This is one our favorite poems. The picture is actually a web from our deck a few years ago.

The spiders were busy last night from every fence and tree.

They hung their lacey webs for all the world to see.

The mist was busy too, in the stillness of the night;

It strung the spider webs with pearls to catch the morning light.

One spider wove a web, like frost on a window pane.

Another hung a single thread, that looked like a jeweled chain.

Motionless hang the webs, by the quiet sunbeams kissed.

A fairy world was made last night, by the spiders and the mist.

~James S. Tippett

Every day before we sit down and delve into homework, we start with a 10-15 minute routine:

• Song (This is usually a hymn or a song the kids can play on the piano for us)
• Prayer
• Pledge of Allegiance (Sophie holds our flag)
• Preamble (used a poster until memorized)
• Recite Date in English and Spanish
• Article of Faith or poem review (I’ll be listing our favorite poems shortly)
• Stretches (the kids like it when they each get to “teach” a stretch)
• Drink a glass of water

There you go–that’s a typical start to our day. For younger grades that may be a long beginning. When Natalie & Bobby were younger we didn’t do the Preamble or even the stretching–but I wish we would have–stretching is great! And just this year we started the glass of water thing–it helps a lot.

Or I like to call it “Cabin Fever Playdough”. We SO need to get creative about this time of year about keeping busy indoors! So here is an easy homemade playdough recipe that even my older kids love. (Just be careful with food coloring–I found some can stain hands.)

Traditional Play Dough

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1/4 cup salt
• food coloring

Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.

Q: How does a homeschooler change a light bulb?
A: First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they’ll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill. On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light. ~Author Unknown

This is for you Karen….:-)

Have done and will definitely keep doing:

• Orchestra–it’s been such a good deal to get in on the “young peoples concerts”–they’re during the week and are 1/4 of the price as normal admission.
• Public Library–this is our kids’ favorite place to go and pick out their own books.  We’ve even taken one tour before by a librarian–I learned new things about the library. (oh and this one if FREE!)
• Children’s Theater–about once or twice a year we go to a children’s play.  Recently we’ve seen the Grinch, Madeline, and Ms. Nelson’s Missing.
• Arboretum–I don’t know if every big city has an arboretum–but if they do, it’s so worth it!  Ours is about 40 minutes away with 1000 acres of trees, flowers, and plants all labeled.  It’s a great place to experience beauty and get in some exercise…since 1000 acres will give you a workout!
• Museums–here we have a children’s museum and a regular one.  Love them both–for different reasons.
• Feed My Starving Children–again I don’t know about other big cities…but most likely you have something like this around you.  We measure, weighed, and packed food for other countries.  It was a great experience–we’d love to do it again!
• State Parks–bike, canoe, hike, maybe even make plaster molds of animal tracks.  There’s so much to do….we love our state parks.  We don’t go enough, but the kids love it…and it’s usually so cheap or even free!
• Pottery–we were lucky enough to have a field trip to a lady’s home who does pottery for a living.  The kids made their creations and a few weeks later we picked them up.
• Community Enrichment–I can’t say enough about looking up the community programs.  We’ve been happy with the classes they’ve tried out.  Spanish, gymnastics, drama, and crafts.  This may not necessarily constitute as a “field trip” but they also offer day trips to places.  (This year they are offering a ride on a dog sled–but it filled up before we realized–so sad, I could’ve marked something off of my lifelong goal list!) 
• Have an artist teach an artwork class.  Okay so I actually did this for my achievement day girls but it was so fun!  A friend of ours is an artist and she taught the girls the basics in watercolor.  Each girl completed a tulip and we framed them. 

Want to do:

• Visit our nearby historical site/museum.  This is so sad to admit….but just 3 miles down the road is our county’s historical museum.  Have we been there yet?  No!  So that’s on our list.
• Go see the largest ball of twine.  I don’t know what education factor this has…but it would be cool.

