Homeschool Pre–School Resources

Resources, Resources

There are so many resources out there to make this easy for us now.  Here are a few that I have used.

1.  Starfall.com   I know technology isn't the best choice for everything... but this one is AWESOME!  I still remember trying to do flashcards and posters to have my oldest memorize the alphabet.  It took forever!  I have literally spent no time reviewing this with my younger children, and just yesterday at the Eye Doctor, my 4 year old impressed everyone with all of the letters she was able to read.  I give all credit to Starfall.com.  We have it on our ipad, as well as the free version on the computer.  Every day she has "preschool on the computer" time, and this is what she is learning.  Every morning, and sometimes every afternoon, when they're bored and want a movie, I suggest Pre-school, and we do that first.  Sometimes the movie idea even disappears!

2.  Speaking of aps,  ABCmouse.com also has some really great ABC videos on the ipad.  We did the free version, and after you watch some, you earn credits to download more videos.  We have paid nothing, and have a ton of ABC videos.

3.  Dry Erase markers and writing board.  I have a huge Dry Erase board on my kitchen wall.  That gets used by my pre-schooler more than anyone else.  Pictures, learning to write, etc. all happen there every day, and we can compliment her on how great they are, because we see them.

4.  Minutes with Me
 http://www.minuteswithme.com/
This curriculum she now has is very different from the first prototypes that I got with my oldest.  However, I love them, and refer to them often. As this is her new and improved curriculum that she is now selling, it's all I can recommend.  She has a free downloads page that is great too.

5.  5 in a Row, and Before 5 in a Row
This is one of my favorite curriculums.  It is all based around literature.  I only have one of these books, but it has been well used.  I would recommend 5 in a Row if you only want to get one... because the kids grow up and you can keep using it.  I ended up purchasing many of the books that the lessons are about.  It was quite an investment, but has made a lasting impression on my kids and my home.  My kids feel that those books are their friends.

6.  Math Manipulatives
Saxon Math has a box of math manipulatives that you can order.  That was one of the best investments I ever made.  Also, there are teacher stores where you can buy more stuff like this.  Tangram puzzles, Cuisinaire rods, Shapes puzzles, etc.  I have 3 drawers of math and learning manipulatives that we use constantly. 

7.  Poetry and Skip Counting CD's.  

Institute for Excellence in Writing has a poetry CD.  Or Shel Silverstein is awesome.

Classical Conversations has awesome Skip Counting Songs.  Or you can get 100 Counting Sheep.

Find my post on Teaching with the ipod. http://candilandflorida.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-daily-ipod-playlist.html

Homeschool Preschool

To Homeschool Pre–school or to Not Homeschool Pre–school.  That is the question.

I must admit, with all of the Free VP K programs out there, even I was tempted.  I am thankful for a good husband and his advice.  He said, "Nothing in this world is free."  He was right.  Although the Free VP K programs make you think that you will have free time, a clean house, sanity, a good education, a better education than you could provide by yourself, and socialization for your youngster, VP K is in my opinion is over rated.  By sending your kids away earlier, you are simply just doing that.  Sending them away earlier.  Right when the fun is starting to begin! 

Just last month I was talking to a first year homeschool mom who was struggling.  She was homeschooling her 4th grader and Kindergartener.  She shared her frustration with me that her children had no idea how to entertain themselves, or play alone for any length of time.  She said that they had been doing day care and pre-school for such a long time that now it felt like an insurmountable task to conquer simple things like be home together and not have planned activities for the entire day.  At a point in her life when she saw the value to homeschooling, her choice to have her youngsters leave the nest too soon was biting her back!


Benefits for Homeschooling Pre-school outweigh the rest.

1.  Your child will learn how to entertain themselves at an early age.

2.  You will have a lifestyle of learning (not something that you turn off for summer, or after school time.)

3.  You will spark a love for reading because books become great things to do to fill quiet time.  (Audio books, and reading books.)

4.  You will be with your child and come to know them much better.

5.  They are open vessels for knowledge.  Who do you trust enough to teach them?



In my opinion, VP K programs are about providing daycare for working mothers, and for teaching our young children government propaganda at a young age.  It is absolutely not about what is best for the child.  A friend of mine helped me when I was tempted to send my little ones.  She was from Sweden, and she said that they believed that a child's best learning environment was in the home until the age of 7 or 8.  In Sweden, that is when you start sending your children to school.  Before then, it's all about love and trust and family.  As I am still homeschooling my children, I feel it continues beyond that.  Whole heartedly, I agree with Sweden!

