This is my first week participating in the Homeschool Mother's Journal. I have been reading many post from my friends blogs on this topic and really enjoy them. I figured with our schedule being more relaxed I could give it a go! This is week 1. Enjoy!
In my life this week…
I worked as normal and didn't really get a break at all. Which is normal however I try to rest in the evenings but with the riding lawn mower messed up I tried helping my husband out by pushing our large yard. I did succeed but with a bad blister on my thumb! My husband was very grateful for my help. He came home from clinical and was shocked. I'm glad I care for my husbands feelings and his time. God is working in my life all the time and even with something so simple I found blessings and joy.
In our homeschool this week…
This week was our first week back from our 3 week break. I posted about it here. This is our last semester before we begin our next grade curriculum. We are reviewing lots of things this 7 weeks. Kyle done great with math this week but is needing work on his writing. Lexi is doing wonderful with reading but needs some extra drills in math. Zachary is having fun with numbers and ABC's however he really needs to get to a point of writing what I ask. Hopefully in 7 weeks all of the "weak" points will be addressed! This week was full of games. Summer school is the funnest part of the year! Our unit study is Dinosaurs and we really had some fun activities this week.
My favorite thing this week was…
Seeing Lexi and Zac reading on my couch together. That makes my heart so warm and happy! That girl could read all the books in the library and move on to the next one in a week! She always has a book in her hand.
What’s working/not working for us…
Anything language related doesn't work {well} for us. I am still trying to find something that works. I am going to be trying First Language Lessons but I'm a little concerned that it only goes to grade 4. Then I am looking into Queen's Language as well(leaning more toward it overall). I've posted on this topic many times. I wish I could find something that isn't full of nonsense and full of stuff they actually need. So my journey hopefully will end soon!
Working for Us - MUS, AAS, Unit Studies, Lapbooking, Evan Moor Science books, Workbox System . These are things we will be keeping next year.
Things I’m working on…
I'm trying to re-organize my school room for a new year.
I need to paint the bathroom.
Need to plant flowers on my front porch.
Books I’m reading…
The Power of a Positive Mom
Money Secrets of the Amish
Anne of Green Gables
The Love Dare Day by Day Devotional for Couples(my husband and I do daily)
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
This wonderful Journey started over at The Homeschool Chick! Go on over and check out her journal and link up and join the party!!!
I'm not satisfied with our Language Arts programs either. I've used First Language Lessons Level 1 and 2 with my daughter and my youngest son will do Level 1 next year (1st grade). It's "gentle" approach to early grammar and I liked that. Next year my older son and daughter will try Saxon Grammar and Writing. (It starts in Grade 5.) We like Saxon MATH, so I'm hoping we like Grammar and Writing.
ReplyDeleteCute photo! I love when the kids read together! I may encourage my daughter to read to my youngest before bed again (instead of them running around upstairs LOL).
We use FLL 1&2 and I like it for its gentle approach. Additionally, we use CLE (www.clp.org) and it is great for daily, methodical grammar lessons. It is sort of "kill and drill" but having already graduated one homeschooler and having a high schooler who struggles with grammar, I had to change my philosophy or attitude about grammar in the younger years. Language Arts has always been the bane of my homeschool existence until this last year.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from NOBH. :)
I think dinosaurs make a great unit study for summer! Unit studies were always one of our favorite parts of homeschooling, too - its hard to beat living books and hands-on activities! Deb @ LivingMontessoriNow.com
ReplyDeleteWe used FLL through 4th and are happy with the results. This year we will graduate to Rod and Staff. My overly-eager child has already started it and the major difference is in the layout. It didn't appeal to her at first (seemed similar to my old high school texts) but after a couple of lessons she said it was fine.
ReplyDeleteI like the layout of the HMJ. I may have to check it out!
Stopping by from NOBH!
Kayla, I enjoyed your first Homeschool Mother's Journal. I love the picture of your daughter reading. It reminds me of my older sister reading to me. Thank you for sharing your end of year thoughts, and what you're looking forward to in the new school year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up at NOBH. =)