To give my seven year old more practice at reading, I have done a little "research" at what other homeschool curriculum companies use or suggest for their readers based on grade level. I have then gone to my library and either gotten that exact book or chosen one that is close to the recommended book. This list is not complete because right now we are in the middle of second-grade work. In addition to our A Beka readers (morning time), the following books are ones that we read nightly along with at least one story out of the Beginner's Bible.
I can already tell a difference in his reading. He is much smoother and reads faster and self-corrects. He has more experience so he is more confident in his reading. It really is about practice makes perfect.
Frog and Toad are Friends
Hill of Fire
Amelia Bedelia
One fish two fish red fish blue fish
Five Little Pumpkins
I Want to be an Astronuat
Put Me in the Zoo
Father Bear Comes Home
Come Back, Amelia Bedelia
Frog and Toad All Year
Grasshopper on the road
Mouse Tales
Pompeii: Buried Alive!
Wagon Wheels
Surprises!
Owl at Home
The Big Balloon Race
Daniel's Duck
The Fire Cat
Again, this is an incomplete list as we are in the middle of our school year but I will be posting off and on as we read and discover more books.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Portfolio
I've just been looking at the massive stack of worksheets and papers my Jordan produced this year. YIKES! What do I do with all that stuff???? I don't want to throw away anything and yet. . . I do not have the organization skills nor space to accomodate it all.
I've heard several people discussing their high schoolers' "portfolios" and I'm encouraged. After reading a couple of blog entries on the web this one is the best in my opinion. And after talking to a friend who is a school teacher, I'm encouraged. It sounds just like what Jordan needs me to do for him. Apparently, I just need to keep the best work/tests he's done and show growth and mastery. That's easy. Here in the great state of Georgia we are only required to turn in daily attendance and keep a yearly assessment--which is still in the works. So, I can keep my Georiga requirements, best work, goals and objectives all in one place instead of file folders. It even sounds neater. I think a three ring binder will work best. Now, I've just got to get a three-hole punch. . .
It's going to take some time to go through ten months of paperwork and pick out the best but at least it will be fresh in my mind as we plow through second grade in a few weeks. Bookshelf done . . . portfolio--watch out. I'm crossing you off my list next!
I've heard several people discussing their high schoolers' "portfolios" and I'm encouraged. After reading a couple of blog entries on the web this one is the best in my opinion. And after talking to a friend who is a school teacher, I'm encouraged. It sounds just like what Jordan needs me to do for him. Apparently, I just need to keep the best work/tests he's done and show growth and mastery. That's easy. Here in the great state of Georgia we are only required to turn in daily attendance and keep a yearly assessment--which is still in the works. So, I can keep my Georiga requirements, best work, goals and objectives all in one place instead of file folders. It even sounds neater. I think a three ring binder will work best. Now, I've just got to get a three-hole punch. . .
It's going to take some time to go through ten months of paperwork and pick out the best but at least it will be fresh in my mind as we plow through second grade in a few weeks. Bookshelf done . . . portfolio--watch out. I'm crossing you off my list next!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summertime Blues
Today is not going well at all. I'm bored. And my kids continually call, "Mama" in their whiny voice. UGHHHHHHHH!! I am ready for a schedule. I thought I would plan my summer out soo well. "Free play" for the boys always ends up with fighting and not sharing.
This is one of those days that I truly can envy the working mom. I must need Prozac or something. Maybe I'm hormonal like my gyno said. I just feel the need for space from these little guys!! Jordan has had a bad attitude the minute I suggested doing some reading. I resent that. Bad choice of words. I just want him to simply read a few minutes a day.
My original plan was to do some extra character training on a few issues. Well, that hasn't played out. I'm just Ms. Negativity today. Sorry.
I even told my hubby maybe we should go year round. I figured it out. We would have more breaks and could do 15 days of school a month appoximately to give us our 180 required by law. But there's always that one grand notion that crashes to earth in the vehicle of reality. Kinda like my summer. . .
Yeah. . . those hormones are kicking. I feel like I'm screaming inside, "I want some space!!!"
Our situation is this: my mom and my husband's parents live in another state. My sister has her hands full and running over with a 24 year old and 19 year old who don't work. Relatives of my husbands live within driving distance but we don't have the gas money to go visit them. I have friends at church but everyone works or has the money to keep their kids in sports or camps or just busy. Babysitting other people's kids is NOT my forte and in the past creates problems with my youngest! So, my kids have me. Poor things.
Okay, this blog will get brighter. I promise. No more negativity. . . at least, I'm outlawing it for tomorrow's agenda!!!
Tomorrow is another day. Maybe a brighter day, I hope. I am a schedule-oriented person. I function knowing what needs to be done when.