I cannot say that Homeschooling is for everyone.  It is not for the faint of heart, but neither is parenting.  It takes a serious commitment to your children.  Without your constant attention, it could easily go to a neglected child.  However, with constant attention, prayer, and love, it can be the doorway to something beautiful.  They are just getting to an age where they are able to understand the world around them.  Be there to introduce it to them!  Surround them with a learning environment in your home.  Plan field trips, get together with other pre-schoolers frequently.  It just takes a calendar and a pencil, and off you go!

I homeschooled through Pre-school without really thinking that it was a big deal.  VP-K was not even a big deal yet when my oldest started.  I did a group of 4-5 mom's twice a week and we each took turns who would teach that week.  It was a good learning experience for me.  I felt that my first "Real Homeschool Year" though was Kindergarten.  I was scared, but I kept reminding myself... "This is Kindergarten".  How bad can I really screw this up?  And besides that, it didn't even count officially on schooling policy.  In our district, they have to be the age 6 before they are officially on the rosters as a homeschooling student.  Kindergarten and Pre-K are your chance to test drive the Homeschooling Car.

It wasn't until March of my first Kindergarten year that I caught the light of homeschooling.  I went to my first Homeschooling convention in May, and have been hooked ever since!  Don't think I haven't threatened to send them all to school multiple times...  :)   As, it is a jungle out there!  I am hooked though, and I think it has changed our family forever.  We will always be a homeschooling family... even if we do end up sending some of our kids to school one day.  We think differently!  This is a lifestyle of learning.


Take it with a grain of salt!
Candi

Pre-school Groups

I happen to love groups.  It keeps me focused, committed, and willing to put in the extra time to plan.  When I do it on my own, it seems that I spend all of my time cleaning the house, and getting mad a the kids because they are so messy.   I know it's not for everyone.  You can also find Non-Profit groups that focus on Early Childhood development.  The YMCA, or something similar has Mommy and Me programs that you pay for to have bonding, learning time together.  Just realize that there are options out there.  I have seen:  Gymnastics have pre-school time, Sunflower Creative Arts has Mommy and me classes where I live.  Joy School is also a program to purchase that has it all laid out for you're looking for guidance.

1.  Pick 3-4 families that have the same mind set as you.  You can find them at church, from library story times, or by visiting a local Homeschool group and asking who has little ones.  With just two families, it falls apart too quickly when someone is sick, or just not in the mood that day.  Be committed to finish out the Semester, or the Year.  Whatever your plan is.

2.  24 weeks through the year work the best.  12 from August to Thanksgiving, and 12 from January to April.  Plan a one week break in the middle for an off week.  It helps for unexpected emergencies.  Sometimes you can shuffle that week if needed.  Everyone has great plans to school during December, but don't do it. It's just too stressful!  Also, when you finish in April, you can get together afterwards for informal playdates in the park if you still want to get together.  No lesson plans, or start planning next year.  You could even plan a 6 week summer playgroup, or art class.  Giving yourself a set time to school, and a set break are important.

3.  Where to meet?  You can rotate different homes, or do it at one house each week.  If you have good weather, plan it at the same park each week that has good shade, a good table, and bathrooms close by.  Have a back up bad weather plan.  

4.  Stay in touch.  Create an email list so you can quickly update everyone if there is a sick bug, or bad weather plan.  Texting also works great for this.

5.  Have a Leader.  Too many times things fall apart because of lack of leadership.  This can take a lot of time if you let it.  Meet together with the other parents during the summer and make a plan... For example, in March, we'll learn about the Circus, and Spring, and Bugs.  Pick your teachers for the day, etc.  Then, it's your responsibility to email each week or verbally communicate and remind everyone what they said they would do.

6.  Cost?  It's easy to have everyone donate $2 or something small to art projects.  You can do this at the beginning of the year, or have a jar for each week.  If you do the each week however, there's a big chance you'll never get paid.  

7.  Celebrate!  When you finish the year, throw a party and congratulate the kids and yourselves for sticking to it!  Go swimming, or have a potluck!  You can make little caps and gowns out of black plastic bags and black paper plates for hats.  So cute!

I found this schedule from long ago.  To me, it seems exhausting to do so many weeks close together, but we did it.  :)  Hind site is 20/20.  I'd definitely spread it out over a longer time period and allow more breaks now.  This may have worked well because it was only an hour.  I think a couple hours is probably a better time, as it takes time to drive to get there (in my case anyways.)

Good luck!

I Need a Break!

