Showing posts with label Homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschooling. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Homeschool Update


It's been a while since my last post so I wanted to update everyone on our homeschooling journey. We have homeschooled since the very beginning. It really wasn't something that I planned on doing until our daughter was around 2-3 years old. I started researching curriculums and looking for homeschool groups, and what began with teaching letters and numbers, turned into homeschooling for the next 11+ years!

PreK -- K -- Elementary -- Jr High

It was so fun and so rewarding! We loved it! Some years we were involved with co-ops and some years we did our own thing. We made so many great friends along the way too!

As our daughter started her second year in Jr High though, she was starting to feel like most of her days were spent in her room...doing school work.

Alone.

She really didn't need my help any more...and didn't want it. She enjoyed her work and met with a co-op once a week, but it was boring being at home by herself most days.

She wanted a change.

So we spent months looking into and talking with guidance at the local high school. After months of discussions and many, many...many questions...and prayers, we decided to officially enroll her in school. Ekkk!

Fast forward through many anxious nights {for me, not her}, she had her first day.

She LOVED it!!

And she has loved it every day since! She's doing very well. Challenge A and B and all the hard work she had done the past two years paid off. She is enrolled in Honors and AP core classes and is taking Sign Language, Chorus, and Musical Theater. She's doing a good job balancing school, homework, and dance, and so far her grades are excellent!

My job isn't done quite yet though!

I may not be the one giving out the homework but I am very involved with overseeing it all. Checking work, studying for tests, talking about classes and teachers each day. It's just as exhausting and time consuming. Just more so in the late afternoons and evenings instead of the mornings.

So there I was, mornings now completely free and not sure what to do.



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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 12, 2017

Homeschool Technology


We are constantly using technology throughout our homeschool day.  When you think about it, it's really hard to get through the day without it.  Below are just a few of the resources we use day to day.

Computer


I don't know what I would do without my computer!  It's a lifeline to my friends and with that comes encouragement and help.  And I can't count how many worksheets, forms, documents, planning pages, and crafts I've created with it over the years.  Our daughter uses it to write stories and reports, as well as take online classes.

Printer

As much as I hate wasting paper and ink, I absolutely need my printer! I've had several over the years. I currently have the HP Officejet Pro 6830 and it works really well! Just wish the ink was cheaper. 

High Speed Internet


This is a must!  I just do too much online to not have it.

Netflix


We LOVE Netflix!!  It has so many educational movies and documentaries that I'm sure you can probably find something to go along with any topic you are learning.

Amazon Prime


We actually still don't have Amazon Prime but I always think about getting it for the instant streaming of movies and TV episodes.  Plus, there's FREE 2-day shipping and over 350,000 Kindle titles to borrow for free. Still something we are thinking about.

iPad


We use the iPad all the time for downloading books and educational apps.  It's also a great way to sit down and read lessons anywhere in the house.  Our daughter now uses a program to draw and another program to write and organize chapters in stories. It's just so convenient.

DVD Player


Got to have this! Over the years some of our curriculum has come with DVDs to watch as the lesson.  As our daughter gets older and the subjects get harder, I expect we'll be using more {especially with math}.

Facebook

Yep, it can be a time waster, but also a lifesaver!  I probably spend way too much time on it myself, but I've also made friendships I would have never made otherwise.  And we have joined several local homeschooling groups because of it.

Pinterest


Another probable time waster, but Pinterest has so many ideas!!  We have used it for plenty of craft ideas, but it's also been helpful for homeschool ideas too.  I really only try to use it when I want to search for a specific topic, otherwise I could be on there all afternoon.  Oh, and it's great for menu planning too!

Laminator


I almost hate to admit it, but we have never had a laminator.  I don't think I would use it as much now that our daughter is older, but I know I could have put it to good use when she was little.  I'm certain this is a must for many homeschool families, so I wanted to add it to our list.  And if you are looking for a good one, I've heard great things about the Scotch Thermal Laminator

Modern Appliances

We don't cook together as much as I would like to, but we could never do the baking we do without modern appliances.  I know it seems silly, but a modern kitchen with good working large and small appliances is a necessity! 

Sewing Machine

I'm not a sewer but hubby got me one when our daughter was younger.  It's sat more than not, but I've used it way more than I thought I would.  When she was younger I made her a simple dress, a purse, and things like doll pillows, which she can now make herself. I never know what it will be used for next, so it's nice to have on hand.

Keurig

No explanation necessary!  Use this daily!!


*** 

What technology do you use in your homeschool?  




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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Monday, May 8, 2017

Homeschooling Methods


There are so many methods for homeschooling, it can become quite overwhelming to choose the one that is right for your family.  I've listed a few of the more popular approaches. You may find that you end up using a mixture in your home.

Charlotte Mason

This method is based on the writings of the 19th century British educator, Charlotte Mason, who felt children should learn from real books with living ideas.  It involves nature, discipline of good habits, narration, and living books.

Classical

This method is based on the Trivium, which is made up of three stages.  The Grammar stage includes memorizing lots of of facts and language, mainly Greek or Latin.  The Dialectic stage involves the study of logic; understanding what has been memorized and asking questions.  Lastly, in the Rhetoric stage the student learns how to present arguments in a persuasive way.

Unit Study Approach

This approach allows a child to learn a subject as a whole instead of just reading chapters in a textbook.  It takes all of the subjects, such as Science, History, and Language Arts, and focuses the lessons around one central theme, say Astronomy. 

Literature Based

This method uses great books as the centerpiece for learning, instead of textbooks. 

