Homeschool Mother's Journal::September 14, 2012

In my life this week…

We are still working on routine- more about that later. We also had a fantastic time at the beach trying to stretch out these summer days.  And, we even got some school done. 

The BIG news around here is that James got his braces on today! 

In our homeschool this week…

Barton Reading Program- we are coming to end of our first book (book 3). I'd have to say that it is... rigorous. Not difficult. But consistency is the key. Not to take away from All About Spelling which put us on track to figuring out what has been previously referred to as my son's "learning difficulties" (had those difficulties been a slightly milder type, I think AAS would have taken us all the way), but I am so so hopeful for my son's progress to continue.

We are also having a great time with our American History studies. Following Nicole's lead (from Journey for Excellence), we are using the History of Us episodes as a base for our studies. So far- thumbs up!!

I love watching the puzzle pieces of history start to come together in my boys' minds. Sometimes they have to push a piece hard or turn it in their mind, but then you see that "Aha!" moment.

One of our favorite history resources, in addition to Nicole's plans and the movies, are the Scholastic "Hands On History" ebooks that I had ordered for $1 each. We are using this one right now:

I just posted our history update including information about the $1 sale that Scholastic is having- I think the $1 price holds through Friday the 14th.

Helpful homeschool tips or advice to share…

I have said this before, but a recent talk with my daughter brought it up again. She was discussing "sensory bins" and how it is easy to be intimidated by some of the ideas out there. You know, "doing it right" as opposed to just jumping in and giving it a go. After putting her concerns aside, she gathered supplies from around the house and put together her first bin for her son. Which he loved!

All that to say- just do it! Whatever it is. Notebooking, nature walks, unit studies, ... whatever it is you might want to try but are worried about doing it right. Give it a try.

One of my favorite sayings from the Fly Lady (housework guru in case you don't know her)  is "housework, even poorly done, blesses your home".

I replace that all the time-

Family prayers, even poorly done, bless your family.

Notebooks, even poorly done, will bless your studies.

And, the great thing is, the more you "do it", the more you will find what is right for you.


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

The farmers market. I don't know why we don't go more often. Wonderful food, wonderful people, and you never know how you might run in to (like my daughter with her boys!). 

My favorite thing this week was...

And this... 

Yup, the dog got tired. 

What's working/not working for us...

We are still trying to get our routine down. I think the key is going to be me getting up earlier. Not my thing, but if I have to...

Things I am working on…

To say that I am working on it would imply that I am actually doing something about it, but the school room is still at that final stretch. I have high hopes for Saturday.

I'm reading...

This is one of those books. The kind that I reread every so often to refresh my memory and to motivate me on this homeschool journey. You can tell by the dog-eared copy that I own that it is loved. Interestingly, as many times as I have read this book, chapters 9 and 10 have never made a huge impact that I can remember. This time around, they seem very timely. 

From chapter 9, The Happiness of Habit: 

When the rails of habit are laid down, like the tracks set out for a locomotive train, lessons can go along easily and smoothly. The train moves easily, but the laying down of the rails has taken a lot of effort. Imagine yourself as John Henry, the steel-driving man who, with determination and perspiration, hammered those rails, laying miles of track across America.

And, from chapter 10, The Way of the Will: 

We who teach should make it clear to ourselves that our aim in education is less good conduct than good character. We may mold good conduct in our children, but it is of value to the world only as it has its source in character. 

Also from chapter 10, talking about a different type of habit than above: 

A bad habit can grasp firmly to the rope on one side of the tug-of-war with the Will. Because Habit's muscles have been exercised so regularly, he may prove to strong for feeble Will. When a child's thoughts or actions have become habitual, it will become a struggle, but exercising the muscles of Habit less and practicing the efforts of Will more can help Will become the victor. 

(noted in the beginning of the chapter- will is the function to choose, to decide) 

And a little PE : 

Paul working with James on volleyball skills.