We all feel that way!  You can figure it out with prayer.  Just because we homeschool, doesn't mean we absolutely love being surrounded by our kids 24/7.  It's a roller coaster. It's harder to clean the house, feel presentable, use your brain.  If you have lots of little kids younger, that is crazy to think that the only way you can get a break is to send them away... to Pre-school.  Use your head, and think.  All great leaders have to think outside of the box.  This is your moment to invent something awesome for your family!

I have tried all of the following:

1.  Hiring someone to come in a help babysit for a couple hours a week while I am home schooling my older kids.

2.  Go the YMCA and exercise.  Free babysitting for an hour, or do a class together.

3.  Hire someone to help clean once a month.

4.  Find a local 12 year old and pay them a couple bucks to help.

5.  Do your schooling at night when your husband's home to help.

6.  Take lots of educational field trips.

7.  Plan days to be out of the house at least 2-3 times a week.  Even if it's just for an hour or two.

You will not break the bank or be considered a bad mom if you hire someone to help you every once in a while.  A clean house can be therapy.  I personally think that having a friend from church come and help is worth it's weight in gold.  Sometimes I pay... sometimes I repay with cookies!  When there are no friends available, I ask my neighbor's cleaning lady to come and help.  Not quite as fun, but it gets the job done.  Ahhh.... progress.  My house is clean for exactly 20 minutes, and then the chaos begins again.  Take a picture, and look at it.  Relax!

And by all means... Go On Dates with your Spouse!  Get them used to having a babysitter for a minute or two!  They need it and so do you.

See my post on Pre-school Resources

http://candilandflorida.blogspot.com/2015/03/homeschool-preschool-resources.html

Dress Respectfully Sign

Print 8 1/2 x 11 on Glossy Card stock.

Feel free to use.

Great image, high quality to print for a reminder to put your phone away for teens. 

Boca Buddies now has a new website:  Visit bocabuddies.weebly.com

College Prep Genius Boot Camp— My Two Cents

Sitting in a College Prep Genius Boot Camp class today has been an eye opening experience for me, as well as my high school freshman.  

I attended Jean Burk's seminar at our recent Homeschool Convention, and loved it.  I found myself thinking over the last few months about things she said.  When I heard she was coming here to do an actual SAT seminar, I jumped at the chance.  If only I had been given the key to success when I was taking my college entrance exams twenty years ago. Effectively, Jean Burk did a fantastic job at uncovering the secrets to the SAT, PSAT, and ACT.

Amid a ten hour presentation over two days, she carefully used various teaching styles that kept our group of almost 20 high school students engaged and excited to learn.  (I should say that towards the end of each day it was a bit long, but 5 hours of anything gets long!)

This class is definitely something that I will be having my children attend so that they will grasp the importance of preparation for this test. Just like learning to read, play an instrument, or master a sport— preparing for the SAT needs to be practiced. College Prep Genius helps you to study smart!

Back in the day, my preparation was inadequate. 

I miraculously passed the test. My grades and my extra curricular activities in the PTSA and leadership in choir and church are what saved the day. I was awarded a scholarship for my first year! Before too long, I realized how difficult it was to hold a part-time job and attend school full time. Luckily, our families low income qualified me for grants. I ended up with having $8,000 in student loans when my four year journey was complete. It wasn't too bad, as far as debt goes. I still think back on those days of having lots of stress, headaches, and missing out on some extra curricular activities that would have been exciting to participate in.

In College Prep Genius, she encourages the kids through a “Funny Money” activity to see how many of them would love to earn $500/hr, or $80,000. She suggests that it would be a better return to spend 1-2 hours a week as a freshman, 2-4 hours a week practicing in your sophomore year, and the summer before your junior year, spend 6-10 hours a week preparing for your exams. Think of this as your part time job. Why didn't I think of that!

Adequate preparation could have equaled not having to compete for a stinky minimum wage job and it for sure would have meant fewer migraines.  Adequate preparation could have equaled a full-ride scholarship plus extras!

Uncovering SAT secrets at the Boot Camp Class. 

Many times I would hear the students all laugh, or sigh with an ah-ha moment. Some outstanding ah-ha moments were... 1. Never guess on a question. It will be held against you. 2. Fill in the bubble sheet a block of questions at a time. Doing it one question at a time is simply not fast enough. 3. In math, when going to test an answer, start at C first. And, never test more than two numbers. They assume you will start with A, and therefor you will be wasting your time going one by one.

Jean suggests to spend about 5 hours to learn her acronyms thoroughly so that you can fly through the Critical Reasoning, Math and Essay portions of the exam. Her class was done in an exceptional way, in that she teaches the information, she helps you understand it, and then the students apply what they learn by answering sample questions.

