2014-15 School Year Summary

We started today! I’m excited to get going, but hope I have everything ready.  Anyway, here’s what’s up for this year for each of the kids.

GREG – 17yo and Senior

It’s Greg’s Senior year, so is bittersweet in some ways.  We are both ready for him to move along and head out to college.  We’ve knocked heads more than I care to remember!  However the past year was one of much growth for him.  Maybe we’ll enjoy this last year together more than we have since he was in single digits.

Greg’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), ND State 4-H Ambassador, member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA president & member, Crop Judging, Football (he was elected one of the team captain’s), wrestling, altar server, and teen ministry/study group at our local church.

MODG’s Catholic Doctrine using Following Christ in the World. 

Math-U-See Calculus (after we finish up the last couple lessons of Pre-Calculus)

MODG’s British Literature

MODG’s World Geography

American Government & Economics (he’ll be finishing up the last half of this class)

Exploring Creation with Physics (and he’ll also be finishing up the last few lesson of Exploring Creation with Chemistry)

MODG’s Health using the encyclical Casti Connubi

Physical Education – weight lifting twice a week

 

ANGELINA – 14yo and Freshman

Aaak!  Another high schooler!  Angelina will be a freshman this year.  I think she’s excited.  Well, she’s excited except for when Latin or piano are mentioned.  I’ve asked her to continue so that her language requirement can be met with Latin and without starting another language.  She didn’t have much to say.  I’ve asked a friend to help grade some of her papers so that she’ll have outside input on her writing.  She is the creative one in the family.  While organization of her room is not a priority, she can make just about any activity fun for her siblings or those around her.

Eva’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA member, Crop Judging, dance (two nights a week for ballet, tap & jazz), and teen ministry/study group at our local church.  We are unsure at this point, if she’ll be able to be a part of the Ballet Academy production, as lessons are to be held on Friday nights….it’s a possibility.

MODG’s Religion 9

Grammar & Composition 9 using Warriners English 3rd Course

Math-U-See Geometry

U.S. History & Geography

American Literature

Exploring Creation with Biology

Art: Drawing with Nature & Landscapes in Pencil

Music: Music of the Great Composers & Piano

Poetry

Latin: Fourth Form Latin

ZEKE – 11yo and Sixth Grade

Zeke is growing up so fast.  He’s fast approaching me in height; I have no doubt he’ll pass me in the next 2 years.  He’s a hard worker when he sets his mind to it and loves to be outside helping his dad in the field.

Zeke’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), Crop Judging, Wolfpack Football, possibly basketball, wrestling, altar server, and religious education classes at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 2

Math-U-See Pre-Algebra

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Phonetic Zoo Level A

Poetry

ND History & All Ye Lands

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art 7 For Young Catholics (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Piano & Ready to Use Music Activities

 

GRAHAM – 8yo and Third Grade

Graham is also a hard worker.  He’s determined and sometimes a little stubborn.  He has a twinkle in his eye when he smiles and always has such great enthusiasm.

Graham’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year Crop Judging, Flag Football, wrestling, religious education (he’ll be studying for both Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) class at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1

Math-U-See Delta

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English & Spelling

Writing Can Help Book 3

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Poetry

CHC’s Tour a Country

Take it to Your Seat Geography e-book

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art Masterpieces (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Let’s Learn Music #2 & Piano

 

LOUIS – 4yo and Pre-School

Louis has an endless supply of energy.  He’s hardly ever in a bad mood and according to his sister, ‘says the most random things.’  He loves super heroes and especially likes to wear his Superman shirts.  He likes legos, Thomas the Train, Link, and being read to by anyone.

His day will consist mainly of play, but he’s also learning more about the letters and numbers.  He enjoys workbooks and art with his sister, who has been the one to lead him through the majority of his workbooks.

 

DAC – 2yo and Resident Toddler to be Entertained

Dac.  He’s a busy 2yo, but also knows how to entertain himself when needed.  He likes books, but doesn’t treat them the best, so we try not to leave him unsupervised with our favorites.  Colored rice and magnets are a favorite activity, but he pretty much likes to do anything Leo and his older siblings do.  He’s frightened of our puppy, Lily, because she’s about his height and tends to knock him over.  I have no set plan of activities to do with him this year, aside from the list of toddler activities that I printed out years ago.  We’ll see how it goes and adjust as needed.

Our Homeschool Challenge

Electronics.  When, how much time, what kind, which software, where do we put it?  Ughhh.  Being a parent is tough in this electronic age.  Both Eric and I use electronics for volunteer work and career, so it’s a part of our lives.

One of our children, Greg, will most likely study and work in a field saturated with electronic devices.  He started young and just never lost his fascination with all things computer and electronic.  It’s been a challenge figuring out how to encourage his enthusiasm without letting him go overboard, and yet figure out how to keep him interested in the ‘more boring’ (according to him) subject areas involving literature/English, writing skills, history, geography, music, art, etc. 

