Our School Year Begins...

... and with a bang.  We kicked off our first day of school yesterday here at home.  It was a long, but good day.  As usual, I was too scheduled.  I need routines, not schedules, yet I constantly make schedules for myself for some reason. Fortunately, I recognize this in myself quickly these days and already adjusted.  Today was more laid back and we had fun getting into our new curriculum. If you stop by our house these days, there is a good chance you will see books piled high on the coffee table.

Since a few have asked what we are using this year for curriculum, here is a list below.  While I consider this our family's curriculum, these are basically for Cole. Our younger two are invited to participate as much as they want.  Our choices were made through prayer and lots of research, and they are primarily influenced by the wonderful curriculum guide at simplycharlottemason.com .

• Genesis Through Deuteronomy & Ancient Egypt: A Family Study Handbook


• Exploring Creation through Astronomy & Nature Study


• Math-U-See Alpha


• Various Literature Books: My Father's Dragon, Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, Peter Pan, and others that are not coming to mind right now


• Continuing to work on reading skills through Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and Pathway Readers


• Drawing with Children and Art with a Purpose

We are also doing Hymn/Worship Study, Poetry, Composer Study, Artist Study, Personal Development, Scripture Memory, and an introduction to Spanish, but I'm using various sources for these and not a set curriculum.

I am already excited about Jason getting involved. We are doing our Bible/History time before he heads to work in the morning. It is one of the beauties of homeschooling. Here's a little peek into this morning,

Homeschooling and having fun

The question I get asked most often these days is "how is homeschooling going?"  (Well, I also get asked "are you all unpacked yet?" But for now let's just pretend there are no more boxes hanging around) Homeschooling is  going really well so far.  We've had a couple of difficult days where Cole didn't want to "do school today," but we are really enjoying it.  I love being there when he learns a new word or reads something for the first time.  Also, Connor is starting to read and gets so excited when he sounds a word out.  Caleb is mainly just along for the ride, but he does love to sit when we are reading and play with his brothers math blocks. I also love the flexibility it allows us too that we get to go do stuff on a weekday.

Here are some pics from the last few weeks,

Caleb getting our book to read

 

Cole working on his math

The boys lined up ready to head to the food pantry to help out.  

The "peady-cock" we got to see on our visit to the zoo.