Applying what you learn is the most beneficial part of this class. The students love getting the right answers and looking around the room at the other answers held up on laminated flip charts. Uncovering tools of success happens flawlessly as she shares a ton of useful information!

Preparation, practice, and more practice. 

Who knew that the suggested number of taking the SAT / PSAT would be 25 times, at 3 hours a test! She shared an example of a student who didn't start seeing the patterns until the 15^th time that they took the test. Then it was a miracle! Can you imagine how disappointing it would have been if they gave up on the 14^th time.

She also suggests spending 2 hours correcting wrong answers for each test. These can be done with old test booklets, or SAT prep books that you purchase online. That's not just a suggestion. That's how you do it. You also need to take the test for real often. High school counselors can also issue up to 4 waivers a year for juniors and seniors that can help cover costs. Homeschool students can also use these. They just need to speak to their local high school counselor.

Whereas this may sound like all you need to do is take tests and prepare for tests and skip real learning, that is not the case. She recommends that if you focus daily on logic and reasoning, reading excellent books with exceptional vocabulary, and getting your consistent community service in there. It comes down to preparation, on the test sheet and in your normal life. Be well rounded, but be ready!

Take away from this class...

1. This class is a must for kids to have a fighting chance on the SAT or PSAT.
2. Preparation and practice = purchasing a College Board brand SAT prep book, and using it to prepare for the test. Think of it as a part-time job.
3. Find a class to attend. You can find one in your area, or host one if you don't see one. If you host, your own high school aged kids can attend for free.
4. Watch the DVD. This is a lot of info. Watch the DVD again and again to get the tips down. You can also purchase the DVD without attending the class- but you'd miss out on the synergy of the class members.
5. Becoming a National Merit Scholar is possible for regular kids too. Meeting the paperwork deadlines is half the battle, and learning that this test is a logic test. It's within your grasp.
6. Start your freshman year if you can. Pass it on!

I also found this helpful...

1. It's OK for a parent to stay for the class. I particularly found the first 1 1/2 hours helpful for a parent to be aware of.
2. She starts right on time. Arrive 10 min. early.
3. Bring a lunch. Lunch time for us was 20-25 min. I'm sure it's not always that way, but we had a lot of questions during our session. She had 5 minute breaks dispersed throughout the day.
4. Hosting a class is easier for us homeschool moms to figure out. We do this all the time. Churches work out well. Our class had about 18 kids, and about 4 parents who stayed the morning of the first day. 2 parents stayed for the entire program. They asked for a $10 donation for the church on top of the fee. The room was set up in a U shape with 5 folding tables to write on.  You need 12 students to host a class.

Friday Co-Op 2014-15

UPDATED LINK for SEMESTER 2
http://candilandflorida.blogspot.com/2015/01/friday-co-op-semester-2-january-2015.html


This is still a work in progress....

Excited to announce that we will be located at the Community Center this year!
Our room is located right next to a playground for our Pre-school aged siblings.  Hoping to take turns watching little ones if it gets distracting.  The room is also big enough that if a mom wanted to do "5 in a row" curriculum, or a little craft, it would be easy to have them there with us over to the side.

12 weeks before Thanksgiving, starting the first week of September.
12 weeks after the first week in January, with a break half way through for a week.


HOPE Homeschoolers
We hope everyone will join HOPE Homeschoolers.  It provides so much more than I can provide on my own for this Friday Co-Op.
www.hopefamilies.com  Who we are.. How and Why to Join.

Community, Directory, Email, Online Meetings, Mom’s Night Out, Field trips, Co-Ops, Clubs,
Promotion/Graduation Night, Used Book Sale.

Classical Education Cycle 3
Classical Education Co-Op using the Classical Conversations Foundations Curriculum
Kindergarten-6

15 min. Announcements
30 min. New Grammar Introduced
30 min. Grammar Review Games
30 min. Art/Sign Language

*Need to purchase curriculum.  See below.
This is a free Co-Op which means you help instead of pay.


Middle / High School
No Fear Shakespeare group being started for Grades 6+ that would meet at the same time as the CC Foundations group.  More info to come later.  A Biology lab review is later in the afternoon.


Toastmasters International
Public Speaking Youth Leadership Program  (Middle/High School)
11:30 a.m. Fridays
We will be hosted by the local chapter of Toastmasters International, which means that this program will be FREE!  It is a community outreach opportunity to them.  My husband will also be working closely with us as a fellow Toastmaster for the last 3 years.

The program works best with about 15-20 participants.

Semester 2:   Gavel Club which is a free version of a real Toastmaster group.  This means that there will be leadership opportunities for the kids.  Thinking of having elections for Semester 1, and Semester 2 to give more the opportunity to try new roles.

