Owen's Week: He learned about the great squid, brought his praying mantis egg sack to his first show & tell, enjoyed watching his painted lady chrysallis emerge into a butterfly, and studied and African Savannah ( made a prairie dog and lion). He does so many hands on projects everyday, I couldnt possibly list them all here..but these were his favorites!

MHEA Art Contest!

Julia received third place for "The Reading Room" and Owen won second place for "Yummy Cookies". Owen's painting will now go onto the next level. This is his very first award! We are so proud of both of them.

Biology Class: Using Correct Latin terminology

BIOLOGY CLASS

I am teaching a Biology class to two additional students besides my own.

Its a totally hands on class using my very favorite Real Science 4 Kids....( the books I sell at conventions). Today we had a scavenger hunt searching for specific species within our home using the correct Latin Terminology. Scientists around the world refer to animals and plants using their Latin name. Latin is a universal language in the scientific world. The name of each animal is spoken as its genus followed by species. This was great fun and they really caught onto the concept of classification.

Its scary that we actually had nine species of animals in our house and yard, LOL...all pets! The kids are holding their "Clue Cards" over the correct species:)

First Week Of School

Owen's Marshmallow Math ( his very favorite)!

Animal pattern block math

Owen with his animals made by vegetable stamping ( we used a real potato and carrot)

Native American Crafts by Julia:

Tepee and Possibles Bag ( early American hunters used these)

School Year Has Started!

Well, we started school last week. I just finally getting around to posting:) We are using a literature based program from Winter Promise called All American II. Here is a link to read all about this fabulous hands on history program. I love this curriculum as you can teach different grade levels together. The independent work is grade specific. The kids LOVE this year as US history is their favorite!
http://www.winterpromise.com/all_american_2.html

The boys will be using a combination of Calvert School spelling and grammar mixed with Wordsmith ( a middle school writing program). They also have a wonderful series of historical fiction integrated throughout their language arts program. Frank will be using Thinkwell Algebra and Jack will be using Saxon 7/6 with the new online Saxon Teacher.

Julia will be continuing Writing Tales, a classical approach to writing combined with Calvert spelling and grammar. Math will be Saxon 5/4 with the new online Saxon Teacher.

All three will enjoy ( okay, maybe enjoy might be a stretch, LOL) The Great Editing Adventure.

Here are some links if you want to actually see the curriculum:

http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/why-calvert/homeschool-curriculum

http://www.commonsensepress.com/wordsmith/wsapp.htm

http://commonsensepress.com/wordsmith/wordsmith.htm

http://www.writing-tales.com/

http://saxonhomeschool.hmhco.com/en/saxonteacher_demo.htm

http://www.thinkwell.com/homeschool/product/intermediatealgebra


Owen will be completing Winter Promise Animals and My Worlds combined with Sonlight Language Arts Kindergarten. He also will be completing some American History K hands on activities. Math will be Hands On Saxon. We were planning on sending him to a 5 year old transitional K program, but honestly, the price was astronomical for something I can certainly do myself. Social events are quite abundant for his age ( story time, K-1 homeschool group, play dates, and more) so I think we have made the right decision. I would have honestly liked a little break three days a week, but I also enjoy having him here and teaching him to read. Its so very exciting and rewarding!

http://www.winterpromise.com/animals_worlds.html

http://www.sonlight.com/la-k.html

I will post pictures of our first week in just a bit.