Lindy's Homeschool: Snow, A synagogue, Guatemala, Cuba, and Play tryouts

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Snow, A synagogue, Guatemala, Cuba, and Play tryouts

This week we did a lot, but we didn't do a lot. Whatever. Welcome to my homeschool.

On Monday and Tuesday, the rest of our immediate world had snow days. Homeschooler's don't have snow days. I did use this as an excuse to not do science club though. In fact, science, robotics, and co-op are on hold until after the holidays (yippee!)

We went to a Jewish synagogue this week. We were going to Calgary anyway, and I was reading cub badge "world religions" requirements, and I got inspired to find the fanciest synagogue I could and get an appointment for a tour.

We ended up going to Beth Tzedec Conservative congregation. It was a really awesome experience. The Rabi was super nice and informative, and we got to ask questions I've always wanted to ask a jew. It was amazing how many things are affected by not having a temple "we don't do sacrifices because we don't have a temple" "we don't have priests because we don't have a temple" "we don't have tithing because we don't have a temple" and when you talk about rebuilding the temple "That is a BIG if. The Messiah would have to come before that is possible." So fascinating!

Anyway, the boys all had to wear yamakas into the synagogue, and we got to see handmade scrolls that were 100s of years old.

If you live in this area, I totally suggest doing this.

Moving on, we studied Guatemala this week. We made banderitos as our activity. All the boys loved this.

We also studied Cuba. We made little "Tody" birds as our activity. Only Maxwell was really interested in this out of my boys, but hey, we had a million cousins over. Cousins are more interesting than crafts.

Lastly, we had our Alternate school Christmas party. Can I just say once again that I am one blessed homeschool mom to have so many resources and people who support me? Anyway, as part of this party, they had tryouts for the two plays they are doing this spring. The teenagers are doing Shakespeare, and the littles are doing Peter Pan. I hardly ever check one of my email accounts, so I got this notice late, so my boys didn't have too much time to prepare (one day) but I think they were pretty cute anyway:

Hyrum got the part of Michael, and Maxwell's a lost boy. I have to admit, I'm a bit excited about them being in a play. I sure loved being in them when I was little.

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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.