Mini Toasters Public Speaking for K–5/6
If we have a large turn out of K-5, I will break them apart and do a separate Oral Report time for them. I have a rubric that I have been using for a few years that is fun and easy to do.


Elementary Science Olympiad
Fun Science Experiments.  Competition at the end of the school year with other schools.

Lunch
Mom's Support Group
Kids Socialization
One of the best reasons to have a Co-Op is so that you don't feel so lost.  Bounce ideas and ask questions of other homeschool moms.  Pack a lunch, or go grab some local fast food (Wendy's is close by.)  Definitely Stay!  This time is vital for you to feel like you are part of the group.


Looking forward to a new and exciting year this fall!  New families, and new opportunities to learn and to grow!

Ms. Candi

Classical Conversations Memory Master Markoff

Print on 8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock

Color in ribbons that they pass off.

So, I needed something to keep the kids motivated to show their progress.  I made this to give out on the last day of each Quarter.  You color in the ones that they achieved Memory Master in.  Hopefully, it will make them want to try harder to actually become a Memory Master at the end of the Year.  It also makes a good progress report for their homeschool portfolio.

I'm going to give the kids 2 chances to get it.  Last day of each Quarter, and 1st day of the next Quarter.  I figure if they're close, they can still try for it.  There really are no official rules, as I made this up myself. The official Memory Master is hard... so giving Quarter and Semester progress reports can show them that they CAN do it!

My kids curriculum 2013-14

Curriculum 2013–14

For all my friends who ask me how to get started homeschooling, I am listing what and where I've purchased items for this year.  

I Purchased the following curriculum at:

www.rainbowresources.com

001358 ­ Grapes of Wrath ­ Qty:1 ­ $10.75 ­ 10.75 

001527 ­ Math 3 Workbook ­ Qty:1 ­ $21.95 ­ 21.95 

004465 ­ Tuck Everlasting ­ Qty:1 ­ $5.50 ­ 5.50 

018282 ­ Daily Grams Grade 5 ­ Qty:1 ­ $19.25 ­ 19.25 

018283 ­ Daily Grams Grade 5 Workbook (no answers) ­ Qty:1 ­ $10.35 ­ 10.35 

018286 ­ Daily Grams Grade 7 ­ Qty:1 ­ $19.25 ­ 19.25 

018287 ­ Daily Grams Grade 7 Workbook (no answers) ­ Qty:1 ­ $10.35 ­ 10.35 

024433 ­ Math 7/6 4ED Tests and Worksheets ­ Qty:1 ­ $20.50 ­ 20.50 

028081 ­ Night ­ Qty:1 ­ $7.50 ­ 7.50 

037840 ­ Easy Grammar Grade 5 Teacher Edition ­ Qty:1 ­ $25.65 ­ 25.65 

037848 ­ Easy Grammar Plus Workbook (revised) ­ Qty:1 ­ $10.65 ­ 10.65 

052316 ­ MCP Spelling Workout 2001 Homeschool Bundle B ­ Qty:1 ­ $18.50 ­ 18.50 

052319 ­ MCP Spelling Workout 2001 Homeschool Bundle E ­ Qty:1 ­ $18.50 ­ 18.50

I already own Easy Grammar Grade 7 Teacher Edition.

I already own Apologia Land Animals.  

(Lab Kit about $80 is also purchased and shared between 3 to 4 families.) Can purchase at www.christianbook.com

I already own Singapore math for Kindergarten. 

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com

US History-based Writing lessons V1 (Explores to the Gold Rush) Teacher & Student  $49

Bible Heroes Writing Lessons in Structure and Style  $29

Bible Heroes Writing Lessons Teacher Manual, hardcopy $19

(You can also purchase all but the Bible Heroes teacher book at rainbowresources.com)

*Need to download the Student Resource Notebook and print out.

http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/fobo.html Cycle2 Geography Trivium Tables $10 Classical Acts & Facts History Timeline Songs (All Ages) $8 Sketch Notebook $6.50   http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/ch7gr.html I already own Foundations Guide 4th Ed, Item#FS100   $60 I already own Cycle 2 Audio CD $35 I already own Cycle 2 Memory Master Flashcards $30 The Ap for Cycle 2 for ipad should come out in October I'm hoping. I also like to shop at www.amazon.com  and www.christianbook.com

S's 8^th Grade Curriculum 2013–14

Math: Pre-Algebra/Algebra1Video Text   

           http://videotext.com/algebra-a-complete-course/

           I'm still thinking about this one.  Our Homeschool group is doing this as a group once a week.  I think I will be buying the $75 yearly fee to access everything online.  You can print off assignments, watch videos from their website.

          and www.ixl.com

General: Classical Conversations Cycle 2 (Teacher- I'm having my 8th grader help teach this.)

