Co-op makes life easier

This year we decided to try something new. All of the kids except Macadamia (she has had some health issues and needed a lighter load) are attending an academy program/co-op. It is a Christian based program, run by a group of homeschooling moms. The teachers are moms/dads with expertise in whatever subject they are teaching. You are required to volunteer if you have a child K-6. I volunteer in high school Biology and Spanish 1. Cashew is taking Biology, Pistachio is taking Literature and Physical Science. I am very proud to say that they received "A's" on their first progress report! And these are tough classes! Almond is taking Sing and Sign, and Science. She looks forward to it every week! Peanut attends "preschool" and is learning Zoo Phonics. I am so pleased with how it has worked out for us. The kids are learning, socializing, and getting a break from their siblings (and mom!). This also eliminates the planning of some major subjects and allows me more time to do other things. How cool is that!?!

New Identity

So here I am again...trying so desperately to blog. I've had several attempts at this, but just can't seem to stay consistent. A dear friend of mine encouraged me to get going again, so I took her up on the challenge. I've decided to blog at least once a week and maybe try to comment on my favorite blogs too. We discussed privacy issues, and I've decided to keep my blog public, but to retain some anonymity, I've decided to use a pseudonym for my children. I thought of something crazy but meaningful... Since we're all "nuts" in this house (you gotta be to keep up!), I've decided to replace real names with the names of their favorite nuts...LOL! So from here on out, my precious children will be referred to with the following endearing terms:

Cashew = 16 y.o. son
Macadamia = 14 y.o. daughter
Pistachio = 12 y.o. son
Almond = 7 y.o. daughter
Peanut = 3 y.o. daughter

Wow, I think I'm starting to enjoy this!

Handicrafts

I'm always on the look out for great ideas, especially for my boys. My girls naturally enjoy trying hand-on activities. My 14 year old daughter is a self-taught knitter, can crochet and sew some, and has even made her own socks! We will start crocheting with my 7 year old, and she has done some looming and simple stitching. I just found this blog and am looking forward to finding new ideas...

Handicraft Place

Update on 2nd Grade Curriculum

Okay, we're almost there! Curriculum plans are just about set, though I'm still struggling with Language Arts for the 2nd grader... I did FLL last year, very loosely, and couldn't stand the repetitiveness and drill... I'm very drawn to Ruth Beechick's philosophy, and am trying to find something that falls in line with a gentle, integrated approach to language arts... I'm seriously considering Primary Language Lessons, but I keep doubting myself and keep worrying! My plan is also to take excerpts from her literature and use that as well. Seriously, does a 2nd grader really need to know what an adverb is??? NO! I know I need to just stop and go with my gut feeling... I've prayed about this and felt great about it, but now that we're getting closer, I seem to be 2nd guessing myself... I need to stop reading the WTM boards, that's what I need to do! LOL!

Curriculum, 9th Grade

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Padfield.com

English
Literature with guides
(List will be added to as books completed)
A Separate Peace, Knowles
Applications of Grammar
Word Roots


Geography
Trail Guide to World Geography

Math
Key To Geometry
Math U See Geometry

Science
BJU Biology (taken at a co-op)

Art
Artistic Pursuits

Music/Arts
Violin, Private Lessons
Piano
Music appreciation/composer study (Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaivchosky, Chopin)

Foreign Language
Spanish 1 (taken at a co-op)

P.E.
Ballet III (en pointe, pas de deaux)

Curriculum, 11th Grade

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Padfield.com

English
Literature with guides
(List will be added to as books completed)
The Hobbit, Tolkein
Writing Skills (review of grammar and writing skills)
Word Roots

History
American Government, A Beka
Economics, A Beka
US History, Community College

Science
BJU Biology (taken at a co-op)

Math
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2

Music
Bass Guitar, Private Lessons

Elective
Computer Science, Community College
Driver's Education

Slowly Adding

This site in under construction! With curriculum planning for next year, and everything else that goes on in a house with 7 people, I don't get a lot of time to sit at the computer. I'm still deciding on curriculum for next year, so I will post and update when I get a chance. I'm still getting the hang of this. Hopefully I will figure out how to link to some of my favorite homeschool blogs.