25. Prayer is encouraged.

24. The only “gang” your kids belong to is your family.

23. The Teacher/Pupil ratio is great.

22. You don’t need security guards or metal detectors.

21. Your kids enjoy socializing with people of ALL ages.

20. Vacations can be called extended field trips.

19. You don’t have to worry about what your kids learned in school today.

18. You don’t have to raise your hand to go to the bathroom.

17.  Chores may be called “Home Ec  Projects”

16. There’s always time to bake cookies.

15. If you can’t find matching socks for your child first thing in the morning, who cares?

14. Cleaning out the refrigerator can double as chemistry lab.

13. If the principal gives the teacher a bad evaluation, she can stick her icy feet against his legs at night.

12. You can post the Ten Commandments on your school room wall, and you won’t get sued.

11. Your child will never go to their 20th high school reunion, meet an old flame, and recklessly abandon their marriage.

10. You get to change more than diapers, you get to change their minds.

9. If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you’re having a PTA meeting.

8. It’s better to be slightly concerned about socialization than very concerned about socialism.

7. Your child will never suffer the embarrassment of group showers after PE.

6. You never have to face the dilemma of whether to take your child’s side or the teacher’s side in a dispute at school.

5. If your child gets drugs at school it’s probably Tylenol.

4. The teacher gets to kiss the principal in the faculty lounge and no one gossips.

3. Your honor student can actually read the bumper sticker that you have put on your car.

2. If your child claims that the dog ate his homework you can ask the dog.

1. Some day your children will consider you to be a miracle working expert and will turn to you for advice.

Here it is…… I was holding off posting more because we weren’t getting any of the comments…I didn’t think anyone was interested. But now I know you are and thanks for your patience.

Disclaimer: The schedule below is just what we found personally worked for us. Find what works for you and your family.

Preschool-1st Grade

Mondays- SCIENCE*, M, E, R

Tuesdays- MATH CONCEPTS, E, R

Wednesdays- CRAFTS, R

Thursdays- HISTORY*, M, E, R

Friday- FIELD TRIP/EDUCATIONAL GAME or MOVIE, R

R-Reading done daily depending on age and level. We’d use the “100 Easy Lessons” book (shown below) plus fun starter books for the kids to read. Don’t forget–reading aloud to your kids count too!

E-English done 2-3 times a week. I used the E.D. Hirsch books (below) for stories and McGraw Hill workbooks for the kids to practice their letters and grammar.

M–Math done 2-3 times a week. I used the E.D. Hirsch books (below) to teach “Math concepts” on Tuesday and a McGraw Hill workbook for Mondays and Thursdays. Again, depending on age and level you will do more/less.

*Science & History curriculum was taken from the E.D. Hirsch books “What Your___ Needs to Know”. But since just the basics are given we added upon by looking up experiments and projects relevant to the lessons. (Looking ahead is a helpful way to get you thinking what you’d like to do for the week, month, or year. Especially for planning field trips that reinforce your curriculum lessons.)

2nd-4th Grade

Mondays- Math, Language Arts*, History, Music**, & Reading

Tuesdays- Math, Language Arts, Science, Music, & Reading

Wednesdays- Math, Language Arts, History, Music, & Reading

Thursday- Math, Language Arts, Science, Music, & Reading

Friday- Art, Music, & Reading

*Language Arts includes spelling, grammar, literature, and composition.

**Music is what we count for the kids’ daily piano practice

~K12 is the curriculum we have used for all 3 of these grades~

This is the BASIC overview of our schedule. I have much more I could add, but I don’t want to ramble…so post your questions and comments to give me some direction.

What would you like posted next? This is a poll:

• Teacher helps
• Homeschool Necessities (supplies, etc.)
• Websites
• Favorite Field Trips
• Before Beginning (what we do before school every morning)

On the value of a California education: (written by Brian Cooley)

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter Girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the Nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two Quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her; she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?
Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950’s:
1. Teaching Math In 1950’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
2. Teaching Math In 1960’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 have the price, or $80. What is his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990’s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s ok.)
6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un ranchero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

MOTIVATION

Here are some good books to read if you’re thinking of homeschooling. Or if you already are, they’ll re-invigorate and remind you why you are homeschooling.

