First Day 2011!

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. - Psalms 115:1"

I'm sitting here at the computer with a pack of hot tamales (my candy of choice), a Diet Coke and with joy in my heart.  We just finished our first official day of school and it went really well.  I was reminded of the scripture above-- I attribute the good day to the Lord's grace and mercy!


 Yup, there are kinks to be worked out---so far nothing major.  I also had a minute of panic because I thought I just forgot to order a science curriculum.  Then, I remembered Bud is going to have a Science class at the Enrichment Co-op we attend.  So with that class, Classical Conversations's science memory work and experiments and read aloud topical books---science is covered.  Whew---I thought I dropped the ball when my son asked 'When is science?'


I also got a chuckle when we were going over our CC timeline cards:


Bud challenged a Veritas Press card wording on the back because on the 4th day of Creation it only listed the Earth, Moon and Stars.  He said 'it should also say the planets' in a matter of fact tone.  Hey don't leave out the planets with my 'all things solar system' boy.

He ran in and hugged me this morning with such excitement and enthusiasm---here's his excited face!

Bud!

Sweet Sissy

Technically--still just toddling around and joining in here or there--but he wanted to hold it;)

Making their Chicka Chicka Boom Boom trees

Little Bear was not too happy that Bud was trying to take over his puzzle.  

Finally---time to figure it out on his own.

A copy of our morning board this week.  We have open spaces for next week when we start Raising Rock Stars Preschool.

Bud wanted to copy the correct spelling of all the months---fine with me!

After finishing one whole craft Sis wanted to do another tree.  But, she wanted to use pink paint.  Unfortunately, the paint pack we bought had no pink.  So color mixing  it was.   She loves that!

A simple sensory tray.  Rice with alphabet foam letters and other things like spoons for scooping and cars for driving in the rice:) 

Right before nap, I caught Sis on camera teaching her baby dolls...so sweet!

She's getting so big!

Couch time---one of the things Bud has been looking forward to for months.  In lieu of naps, he can bring books, papers, supplies, quiet toys on the couch and there he stays for an hour and half--with soft worship music going on in the background, pillows on the other side of the couch to encourage a snooze or two.

It's a light week so I am just trying to establish no TV until 4pm  a routine.  I credit having a 'trial run' of sorts last year to really helping work out the logistics of this year.  It was helpful to have gone through MFW K and learn more about how my children like to learn and where the trouble spots in the day can be.  

Some things I learned today:

My husband is pretty awesome.  He set up both my the Math and All About Spelling tubs/curriculum.  So they were just open and go for me today.  He cleaned the kitchen, made breakfast, made my coffee (he doesn't drink the stuff) and had Bible Time with the kids this morning before work.  I say that is pretty amazing!

Bud still looooves Math---CLE is really working well for us.

Sissy still looooves arts and crafts.  'Oooh goody crafts' is what she said after reading our story of the day.  

Little Bear almost knows all of his ABC's and sounds for them.   I am so impressed with him.   His two 'summer school' teachers (aka Bud and Sissy) have been teaching him alot. 

Circle Time needs to always have action rhymes or some type 'get up and move' part to it. I have little ones here folks.

Bud doesn't like copywork if it doesn't have a point to it or a sentence.  Rows and rows of practicing one letter is like trying to serve him vinegar or something.

The JBQ folder (Junior Bible Quiz) has made it into the Green Box and I find that he pulls out his folder with questions throughout the day.

The Green Box is a a place I fill with pages from different workbooks that I want him to work on, books, trio or lego manuals with instructions to build one thing of his choice, stencils and blank paper pad, and other fun activities.  He gets to work on what's in the Green Box during any down time or time when I am working specifically with Bear and Sis.   It worked really well today.  

Do not have Bear and Sis sit so close to each other during Sensory Tub time unless I want to find rice, pasta and other 'tub' stuff all over the house.

For housekeeping and thus sanity sake, I need to work hard on returning materials back to the proper place when I'm done.  They can quickly overtake the kitchen island, couch, etc. 

All About Spelling is pretty awesome!

I can't wait until next week when we really start up with B4FIAR for the Little and our first week of both Co-op and Classical Conversations.

Thanks for dropping by!!


Linking up to:
Weekly Wrap Up @ Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers 
Preschool Post @ Homeschool Creations

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

well not exactly---but, it IS one of my favorite times of the year: Back to School  time.  Does that sound a little strange??  I don’t know but, when I was going back to school I would have Grease 2’s “Gotta go back, back, back to school again….whoa, whoa, I gotta go back to schoooooool again” I’m a child from the 80’s what can I say?  