He likes science, but takes forever to work through his chapters.  Math, thank goodness isn’t hard for him, but he’d been stalled on a topic for over a month because it challenged him and he couldn’t figure it out as easily.  I don’t think it would have stalled him this long if he’d have spent a consistent amount of time on the topic each day, but I could NOT find a way to encourage or motivate him.  At his age, I cannot make him physically do tasks.  I cannot make him learn!  He has to want to do these things.

I suppose he’s been what you call a challenging child or unmotivated learner (when it doesn’t coincide with his purposes) or a difficult student.  And he is.  However, he is intelligent and none of the above mentioned subjects are hard for him.  I’ve seen him write A+ papers and do it in a short amount of time.  He can read well and make his way through what he refers to as ‘the most boring book’ he’s ever read and then write an essay…all without taking notes.  (Not that I haven’t encouraged note-taking, he just doesn’t agree.)

We’ve tried an endless variety of ideas, strategies, and the like to ‘change’ his attitude and study/work ethic.  They haven’t worked or only work for a time.

He’ll be a senior next year.  While I rejoice with relief that he’ll soon be graduating, my husband and I also find ourselves thinking of all the times he’s helped us with electronic/computer issues when we didn’t want to take the time to correct problems ourselves.  He’s much quicker, anyway.  Also, I find myself thinking about the days when I won’t have to struggle EVERY SINGLE DAY to motivate him!  I have wanted to give up; I really have.  But, I haven’t.  I’ve threatened so send him to public school, but I haven’t.  It it really an option? 

Eric has encouraged sending him to school; friends have encouraged sending him to school; and grandparents have encouraged sending him to school.  Yet, he remains here in our homeschool.  Even when I felt our relationship was at an extremely low point, homeschooling still presented itself, in my heart, as the best option. 

Home is the best place for him right now.

Greg knows this; I know this; his dad knows this.  Some days he listens better than others.  Some days are pure torture for one or the other!  This homeschooling route is really hard; I couldn’t do it without grace. 

Regardless of the obstacles, Greg and I continue to work on our relationship.  It’s evolved over time, thank goodness.  I thought we’d forever be stuck at opposing ends and he’d never want to come home after leaving for college, but I don’t think that anymore. 

And that is awesome.

Monday DayLook: March 24, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... it’s a beautiful (but cold!) sunny morning.

I am thankful for... one dance recital finished, workbooks being finished, 18 month old little boys running down the hallway, sunshine, fresh eggs, grandparents who come down for the weekend to watch grandkids in their activities, opportunity to connect with homeschool friends this past Friday, cute little wrestlers & a working washer/dryer to do laundry.

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  As I come to areas in the book where I’m asked to write or brainstorm, I’ve written everything in a journal.  I figure it’s a good record to look back to in reference.  Also started reading ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ by Debra Bell. 

I know it seems odd for a mom who’s homeschooled for TEN years to purchase and read a book like this, but this particular book has a section on teens.  It’s what I need.  I’ve always said I reaffirm my decision to homeschool every year…and believe me, when you homeschool teens you’ll go through ups and downs that shake you and make you doubt your conviction that homeschooling is the right decision.  I’m not even through the first chapter on teens and already this book has fortified my resolve!

I am praying for... the young man from our community who is going through a difficult time.  My friend’s father came home from the hospital last week, so his long road to recovery is now taking place at home…he still needs prayers.

I am hearing... the phone is ringing again.  No need to answer this one.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… laundry is being done.

From the School Room... Greg is gone today for FFA Crop Judging, so the rest of the kids have my full attention.  We started the day in their bedrooms, because our ‘life skills’ class has been neglected the last few weeks.

From the Kitchen...  I’ve been reading ‘Say Goodbye to Survival Mode’ by Crystal Paine.  This week, I’m focusing on de-cluttering the kitchen.  I’ve included the pantry and dining room because it just makes sense to me. 

From the FarmYard… snow is almost all gone and its not as muddy anymore.  We can see buds starting to form on the trees!

A successful moment… was able to attend one day of the North Dakota homeschool convention. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance for Angelina

Tuesday: wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance rehearsal for Angelina

Wednesday: dance for Angelina

Thursday: lunch with our new Bishop, wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance for Angelina, Mass with the new Bishop

Friday: dance for Angelina, wrestling tourney for the Louis/Graham/Zeke

Saturday/Sunday: dance rehearsal and Ballet Academy Recital for Angelina

A picture memory...

Louis (almost 3yo) & Graham (6yo)

August 2012

Mid-Year School Update

So, what I did to simplify at the beginning of the year…is it still working??  For the most part, yes.  Being the type of person I am, I always have super high expectations.  Sometimes we meet them, sometimes we don’t.  It’s been a much better year in some regards because combining subjects for a couple kids always helps.