Science: Land Animals Apologia

Science: Notebook CC ($5)

Spanish: Bob Jones Spanish

Language Arts: Spelling Workout G & H and Vocabulary from Classical Roots

                          Easy Grammar Plus Student Workbook (Grades 7–12)

                          Daily Grams Grade 7 ($19 + $10)

Writing: IEW US History Part 1 ($18 Copies)

                         Daily Journal

Literature:        The Grapes of Wrath ($10 Kindle?)

                        Mere Christianity

                        Night

Center for Lit online class ($165) http://centerforlit.com/Courses/2013-2014.aspx

Date	Title	ISBN
September 19, 2013	Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt* (WE OWN) 5th grade +	978-0439452403
October 10, 2013	Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (WE OWN) 9th grade +	978-1593080075
October 31, 2013	Macbeth by William Shakespeare* (WE OWN) 10th grade+	978-0486278025
November 21, 2013	Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (WE OWN) 10th grade +	978-0451530974
December 12, 2013	At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald*(WE OWN)  4th grade+	978-0140367683
January 16, 2014	A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (WE OWN) 9th grade +	978-1593080556
February 6, 2014	The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain* (WE OWN) 6th grd+	978-0812504224
February 27, 2014	North to Freedom by Anne Holm (WE OWN) 4th grade+	978-0152051600
March 27, 2014	The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien* 8th grade+	978-0345339706
April 10, 2014	The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain 8th grade+	978-0451528353
May 1, 2014	Watership Down by Richard Adams* 7th grade+	978-0380002931
May 22, 2014	The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 4th grade+	978-0451530141

T's 5^th Grade Curriculum 2013–14

Math: Saxon Math 7/6 ($20)

          and www.ixl.com

General: Classical Conversations Cycle 2

Science: Land Animals Apologia

Science: Notebook CC ($5)

Language Arts: Spelling Workout E and F

                         Easy Grammar Grade 5 Student Workbook

                         Daily Grams 5^th Grade ($19 + $10)

Writing: IEW US History Part 1 ($18 Copies)

                        Daily Journal

Latin for Children

Literature:  (* same book that 8th grader is reading. Required by mom)

* Tuck Everlasting (5^th grade +)

* At the Back of the North Wind (4^th grade +)

* North to Freedom (4^th grade +)

* Wind in the Willows (4^th grade +)

Literature suggestions:

Little Britches

Leif the Lucky

Johnny Tremain

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Ginger Pye

The Cricket in Times Square

Harris and Me

Journey to America

Soup Series

West from Home

Steal Away Home

Belle Prater's Boy

Tonight, by Sea

Parvana's Journey

Me and My Little Brain

Indigo

Island of the Blue Dolphins

The Horse and His Boy (C.S. Lewis Chronicles)

C's 2^nd Grade Curriculum 2013–14

Math: Saxon 3 A & B ($21)

          and www.ixl.com

General: Classical Conversations Cycle 2

Science: Land Animals Apologia

Science: Notebook CC ($5)

Language Arts: Spelling Workout B and C ($18)

                         Grammar—Primary Language Lessons

                         Cozy Grammar (DVD's & Workbook) (Already own)

Writing: IEW Bible Heroes

                         Daily Journal

Latin for Children

Literature: 2^nd Grade Readers & 3rd Grade Readers (McRuffy Readers) (Already own)

3^rd Grade Level Suggestions

Magic Tree House Series

Wagon Wheels

Hank the Cowdog

A Question of Yams

The BoxCar Children

A Lion to Guard Us

The Children of Noisy Village

  Backyard Pets

E's Kindergarten Curriculum 2013–14

Math: Singapore Math 1A & B, Saxon 1? (Already own)

          and www.ixl.com

General: Classical Conversations Cycle 2

Science: Land Animals Apologia

Science: Notebook CC ($5)

Language Arts: Explode the Code  (Already own)

Grammar—Primary Language Lessons  (Already own)

Writing: IEW Bible Heroes

Literature: 1^st Grade Books (McRuffy Readers) (Already own)
                  www.Starfall.com

Mom

IEW US History Part 1 Student/Teacher ($49) 

      I make copies for my kids.  About $17-$25 each book.  And then I keep the book for future kids to use.  May not be too cost effective... :)  Depends on the printer.