I’ve been preparing for, DH and I have been praying for and talking about this new school year since last spring.  Our whole family has such an exciting anticipation for school this year.  It doesn’t hurt that my oldest keeps trying to get a start on all the new books, games and resources in my office.  ‘Can I just read this, play with that, look at this?’  That’s what I keep on hearing. 

For homeschooling Mom’s, it also means it’s time for the great “NOT BACK TO SCHOOL’ BLOG HOP. 

This week is curriculum week.  Next week is school room week.  The third week is student photo week and the last week is ‘day in the life’ week.  The blog hop is full of great ideas, curriculum, school room layouts and more.  Check out Heart of the Matter:   

In case you missed it, our Kindergarten curriculum choices and our preschool/tot activity plans can be found here and here.

Curriculum Choices: Kindergarten 2011-2012

 Well, I have been very busy all summer reading and researching our options for Bud's Kindergarten year.  We have two main choices that are, I guess you can say, our 'core' elements to this year.  Those two are: Classical Conversations and Five in a Row.  I'll be posting more how I'll use FIAR with an American History focus soon.  Check back if you are interested in that.

*If you are looking for what we are doing with our Preschooler and Toddler this year check out this post: 
2011 Preschool and Tot Activity Plans

Blessings,
Kathie

Curriculum Choices

Kindergarten 2011-2012

Bible

·         Bible Reading

Egermeier’s Story Bible

http://www.amazon.com/Egermeiers-Bible-Story-Elsie-Egermeier/dp/0871620065

365 Bible Stories for Young Hearts

http://www.amazon.com/365-Bible-Stories-Young-Hearts/dp/158134807X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311745878&sr=1-3

·         Memory Verse/ Character/ Praise and Worship Songs

Raising Rock Stars Pre-school

http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStarsPreschoolSAMPLE.html

·         Bible Memory Work

Classical Conversations Cycle 3:

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Devotional

ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581340052/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0887241379&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=117CP3R55648KGKDS576

·         Faith Facts

Junior Bible Quiz

http://nationaljbq.org

·         Bible Supplements

Five in a Row Bible Supplement

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

Doorposts Charts

http://www.doorposts.com

Hubbard’s Cupboard Character Trait Tune Charts

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/character_activities.html#CharacterTraitTuneCharts

Math

·         Math

CLE Sunrise Math 1

http://www.clp.org/store/by_subject/4

·         Math Memory Work

Classical Conversations Cycle 3

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Applied Math

Five in a Row

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

·         Early Engineering

Project ideas from Lego's Jr., Lego's manuals, Fisher Price Trio and Tinker-toys

Language Arts

·         Spelling

All About Spelling

http://www.all-about-spelling.com

·         Handwriting

A Reason for Handwriting A

http://www.areasonfor.com/article.php?id=19

·         Literature

Five in a Row – American History Focus (I’ll share more details on an upcoming post.)

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

·         Grammar Memory Work

Classical Conversations Cycle 3

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Language Arts Supplement

Five in a Row

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

History/Geography/Social Studies

·         History Book List, Activities, Focus

I have put together an extensive list of printables and activities based on our Classical Conversations Cycle 3 History Cycle.  These activities would be best for k-3^rd grade.  I’ll post details soon—please check back for that if you’re interested.

·         Timeline

Timeline Memory Work :

Classical Conversations Cycle 3

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Timeline (visual)

I’m not too sure if we’ll use a Book of Centuries or Wall Timeline.  Either way I think we’ll use one of the free resources listed at Half a Hundred Acre Woods.

http://halfahundredacrewood.blogspot.com/2011/05/classical-conversations-cycle-3.html

·         Geography Memory Work

Classical Conversations Cycle 3

http://classicalconversations.com

·          Map Skills

We will use the Kindergarten recommendations from Leigh Bortins, The Core.

http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/core.html

·         Social Studies

Five in a Row – American History Focus (I’ll share more details on an upcoming post.)

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

Science

·         Science

We will use various books to go along with Classical Conversations Cycle 3. (too many to list)

·         Science Experiments/ Science Memory Work

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Science Supplement

Five in a Row

http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html

Life Skills

·         Health

·         Safety

·         Manners/ Social/ Etiquette

·         Life skills

·         Chores

-          I am in the process of putting this together for our morning Circle Time.  I will use a mix of Abeka Health Safety and Manners and other fun supplements and articles.  I will post more details when they it’s finsished.

Foreign Language

·         Foreign Language

-          Right now I am wanting to teach Spanish after our 24 weeks of CC is finished and also during the summer.  I am not 100 % sure what we will use just yet.

