Where do we homeschool?

The obvious answer would be at home.  But in reality, homeschooling happens everywhere.  Most homeschoolers can honestly say that the world is their classroom. 

But you have to have a control center!  And that, obviously, is the home.

Like I said in my previous post, we spend one hour daily, Monday through Friday on what I call table work.  The rest of our day is spent going places, playing games, reading or listening to stories and just living life.  I'm reminded that in traditional cultures, this is mainly how children learn. They just live life along with their parents. They learn by watching and then doing.  And as far as I can see, this is still a magnificent way to gain knowledge.  

But in our modern times we have the privilege and opportunity to learn about things that may be beyond the scope of our experience.  There are also things we need to learn just to function such as reading and writing.  And so we do take some time to sit down and focus on these things.  (This is my personal belief and I would not purport to represent all homeschoolers.  There are so many styles of homeschooling and people adapt and change their approach many times based on life circumstance and the personality/learning style of the student.)

We have a relatively small house but it is quite comfortable, accommodating all of us easily.  (Though I do not love the town we live in, I am falling more and more in love with this house as I work hard to make it a home.)  Anyway, the only place we have a table large and high enough on which to do work is in the kitchen.  The kitchen is the center of our home.  Always busy, always stuff going on.  So I've had to get creative about how to store things so that they are easily accessible to us when we're "doing school", i.e. sitting at the table doing sit-down work.  I will have pictures soon but right now, I'll just explain. 

I use the walls a lot.  I have many hand-written charts on the walls and doors held with mounting putty or clear sealing tape depending on the surface.  Our alphabet chart is on the fridge.    I have the kids' magnetic calendar hanging on the wall next to our family planning calendar.  I would love for it to be lower but Z2 would definitely make a big mess of it.  I just take it off the wall and bring it to the table when we're ready to do calendar work.

On sentence strips on the top half of the back of the door, I've written out Z1's biographical information: address, phone number, country, name, etc . . . Our number chart is on the bottom half of the door.

To store our materials, I have a wide, clear 3-drawer cart.  It holds a lot of stuff so I've removed the wheels to make it more stable.  I don't move it around anyway.  The top drawer has arts and crafts supplies: glue, crayons, markers, pipe cleaners, glitter, etc.  The middle drawer is the math drawer: flash cards, parts of the Right Start curriculum, counting blocks, etc.  The bottom drawer is for handwriting/reading/spelling.  I guess I could call it the literacy drawer.  

On the table, I have four black plastic magazine files.  Here I store the books and notebooks that we use everyday.  One file is for Z2: sticker books and stuff pertinent to his learning.  The other 3 are for Z1: one for math, the other for literacy and the last for science/social studies. 

I'm pretty pleased with the set-up.  I am constantly thinking of ways to improve it.  I wish there were some way to have their books in the kitchen with us but we really don't have any more space in there.  But I'm thinking.  Even if we can't have all their books, there might be a way to display a few that I'd like to really focus on for the week or month.

When I tell people thaI really enjoyed going to school as a child, they often express surprise that I would then want to homeschool.  They don't understand that for me, school represented a proving ground, somewhere to show what I was worth--not knowing that I was priceless just because I am.  I didn't think learning happened anywhere else but the classroom and I was hyper-focused on doing well there.  I didn't realize until after I left school that there is so much more to education than what happens sitting at a desk at school.  I'm thrilled to be able to give my kids a different experience.  So while we do have a classroom of sorts set up in our house, I'm working hard so my children will understand.

Where do we homeschool?  Wherever we happen to be. 

Weekly Recap (09/20-09/24)

I am going to make it a point to post to this blog every Sunday.  I am confident I can keep up with this resolution.

So this week past was the second week that we have been consistently doing work, officially doing kindergarten.  I am still learning and sometimes it gets frustrating.  But I'm determined to really pay attention and learn what works best for us.

I had the wonderful opportunity to watch a vlog on YouTube about one family's homeschooling approach.  I encourage you to watch.  This mama's blog (Well-Trained Homeschool) is also listed on the sidebar and I really enjoy reading it.  Many of her ideas about homeschool mirror mine.  I'm learning, however, that based on my children's personality, I may have to modify things as we go along.  

So currently, we are doing an hour of sit-down work daily.  I start with the calendar.  Z1 crosses off the date and then we recite/go over the day of the week, the month, the date and the year.  I write it on triple-lined paper and he copies it.  We've also been practicing writing his first and last name.  We also do one letter from the Handwriting without Tears program (wet-dry-try and then writing in the workbook/coloring).  

We then move on to reading.  I've been using some resources from this site.  I also found an old-school reader at the thrift store for $0.19 that I will give a try.  Most of the time, we just read one of the books we've borrowed from the library for 10 minutes or so and then I ask questions.  But I don't necessarily trust myself to ask effective questions so I've been looking around to find some kind of program that I could use.  I did find Headsprout but I would not like to spend $100 on it right now.  Plus, I found it kind of boring (although Z1 liked it).

