{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.
You can see by just one glance at our plans for this school year that there’s quite a bit of creative scheduling required to make it all work (either that or I’d need to add about 10 hours to each of our days). I really wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but it is working and quite well! I thought you might like a glimpse of how all of this looks in our day…
(by the way, I’m sorry I can’t share this in PDF files…that has me stumped and I had to choose to either figure out Adobe or sleep…I chose the latter)
First, I needed a plan for each of the boys. A plan that they could each pick up and get going. Enter The Daily Grind…a checklist adapted to each individual…work they are expected to do independently is in black; work they are expected to do with my help is in purple. They may complete their independent work in any order they choose and they know that once that is all checked off, they are free to take a break. Everything in the checklist must be complete by the end of the day. I sometimes pencil in major topics or books I don’t want to forget or narration topics at the beginning of the week and after their lessons are through, I might jot down some notes (such as lesson # or topic covered) just for my own future reference. Gone are the tedious days of planning out each individual subject. Instead, we pick up where we left off. So if we did lesson 8 in math today, tomorrow will be lesson 9. The glory of planning this way is that if we need 2 days to complete lesson 8 (maybe it’s taking longer than expected or maybe it’s just not sinking in the first time through), we can easily adapt to that without feeling like we need to double up on lessons or without the added anxiety of falling behind.
So this was a good start, but I needed more…how was I going to manage the other two boys while working individually with each one? Here was my solution (By the way: 1. These times are totally approximate. I wanted to leave room in the margin…so far we’ve been finishing up each of our days before noon. 2. You can’t see the whole thing in one shot…I’m using Jing here and I can only capture so much, so that’s why it’s broken into 2 images. 3. The things marked in blue are things that the boys are expected to either do together.)
You’re probably wondering what “Together Time” consists of…I needed a bit more detail there, as well. I pencil in major books or topics to be discussed at the beginning of each week. So here’s how our time together breaks down…
I know I mentioned that for the most part, our plans simply consist of following along in the book. Some subjects needed a little more planning (like if I am not using a specified curriculum or combining more than one curriculum). I’m a pencil and paper kind of gal, so my planning for that isn’t fancy, nor is it very legible for the rest of the world, but I’m going to include a snapshot of it here ( I apologize that it’s not easily readable!). I plan in 12 week chunks (that way I only have to do major planning 3 times throughout the year) and I simply highlight subjects to be covered, books to be used and any major activities or projects to be completed.
I’d love to see how you are planning…feel free to leave a link in a comment!
We’ve got such an exciting year ahead…from chemistry to medieval history to eating around the world (yet again)! Here I share all of our plans!
For Joseph, William & Andrew: Our Morning Time:
For our literature studies, we’re following Wee Folk Art’s plans loosely, focusing on lots of reading, crafts, and field trips plus quilt block making (we’re using Hand Print Quilts, though, instead of Wee Folk Art’s recommendation of batiking).
