Lindy's Homeschool: Scriptures and Shadows

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Scriptures and Shadows

This week we got ready for Valentine's Day by decorating and making valentines. At the end of our main day of Valentine crafts, I asked Maxwell what he learned that day so he could write in his journal. He said "I didn't learn anything today." Oops…I swear we did math and reading that day!

We also studied Daniel Boon. I have to admit, although I knew he was a famous frontiersman, I didn't remember anything about him. It was good to refresh. We made candles to solidify the lesson.

For science we continued to learn about light, and I was back in my groove, and we had fun. We learned about shadows and reflections. We made shadow puppets, acted out a lunar and solar eclipse, reflected light off a few mirrors, and made a periscope.

My husband and I went on the field trip (we celebrated our anniversary) but an adventure of Grandma and Grandpa baby-sitting/spoiling was better then a field trip for the boys anyway.

Maxwell is getting better and better at memorizing scripture during devotionals. Here's two cute examples of recent scriptures:

1 comment:

Dallas, Dad, Big D & IFebruary 13, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Dear Lindy, You are such a great Mom, no surprise! I remember our talks in our home in VA during your mission and it was obvious that you were deeply commited to the gospel and wanted everything to go just right. It was also obvious that you were looking forward to being a mother and teaching your kids. To us it seems like the time has gone by very quickly and you are living your dream! Keep up the superb work -- Dallas Lauchner
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The "awkward and unprepared" Myth

There are many misconceptions and biases against homeschooling, and many people really think that I've never heard them or considered them. Many people worry about the "inevitable social awkwardness" of homeschoolers or that they are "unprepared for the world." In my experience, I've found that homeschoolers tend to be as socially "normal" or "awkward" as their parents. As far as "unprepared for the world" is concerned, that depends on how they are taught, but I have seen many successes first hand. Basically, I know the ins and outs of the decision I've made, thanks.

Why I Homeschool

When I was first married, I fell in love with the kids of the Leavitts and Schafers (my sisters-in-law families.) They were...and still are...confident, leaders, innocent where they should be innocent, creative, and accepting. They were also homeschooled. I wanted my future kids to be like them, and if homeschooling was part of that equation, then I was willing to make the sacrifice. Now, after years of study, prayer, and experience, I want to homeschool for many reasons. I want my kids to be family oriented not peer oriented. I want to include the gospel in every aspect of what they are taught. I want them to think out side of the box. I don't want them to be obsessed with what is "cool." I want them to feel loved by those around them. I want them to know who they are and what they stand for before they are bombarded by outside influences. I know that many families can do this without homeschooling, but it seems a lot harder to me. Basically, I'm a control freak. I want to be in control of my children's learning and social life....homeschooling makes that easier.

Also, now that I've realized they are severely dyslexic, I think homeschool is the best place for dyslexics to learn.

And there's the statistics.

My Schedule

7:15

START OUR DAY

Daddy does scriptures

Breakfast

Devotional w/ videos

Come Follow Me

Goals/mindfulness/memorization

9:00

School Starts

Maxwell

School of Hope Online

Hyrum's 3 "R"s

IEW Grammar and Writing

Video Text Algebra

Spelling (Word Wasp)

Daniel's 3 "R"s

Writing Prompts

Rightstart Math level "G"

Spelling (Wasp)

William's 3 "R"s

All About Reading

Creative Writing

Rightstart level "D"

Abraham's 3 "R"s

Logic of English

Handwriting Without Tears

Rightstart level "B"

Activity in afternoon:

Social Studies

Science

Art

Chess

field trips

Literature Club

WAS classes

My Curriculum

For math, I do RightStart Mathematics, which is an abacus based math, Times Tales to memorize multiplication, Video Text for Algebra, and Mathantics or other supplements on youtube.

For Devotionals, I use Come Follow Me.

For Reading, I have used the Barton Reading and Spelling program, but right now I'm experimenting with All About Reading and Logic of English.

For Writing, I use Handwriting Without Tears, IEW Fix It! Grammar, and IEW Student Intensive Writing.

For History, and Science, I use The Four Year Plan (which I LOVE.) This year we are using the "Family Jubilee" book which covers Biology, Modern World History, and New Testament.