Horton Prestige Academy of Art and Science

Today was a FABULOUS homeschooling day!  Everyday is pretty good, but I really enjoyed today.  And the kids enjoyed it, which is why I enjoyed it. 

I recently attended a conference where the speaker advised to have at least 3 days (she said consecutive...ha!) of no plans, just staying at home.  Today was one of those no other plans days, although not a consecutive one.  So last night I looked over our studies for today.  I went to Classroom Connection and got some stuff on geography and we had a lot of fun today.  The kids loved the map I got for the wall, and identifying the states and capitols, rivers and lakes.  They enjoyed learning about the Greeks and writing their name in Greek.  Rebecca loved the freedom of doing science projects that she could do all by herself, and document them.  They were good on their reading, language, writing, and math.  Jon was a bit frustrated with his new math book.  I looked at it and realized I'd bought the one for the 2nd half of 2nd grade!  But he still did it fine!  He's actually finished the first grade math I had him doing, and so now I'm onto something else.  I can't hardly wait til the homeschool convention in a few weeks where I can sort through, analyze and see first hand so many exhibitors.  I am hoping to find our fit for this next year, and will probably start on some of it in April. 

It's interesting how they excel in some things, need some work in other areas, and how you cater to their needs.  Both Jon and Becca are completely different math learners.  That has been a bit weird for me, I mean, I don't know why it would be since he's a boy and she's a girl, right?  But figuring it out through observation has been interesting.  And learning how I teach!  That has also been interesting to see what works best for me as a teacher. 

But outside of the basic subjects, all of which we did, we logged so many hours today, like 9, counting outside play for P.E. and Piano for both kids.  We spent the entire day doing "school" and it was fun!  This is what I've been trying to figure out.  How to make it fun.  I think I've just been overworking them, actually, scared to death of them "falling behind". But in actuality, I think they are making it just fine! I've been afraid to deviate from phonics, math and language, but am learning how to actually make it fun.  Today Jon read his phonics book, which I could tell he wasn't enjoying because it was about a girl.  So I gave him "Shoo Fly Guy".  A few months ago he was so intimidated by this book, but today he read it with ease and got a kick out of it!  I loved hearing him laugh as he read it to Savannah. 

 And I love the fact, that when it's so nice out, like the couple days we've had this week, I can send them outside and they love it!  So that's how we deal with spring fever, we bask in it.  I remember sitting in school on beautiful days, probably not learning much.  I feel bad when I look at the clock and it's 2:30 after we've had a great day full of great things, and kids are still in school and won't be home for an hour or two.  I'm glad my kids can still be kids and take hour long breaks of play outside.  And they are so creative!  Of course, it helps that the neighbor's cousins are visiting here on spring break and there have been tons of kids in our backyards this week. 

I'm also sooo grateful for the great scout troops in our group, both girl scouts and cub scouts!  I am so happy to have found a good girl scout troop for my daughters!  I gave up girl scouts as a girl because of the cliquey-ness.  I saw that with the troop Rebecca was in a couple years ago, and even among the leaders.  I'm impressed with this troop as they seem to try to include everyone and the girls all like each other.  I think she may go through Girl Scouts as far as she can!  But looking at the badge books, I think we need to incorporate scouting into Horton Prestige Academy of Arts and Sciences.  How many kids come home from school or on the weekend and have to do all their scouting stuff and don't have much time, or don't want to, or parents are too busy.  I'm glad earning badges can actually be part of our curriculum. 

Also, one of my favorite things now are audio books, or cds on my iPod.  I love the kids listening to books in the car.  They always are asking for one.  I actually came across a headline today "How to do School in the Car".  I thought that was funny, but I can see how it's possible! 

Another thing I've been thinking about is having a designated Art class.  I mean, we do projects and crafts, but a friend told me this week she really loves the art projects her son brings home from school.  Ahh, another thing to master.  I'll be researching some of those projects so we can do them here.  I actually have lots of ideas that go along with our history lessons, they just all take prep work.  I need to do better with that. 

So little by little I'm figuring it out (the kids, me, curriculum, routines, activities).  And Ed is soo supportive.  He loves helping Becca with her science projects, and having Jon help him build things, or watching the little girls while I do one on one time with another.  Things are looking up.

Yeah, it's been a good day.