This week we got to add Spanish to our daily classes.
The kids are taking La Clase Divertida and I LOVE it. The instructor on the DVD is very good with the kids. We do a video lesson over two weeks and listen to a CD over those weeks for practice. There also is a workbook and crafts. I am very Texan and just cannot pronounce Spanish very well. I really would LOVE for my kids to become comfortable with speaking and understanding (where as I can only really understand). This week they learned their vowel sounds, colors, alphabet sounds to G (including CH). They also learned how to ask someone their name and answer when someone asks them. We practice everyday and the kids are getting very good at these things. Little Abigail even goes around singing our Vowel song. It really is helping me as well.
Shelby and I also started a knitting class with some other moms and daughters in our Meet up group. Shelby is having a hard time learning to knit with two needles but is able to finger knit with one and with her whole hand. I am HORRIBLE with craft stuff. However I have picked up a basic stitch and purl stitch. I made a pretty ugly bag to hold our yarn and needles in and am pretty proud of it. Shelby is still trying to knit with needles but we may try to get a hoop to let her try with. Matthew has learned to knit with his fingers and wants me to show him how to knit with needles so we may try it this week.
In class at home this week Shelby completed a unit in Horizons in Math, Spelling and Language Arts. She took 4 "tests" on Friday. She got everything right on her Math, Spelling and Memory Work (Genesis 1:1) and scored a 95 on Language Arts. Her LA was because she did not follow directions not because she did not know the info.
Matthew is still reading a Bob book a day and even picked up some easy readers at the library that I caught him reading on his own. He is really doing so much better than I thought he would do this year.
Shelby and Matthew have been competing with each other on Addition facts flash cards for a few minutes each day this week. Matthew SHOCKED me with how quickly he shouted out the correct answers. He beat his sister a few days in a row. Toward the end of the week Shelby started memorizing them and was able to beat her little brother. Baby Abigail even shouted out a few answers this week correctly.
In Music the kids learned that the Italian word "piano" means soft. They added a third note to what they know on the recorder and can read the music in front of them for all three notes. They still have a little problem switching between the notes but they are learning quickly.
I don't have any pictures from the week because someone hid my camera charger! Hopefully it will be found soon.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Kindergartner and first grader at last
I now have a Kindergardner and First grader in the School of Monkeys.
Matthew was so excited to start school. On the first day we sat down and went over the rules, where everything was in the classroom and decorated there binders. Matthew has not been looking forward to school but he leaned over to his sister halfway through the day and stated "I think I am going to love school this year".
The kids have done a great job with their work this week and so far we have pretty much stayed on schedule. The only thing we are behind on is History. The reason for this is that Shelby asked a question about Dinosaurs and Day 6 of Creation. This lead me on a trail of teaching Dinosaurs and the bible instead of Ancient history.
Hopefully we will get back on track on week 3. We were going to study Pre-History and dinosaurs at the end of the year anyway so it really will not take us off schedule at the end of the year.
This is what was completed this week.
Shelby read 5 stories out of her bible. "Creation" to "The Tall Tower"
In our bible workbook the kids are on day 6 of Creation. The kids really have been doing a great job with their bible journals.
We do a LOT of reading out loud. Shelby helps with the books she can and Mommy reads the rest. So far this week we have read:
"Charlotte's Web" chap 1-6
"Red Sails to Capri" chap 1-5 (we also put this on our Timeline and marked Capri on our world map)
"The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible" pg 1-23
Completed "Dinosaurs before Dark" plus these other Dino books in this picture
Shelby Completed 5 lessons in Horizons Math 1, 5 lessons in Horizons Phonics and Reading 1, Read 5 stories out of her Horizons reading Comp book and answered the questions, 5 lessons in Explode the Code 4, 5 lessons in Horizons Penmanship 1 and 3 in Singapore Math Standards 1
Matthew Completed 5 Lessons in Horizons Math K, 3 lessons in Explode the Code book 1, 5 lessons in Handwriting without tears, Read 5 Bob books, Read 5 lessons in Learn to read in 100 ez lessons.
For Science we learned about what is living and Not living. The kids collected living items outside including our new pet snail. We have learned that snails need to stay wet so we leave a little bit of water in it's cage. Shelby has left lettuce and canteloup for the snail to eat. There is also lots of wet dirt, leaves and grass in there.
We went swimming in our pool 3 times this week and they are learning how to tie their shoes.
The kids are also working on basic skills like cutting and grip for writing.
On our last day this week the kids created their own dinosaur. We learned that scientists only have the bones to go by when deciding what they look like. Nobody actually knows the color of a dinosaur or exactly what each one looks like since they have not seen it. They each made their own and put "tracks" in a clay ground.
We did not do any of our Spanish this week but will start next week.
