Homeschooling An Only Child

Amy of one of my favorite blogs Milk and Cookies, has written an insightful article on Homeschooling an Only Child for Heart of The Matter Online Magazine.

So many conferences so little time or money

This weekend there is the big homeschool conference down in Austin. I really was looking forward to going, but after much prayer, it is not feasible at this time. I have decided on my curriculum for next year and have all my material so I am set in that department. The speakers look interesting but not vital for us. I was looking forward to fellowship with some of the other homeschoolers I have met online but many are not attending due to gas prices.

But I am really excited about the 2008 First Annual Heart of the Matter Online Homeschool Virtual Conference.

The topics are very interesting, such as:

• Learning and Having Fun with Your Children
• Finding Quiet Time
• Setting Goals for your Homeschool
• Homeschooling with Joy

Clay+Book+Imagination =The Universe

No parental guidance was sought or used to complete this project.

Spray painting is better done outside

Enough said???

We were attempting to make flowers with coffee filters.
This is great exercise for working fine motor skills.

But remember to use an easel and washable paints.

We switched to an easel and the back fence. Remember it is for the cause of learning. LOL!

SeaWorld In June

Thanks to the generosity of a co-worker of DH's we got to go SeaWorld during the middle of the week for FREE! We also got a bunch of coupons for free park food. We packed a cooler full of goodies and gassed up the van (we will not talk about that drama) headed off to SeaWorld. We got lucky and got to park on the second row in front of the park. One short stroll and we were in time for the first Shamu show of the day.

TS was not really feeling the "Splash Zone" because those fish poo in that water. Because of the small crowd, we got to ask questions of Shamu's caretakers after the show. It was a great day. Fun was had by all because we got to see all his favorite water animals.

I feel a summer unit study on sea life coming on........

As the sun set in the sky we were all tired but happy from this great adventure.

Summertime Fun

Thanks to our local library we have loads of summertime fun. It's free, inside, we can share with our friends and did we say it was fun!

I Won

Jenny at Little Acorns Treehouse did a “Barely Used “ give-a-way this week. We won Five in a Row, volume 2. Thanks so much Jenny, I cannot wait to start rowing.

This will be our first year using FIAR (Five In A Row). I am so excited about this program. How did we find it…well short version. Last year was a blast with co-ops, music, and art and gym classes. We did little Hooked On Phonics Workbook and HWT. Our main curriculum consisted of me following what he was interested in (plants, cars, states and dinos) from books selected at the library. I then would make my own unit studies using online resources to incorporate math, science and art themes. Little did I know this is the basic setup of FIAR. I did not even know I was rowing. However, the late nights pulling it all together took a toll on me.

So at a suggestion again from Jenny at Little Acorns Treehouse I read Cathy Duffy's book 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style because I needed a plan that would allow me enjoy our time together while being fully awake.

I read the entire book in one day; it was eye opening to say the least. I found that our learning styles are more suited to unit studies and manipulative based math.

The book actually outlines the types of curriculum based on your child’s or children’s’ learning style. Then it outlines each program. FIAR seems like such a natural fit for us.

As I look at my blog history, it is a good fit. To learn more about Five In A Row go to http://www.fiarhq.com/.

Moreover, the books used are found in one of the five local libraries we frequent monthly. That so appealed to the hubby frugalness.

I made a matrix (yeah I am a engineer by education LOL!) of each local library and which titles they have on hand. Maybe this will keep me from frequenting every used Homeschool Curriculum sales in the area. Nawwwwwwwwwwwwww

I'm Bacccccccccccccck

We have been on blog-blackout due to end of year activities and illness. Now everyone is healthy and getting ready for summer.

We have a lot to share..stay tune.