After reading, we move on to math.  Like I said, I purchased the RightStart Math curriculum and so far, so good.  I started at the very beginning of the program and it's basic for Z1:  he already knows most of it but it's a great review and a good way for him to familiarize himself with the tools the program uses such as tally marks and the abacus.   Also, started at such a basic level increases his confidence.  He thinks he rocks (and he does)!

So this is basically what we do daily.  For social studies, I am keeping it very informal.  Learning about how our neighborhood works and all that.  For science, I really don't know what to do so I think I'll just stick with the typical course of study for kindergarten and go through topic by topic, planning to cover everything by the end of the school year.  I'm keeping my eyes open for an amazing curriculum or something to come along.  I just place More Mudpies to Magnets on hold at the library.  I'm excited to see what it offers.  

My biggest challenge right now is getting Z1 to come to the table and do work.  Like most everything else I ask him to do, he complains and grumbles.  When we finally get into it, he enjoys it but it is like pulling teeth to get started.  I feel like I am forcing him and I don't want to do that.  The other day, I was being laid back about it and told him we needed to do some work that day and that he should let me know when he was ready.  It seemed like he would never be ready.  Eventually, I just had to bring him to the table by telling him that he couldn't play his Leapster all day and not do work.  So I'm just not sure what to do about that.  Generally, if we're going to do work, I'd prefer to do it in the morning while I have the most energy and patience.  I can get some housework done after and then we can head out of doors in the afternoon.  So I'm really meditating and trying to figure out where to go from here.

As for Z2, he sits at the table with us most of the time.  We work on letters, numbers, colors.  I let him play with clay or color or cut up stuff.  Sometimes he works at Starfall.  I try to make him feel included and to involve him as much as possible.  This way he doesn't get bored or interfere with Z1's learning.

So that's it for this week. 

School Starts Monday!

We are officially starting school this coming Monday after taking July and August off.  The school kids in our town start Monday as well so it just seemed like a good time for us to start.  The boys won't see any kids hanging out outside because they'll be in school!  

So let me share what we're going to be doing.  

Math

I was deliberating between Math-u-See and RightStart Math.  After reading tons of reviews, I'm going with RightStart Math.  I'm hoping and praying Z1 takes to it because it was pretty expensive.  My main thing was that many of the reviewers said it was fun for their children and they really enjoyed it.  I really want math to be pleasant for both of us.  Heretofore, it has not been.  I also have a 1st Grade math workbook and a workbook on time and money that I'm sure we'll be able to use for extra practice if we need it.

Social Studies/History

I am using the Year K Guided Journey at Lesson Pathways.  The first lesson is "Community: Where You Live" and this unit lasts one week.  I hope to get some books at the library on Tuesday that reinforce the lesson but I want to be more on top of things and get supporting books the week before.  I'm sure he will enjoy mailing something to himself!

Science 

We are doing the Year K Science Guided Journey.  The first lesson is "What is a Scientist?" which will take another week.  We'll be working on Social Studies and Science twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

Language Arts

We'll be doing the Year 1 Language Arts Guided Journey.  The first lesson is Bed in Summer.    We'll be working on Language Arts daily.  Z1 is actually a very strong reader so in terms of phonics and reading, we will just continue to borrow a wide variety of Level 2 and 3 books at the library.  I also have a spelling workbook and we'll probably complete one page daily.  I may purchase the All About Spelling curriculum for him though.  We will see.  

To start school each day, we will do some copywork combined with learning the calendar.  He will write out the day and date each day.  As his writing improves, we will do more copywork (poems, passages, etc).  Once a week, we will do Handwriting without Tears, Level K-1. 

Music

Z1 will be taking violin at the same church he took Kindermusik lessons.  Z2 will be taking Kindermusik lessons again.

Physical Education

Z1 will be taking basketball on Saturdays at the YMCA.  We will also be going on weekly (short) hikes.

For Z2, I've got sticker books (for learning numbers, letters and shapes) and I'm going to be following Brightly Beaning Steps to Reading Program Preparatory Curriculum.  Lesson #1 is about cows/calfs, the square shape, the letter A and the number 1.  Z2 will probably do a lot of coloring and puzzles.  He's 2 after all!!

So that's the plan.  I'll be modifying as we go along (of course).  I'm hoping to establish some strong homeschool ties for us this year.  We'll be headed into the city much more often and I'm considering enrolling Z1 in a class at The Roc.  I'm intimidated by the price but it might be well worth it. 

A good place

Z1 is now reading. I mean, really reading.  He surprises me often with just how naturally reading comes to him.  We've been using Hooked on Phonics which has been a great program for him but honestly, he is moving way faster than the program.  We're still using the program just to solidify the foundational aspects of reading but he is solidly into Level 1 reading books (which is first grade).  I am also pleased with his ability to comprehend what he reads.  He reads on his own without having to be prompted.  Z1 will be 5 in August so this is all very awesome to me!  I am an avid reader and I would be lying if I said it didn't excite me that it looks like Z1 will also be an avid reader.  I would be so happy to have engendered a love of reading in him!

