1st Semester Schedule 2014

We are in the middle of our 4th week of school, and our schedule seems to be settling into place. It took me a few weeks to work out the kinks of our originally planned schedule, but we've finally figured out what works for us. For now, of course. :)

 Here is what our current schedule looks like:

Basically what it boils down to is about 1-1.5 hours of Morning School which covers all our core work. Then we have 1-1.5 hours of Afternoon School that basically covers all of our family subjects and anything that would be difficult to do with our toddler running around and getting into things. (Yay for naps!)

All of our family subjects are divided up by a specialty (Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, and Religion) per day.  This was a change from our original schedule where we tried to do a bit of everything every day and it seems to be flowing much more smoothly.  Thanks for reading!

2014 Curriculum - 1st Semester

This year the children are working on separate levels for their core subjects and together for everything else.  So far it is working out well and saves me quite a bit of time over what we would have spent had they been working separately!  Below are our subjects for the semester and which books we are using for each.

2014 Curriculum

Thanks for reading!

Back to School!

We started school again last week.  I've always liked the idea of a year round schedule and it allows me to spread our curriculum a bit so that our actual schooldays are much shorter.  We've been in school for a total of 9 days and I've revamped our schedule at least that many times as we figure out what seems to work for us this year now that I am officially schooling two!

My adorable students

I'll be posting our current schedule and pictures of our new schoolroom soon!  Thanks for reading!

2 Months in 1 Post

Several bouts of illness, traveling, homeschool conference planning, and general life craziness have all conspired to keep me out of the blogging world the past couple of months.  We enjoyed our homeschooling time when we could, and the children learned several life skills in independence while I was laid up for various sicknesses.  Part of my reason for having this blog is to create a scrapbook of sorts for our homeschooling journey together.  So forgive my huge photo dump of the last couple of months; I know the children and I will enjoy having this record to look back on in a few years!

Nature Time

We have enjoyed quite a bit of nature time this spring.  The kids were given a bird feeder, which has proven to be the single best gift they have ever received.  I can't even begin to count the many hours spent staring at the various birds attracted to our little window feeder.  Lots of other fun nature exploration has happened from playing with caterpillars and ladybugs in our backyard to nature hikes with our Charlotte Mason group.

Family Time

The three children have really gotten close these past few months.  Gabrielle is finally old enough to join in imaginative play which has really opened up the play possibilities for the older kiddos.  They all started sharing a room and are as thick as thieves.

Catholic Stuff

We've had lots of opportunity to delve deep into our faith during the rich liturgical seasons of Easter and Lent.  We have tried hard to incorporate major feast days into our life as well.

Homeschool Co-ops

We have continued enjoying the group activities through our various co-ops.  We have been attending wonderful geography playgroups the last several months.  I teach a science class through the same co-op and have truly enjoyed watching my little group of 5 and 6 year olds develop their scientific understanding.  We've also enjoyed P.E., nature walks, and lots more.  Who said homeschoolers are anti-social?!

Sports

Our city offers wonderful, affordable sports classes through our Parks and Rec. department that we try to take advantage of when possible.  Michaela and Rafael took archery earlier this spring together and then Rafael took soccer while Michaela took track.

It's been a fun semester!  Thanks for reading!

Holy Week Printables & Links

I have been busy finding ideas for our family to celebrate Holy Week together.  Here is the plan for our family.

Holy Week Calendar

Here is a blank version if you want to use the template and write in your own plans.

Holy Week Calendar - Blank

I also created a minibook printable version of the Holy Week Calendar Craft from The Domestic Notebook.  I printed these out, folded them according to these directions, and we will draw a related picture in the empty space each day.  I used the readings from Luke as I feel it is the most succinct and small child friendly of the Gospels.

Holy Week Mini Book

Here are a couple of my favorite posts that really did a great job in giving ideas for Holy Week activities!
Two O's + More - Observing Holy Week as a Family
Catholic All Year - The "You Can Still Do This" Guide to All Things Holy Week

Hope you have a prayerful Holy Week!  Thanks for reading!