Faith: A lesson each day from Living in God’s Law plus reading (some of our selected books for the year include Angel Food, Leading the Little Ones to Mary, Chats with God’s Little Ones, Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness, St. Patrick’s Summer, The Mass Explained to Children, Treasure Box books); also, at some point we’ll add back in our Catholic Mosaic reading and our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Songs & Fingerplays: The Complete Book of Songs, Rhymes & Fingerplays alternated with Mother Goose and enhanced with our good ol’ felt board
Memory Work: We’re not using a specific program, but we’re covering Math (using Addition and Subtraction Songs); Science (elements of the periodic table); Grammar (questions from Living Memory, lists as we cover them in grammar); Great Words (poetry and bible verse selections); Spanish and Latin (vocabulary from previous week’s lessons); History and Timeline (using Classical Conversations History sentences and Timeline song); Shakespeare (using Ken Ludwig’s How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare)
Spanish: Teach Them Spanish
Virtue: Laying Down the Rails for Children
Geography: Once Upon a Map; Maps & Globes; The Golden Geography
Poetry: Favorite Poems Old and New
Joseph and William:
Science: Chemistry using Elements: The Ingredients of the Universe along with Super Science Concoctions and Fizz, Bubble & Flash
World History: Beginning with the year 33 AD, using RC History until 500 AD and then switching over to Pandia Press‘ History Odyssey (will definitely still be using selections from RC History’s booklists)
American History: RC History and Serendipity‘s book lists; Betsy Maestro’s books, Stories of America and How Our Nation Began as our spines
Geography: parts of Expedition Earth; The Science Chef Travels Around the World; Eat Your Way Around the World; map drills
Math Fact Practice: Xtra Math
Fine Art Fridays:
Piano: Lessons from Hoffman Academy
Music Appreciation: Classical Kids
Art: Home Art Studio and See the Light DVDs
Art Appreciation: Spot the Differences, Memoria Press’ art cards, Usborne’s My First Art Coloring Book
Shakespeare: Plans from Serendipity
Nature Study: Simply Charlotte Mason’s The Outdoor Secrets
Joseph:
Math: Saxon 2
Grammar: First Language Lessons Level 3
Spelling: All About Spelling (picking up with Level 5)
Phonics: Little Angel C & D
Critical Thinking: Mind Benders
Latin: Prima Latina
Handwriting: New American Cursive II
Typing: Mavis Beacon
William:
Math: Saxon 1, Hands-On Thinking
Grammar: First Language Lessons Level 1
Spelling: All About Spelling Level 1
Critical Thinking: Mind Benders
Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears K
Phonics: Little Angel A & B
Andrew:
Math: Saxon K
Grammar: Language Lessons for Little Ones
Critical Thinking: Building Thinking Skills
Phonics: Learning/reviewing letter sounds; when he’s ready we’ll start All About Reading Level 1
If you want to see how it all works and fits into our daily schedule, that’s next…
Outside my window…there is a lovely swimming spot…maybe not too pretty, but a delightful break from the heat and a great way to wear the kids out these hot, summer days.
I am remembering…Joseph’s whispered conversation to William this week. Joseph asked me when our friends, Dylan and Colin are officially moving and I said, “Sometime this week…I think Thursday is the plan.” He leaned over to William and said, “We’ve got to find that moving truck and quickly!” We are so going to miss our dear friends!
I am thankful…for technology…I love that the boys can “talk” to Alex anytime they like!
In the refrigerator…lentil soup. I think I’ve talked about what a hit lentil soup is before, so now I’m going to share my recipe!
Lentil Soup Stacie Style:
Chop up an onion, a red bell pepper, some kind of squash (yellow, zucchini or tatuma), carrots, and 4 to 6 potatoes. Throw it all in a pot with some olive oil and start to cook. Add 1 tsp. salt. Now cut up some sausage (I use Kiolbassa brand beef smoked sausage). Add it to the pot. Wait til it all starts to cook a bit. Now rinse and drain your bag of lentils and throw those in the pot. Add 7 cups of water; bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn it down to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour (or until your lentils are nice and tender). That’s it. Everyone around here swoons when I say we’re eating lentils…and they think I’ve slaved away (but you know the truth).
I am wearing…a pink Gap t-shirt and navy blue gym shorts.
I am creating…with the kids, birthday gifts for Granny!
We are celebrating…a successful first week of school.
I am reading…some Debbie Macomber books for some light, quick reading.
In our learning room…we studied China last week for geography and had a great time celebrating (the Asian countries are always a big hit around here when it comes to dinner from around the world!) We’re using Expedition Earth from Confessions of a Homeschooler along with Eat Your Way Around the World and The Science Chef Travels Around the World.
One of my favorite things…afternoons at the playground.
A peek into my day…
Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.
Dear Daddy,
I know you say that I’m not going to grow up and get married, but you and I both know, that I just might. And I want you to know that I’m going to pick a man just like you. A man who will treat me exactly the way you treat Mommy.