·         Latin Memory Work

Classical Conversations Cycle 3

http://classicalconversations.com

Fine Arts

·         Music/Composer Study

·         Artist Study

·         Art

* We will be following the suggestions from CC for all of the above.

http://classicalconversations.com

·         Music Performance: still deciding on this…between piano and violin

Physical Education

·         Family Fitness

-  With Daddy leading before Dinner: Family Time Fitness
-  During outdoor time or playtime during the day: We will be following the schedule for Large Motor Skills/ Games that is outline in our Preschooler and Tot Plans. Here is the link: 
lhttp://greatday2learn.blogspot.com/2011/07/preschool-and-toddler-activity-plans.html

·         Lessons/ Team Sports

- We are in the process of determining between soccer, gymnastics, and swimming.

Extra Activities

·         Homeschool Support Group: field trips, park days, academic/ social events, Mom’s Night Out and more…

·         Field Trip/Activity Group: We will also participate with our friends on monthly field trips and get togethers.

·         Ranger Kids: http://royalrangers.com/aboutus  This will be his first year and he is so excited to start!

·         Junior Bible Quiz: http://nationaljbq.org  This another program we will start this year and are really looking forward to it.
·         Draw, Write, Now Class at our local library

·         Any P.E. or music instruction above

Linking up to:
Weekly Wrap-up @ Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Not Back To School Blog Hop @ Heart of the Matter

Preschool and Toddler Activity Plans 2011-2012

Well, they are finally done!  I finally have the activity plans for Sissy and Lil Bear ready.  I am pretty excited about the fun and learning we are going to have this year.  I probably get asked what am I going to do with my younger two the most often.  For those interested, this is what I plan on doing.  I know full well that the best laid plans may not work out.  So, what I did was put together ideas, links and activities from some of my favorite preschool and toddler resources.  I created an IDEA LOG for each letter/book/theme and I'll plug those ideas onto our Weekly Activity Plan Sheet.  I just want this Preschool and Tot learning time to be intentional and plant the seed of a love for learning.  Each week will include something from these ten categories: Books/Story Telling/Narration, Lesson Focus, Songs/Rhymes/Fingerplays, Activities/Arts & Crafts, Alphabet Fun, Handwriting/Fine Motor Skills, Math Concepts, Creative Play, Large Motor Skills and Let's Make a Memory (usually done on Friday Family Time)

Resources:

Before Five In A Row and Homeschool Share

I really wanted an alphabet focused yet literature themed plan...so I tried to match as many available B4FIAR titles and filled in some of the missing alphabet with Homeschool Share's Level 1 units.

Inspiring Blogs:

While I visit many preschool and toddler blogs, Walking by the Way, Delightful Learning and Homeschool Creations, Confessions of a Homeschooler, 1+1=1 and ABCJesuslovesme were my go-to sites for inspiration with these alphabet and literature focused activities.

A-Z Idea Logs


A is for Apples
B is for Blueberries (Berries)
C is for Caterpillars
D is for Dogs
E is for Eggs
F is for Friends
G is for Gift
H is for Hands (parts of the body)
I is for Insects (pond life)
J is for Jesus
K is for Kangaroo
L is for Ladybug
M is for Monkey
N is for Nighttime
O is for Outdoors
P is for Pocketbook/Purse
Q is for Quick (movement)
R is for Rabbit
S is for Snow (winter weather)
T is for Teddy Bear
U is for Up/Under (directions)
V is for Vegetables
W is for Water
X is for foX
Y is for Yellow 
Z is for Zoo


In addition to these activities above, we will be working on a lot of memory work, songs, and lifeskills during our Morning Circle Time (more to come on that in another post).  To help me 'get it all together' I have created a few pages.  The weekly planner goes into my lesson plan binder.  The weekly journal will be printed out and clipped onto a clipboard and then hung on the wall.  It will be there for easy access as we complete an activity, reminders or notes. After the current week, it will get 3 hole punched and put into my lesson plan binder.  Another way of using the weekly journal page is to just put it in the lesson plan binder as the opposite page of the weekly planner.  I may wind up doing that.  But for now, I will try having them hung up on the wall with a clipboard. 

Preschool and Tot Weekly Activity Planning Page and Preschool and Tot Weekly Reminders and Journal 

Oh and to help me determine if I need to buy a book or borrow from the library I have created this list: Literature Pre-K List


Blessings,

Kathie

Linking to:
Preschool Post @ Homeschool Creations

Tot School @ 1+1=1

What we're doing this Summer

Linking up to:

Preschool Post @ Homeschool Creations

Weekly Wrap-up @ Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers



Well in my neck of the woods summer temperatures are definitely here in full force!  It's been consistently over or near 100's the last few weeks.  Bleh!  It makes one want to be in the water or in the air condition all day.

We have off from school until August so we are at a really light and easy routine.  If we want to go outside we have to go out in the early morning or a little before dusk.