Still works for us:

1. The tablet.  Still believe this was a good decision.  Zeke and Graham use it for the following:

*States & Capitals review

*  Review and memorize Baltimore Catechism No. 1 & 2 questions.  Both sets are on Google Play, so the boys listen each day.

*Classical music on Google Play

*Spelling practice and tests.  I found an app!  I type in the list of words and the boys each have an account in the app.  They practice each day and are rewarded for correct answers.  The reward is linked to a game associated with the app, and they both enjoy playing.

*Math tables practice

*Kindle app on the tablet allows the kids access to  52 Art Lab (book we are using for Angelina, Zeke, Graham, and Louis).  This has been a lot of fun for the kids and I’ve enjoyed the results of their work.

2. Zeke & Graham together for Phonics (Logic of English) and Science (Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures).  We finished up Zoology 1 and are into Astronomy.  It works great to have them together.

3.  Greg’s Religion and History & Literature taught by a friend.  Well, at least I KNOW he won’t fight me on doing these subjects and they are the ones he has kept on track through the year.  Why he won’t just do this in his other subjects, for me, is a mystery.

4. On cleaning.  This continues to be a struggle.  The chore chart is up and it does work…when the kids choose to refer to it. 

Needed to make a change:

1. Dropped Literary Analysis for Greg.  He made it through one semester and that is where we will end.  No matter how much I desire to have an intelligent literary discussion with my oldest, it’s just not going to happen at this time.

2. First Form Latin for Zeke is on hold.  We’ll try again next year; it was just too much.  He has an interest in and wants to learn French, as well.

3. Zeke & Graham finished their current Writing Can Help cursive books and we won’t begin another until next year.  They’ll do handwriting in the writing of their other subjects.

4. Greg decided to try wrestling.  It’s been good for him physically; he’s in better shape.  His dad and I have made it to most of his meets.  He’s pinned a few guys, which I’m sure is thrilling for him.

Proof of Living

 

Oh, you thought my house was always clean and organized?  Not so.  I do manage to usually clean up the toys, but…not always.  They’ll just be taken out the next day, right?  It’s just proof that we actually live in our house.  All day, every day, for every hour!

A cool raccoon book for Louis from Grandma Green Acres.  He so serious sitting here!  He’s almost never still.

Graham above, working on handwriting…and Zeke below, doing the same thing.  Both absolutely love handwriting (dripping with sarcasm right now).

Grandma & Grandpa Green Acres with all the kids.  They were over for Greg’s birthday yesterday.

Science

Zeke, 4th grade, and Graham, 1st grade, are studying science together.  They both finished their other books early and were still wanting to do something science related…and they love when their older siblings do experiments.  So, they’ve been doing Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures by Apologia. 

It’s been a lot of fun.  In addition, I found a science lab kit that brought all the supplies they’d need for the experiments in one box.  Yes, the things aren’t hard to find and most are common, but it’s the time I saved looking for everything that makes the kit worthwhile.  The supplies are labeled by chapter, which makes it even easier. 

We start out with me reading a section or two and then I have each boy write something interesting that they learned.  I let Graham copy sentences from the book…he often chooses a picture caption.  I allow 10 days per chapter, but we’ve usually been completing the chapters faster.

Fun and easy for the teacher…fun, interesting and entertaining for my boys.  The pictures below are baby pterodactyl fossils made by each boy.  The fossils were painted with tea to create an ‘aged’ look.

December Recap in Pics #2

 

Louis loves to hold baby Marcus.  Lots of kisses and love from a three year old brother.

Santa Day in Marion.  Treat bags at this day are great!  They give limited candy and a juice box.

He’s just a fun little guy.

I still like feet and toes..

Zeke’s History Project:  a prairie scooner.  Not too bad!  Now what do we do with it?  Doesn’t matter as long as there’s a picture to record that this miraculous event (mom helping a child with a project) is recorded at least digitally.

 

Yes!  Another project for Zeke.  Science/health and a felt body.  It turned out pretty cool and he enjoyed the help of all his siblings.  Now, what to we do with this?!?

Felt boy has now found a place to reside…on top of a bookcase.  Where he will collect oodles of dust bunnies to keep him company.

Cool Crafts & Happy Toddler

I ordered the crafts boxes from Shirley's Pre-packaged Crafts this year for Louis.  They are a huge hit!  I asked Angelina to do them with him and she agreed without complaint.  Louis has had a blast.

For someone like me, who takes way too much time to think and plan, this is perfect.  It's keeps the toddler engaged and makes him feel special.  And, I don't have to think of projects in this busy year which includes homeschooling four and adjusting to a new baby. 

The kits arrive shortly before the beginning of each month and includes a calendar of the month, as well as specific instructions for completion and explanation of each project.  Many of the projects relate to a holiday or celebration.  While not specifically Catholic, it is Christian. 

Check it out for yourself at www.shirleysprepackagedcrafts.com