Curriculum Picks

After admitting my failures and anxieties in yesterday's post, I thought I'd try a more positive approach today and share with you the curriculum we've chosen this year.

E3 is enjoying Rod and Staff's simple ABC pre-k set. There are actually seven books total in this curriculum including a Bible story book that I read aloud to him. He colors in the coloring book that accompanies the story book and then does a page from Adventures with Books and Counting with Numbers. We'll start the other books later in the year. As you can see, he la-la-loves to color. It is not uncommon for him to spend the entire 3 hours we spend in the schoolroom each day coloring in his books.

H5 is in Kindergarten/first grade this year. She's halfway through Math K which she will continue, and at the rate she flies through it, I'm expecting her to be finished way before Christmas at which point I will probably start her on Math Mammoth's 1st grade. We're using the Italic series for Handwriting, and Language Arts 1 from Christian Light Education. She's also working her way through Explode the Code 1 & 2. This child is the Workbook Queen. I'm not kidding, I can not give her enough worksheets, so these are all perfect curriculum for her.

E6's independent work is not as extensive. He's my hands-on man and does not do quite as well with a lot of workbooks. He's using Math Mammoth 2nd grade and Explode the Code 3 and 4. His entire English program is based around Explode the Code as I'm using the Teacher's Guide to add in related Language Arts activities. I've also got Beyond the Code to use with him this year.

A8 is using Math Mammoth 3rd grade, Rod and Staff Beginning Wisely, Explode the Code Books 5 & 6, Phonetic Zoo for spelling. She's required to keep a History and Science Notebook, and to read 2 books independently a month. Book reports are due on the 2nd and 4th Fridays.

Silly-faced G9 is using Saxon 5/4, Rod and Staff Beginning Wisely, Explode the Code Books 7 & 8, Phonetic Zoo for spelling. He's also required to keep a History and Science Notebook, and to read 2 books independently a month. Book reports are due on the 2nd and 4th Fridays.

L2 plays in the toy area of the schoolroom during lessons, but also has a desk set up with her own crayons and coloring books. She also frequently plays with our Preschool Activities in a Bag (shown above).


The whole family is enjoying Who is God? published by Apologia, Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day (Jeannie Fulbright also by Apologia), and Story of the World Volume 1.

And even though we didn't get to it last week, our plan is to make Friday our Art and Music Day. We'll be learning to play the xylophone, using a curriculum I bought at the Midwest Homeschool Conference and focusing on an artist and composer of the month.

I'm also hoping to add in a curriculum that I've been wanting to use for a couple of years...both are from Pearables:

Lessons in Responsibility for Boys (for the big boys)

Home Ec (for the big girls)

But I really think the only time we could fit these in would be on Saturday mornings when Daddy could lead the boys and I could teach the girls...oh, to Saturday school or not to Saturday school? Should it really be a question?

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Summary of the first 6 days of the homeschool year.

Obsessive-compulsive planning

+ overestimation of amount of work that can be completed in a seven hour period

+ saying yes to doctors, physical/occupational/ speech therapists, family,and two well meaning friends who ask to visit/schedule appointments during the school day

= seven children who barely put a dent in the school work their teacher actually planned for the first week AND one overwhelmed, procrastinating homeschool Mama whose brain feels like mush and who is about to binge on apple pie, yarn, and a sappy romantic comedy.

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The Sun Shines LATE at night!

It's been quite some time since I received a Blog Award, so imagine my surprise a couple of days ago when I logged onto my computer and found that not one, but TWO people had awarded me the Sunshine Award...Embracing Destiny and Marcy at Ben and Me. What a way to brighten my day!

So here are the rules:

1. Thank the one who gave it to you and link to their blog.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Choose seven others to bless with the award and let them know they've won an award.

Seven Random Things About Me:
1. I like my caffeine cold...I'll take a diet cherry coke over coffee almost any morning.
2. I share the same birthday with my mother and grandmother.
3. I've had the same pair of tennis shoes since I was a freshman in highschool...I really don't wear tennis shoes very often.
4. Actually, I prefer to be barefoot and would wear sandals year-round if it were socially acceptable.
5. My love language is gifts...and I really love gifts!...especially if they are books or yarn.
6. I'm currently reading through Hebrews.
7. More currently, I'm wondering why I decided to create this post so late at night.

Now for the wonderful bloggers I would like to pass this award on to:

Rebecca at Renaissance has the most beautiful blog with literally the most breathtaking photos. Plus she will be delivering her newest blessing any day now!

Momma K at Working on a Full House is a SuperMama and SuperWoman of Faith. She inspires me each time I read her blog.

Kelly at Hearts wide Open is a friend of mine. Her sweet family are adopting from Ethiopia and her blog is helping them raise funds and chronicle their wonderful journey.

Jenn at Classless and Loving It has received a few bloggy awards from me, but she deserves each and every one of them! She is as beautiful and witty as I have ever wanted to be.

Melissa at In The Sparrows Nest and Cindy at Our Journey Westward have also received bloggy awards from me. But I have learned SO much about homeschooling and nature study from these two mamas that I will never tire of recommending their sites to everyone.

Amy at Buffaloes and Butterflies Wings is a so creative and a superblogger! I always, always get ideas from her when I head over to her blog.


That's it for me...Have a sunshine-y day ...or night! Pin It Now!