1. Reed Benson’s dissertation Development of a Home School (1981)–this is what convinced my parents to homeschool

2. Ultimate Guide to Homsechooling by Debra Bell – LOVE this book

• Is homeschooling for you?
• How to choose a curriculum – determining your child’s learning style
• Organizing & planning
• Preventing burn-out

3. Homeschooling for Excellence by David & Micki Colfax

• A homeschooling friend gave me a copy of this book–it was very good. It’s written by parents who taught their four children at home.

EDUCATION

Here is the curriculum we’ve used thus far and what we liked or disliked about them:

1. What Your Kindergartner (1st Grader, etc.) Needs to Know by E.D. Hirsch

• Covers the basics a child should know in: Language & Literature, History & Geography, Visual Arts, Music, Math, and Science.
• This book gives direction, then you can be creative planning your own schedule/curriculum
• Used fun math & language workbooks [McGraw Hill books] in conjunction with this book.

2. A Beka Book

• This is a Christian-based curriculum.
• Liked how the Science books focused on God’s Creations.
• Work books are expensive considering a child will write in them once.

3. K12 – this is the curriculum we are currently using and love it!

• This curriculum is funded by some states
• A certified teacher is above you to help you
• Schedule & lesson plans all laid out (which is great for little time/lots of other kids to tend to–but has cut down on my creativity)
• You can still be part of a group and participate in field trips with other children–nice for the kids to mingle with other homeschoolers
• Plan on 4-8 weeks to get the hang of this program when first starting–it’s a lot to take in–but it’s kind of like Christmas getting all those boxes!

4. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann

• This reading program works! I’ve used this for Natalie & Bobby and they both did wonderfully.

5. The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas by Linda Dobson

• 500+ fun and creative learning activities
• This book has a lot! If I’m ever having a problem teaching a concept this will usually have an idea to teach it in a creative way.

6. The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions by John E. Thomas & Danita Pagel

• If your kid loves to do projects–this is a fun book with simple instructions and very few ingredients needed. (But beware–just like any project–expect a mess)

7. My First Encyclopedia (& other fact books with great pictures)

• There’s many types of these books–our kids love them. They’re great to have lying around the house for the kids to pick up.

By popular demand…

we are starting a little homeschool blog that will hopefully be of help to those of you that are interested in the “hows” and “whys” of homeschool.

I’ll start with our little family’s homeschool bio:

I come from a homeschooled family, but my hubby attended all 13 years of public school and had a great experience. So when we married, we had slightly different expectations of how to teach our children. As any parent knows, kids grow up so fast and before we knew it we were having to make this important decision. After much thought, talk, and prayer we made the decision to keep Natalie and Bobby at home for their schooling. (We would not have to shed those tears that so many others do when their little 5 year old boards a bus and drives out of sight.)

The early school years were challenging but so fun! The focus was to keep learning fun and positive. And with a flexible schedule, we took advantage of our time to travel and “get out” and experience real life.

Our feeling is that a child learns so much at home–it’s up to you to provide the learning experiences sometimes, but otherwise they naturally happen. Simple role plays (social skills), chores (work skills), sorting laundry (math skills), coloring, reading, exercising, and play does wonders for a child’s brain.

We are so blessed to live in this free country and to top it off–have the gospel! My feeling is that we have been given much, and much will be expected. Teaching our kids at home gives us the freedom to delve deeper into American history and gospel studies that no public school is going to offer. We like the idea of strengthening our children’s testimonies while learning the core subjects.

Well, those are our homeschool thoughts we’re going to start with. Our next post will be about the books we’ve used and recommend, followed by our typical daily school schedule.