For the past few weeks, I have been taking Z1 to the White Plains Library where they have a story and craft time particularly for older kids.  The drive is a bit long (20 minutes) especially since I am usually in White Plains again on Thursdays but I think the program is so worth it.  Like I said in my previous post, I feel like I have been lacking in the arts area and so this helps to fill in the gaps.  Aside from that, I bought a few art supplies to have on hand and I hope that encourages me to at least do little art projects.  For example, we made some flowers from paper and pipe cleaners and Z1 really enjoyed that activity. 

Our science unit on rocks went well although I feel like it's incomplete.  I lost steam but we were at least able to go out into nature and study rocks.  We've mused on the different types of rocks and talked about it.  It was a good introduction on the pre-school level to rocks.  There's one experiment I want to do (making an island) but the issue is carving out time to do it. 

And on the issue of time:  I have been finding it so difficult to get schooling in because of all the other things I have to do to keep the household running.  I am now staying consistent with doing schoolwork before and after meals.  I feel like I am not able to focus as much as I would like to before meals but Z1 is able to do workbook type stuff or practice his handwriting.  I realized that I really have to prioritize schooling and I think that when he is officially kindergarten age, I will become more strict about certain mornings being devoted to school. 

I have moved all the schooling materials into one rolling 3-drawer bin.  It's good to have everything together in one place although I intend to buy smaller trays to organize the bin a bit better.  I put all kinds of posters and things up on the wall in the kitchen so now it really looks like a learning environment.  I put up the calendar (which I'm trying to do with Z1 consistently) and other learning tools like a word wall and posters about reading rules and money.  Also, the week's spelling words are up. 

About spelling words, I think I'm going to have to wait a bit on going all out with spelling words until Z1's handwriting catches up. 

Last night after dinner, we played addition Bingo which was a lot of fun.  We'll definitely do that more often.

So that's really all that's been going on.  I think we're in a good place right now and moving forward.

Spelling Lists

In school, I actually enjoyed spelling quite a lot.  I went to parochial school and at the beginning of the week you'd get a spelling list.  On Monday for homework, you would write out each spelling word three times.  Tuesday, you would alphabetize the list.  Wednesday you would write the definition and on Thursday you would use them in sentences.  Using them in sentences was always the best part for me.  Writing the definitions was the worst part because it was tedious.  Especially if a word had multiple meanings.  On Fridays was the test.  I usually got a perfect score.  I have loved words all my life.    

Anyway, it occurred to me that Z1 might enjoy spelling words too.  So I went in search of first grade spelling lists and found this nifty site and this nifty site (which honestly I prefer because many of the words are sight words as opposed to words that can be easily sounded out).  We will incorporate spelling words into our routine and see how it works out.  

Update and New Unit: Rocks

So after much thinking, I've realized that both Z1 and I would do better with a lot more structure to our routine.  As much as I would like to have set times daily to do work, it doesn't always work because of our activities.  But my goal is to do at least one hour or academics daily and to stick more closely to our course of study. 

We've been doing well in reading (using the Hooked on Phonics program) and handwriting (using the Handwriting Without Tears program) and math (using the School Zone Big Math 1-2 workbook).

Some academic areas I've been neglecting are music, art and science. Z1 takes a music class but it's just singing and movement.  I need to get more serious about showing him basic piano skills and how to read music as well as music appreciation.  We listen to a lot of music but we haven't gotten into discussing it and so this is something I'm looking to do.  Art projects drive me batty--gluing, cutting and all that.  We don't have a lot of space and mess is just too much.  I would like to find some kind of weekly art program that's free or inexpensive so that he gets to make projects and be artistic and I get to keep my sanity.  And then there's science.  We covered the water cycle last but I feel that the gap between when we finished with that and when we started the new unit about rocks (today) was way too long.  Also, I feel our water cycle study wasn't as cohesive as I would have liked so I'm going about the rock unit a little differently.

First off, we're going to be doing our first lapbook for this unit.  I'm excited to see if we'll like doing it (or if it will just be tedious).  I'd like to use books, websites, DVDs and have a culminating field trip and then the lapbook will be the tangible thing we take from the unit.  Just today we learned that there are three kinds of rock.  I know that some of this will be over Z1's head but I don't have a problem exposing him to it. 

Some sites I've found so far through a preliminary google search:
http://www.rocksforkids.com/
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-games/rocks-game.php
http://www.rockhoundkids.com/
http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/15-science/97-rocks-a-minerals.html

I am borrowing The Well-Trained Mind from the library again with the intention of buying.  When I first read it, I thought it was way too structured but I'm more  ready to embrace it now.  I don't know what finally clicked but I'm liking the idea of classical education at home a lot more.

Celebrating Valentine's Day

So the origins of Valentine's Day are dubious.  I've never been too keen about it.  However, as part of the Kindergarten curriculum and since we live in a society that celebrates, we learned about. it  I borrowed quite a few books from the library about Valentine's Day and discovered that there are many different ideas about where it started and many interesting ways that it's celebrated. We discussed the symbols and read stories about it.  We made some Valentine's crafts and exchanged cards.  We baked heart shaped chocolate pretzels which were, umm, interesting.  However, I  think Z1 enjoyed the whole thing.  Happy Valentine's Day!!