Schoolhouse Expo

It's back to homeschool time and registration is open for the online
Schoolhouse Expo, October 4-8. It's five days of top homeschool
speakers, fellowship, and fun door prizes.

I got a chance to participate in the Schoolhouse Expo in May and it was so nice! I just love listening to homeschool speakers and learning new ideas! Oh, and I just love getting the freebies too! ;-)



You can save $5 per ticket when you register between August 16 and midnight August 22,
and you'll pay only $19.99. Plus you'll receive over $200 in free
E-Books. (Freebies!!!)

You'll be inspired by speakers including: Zan Tyler, Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie
Fulbright,Carol Barnier, Diana Waring, Todd Wilson, Davis Carman, Kim
Kautzer, Lee Binz, and many more!

A special teen track is planned--the entire family will definitely
want to listen to these special sessions. We've also planned a special
focus on a topic that touches every homeschool--writing. Plus, an
array of other topics that will inform and inspire you throughout your
homeschooling years.

Don't forget, MP3 copies of each session comes with your LIVE event ticket.

Two special preconference shows on August 24 and September 21 with Dr.
Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright, and Kim Kautzer!

Register starting 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 16.

The theme this fall is "Celebrate Homeschooling!" We're going to
celebrate the unique blessings of homeschooling, the beginning of
another school year, our families, and the freedom to tailor our
children's education to best meet their needs.

If you cannot make the Live event, then the October Expo To Go is
just your ticket! You'll reserve MP3s from all of the workshops. This
week only, pay just $14.95!

You can visit either of these links to get more information.
http://www.SchoolhouseExpo.com
or
http://bit.ly/aWHFiL

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It was the First Day of First Grade...

...and Pre-K, and 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, and 4th grade.

The schoolyear has officially begun for Integritas Academy! We started with a 'First Day of School' photo.


Followed by prayer time and Bible lessons. L2 was so sweet as she prayed for a family friend.


Each of our students had freshly sharpened pencils and brand new folders on their desks. Their folders contained a calendar (to write their important dates), a daily schedule, and their weekly expectations (includes new chore assignments and how many lessons of each subject need to be completed each week).


I'll admit...it certainly wasn't all peaches and cream. Five students on five different levels all using brand new curriculum, and throw in a 2 year old and 11 month old...let's just say, I'm glad the first day is over.


After lunch we had our 'fun' subjects. Story of the World for History and Exploring Creation with Flying Creatures for Science. The coolest part was this fun 'air pressure' experiment. Place a straw in a glass of water. Using a second straw, blow air up and over the top of the straw in the water. This will lessen the air pressure in the straw causing the water in the straw to squirt out. Fun!

Now on to the second day of second grade...and 1st grade, and third grade, and...

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Newport Aquarium

It seems to me every year I look forward to summer being relaxing and laid back. And then somehow, it is always ridiculously busy. When we are doing school I always have a reason to say, 'No, we can't do that'...but in the summer it seems there is always something to do and no reason to say no to it! So our days have been super busy with little time for 'computer play'. Thus, my absence here.





Thanks to hubby's new job, we have gotten the opportunity to do several things that would normally be too pricey for our super-sized family including a day trip to the Newport Aquarium.

Here are all the kids minus Levi, since I was wearing him and "we" were taking the pictures.


I know this pic is a little blurry, but I just love the look on L2's face. This was taken inside the first tunnel we went through with fish and sharks swimming over top us and all around.


Cool starfish...and I know you're probably thinking, like me, that my oldest G9 needs a haircut. Don't worry, it's already been taken care of.


Always a hit with the little ones...Nemo fish!


And these are my absolute favorites. I think the jellyfish are just so pretty and take the best pictures.

One more for good measure.

This one didn't turn out so well, but it was fun for the kids to pretend like they were being attacked by the jellyfish.


And of course....a shark.


At the end we watched the "Penguin Sunset"...about 75 people gathered around the penguin tank at 4:30pm as a worker flipped the lightswitch. At least they were cute.

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Chemistry on DVD

As a 2nd year member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I have been given the wonderful opportunity to review many homeschool products. The only compensation that I receive for my review is the free product. I feel truly blessed to be participating in this review group and I'm looking forward to trying out these products and giving you my honest opinion.

In our area, nothing says Summer like Yardsale. I just love finding a good deal for my money...especially during summer time.

And if I were to sum up the Chemistry AP Exam Prep DVD by Light Speed it would be to say that it is a good deal for your money.

Cerebellum Corporation offer a variety of different Light Speed AP Exam DVDs at extremely affordable prices.

This particular DVD is 55 minutes of help to your student preparing for a Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in Chemistry. Thirty essential Chemistry topics are covered in bite-size one minute segments for your student to rewind and review again and again. The video also includes helpful tips, strategies, and advice to help students pass their exam.

A digital workbook comes along with the DVD. This workbook includes quizzes, game, practice questions, and more.

The Chemistry AP Exam Prep DVD by Light Speed is regularly $14.98, but is currently on sale for $11.42. And if that wasn't good enough, you can use the coupon code OSH20 for an additional 20% off (til 12/31/10), and if your order is over $25.00 the shipping is FREE. Um, wow! That's cheap. Check out Cerebellum Corp and all their products today. You'll also find more reviews of videos from this company at the TOS Crew Blog.

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