This is what we are doing to have fun/ keep busy this summer:

So, I bought the kids fun items from Michael's dollar crafts/toy area and Target's dollar spot and are giving those out once or twice a week.

I saved all of the printables/ craft sheets and activities that somehow did not get used throughout this year.  I let them choose from that file folder.

I keep crayons, tape, pencils and yes even markers in a carousel on their desks/tables with a basket of stickers, coloring books and blank paper.  This allows them to freely create anytime they wish.

Sensory trays: I am trying to let them play with a sensory tray or some kind of 'messy' art at the 'Big' table once or twice a week.

There is a lot of free and unstructured play like building  blanket tents all over the living room and creating a store or a school with their stuffed animals.

We have weekly playdates and park days with friends.  We are also exploring new parks as a family when Dad gets home.

We are not doing anything 'academic' per se except for occasionally listening to the Classical Conversations Cycle 3 CD.  We are using Hubbard's Cupboard's character trait tune charts this summer.

We ARE reading and reading and reading this summer.  I am using Simply Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online reading recommendations.  We are also participating in our local library reading program this summer.

Bud is continuing his weekly Draw, Write, Now class, too.

In the meantime, I am busy preparing for the Fall.  I can't wait to share how we are using CC Cycle 3 with our kindergartener and also what we have scheduled for our Preschool and Toddler this year.  DH and I are excited to be attending two Homeschool conferences in the next few weeks.  We went to the CC Parent Practicum a few weeks ago and learned so much.


To God be the glory!

I pray that you have a great summer!!

Bud's tent creation

shaving cream

messy fun

textured painting with tempera paint and cornstarch and a toothbrush

Inspired by Eric Carle's clouds

Little Bear's pop on creation

At their craft tables

Sensory trays: Rice

exploring a new park

Sweet Sissy

Daddy and Little Bear

Bud learned how to use a power drill from Daddy.  Here he is screwing in the frame to his bed.

Sissy made all of their beds one morning.

Best Friends

and she refolded everything in their PJ drawers

Who knows why the rice trays are a hit...but here they are again.


 

C is for Cow and H is for Horse (farm animals)

Well, I haven't posted about school in a few weeks.  We have been having school---but our weekends have been so busy that I have not had a chance to update the blog.


We started the farm animals section of My Father's World a few weeks ago.  Since G is for Goat discusses Jesus' sacrifice on the cross--I am waiting until next week to go over that.


C is for Cow- God's Word helps me to grow.

H is for Horse- I obey right away.


read alouds- James Herriot's Treasury for Children: http://www.amazon.com/James-Herriots-Treasury-Children-Creatures/dp/0312085125

A Year at Maple Hill Farm and Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm

Bud has enjoyed James Herriot's Treasury.  The stories have really engaged him.  He is not a huge animal/farm person so I'm glad he is enjoying this series.

I have tried to find step by step drawing instructions for animals lately.   Bud usually draws the animal on the top portion of the copywork pages from Mama Jenn's Word to Remember pages

We used a lot of the printable pages from Making Learning Fun farm section for this unit.

For Sissy and Little Bear, I used some of the great printables from Confessions of a Homeschooler's Letter of the Week. 

Little Bear hamming it up for the camera.

He enjoys the large bingo markers.

Sissy did a great job on her letter C.

Okay I printed out a stack of these bingo marker pages and I think Sis did most of them.  She loves to use those markers, too.

Moving on to Horse---using watercolors

Sissy is very careful

A close-up pic of James Herriots "Bonnie's Big Day"

I can still play with play doh, right?  Well, here is my attempt at a horse.

I've really limited the amount of toys in the play/school room.  I am trying to rotate toys each week.  I brought out the wooden toys and Little Bear loooved them.

Bud's picture and Words to Remember copywork.  We continue to say this phrase.  It is one we will truly remember.  'I obey right away' and then we add 'neigh, neigh, neigh'.

Bud's handwriting sheet.  I think he has great handwriting for  his age.

Sissy wanted to start learning to write her letters.  Here is a pic of her writing in her Kumon book.

We've had some beautiful days and nights here in past weeks.  One night we decided to eat al fresco.  Here's DH with our trio.

The parting of the Sea craft by Bud.

Sorting farm animals, pets, wild animals and ocean animals

Bud likes sorting games.

To follow the 'I obey right away' theme, I hid some muffin boxes and called out directions for them to find them.  This is the last direction to Sissy's play washer. 

Bud mixing blueberry muffins.

Each one got to mix their own muffin mix.

Linking to:


Preschool Post @ Homeschool Creations


Weekly Wrap-up @ Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

Weekly Homeschool Highlights @ A Heart Like Water