Lindy's Homeschool: Back to Normal

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Back to Normal

We are back in Canada. Our Idaho house is officially SOLD. Whew!

While were still in Idaho we learned about Jane Austen. We read a Usborne version of Pride and Prejudice. Maxwell was not interested. He was making duct tape wallets while listening. Is it some genetic thing that boys don't like Jane Austen? I LOVE Austen books. Oh well. We made silhouettes as a memento.

Then we got back to Canada, and I was sick so not much to post. We went to our co-op here. Maxwell goes to a cooking class, a math class and my theatre class. The other boys just go to a preschoolish class. Maxwell made an apple crumble at the cooking class.

We also learned about Samuel Morse. A great graphic novel about him is "Samuel Morse and the Telegraph" by Seidman. I bought a Morse code kit, but it was just a glorified buzzer. Next time around I think I'll get some walky talkies that buzz and see if my boys can send messages with Morse code. I'ld like them to memorize it someday (my husband grew up on a boat, so we think it's still useful.) ...---...

1 comment:

LynetteNovember 19, 2012 at 7:15 AM
Your husband grew up on a boat? How cool is that! How did you two meet, by the way? And I'm sad that you're back in Canada...I love Idaho! But yay for your house selling!!!
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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.