This is one of those days that I truly can envy the working mom. I must need Prozac or something. Maybe I'm hormonal like my gyno said. I just feel the need for space from these little guys!! Jordan has had a bad attitude the minute I suggested doing some reading. I resent that. Bad choice of words. I just want him to simply read a few minutes a day.
My original plan was to do some extra character training on a few issues. Well, that hasn't played out. I'm just Ms. Negativity today. Sorry.
I even told my hubby maybe we should go year round. I figured it out. We would have more breaks and could do 15 days of school a month appoximately to give us our 180 required by law. But there's always that one grand notion that crashes to earth in the vehicle of reality. Kinda like my summer. . .
Yeah. . . those hormones are kicking. I feel like I'm screaming inside, "I want some space!!!"
Our situation is this: my mom and my husband's parents live in another state. My sister has her hands full and running over with a 24 year old and 19 year old who don't work. Relatives of my husbands live within driving distance but we don't have the gas money to go visit them. I have friends at church but everyone works or has the money to keep their kids in sports or camps or just busy. Babysitting other people's kids is NOT my forte and in the past creates problems with my youngest! So, my kids have me. Poor things.
Okay, this blog will get brighter. I promise. No more negativity. . . at least, I'm outlawing it for tomorrow's agenda!!!
Tomorrow is another day. Maybe a brighter day, I hope. I am a schedule-oriented person. I function knowing what needs to be done when.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Falling off the Face of the. . . Blog?
Okay. So. . . I was doing good with my blogging and got blindsided by the ending of our school year. And then, VBS, etc. etc. At least, that's the excuse I'm giving out. So, sorry. I was tired and sooo were my little guys. I don't know who needed the break more me. . . or them. I vote for myself. I was ready for a major break. I will never never do school into June. I know and admire the homeschool mamas out there who relentlessly school through the summer. God bless you! I am bowing down kissing your toesies! That's not ME! Sorry. . . .once again. I love a change of pace and my mind and my house are begging for someone to come and clean out our cobwebs.
Jordan on the other hand wants to start second grade. He's a bookie like me. What can I say? He loves a new book--even if they are school books. Poor guy. I, too, am ready to start. I've been drooling and oogling my teacher's book from "My Father's World"--the new curriculum we're going to start in August.
Jordan on the other hand wants to start second grade. He's a bookie like me. What can I say? He loves a new book--even if they are school books. Poor guy. I, too, am ready to start. I've been drooling and oogling my teacher's book from "My Father's World"--the new curriculum we're going to start in August.
Alas, my brain has got to reorganize and revamp not only itself but all the rooms in my house. I want soo much for this next year to be fun. I want to get the schooling done but enjoy my kids as well. I think I spent too much time on discipline and respect and not enough on just showing them how much fun learning can be.
I've been re-organizing (in my brain) how I want things set up for next year. Yesterday I went through stack after stack after stack of papers. What to do with all those papers? Of course, Jordan's drawings and school tests, forms, and worksheets I keep. But I threw out a garbage bag full of papers. Actually I had to sneakily throw them out--Jordan is a bad pack rat. I mean he keeps everything including receipts.
Well, it's great to be blogging again. My wonderful hubby has bought us a new computer--finally--so I'll be breaking it in, uploading pics and hopefully re-arranging stuff on the blog. It's great to be back!!!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mexico Week
This week we began our look at other countries and cultures. We took a look at the wonderful country of Mexico. I knew this would be a fun mini-unit study but I never expected Jordan to be as excited as he was about it. He LOVED it! He didn't want to stop coloring. And enjoyed our crafts.
I do have to say, I had planned many more crafts than actually got accomplished. Jordan's seventh birthday was in the middle of the week and we took the day off to enjoy it with him. I hadn't planned to do that. My hubby is very spontaneous and wanted to give him the day off, so what's a mom to say??
However, we had a great week starting the day out with Mexico. Listed below are some of the coloring sheets I used for Jordan (first grade) to make a Mexico booklet. This one has a coloring page of a Mexico blanket, sombrero that my little guys had a blast coloring.
My coloring worksheets from Enchanted Learning were fabulous. We incorporated the Map of Mexico, Flag of Mexico, and animals commonly found in Mexico such as the Kangaroo Rat, Chihuahua Dog, and Roadrunner from their site. Enchanted Learning not only gives you a "coloring page" to color, it is also chock full of great info. I should mention that I am a member of Enchanted Learning. Membership is $20/yr and is a great resource. I cannot recommend it enough.
Spanish dictionary from Enchanted Learning to color and fun to run through the words for the kids to hear a different language! The boys learned spanish words such as siesta, fiesta, Feliz Cumpleanos (Jordan's birthday was last week), sombrero and we reviewed Spanish colors and numbers.