I’m watching everything you do and say. When you kiss Mommy, I’m watching. When you tell her you love her, either in words or actions, I’m watching. When you laugh with her and back her up, I’m taking notes. I listen as you praise her, tease her, support her. I’m watching, too, and learning how a man should respect his wife. When I see you treat her with kindness, I’m watching. When she is sick and you tend to her, I am watching. When she is sad and you wrap your arms around her and just hold her, I am watching. When she is anxious and afraid, while you may not be able to empathize, you try your best to imagine the dark clouds that consume her and I see that. When you are her knight in shining armor and her greatest advocate, I see that. I see all those things and they subconsciously build up my expectations. This is what I will look for in a man.
But always please remember that I’m watching and taking it all in. So for all the good I see, I also see the rough times. When I see you keep your temper at bay, I learn self-control. When I see you rise above the circumstances, I learn fortitude. When you are humble and apologize, when you let go of a long-held grudge, I learn humility. When you do lose your temper or when you say something impulsively, I see the pain in your eyes and I learn what it is to regret. When you give up a dream vacation or a game of golf or even the last strawberry, I learn sacrificial love. When you lend a helping hand, I learn kindness. When you accept a helping hand, I learn humility again. When I see you frustrated or disappointed and I see you reach out to those who love and support you, I learn peace. When I see you, home early from work, present fully in the moment, I learn joy.
The boys are watching all of this, too. They’re learning how to treat women. We are all learning how to show love. We’re learning how to receive love. We are learning how to apologize and to forgive. We’re all watching, not just learning how to treat Mommy, but how to treat each person we encounter. We’re learning what we should expect in a relationship. So, please, please remember this, above all…I am watching. I am learning. I see you and Mommy as you love one another and I see you and Mommy fall. But I see you get up and I watch to see how gracefully you do it. I am learning what it is to be human from you, Daddy. Please teach me well.
Love, Katie
The question I get asked most often is, “What should I do to get started homeschooling?” My answer is simple. Read. Educate yourself.
The idea of homeschooling can be overwhelming. Many of us feel called to do it, but most of us feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. We fear the whole idea of being solely responsible for our children’s education. Fear is good. It motivates us to learn. And so if you’re thinking about homeschooling or just beginning along the path, I implore you to educate yourself.
The following are books, audio recordings and websites that I have read and found helpful in my journey. This list is not exhaustive…there are so many other gems that I have stumbled upon over the years. But these listed here are my tried and true resources…the ones I refer to time and again. I DID NOT read them all before beginning to homeschool…these are books and recommendations to guide you and lead you as you journey. This list does not offer support for specific subjects you’ll be teaching (you can find wisdom and insight at the 4real forums or the WellTrainedMind forums) or for curriculum providers (of which I have many favorites, including Serendipity’s Alphabet Path, Heart of Dakota, Memoria Press, Sonlight, WinterPromise). The books that are marked with a * are Catholic resources. My point is not to overwhelm you with resources, but rather to give you a variety to choose from.
Here are some excellent resources to read to strengthen your resolve (just in case you’re worried that the “experts” know how to educate your children better):
For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Educating the Whole Hearted Child by Sally and Clay Clarkson
Reaching Your Child’s Heart by Sonya Shafer (an audio recording)
The Long Haul by Cindy Rollins (an audio recording)
Matt Walsh’s blog (you might want to start here!)
Freedomship & Entrepreneurial Education by Andrew Pudewa (a DVD)
Some basics about homeschooling (methods and general how to’s):
Teaching in Your Tiara by Rebecca Frech (I hesitate to recommend this only because I haven’t actually read it, but I have heard excellent things about it!)
Homeschooling Methods by Gena Suarez
*Love2learn‘s website
Now if you’re committed to homeschooling and you need to figure out how to do it, here are the resources I would recommend:
Charlotte Mason:
Charlotte Mason’s Original Works (these are rather meaty, so you may want to start with something a little lighter like the other recommendations listed here!)