IEW Bible Heroes Writing Lessons ($29)  

      I make copies for my kids.  About $17 - $25 each book. And then I keep the book for future kids to use. Depends on the printer.

IEW Bible Heroes Teacher ($19 optional)

To Buy in December:

Spelling Workout C Teacher ($18)

Spelling Workout F Student ($10)

Vocabulary from Classical Roots A , Test Key, Answer, Teacher ($34)

To Buy in August:

Bob Jones Spanish 1 ($307)

Spelling Workout H Student & Teacher



Tentative Schedule
I have a lot of children with different ages and needs.  I find doing Co-Ops are great for accomplishing everyone's different level, as well as giving me a mom or two to bounce ideas off of.  I pay for the PE class, karate & music lessons (and occasionally a math tutor).  Horseback riding lessons, Lego Robotics, and maybe even a Shakespeare Play Group is on my wish list.  These last three I see as being extra, and will be used as a reward for good effort in school work.

Every year I make the plan... and usually a couple months into it, it has changed.  But here's a go at it.  I hope it will help you in your own plans.


Monday

Middle School Co-Op:

8:45-9:55   Pre-Algebra / Algebra 1

10-10:55    IEW 

11-12          Literature 

   LUNCH

1-1:55          Spanish (conversational/Bob Jones Spanish Materials)

2-3               1900-Present (no book... notes.)

Elementary Co-Op:

8:45-9:55    IEW

10-10:55     Science/Math (fun time)

11-12          Geography ( Galloping the Globe)

   LUNCH

1-1:55          4-Unit Studies (Landmark, Bible, ?/, ?/)

Tuesday

P.E.  9 a.m. —12 p.m.

Possible Pre-school Activity 10 - 11:30 for Toddler?

Possible Activity Time for a couple hours (Horseback riding? 8th Grader)

School Work - Afternoon & In the Car

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Youth Groups & Cub Scouts

Wednesday

Music Lessons at our house

Big School Work Day

Big Laundry Day & Bathrooms Cleaned

7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Exercise (Karate Make-up Day)

Thursday

Big School Work Day in the Morning

Classical Conversations & Science/Art Co-Op:

12:30 - 1:30   Classical Conversations New Grammar 30 min. / Review Grammar 30 min.

1:30 - 2:15     Oral Reports

2:15 - 3:15     Science (Land Animals) & Art (Switch every other week)

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Center for Lit Classes twice a month (8th Grader)

Discussions are held from 4:30 to 6:30 PM Pacific Time on the dates listed.

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.  Exercise (Karate Class)

Friday

School Work in the Morning

Math Tutor Day

Cleaning Day (& 8th Grader's Own Laundry Day)

Small Laundry Day

Possibly Lego Robotics for the afternoon for 5th Grader & 2nd Grader?

Saturday

Karate Class

Yard Work 

Fun

Homeschooling Elementary While Pregnant

Recently some friend asked me to share with them tips on how to homeschool during pregnancy (especially when you have other small children in the home).  As we have been homsechooling seven years, and had three children during that time, I felt like I could give a few pointers.  This feels like an oxymoron right from the get go, but it is possible... as long as you remember a few tips:

•  Focus on the big goals —
       (4 R's—Reading, Writing, Arithmetic & Righteousness)
       (Do all those extra projects another year)
       •  Reading:  Sonlight, or Tapestry of Grace has great reading lists of books.  They also have a CORE curriculum outline that tells you what to do each day if you like something like that.)  I have also just used their reading suggestions for age level.
       •  Writing:  IEW (Institute of Excellence in Writing), Cozy Grammar, IEW Phonetic Zoo are good suggestions of curriculum to use.  Phonetic Zoo has hard words, so another curriculum may be good to have for easier words too.  DrawWriteNow is also a fun way to get kids to do handwriting.  Sometimes we would just watch the writing DVD's for fun, and not do the assignments.  We've watched them so many times, the kids are very familiar with them.
       •  Arithmetic:  You need to stay on top of this one.  Set up the schedule (at least 4x a week), and have Dad be the main person to oversee questions and lesson correction if needed.  Use a DVD to help teach lessons.  The goal is to finish the book.  I haven't always done this, but it is always the goal.
       •  Righteousness:  Building a child with good character is always important.  Giving yourself something to draw from each day is vital.  Do audio scriptures online.  Listen to living books on CD that teach good qualities.  (Little Britches, Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables, etc.)

