a lot to make it work for each of my children depending on their needs. I would hit the blends but, do it quickly and not do every single one... every single day. That can get pretty monotonous! I also pick and choose what we do in the workbooks. I've had some struggling readers and my daughter is one of them. She gets frustrated easily so, we are taking A Beka very slowly. I am hoping to incorporate the oral stuff of A Beka more this year for her and lessen the paperwork. Then we can also place more time on actual reading!

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    2. I will definitely take your advise. I need to do it for myself if nothing else. I am thinking of doing a reader pack where they learn so many sight words a week and then are incorporated in small stories. Maybe then I could slip some blends in. She loves to read the old "Dick and Jane" books and does well with memorization of those simple words, but blends are just not working right now. Thanks!

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  3. Looks like you're having fun getting ready. Sometimes, I think we're given daughters for hugs, cuddles, and of course, to have someone to share our love of coordinating colors and organizing stationary... ;) My daughter is the same... and my sons... the same. Ha! We'll be doing Sonlight this year too... :) Cassandra @ TheUnpluggedFamily.com

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    1. Yep! I think its the girls in us! We just love the color and the new paper and Whooo Hooo! It's just exciting, I tell you!

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  4. I love Apologia science. I don't even homeschool, but I buy the books for my kids. My daughter brings them on the bus and holds science "class".

    Best wishes for a wonderful school year.
    ~FringeGirl

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  5. Yaay...I can comment! :) Thank you my friend for switching back. Your photos are always gorgeous...they fit this post perfectly. Happy schooling! Love to you! Camille XO

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  6. I'm right there with you, friend! I loved this post so much I shared it with our homeschool group on FB. I know it will encourage them as it did me. Thank you for the prayer at the end. Perfect!

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  7. Jenn... just wanted you to know that I was up through the night last night with my youngest. For hours. Anyway. (she's cutting molars).

    I wanted you to know that you came to mind..with starting school and all...and so I just whispered a little prayer for you and your family.

    May your day be full of blessing and JOY abundant.

    Love you and miss you much.

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