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison
*Real Learning by Elizabeth Foss
Simply Charlotte Mason’s website and Sonya Shafer’s DVDs
Classical:
The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
The Three R’s by Ruth Beechick
*Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist
Montessori (for the preschool years):
Mommy, Teach Me and Mommy, Teach Me to Read by Barbara Curtis
Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth Hainstock
Encouragement for the days when you need it (because you will need it!):
Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie (be sure to get the audio downloads…they are totally worth it!)
*Catholic Homeschool Companion by Maureen Whitman
For support in going against the grain (or in other words, battling cultural deficiencies):
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv or listen to Andrew Pudewa’s recording
A Landscape with Dragons by Michael O’Brien
Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen
General Parenting Books that will help you in your homeschooling journey:
The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art Bennett
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
*Parenting with Grace by Gregory Popcak
*How to Raise Good Catholic Children by Mary Reed Newland
A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot
For those of you who like to listen to learn, check out the following:
Simply Charlotte Mason’s Sonya Shafer’s recordings
Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Andrew Pudewa’s recordings (all of his are awesome, but I would strongly suggest you begin by listening to Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day)
For you homeschooling mamas out there that are reading this, please feel free to leave a comment with any other resources that have been your inspiration or encouragement to you as you have journeyed.
{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.
I was just cleaning up my blog “dashboard” and stumbled on this old post that I apparently never posted! So I am extremely late adding this, but I still wanted to include it (so I can look back some day and say, oh yeah, so that’s what we did…you know one day in the future when all of these years are a hazy fog!)…so here is what we did for 2013-2014 (I apologize that not everything is linked…could be why it never got posted!)…
Joseph and William and sometimes Andrew:
Faith: Catholic Mosaic books and copywork; Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (in our home with Moira Farrell’s handbook);
(Science and History: We are following the recommendations from The Well Trained Mind, with an emphasis on living books and narrations; since this was our first year formally studying history, I also used RC History’s Syllabus and Lesson plans)
Science: Biology (including animals, human body, and plants)
World History: Ancient History following RC History plans and supplementing with The Story of the World
American History: Beautiful Feet
Memory Work: Classically Catholic Memory
Art: Picture Study (covering 1 artist every 6 weeks); Artistic Pursuits Book 1 (K – 3)
Music: Composer Study (covering 1 composer every 6 weeks); recorder lessons
Geography: A Child’s Geography of the World by V.M. Hillyer, supplementing with Children Just Like Me, What the World Eats, Material World and Stories from Around the World. Map Drills depending on which continent we’re studying (using Uncle Josh’s Outline Maps and Sonya Shafer’s method) and Joseph’s favorite part of Geography: Eat Around the World
Spanish: Puertas Abiertas; Fun Spanish; Whistlefritz and Little Pim DVDs; Salsa episodes; Spanish beginning readers; Spanish CDs
Joseph:
Math: Singapore 1A and 1B; Miquon Red Book
Handwriting: Memoria Press New American Cursive II
Latin: Prima Latina
Spelling: All About Spelling
Language: First Language Lessons Level 2
William:
Memoria Press Jr. K: filled with read alouds and crafts, poetry and recitation (Andrew follows along with most of this and Joseph can’t help but join in!); we replaced the two workbooks with Rod & Staff’s Do It Carefully and Numbers and Counting
Math: Singapore Level 1A (1st half of the year); Miquon Orange Book (2nd half of the year)
Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears Pre-K
Phonics: All About Reading Level 2
Language: Language Lessons for Little Ones 2
Logic: Building Thinking Skills
Andrew:
Little Hands to Heaven and Catholic Icing
I remember the first time my husband asked me to consider homeschooling. I balked. We didn’t even have kids yet and here he was asking me to home educate them! He had heard someone say that parents are the only ones who truly have the child’s best interest in mind. I mulled that over in my mind and while I believed he was right, I quickly dismissed the crazy notion of homeschooling. I was in my second year of teaching and, while the public and private school systems left much room for improvement, I still had a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that I could provide better.
Then I had my first child. And I delighted in each new thing he learned. I saw joy in his eyes as he accomplished some new feat, conquered a difficult task, discovered something new. I wanted that joy of learning to last his whole life.
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{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.
With Every Intention 