Homeschool 2014

So it's time to organize school. I am switching things up this year, trying something new. What we had last year worked, but it wasn't great. I didn't feel like the kids retained as much as they should have and a lot was just boring, rote type learning.

I have 2 that are naturally hungry for knowledge, devouring books, flying through school work, everything comes naturally. Then I have the other 2. I think, maybe, cross my fingers, they have attained a love for learning.

David was given a break from school work 2 years ago. I provided books and learning opportunities, but only as he wanted. They were there for him, but he was not on any schedule. I had fought many losing battles and decided that until he liked learning we were not getting anywhere.... Once the pressure was removed and he was able to work at his own pace, things turned around. He has adhd and some delays, he would much rather run and play then do schoolwork, but now he truly enjoys learning, most of the time.

Faythe... her education is an ongoing challenge. She is finally now after 3 years of school, (no preschool) almost halfway through second grade and will hopefully in this 4th year, finish second grade. I have tried everything for her. Nothing worked. She was happy to go through live without learning a thing. This summer, I decided to try Christian Light Education... for the first time ever, this child is making steady progress and SHE LIKES HER WORKBOOKS!! She remembers things she learned and gets excited about it! She is reading chapter books!!

Everyone has a box which they decorate for their school books. The box is stored either in the basement or their bedrooms. This allows us to do school, upstairs, downstairs or on the go without much hassle. We have a box of teacher books and a bag with school supplies, that just float around. Our art  and craft supplies and toys are all in the basement. But mostly the kids prefer to sit around the table or in the living room to do school. The basement is more of a play area and creativity center.

We are also trying co op this year. I am a little nervous about the time commitment, especially since we will be babysitting again and have some other unexpected weekly commitments.

These are the classes the kids are taking for the fall co op:

Lee: science  and  research paper

David: build it, history and research paper

Elizabeth:Sewing and art

Faythe: history and social studies.

This is my curriculum for the year. (all is subject to change!)

Math: Teaching Textbooks for everyone except Fayth who is doing CLE

Science: Lee CO OP, the other 3 CLE

History: David and Fayth CO OP, Lee and Elizabeth, Abeka

Grammar: CLE for everyone

Spelling: A reason for spelling for everyone

Bible: CLE for everyone

HAndwriting: a reason for writing for Fayth

Social Studies: Co op Fayth, CLE for everyone else.

Music:  easypeasyonline early american

Health:

P.E.  running club, ymca?!?

Art: Tia CO OP, everyone else  easy peasyonline

*Christian Light Education (very conservative but the kids find it interesting)

Monday:

full schedule

Tuesday:

Math, grammar, history, spelling, bible

Wednesday: visit day/library 

Math, grammar, social studies, bible

Thursday:

Full schedule

Friday: co op

goal/rewards: accomplish all goals for the week for a special Friday dinner.

Over all goal:

Fayth be done with grade 2 by Christmas

sign up for spring co op

have all kids through xtra math by the end of the year

My kids do Xtramath in exchange for free computer time. It has really strengthened their math skills.

Favorite Ways to Relax & Refill

As a single mom with lots of kiddoes, it is really important to find ways to take care of yourself. It is also extremely difficult to take that time for yourself.

Quiet time each morning, along with coffee and a daily "to do" list are my daily moment of recharging.

Almost 2 years ago, one night all my church friends went out for their "Mom's Night Out". I could not find a sitter, as usual.  So in "poor me" moment, I bought myself a gift. A beautiful hammock for my backyard! This was one of the best things I ever bought for myself! I love laying out here in my backyard watching the kids swim or enjoying the quiet after they are bed. It's a sacred spot for me and I always feel refreshed and reconnected to Jesus.

Occasionally I even get treated to a pedicure while relaxing! These little moments are quick recharges and is almost better then going out for ladies night!

My second little recharge/guilty pleasure is my coffee. I love coffee, I need coffee. During some of the more stressful times of foster care, I allowed myself a mcd's or starbucks coffee with each appointment I attended. Def an extra expense so I savor each cup as a special treat, picturing it as a gift to myself.


I don't need a big vacation or dinner out in order to recharge and refresh. Quiet time on my deck, a special coffee from the coffee shop (even when kids are whining and fighting in the backseat), music, and hammock time are all little ways I take care of myself each day. You can not give to others out of an empty tank...

July 4th

We had a low key July 4th. We stayed home and relaxed all day, swimming and reading, our favorite summer activities.

In the evening, I had just put all the kids to bed. Yes, my kids go to bed at 8 on summer nights! It's the key to my sanity.

So kids are all in bed, I am getting ready to relax when my phone rings... my friend's husband had bought a bunch of fireworks and they wanted us to come over to enjoy them!

I summoned the pj clad kiddoes from their beds and much to their delight, informed them that we were going to go shoot off some fireworks!! 

They had so much fun, playing with sparklers and watching Mr. A light the bigger ones!

Our church had camped for the weekend. We were unable to join them for the entire weekend but did join for the Sunday morning worship at the camp ground. 

After worship and a yummy lunch, we went swimming at the campground pool. Miss Nesiah made a new friend and had loads of fun playing in the pool! 

Mr. J had her giggling and laughing in the pool. She absolutely loves to be in the water! 

Mr. D and Mr. J decided to teach Abi to walk! They were rather unsuccessful but they had fun trying!

There were no other kids there so my kids were having a total blast swimming with the adults. Mr. S and Mr. D helped the boys dive and swim in the deep water.

Lee is a natural in the water and has had level 3 swim lessons so he is completely confident in his abilities. David is still learning to dive. He had fun working with Mr. S.

We hung out for several hours, I love watching my kids mentors interact with my kids. The boys especially thrive on that attention. We are incredibly blessed with our church support.