Music this year is being done with the ebook "Poco a Poco". I LOVE this curriculum. It is fun and easy to teach. The kids learned what a quarter note is, musical staff, treble cleff and a measure. They also learned both a b and a note on their recorder and was able to read a piece of music to play these notes (all quarter notes and rests). It only had 4 measures but they did it. We have started learning the keys on the piano but the keyboard we were going to use broke. Now I have to either A) get a piano or B) get another keyboard so that they can learn. We are doing the best we can without anything for now.
In art we discussed Picasso and created our own Picasso picture. We put Picasso on our Time line as well.
Overall we had a great week and I believe we will have a really good school year.
Matthew was so excited to start school. On the first day we sat down and went over the rules, where everything was in the classroom and decorated there binders. Matthew has not been looking forward to school but he leaned over to his sister halfway through the day and stated "I think I am going to love school this year".
The kids have done a great job with their work this week and so far we have pretty much stayed on schedule. The only thing we are behind on is History. The reason for this is that Shelby asked a question about Dinosaurs and Day 6 of Creation. This lead me on a trail of teaching Dinosaurs and the bible instead of Ancient history.
Hopefully we will get back on track on week 3. We were going to study Pre-History and dinosaurs at the end of the year anyway so it really will not take us off schedule at the end of the year.
This is what was completed this week.
Shelby read 5 stories out of her bible. "Creation" to "The Tall Tower"
In our bible workbook the kids are on day 6 of Creation. The kids really have been doing a great job with their bible journals.
We do a LOT of reading out loud. Shelby helps with the books she can and Mommy reads the rest. So far this week we have read:
"Charlotte's Web" chap 1-6
"Red Sails to Capri" chap 1-5 (we also put this on our Timeline and marked Capri on our world map)
"The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible" pg 1-23
Completed "Dinosaurs before Dark" plus these other Dino books in this picture
Shelby Completed 5 lessons in Horizons Math 1, 5 lessons in Horizons Phonics and Reading 1, Read 5 stories out of her Horizons reading Comp book and answered the questions, 5 lessons in Explode the Code 4, 5 lessons in Horizons Penmanship 1 and 3 in Singapore Math Standards 1
Matthew Completed 5 Lessons in Horizons Math K, 3 lessons in Explode the Code book 1, 5 lessons in Handwriting without tears, Read 5 Bob books, Read 5 lessons in Learn to read in 100 ez lessons.
For Science we learned about what is living and Not living. The kids collected living items outside including our new pet snail. We have learned that snails need to stay wet so we leave a little bit of water in it's cage. Shelby has left lettuce and canteloup for the snail to eat. There is also lots of wet dirt, leaves and grass in there.
We went swimming in our pool 3 times this week and they are learning how to tie their shoes.
The kids are also working on basic skills like cutting and grip for writing.
On our last day this week the kids created their own dinosaur. We learned that scientists only have the bones to go by when deciding what they look like. Nobody actually knows the color of a dinosaur or exactly what each one looks like since they have not seen it. They each made their own and put "tracks" in a clay ground.
We did not do any of our Spanish this week but will start next week.
Music this year is being done with the ebook "Poco a Poco". I LOVE this curriculum. It is fun and easy to teach. The kids learned what a quarter note is, musical staff, treble cleff and a measure. They also learned both a b and a note on their recorder and was able to read a piece of music to play these notes (all quarter notes and rests). It only had 4 measures but they did it. We have started learning the keys on the piano but the keyboard we were going to use broke. Now I have to either A) get a piano or B) get another keyboard so that they can learn. We are doing the best we can without anything for now.
In art we discussed Picasso and created our own Picasso picture. We put Picasso on our Time line as well.
Overall we had a great week and I believe we will have a really good school year.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
2010-2011 plan
I have completed my lesson plan for the WHOLE 2010-2011 year. I have a week by week plan with every day written out. I even have the materials I will need and books I will need to get at the library. I have pulled apart all workbooks and made copies (those that I am legally allowed to make) and put them in the weekly file folders. Shelby and Matthew have a file holder with all of their weeks in it.
Example of our Activities on the September Schedule
Week 1 Schedule (pg 1 & 2 for both kids)
page 3 schedule
Library/games/puzzles
Milk Crates that hold binders/supplies (blue Matthew and Pink Shelby)
Teacher books/guides for all subjects plus read out louds
Most of the books I bought used on ebay, through the Well Trained Mind Forums or got off of Paperback swap/Swap Tree. I also hit up Half Price Books with Coupons several times this year to collect the books I knew we would need. Some I scored for $1! Those that I bought new I bought on Amazon (love their 4 for 3 deal), Exodus Books and Rainbow Resources. There are a few listed below that I still need that I hope to find used soon.
We do go to the library but I love having the books I know I need for school on hand to use when needed. I can then resell them at the end of the school year or save them for the next child to use them.