I also hit on a great place to look at some sites around Mexico that gives you a virtual tour . Jordan and I checked out the Chiapas virtual tour and then we got to see the ruins at Palenque along with Agua Azul. Breathtaking waterfalls. This site is loaded with lots of stuff--just be sure to check it before you involve your child. You know how websites can change overnight. I believe there is also a map of volcanoes around Mexico. It would add a little more science/geography to the unit study.
I do have to say, I had planned many more crafts than actually got accomplished. Jordan's seventh birthday was in the middle of the week and we took the day off to enjoy it with him. I hadn't planned to do that. My hubby is very spontaneous and wanted to give him the day off, so what's a mom to say??
However, we had a great week starting the day out with Mexico. Listed below are some of the coloring sheets I used for Jordan (first grade) to make a Mexico booklet. This one has a coloring page of a Mexico blanket, sombrero that my little guys had a blast coloring.
My coloring worksheets from Enchanted Learning were fabulous. We incorporated the Map of Mexico, Flag of Mexico, and animals commonly found in Mexico such as the Kangaroo Rat, Chihuahua Dog, and Roadrunner from their site. Enchanted Learning not only gives you a "coloring page" to color, it is also chock full of great info. I should mention that I am a member of Enchanted Learning. Membership is $20/yr and is a great resource. I cannot recommend it enough.
Spanish dictionary from Enchanted Learning to color and fun to run through the words for the kids to hear a different language! The boys learned spanish words such as siesta, fiesta, Feliz Cumpleanos (Jordan's birthday was last week), sombrero and we reviewed Spanish colors and numbers.
I also hit on a great place to look at some sites around Mexico that gives you a virtual tour . Jordan and I checked out the Chiapas virtual tour and then we got to see the ruins at Palenque along with Agua Azul. Breathtaking waterfalls. This site is loaded with lots of stuff--just be sure to check it before you involve your child. You know how websites can change overnight. I believe there is also a map of volcanoes around Mexico. It would add a little more science/geography to the unit study.
For Mexico crafts and recipes, my favorite website is DLTK-KIDS . We made a newspaper sombrero and painted it. Very cool! My boys love to play dress-up. We also made a colorful blanket they could wear by painting stripes on newspaper and then tying string to the edges which were hole-punched. I cut a hole in the middle for their heads to fit through. Cute! For maracas, I did the easy-peasy paper-plate maracas located on dltk.com's website. All you need is beans or rice, two paper plates, stapler and markers or paint and crepe streamers or tissue paper cut into ribbons.
Dltk-kids also has a cute Spanish song that we have learned to sing to the tune of "Are You Sleeping" that my little guys and I sing all the time now.
For general information on Mexico as country I used Wikipedia as my resource. I also used this site to find out about the sports they like to play such as soccer, baseball, bullfighting, charreria, etc.
To wrap up the week the boys dressed up and put on a show for Daddy. They sang their song and told about all the things they had learned about Mexico. We played "Blind Chicken" after eating some yummy tacos and tostadas and mexican bunuelos. YUM!!
We have had soo much fun learning about Mexico that Jordan is ready to pack his bags and go there to visit:)
OOOh-Lala . . . Free Rosetta Stone
Wow, if there's one thing I REALLY would love for my boys to study it's foreign languages. I would be right there with them, too!! My Father's World curriculum sings the praises of Rosetta Stone's successful approach to teaching languages but alas, it's expensive and doesn't fit into our meager budget. But the cool thing is I came across a CONTEST for a FREE Rosetta Stone Latin program. Check it out below and be sure to go to http://jeneralities.com/?p=541986 to ENTER THE CONTEST.
Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.This is a $259 program (and believe me it’s worth every penny!).This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post. And good luck!****
Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.This is a $259 program (and believe me it’s worth every penny!).This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post. And good luck!****
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Countries and Cultures
I am so excited!! We are going to wrap up our geography with trips to other countries! Well, not literally. I'm currently writing lesson plans and finding some great websites to enrich our learning of the countries. According to my KONOS Curriculum Volume 1, the author states that to write a lesson plan on other countries and cultures you need to research the following: geography, literature, costrumes, food (the best part!), dances, songs, music, festivals, sports, games, art, religion, and flag. I'm also including native animals and Christian missionary stories as well as climate.
Here is a list of countries that we are going to explore in depth:
Mexico
Peru
England
France
Italy
Israel
Egypt
India
China
Australia
and a few we're just going to graze the surface of Germany,
Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Bahamas, Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands.
I wish we had time to explore all of the in depth but I plan on accomplishing that during our third grade year with My Father's World: Exploring Countries and Cultures. I can't wait.
Here is a list of countries that we are going to explore in depth:
Mexico
Peru
England
France
Italy
Israel
Egypt
India
China
Australia
and a few we're just going to graze the surface of Germany,
Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Bahamas, Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands.
I wish we had time to explore all of the in depth but I plan on accomplishing that during our third grade year with My Father's World: Exploring Countries and Cultures. I can't wait.
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