•  School when others are available to help you—
       * evenings & weekends—Dad
       * afternoons— teenage neighbors
       * on good days, try some yourself

•  Be willing to pay for services—
       *cleaning— 3hrs. 1x a week works miracles
       *music— hire a teacher to come to your home
       *mommy helpers— hire someone to come and help you once a week so you can do the fun school
       *drop-off classes (like PE or a Science) which are 2-3 hours are worth the investment
       *Homeschool DVD's— like Cozy Grammar, IEW Writing Class, IEW Phonetic Zoo,
            Classical Conversations & Saxon help you feel like you're teaching when you can't do it all

•  Join a Homeschooling Group—
       * to be built up by common minded individuals
       * to find friends for yourself as well as your kids
       * join someone's History or Science Co-Op that's already going and enjoy the ride

•  Exercise—
       * to clear your mind
       * to feel strong
       * to feel like you can accept those compliments of "You're so cute pregnant!"

•  Remember this is a temporary phase of life—
       * you will not ruin your kids if you watch documentaries and listen to audio classics for a few months   (itunes university has free audio downloads)
       * there's always the summer to make up whatever you feel like you didn't accomplish
       * even if you do just 15 min a day in the 4 R's, you're still making progress





The Extras that Make Homeschooling Fun—
Remember, it's only fun if you're not killing yourself to accomplish it.


•  History & Science—
       This is an area that you can do a little or a lot and be just fine. Have a rich learning environment for your kids and they'll do just fine while you're focusing on other things for a little while.

       * Story of the World audio CD's while you drive.
       * Classical Conversations Foundations history sentences & geography while you drive, or get the
             ipad ap ($7) and have them learn one week at a time for 20 min. a day.
       * Sonlight books- have them read books about these things.
       * Apologia's Young Explorers Science Books by Jeannie Fulbright are great.  They also have
             pre-assembled science lab kits that you can purchase so you don't have to rummage around.
       * Utilize your local science museum, zoo, or nature center for homeschooling classes or fieldtrips.
       * Utilize your Homeschooling Group– do they have 4H, or a fieldtrip group?

•  PE—
      I love drop off programs for this one.  Does your local Homeschooling Group have any classes set up already?  We also found a Karate Dojo that teaches myself and 4 kids and lets the toddler wander around for one hour twice a week.  Everyone at the same time slot.  Wonderful!  They gave us a great discount because they really wanted students. We refer them to everyone we meet, because it has been such a good fit for our family.  Of course I didn't do the Karate class when I was expecting though.  :)  I did make sure I walked for 30 minutes at least 2 to 3x a week.

• Art & Music—
      Classical Conversations has a good program for this, but it would be just as easy to just take the kids to a class somewhere, or ask someone to come and teach your kids what they know about art or music for a few weeks.  In Classical Conversations, they focus on a topic for 6 weeks, and then switch.  (Art styles- 6 weeks, Tin Whistle 6 weeks, Composers 6 weeks, Famous Artists 6 weeks)
      Music, I love this area, and I think it's worth hiring someone to come to my house for.  It teaches such great things.  I had to hunt for a long time to find an affordable teacher, but I finally found one.  Be persistent, and you'll find what you're looking for.  We've been with her now for 2 years.  It always seemed that my toddlers needed to use the restroom during our 30 minute lesson slot when we would go somewhere else for the lesson.  Not so easy to hang out in the car when that happens constantly.  We've now got 3 kids doing lessons, and a 4th kid who's begging to do it.

•  Foreign Language—
      I like to do this once a week while I'm making dinner.  We watch the Muzzy DVD's.  We listen to some of the audio files every morning while getting ready for the day when we're feeling diligent.  Classical Conversations also has little bits of Latin to learn each week for 24 week.  Latin for Children is also a fun program to use.



Guess that's about it.  Last thing to remember.  If you're trying all new things, you'll be overwhelmed and hard on yourself.  Recognize when it's too much, and pray for help.  You can raise a homeschooling family while expecting when you've got your eye on the target, and you're realistic about your goals.

I still remember right after my third child was born in February.  I had so much energy!  I think we did 5x the amount of homeschooling work we had done previously.  We went to a homeschooling Convention in May, and I was hooked on homeschooling.  I was ready to call it quits in January, but we made it.  On another pregnancy, I called the local public school, (also in January), and after a brief conversation, I realized their goals were not what mine were.  We held on for the ride, and we made it.  I'm so glad that I held on, because now that I look back on it, I don't think my kids missed out on anything.  We're still moving forward, one year at a time.

If you get inspiration that it's right to homeschool for the school year, and then you get a bump in the road, don't jump off the track.  Just be creative on accomplishing the task.  The way will be prepared for you, if you're diligent and prayerful.

Good luck!

Candi