History/Bible- Both kids
History
Bible
Still need to buy or will try to borrow
Geography
We are using a complete book of Map Skills. I got this at half price books and could not find it online.
Still need or will borrow
This one for end of year and next year
Weekly Read Out Louds
Read Out Louds
Still need to buy or will borrow
Readers (Shelby)
She is reading a story out of her bible every day plus the following.
Borrow or still need to buy
Readers (Matthew)
Language Arts- Shelby
Language Arts- Matthew
Science
Still need or will borrow
Math/Logic- Shelby
Math/Logic- Matthew
Spanish-
Music-
We also are learning the Recorder but I could not find the book we are using.
LOVE this Music program. It is so simple and easy to teach and the kids learn so much.
Art-
Activities
Awana starting September 1st (weekly)
Homegrown Learners Meet-up group (1x a week starting Sept 3)
Knitting class for 3 weeks (Shelby starting Aug 25)
Austin Sports arena Wed 1 -2 x a month (for skating, soccer, dodgeball, floorball)
Kickball 1x a week twice a month (hopefully) with another homeschool group.
We still are looking for a new keyboard or used piano. I have a keyboard they are using but it does not have all of the keys a piano has.
Rules of our School
Example of our Activities on the September Schedule
Week 1 Schedule (pg 1 & 2 for both kids)
page 3 schedule
Shelby's file folder
Library/games/puzzles
Milk Crates that hold binders/supplies (blue Matthew and Pink Shelby)
Teacher books/guides for all subjects plus read out louds
WHAT WE WILL USE
Most of the books I bought used on ebay, through the Well Trained Mind Forums or got off of Paperback swap/Swap Tree. I also hit up Half Price Books with Coupons several times this year to collect the books I knew we would need. Some I scored for $1! Those that I bought new I bought on Amazon (love their 4 for 3 deal), Exodus Books and Rainbow Resources. There are a few listed below that I still need that I hope to find used soon.
We do go to the library but I love having the books I know I need for school on hand to use when needed. I can then resell them at the end of the school year or save them for the next child to use them.
History/Bible- Both kids
History
Bible
Still need to buy or will try to borrow
Geography
We are using a complete book of Map Skills. I got this at half price books and could not find it online.
Still need or will borrow
This one for end of year and next year
Weekly Read Out Louds
Read Out Louds
Still need to buy or will borrow
Readers (Shelby)
She is reading a story out of her bible every day plus the following.
Borrow or still need to buy
Readers (Matthew)
Language Arts- Shelby
Language Arts- Matthew
Science
Still need or will borrow
Math/Logic- Shelby
Math/Logic- Matthew
Spanish-
Music-
We also are learning the Recorder but I could not find the book we are using.
LOVE this Music program. It is so simple and easy to teach and the kids learn so much.Art-
Activities
Awana starting September 1st (weekly)
Homegrown Learners Meet-up group (1x a week starting Sept 3)
Knitting class for 3 weeks (Shelby starting Aug 25)
Austin Sports arena Wed 1 -2 x a month (for skating, soccer, dodgeball, floorball)
Kickball 1x a week twice a month (hopefully) with another homeschool group.
We still are looking for a new keyboard or used piano. I have a keyboard they are using but it does not have all of the keys a piano has.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Planning, planning and did I say Planning
So I thought I would blog about how much planning is going into this school year. I (again) am putting all of the work in it's folder by week. So I have a file box for Shelby that has 36 weeks of files in it. Each week has all her work for the week in it. I have the files for Matthew but need to get another file box. His does not have as much work as hers. I then have a bookshelf with all of my teacher books for the year and our reference/reader books. Each child has a milk crate with their binders, folder, pencil box, dry erase board etc. We then have another book shelf full of future subjects, books and free reading books.
This file box is getting out of hand! Last year I had it but did not go this detailed since it was Kinder and only one child. I have been ripping apart books and making copies of worksheets, lab sheets (all reproducible material) and e-book worksheets for a week. I also have a planner on the computer that is done week by week to keep me on track and to help me not OVER PLAN (I like to do this). Right now I have 9 weeks completed on the computer (minus Spanish). I have the other weeks down but not all in one place on the computer. So I have been busy copying and pasting stuff together. I also have been making a list of books I will need to get at the library for each week, materials I will need to buy for each week and books I need to buy (because the library does not have them).
All this planning is making my back hurt and arms sore. I am SOOOO ready for school to just start. I hope it all pays off in the end. My plan is to keep us on track and going through the year. I have breaks scheduled in that we can take if we are on track. If not we will just stick with it and catch up.
Subjects by child (for now .... I have the right to change my mind before next week .... well actually at any point).
