Keeping It Simple

All About Spelling: I have avoided writing too much about this recently as I tend to get over the top when I really love something. After a few weeks off, I'll say it again- I love this program. I love that is spelled out (no pun intended) down to the last detail for me, that the information sticks (you have to do the review cards) with my boys, and that my boys are still progressing. This program is a matter of "just do it"- I just need to sit down, open my book and start. I don't try to plan or anticipate how long a "step" (lesson) will take. We work for about 20-30 minutes (used to be 10-20 min.) or until I can see that my boys are not staying focused- then we close our books and come back to it another day. It is just that easy. Beginning Drawing: I mentioned in a recent post that I would update on how we are liking Barry Stebbing's beginning drawing video. It is still a big "thumbs up" with our family.  I purchased the recommended...

I tend to think of myself as "relaxed homeschooler". By that I mean a "wanna be unschooler" but just can't quite do it. Even still, I fall prey to all the usual stresses. I start to feel like we can't do certain things because we are "behind"- we have school work, laundry, chores, and more that should be getting done. I forget that I homeschool in part so that we can experience the world!  But, when my sister plans I field trip, I have to go. So last week we were off  to the Marine Lab. First stop was to the classroom where marine biology students taught the kids about shark anatomy, senses, how they lay their eggs, and what types of teeth different sharks have. From there the kids got to learn a bit about marine mammals and visit some dolphins (no pictures were allowed), and then back to the center where the kids got to pet a shark - yes, those are real live sharks in the tank and my son is over the moon excited to be petting one. And, we go...

Art--7yo style: Each morning this week a new drawing appeared on my whiteboard- it made it difficult to do school, but I did not have the heart to erase them until I had to (for co op). We did actually begin   Barry Stebbing's Beginning Drawing DVD  this week too. I'm Thinking "Hot Wheels Physics" (or Engineering): Being the lucky recipients of several hand-me-down Hot Wheel track sets, there is no limit to the fun the boys can create. The best part is that most of the sets don't have directions, so it really is up to them how to put things together. PE Backyard Style:  The boys love playing football with dad in the backyard. Field Trip (a.k.a.: Adventures with Dad): Dad had a day off of work and decided to head out with the boys. They were going to try to explore some new destinations, but road construction sent them towards one of their favorite haunts, the Marin Headlands. There are old military bunkers, open spaces, beautiful views,...

I recently purchased the Beginning Drawing DVD set by Barry Stebbing. In order to get some much needed down time this afternoon, I decided that it was the perfect time to give it a try. This could be too soon to really give this product an unabashed thumbs up, but my boys and I really enjoyed our first session. Paul loves to draw, so this was a no brainer for him. I am always willing to "do art" but, as someone who can barely draw a recognizable stick figure, this is not an area where I exude confidence. Mark said that this "was really fun!". With this video, my 3 boys (ages 12, 10 and 7) and I felt very competent in our ability! We had a great time drawing geometric shapes, lines, contrast man, a cute little worm, a 3D box with a lid, a 3D fruit bowl (with fruit in it), and shading a piece of fruit. This first portion of video #1 also focused on color layering (put the lighter color down first).   Mr. Stebbing demonstrating how to draw ...

Taking my cue from LLRHomeschoolmom , I am trying to write a list of manageable goals at the start of each week. This week is basic! #1- Keep the washer and dryer running until I am caught up on laundry. This has been my lifelong (married long) struggle. While I have gotten better at keeping up, I am woefully behind right now. #2- Take a look at our holiday plans. I have sort of been in denial that it is really November, but I am not sure that will work for the long term. On the surface these goals may not seem like they have anything to do with school (I try to stick to school matters here), but I am out of sorts in  every area  when I am this far behind on laundry, and our holiday plans often do cross over with our school day. It is in writing- now I have to do it! :)

Legos:    We missed the official " Lego Quest Challenge " this week, but the boys were game to do their own when we had some time on Thursday. The challenge- scoop two cups of Legos out of the bucket and create! No picking certain Legos. I suspect Mark (above) picked from the bucket that he knew had rock monsters in it. I have to confess to not remembering what he told me about his creation on the left (I'll try to remedy that). The one on the right is a rock monster playground complete with rock monster parents "sitting and visiting at the table". James was equally enthusiastic- he created a Batcave battle scene. Neither of them used all of the Legos, but they had a great time with this challenge.                    Seasons/Art: As fall is well on the way to winter, I am trying to savor these last few weeks before the holidays begin in earnest. I have a fondness for fall decorati...