Week in Review March 9th - Spring Semester Week #8

Hard at work in their uniforms.

In My Life

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.  I recently took on the task of helping set up a Catholic homeschool conference in our town and am not sure that was one of my smartest ideas.  Darn helium hand!  In any case, with singing at two evening Masses this weekend, and a late night meeting for the conference, I am ready to be a hermit this week.  I did get to see some friends Friday evening though, thank goodness.  It is amazing what a little girl time can do for your sanity!

 

In Our Homeschool

WAY too many crazy weeks in a row, but thankfully we have been able to stay on track with our homeschool schedule thanks to my new dirty little secret.  Uniforms!  I bought a few basic uniforms at our local consignment store a couple of weeks ago - nothing special just khaki bottoms and navy tops (or a few navy dresses in Michaela's case).  We were having some issues with getting distracted and off task, so now the children put on their uniforms as soon as they wake up and wear them until they are done with their schoolwork for the day.  They know that even if I let them have a break, when I say it is time to get back on task, no arguing is allowed.  The uniform says so.  They are thrilled to change into play clothes afterwards, and I love how well it is working so far!

Phonics - Rx For Reading - Initial and Final Consonant Blends
Math - MEP Year 1 - Lessons 47-50
Grammar - 1st Language Lessons - 34-38

Handwriting - Catholic Handwriting Skills K - b

Literature - Betsy Tacy and Tib
Rafael Language Arts - Language Lessons for Little Ones - Lessons 60-66
Rafael Math - MEP Reception - Lessons 24-27
Rafael Literature - Wanda Gag books - Millions of Cats, The Funny Thing, The ABC Bunny
Geography - Italy - Count Your Way Through Italy, C is for Ciao
History - Slavery/Beginning of Civil War - Priscilla and the Hollyhocks, Follow the Drinking Gourd
Science - BFSU - A-4 Science Co-op Class - the particulate matter of nature

Around Town

Tuesday - Science Co-op Class
Wednesday - PBS Station Tour
Thursday - Archery Class
Friday - Catholic Co-op

I'm Grateful For

My amazing husband.  After being gone several nights this week, he encouraged me to "linger" during my Sunday afternoon errands so that I could enjoy some child-free time.  What a Saint!  It is our 8 year anniversary today!

What I'm Working On

I am focusing on getting rid of junk as per my 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge.  It is amazing how much stuff I have  - and I have done this challenge the past several years too!

Thanks for reading!

Lent Check-in - Week 1

Bag 1: Old magazines and fabric
Bag 2: Paperwork and trash from my car!

Prayer - HelloMornings Challenge & Daily Family Prayer

Going well.  There are mornings where it is difficult, but it is do nice to be able to wake up and go to sleep every day with God in my heart.

Fasting
1.  No added sugar - hmmm...going ok.  It is extremely difficult at times and it's only been a few days!  I am struggling with using this fasting as a method to bring me closer to God rather than just another diet.  I felt so awful yesterday at my sister's house.  My dad had made breakfast for us and instead of gratefully eating it, I kept fussing over whether the ingredients had added sugar.  Our deacon really hit the nail on the head yesterday in his homily when he reminded us that our fasting shouldn't be so severe that it becomes a penance for others.

2.  40 Bags in 40 Days - It was a bit if a crazy week so I only managed to fill 2 out of 5 trash bags. That is still 2 trash bags of junk gone!

3.  Sacrificing Social Media - struggling with this one too.  Hopefully I can do better this week, because I definitely slipped up quite a bit.

Almsgiving
1.  Patience - Serving my family with patience is not very easy while giving up added sugar!  I perhaps did not think that out very well.  Starting the morning with prayer is very helpful, but this ties in to being able to handle my fasting internally and transform it into a form of prayer through giving to my family.

2.  Tithe - I will finally be setting up EFT this week!

How did your first week of Lent go?