Shelby-
Horizons 1 Math and Singapore Math 1A & 1B Standards
Explode The Code 4-6
Horizons Penmanship 1
Horizons Ponics/grammer and Spelling 1
First Grade Grammer (workbook from teacher store)
Sonlight Intro to World History with a mix of 1 and 2 beginner Readers
5 Minute Logic Work 3 x a week (Critical Thinking Skills, Wake up Brain)
Geography - Map Skills (2 x a week)
BOTH- (History 3x a week, Science 2 x a week, Spanish 20 minutes a day, Art 3 x a week, Music class 2 x a week, Music lessons 15 minutes daily, PE daily)
Sonlight Intro to World History (Shelby reading 2 Beginning readers and Matthew 1 readers)
Story of the World Ancients
Horizons 1 Bible and Bible with Sonlight
Awanas (one night a week- memorization and bible)
La Clase Divertida Spanish I with Salsa Spanish
Real Science Odyssey Life
Poco a Poco Music
Learning the Recorder and Piano
Art - Mix of different texts ... we will be studying a type of art each week (painting, drawing, knitting, cooking, woodwork, sculpting etc)
PE/Life Skills/Health- Ride bike, tie shoes, swimming etc They will be playing Kickball one day a week with friends as well.
Field trip weekly with Homegrown Learners group
Library 1x every 2 weeks
Matthew
Horizons K and Early Bird Singapore Math
Learn to Read in 100 EZ lessons
Explode the Code 1-3
Handwriting without Tears Letters and Numbers with me - My Printing Book
Lollipop Logic, Mazes, dot to dot (5 minute logic work 3 x a week)
Geography (Map Skills 2 x a week)
This file box is getting out of hand! Last year I had it but did not go this detailed since it was Kinder and only one child. I have been ripping apart books and making copies of worksheets, lab sheets (all reproducible material) and e-book worksheets for a week. I also have a planner on the computer that is done week by week to keep me on track and to help me not OVER PLAN (I like to do this). Right now I have 9 weeks completed on the computer (minus Spanish). I have the other weeks down but not all in one place on the computer. So I have been busy copying and pasting stuff together. I also have been making a list of books I will need to get at the library for each week, materials I will need to buy for each week and books I need to buy (because the library does not have them).
All this planning is making my back hurt and arms sore. I am SOOOO ready for school to just start. I hope it all pays off in the end. My plan is to keep us on track and going through the year. I have breaks scheduled in that we can take if we are on track. If not we will just stick with it and catch up.
Subjects by child (for now .... I have the right to change my mind before next week .... well actually at any point).
Shelby-
Horizons 1 Math and Singapore Math 1A & 1B Standards
Explode The Code 4-6
Horizons Penmanship 1
Horizons Ponics/grammer and Spelling 1
First Grade Grammer (workbook from teacher store)
Sonlight Intro to World History with a mix of 1 and 2 beginner Readers
5 Minute Logic Work 3 x a week (Critical Thinking Skills, Wake up Brain)
Geography - Map Skills (2 x a week)
BOTH- (History 3x a week, Science 2 x a week, Spanish 20 minutes a day, Art 3 x a week, Music class 2 x a week, Music lessons 15 minutes daily, PE daily)
Sonlight Intro to World History (Shelby reading 2 Beginning readers and Matthew 1 readers)
Story of the World Ancients
Horizons 1 Bible and Bible with Sonlight
Awanas (one night a week- memorization and bible)
La Clase Divertida Spanish I with Salsa Spanish
Real Science Odyssey Life
Poco a Poco Music
Learning the Recorder and Piano
Art - Mix of different texts ... we will be studying a type of art each week (painting, drawing, knitting, cooking, woodwork, sculpting etc)
PE/Life Skills/Health- Ride bike, tie shoes, swimming etc They will be playing Kickball one day a week with friends as well.
Field trip weekly with Homegrown Learners group
Library 1x every 2 weeks
Matthew
Horizons K and Early Bird Singapore Math
Learn to Read in 100 EZ lessons
Explode the Code 1-3
Handwriting without Tears Letters and Numbers with me - My Printing Book
Lollipop Logic, Mazes, dot to dot (5 minute logic work 3 x a week)
Geography (Map Skills 2 x a week)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Happy August
Well I have not blogged recently but am getting ready for the new school year. This year I will have two students and have made several changes.
We will be doing Sonlight Core 1 +2 with both Matthew and Shelby. I have taken their schedule and books and combined them with other programs on our schedule. This should make is a literature rich school year.
We also are going to start going on field trips pretty often with the new Homeschool group we joined (Homegrown Learners). We are very excited about this group and can't wait to explore new places with our new friends.
We will be doing Sonlight Core 1 +2 with both Matthew and Shelby. I have taken their schedule and books and combined them with other programs on our schedule. This should make is a literature rich school year.
We also are going to start going on field trips pretty often with the new Homeschool group we joined (Homegrown Learners). We are very excited about this group and can't wait to explore new places with our new friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)