Unschooling

Unschooling allows children to learn through their natural life experiences, including child directed play, game play, household responsibilities, work experience, and social interaction, rather than through a more traditional school curriculum.

Eclectic

An Eclectic Homeschooler is one who looks at the different approaches and methods of homeschooling, and takes little from each one.

***

So what do we use?  I feel like we have used all these methods at one time or another. When our daughter was younger we definitely used the literature based and unit study approach quite a bit. In recent years though, we have used the classical method much more.

I just know that we go with what works.  If it is not working, we switch gears or move to a new curriculum.  That's one reason I have loved homeschooling, it gives us the flexibility to do what we want!



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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Homeschooling Support


Before homeschooling even becomes a reality, I think it is so important to have the support of your friends, family, and community!

Start with your family first


Discuss it with your spouse.  What are your goals?  Are they in agreement?  Make a plan.  Will he or she help with teaching?  Are the children on board?  Are they excited?  Do you have the support of the grandparents?  Will they have a role?

For us, homeschooling was something we started considering when our daughter was about three years old.  It didn't really become a reality until she stayed home for Kindergarten and was only official when she didn't enroll in First Grade.  Hubby and I knew that this was the right move for her at the time and we were both in agreement.  Staying home indefinitely would be hard financially, but it was on our radar since she was about three, so we saved up.

The grandparents on the other hand, weren't quite as sure.  Homeschooling was new and never attempted in either family.  I'm sure it didn't make sense to them at the time.  Both had questions and weren't quite sure she would get the same kind of education as if she were in school.  It took some time for them to understand our decision and become comfortable with it {and that's really all you can hope for}.

Find a local support group


Search online for a support group in your area and get involved.  Facebook is a great place to start. Finding a well rounded and thriving support group will help you more than you know.

When our daughter was three we joined a local homeschooling group which just happened to have a preschool subgroup.  Her and I both met some wonderful families that we are still friends with now over 10 years later.  I had so many questions back then and it was helpful to talk with moms who could steer me in the right direction.  By the time she was "official", it was a breeze.

From that small group, we started a local Facebook group that currently has more than 400 families.  Inclusion in the group is by invite only and all new members have to be currently homeschooling school aged children and local to the area.  Any member can start an activity or smaller group and we have been able to become involved in many things we otherwise would not have been.  Oh, and the online support and encouragement is AMAZING!!  

If you aren't having any luck finding a local group, try searching for your state on Homeschool World.  This is the most comprehensive site I have found but you could always just Google homeschool groups in your city or state.

Join a Co-op


Sometimes it's just easier for everyone when you have a group you are meeting with on a regular basis for accountability.  A cooperative, or co-op, is an autonomous association of persons who voluntarily cooperate for their mutual, social, economic, and cultural benefit.  Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes and finding the right one for your family is important.

We've been involved in many co-ops over the years.  Some which have included core subjects like math and history and others that just covered things like nature study and art.  Sometimes it takes trying one out to see if it is a good fit.  We have been involved with Classical Conversations for her 7th and 8th grades years.


***

So there you go! I think having a good support system is so important! For other homeschooling questions, take a look at these Homeschool FAQs.



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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Homeschool FAQs


I usually tell people I've been homeschooling our daughter since birth. Officially though, accorging to our county, I've homeschooled her since she was six. But I think the first curriculum I purchased was when she was three...so we can go with that. She turns 14 next month so I've been at it for about 11 YEARS!!  Ekk!  

That's 11 years of homeschool groups, individual curriculum, boxed curriculum sets, co-ops, playgroups, activities, programs, testing, evaluations, sports, online classes, and more.

Some years we joined outside groups and some years we didn't. Some years we tested and some years we had her portfolio evaluated. That's the wonderful thing about homeschooling...YOU decide what is best for your children. Every year is a surprise.

So, here are some frequently asked questions that I have received over the years about homeschooling. 


***

What about socialization?

This is honestly the most absurd question I get and probably the most frequently asked over the years.  The mainstream thinking is that if you don't send your child to a brick and mortar school with 30 other kids in each class, all day long, they are not socialized. I was especially asked this question since I have an only child. Of course those who know her personally, know she is very well rounded. Homeschool children have an abundance of opportunities to interact with, not only children their same age, but children of all ages, as well as adults. There are so many opportunities for homeschool families now, it can be overwhelming choosing the right one. So, yeah, she's pretty socialized. ;)

I don't have the patience to homeschool, how do you do it?

Honestly, some days I feel like I don't have the patience either. A child who is in 2nd grade math and one in 8th grade math may have different struggles, but the struggles are still there. The technique I used last week no longer works this week. She got it and then she didn't. Bad attitude yesterday and lovely smiles today. Sometimes I just need to take a deep breath, walk away, and pray. But it's so worth it for the times she finally gets it!  The days she doesn't get any wrong or the special times we are just sitting and learning together. The days, weeks, and years are flying by and I've enjoyed every moment of them!

Is homeschooling legal?

Yes!  Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states BUT you must follow the homeschooling guidelines in your state. Click for current homeschool laws in your state. 

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool?

No, you don't need any special degree to homeschool and you do not need a college education. However, depending on the state where you live, you may need some sort of education qualification, like a high school diploma or GED, to homeschool. Our state currently has no parent qualification requirements. You can find more information on your state here

How can I teach a subject I know nothing about?

I have felt this way on more than one occasion, especially since our daughter has been in Jr High. Latin? Algebra? Chemistry? Logic? Did I say Latin? Well thankfully, many of the curriculum packages out there are easy to use and come with teacher's guides, lesson plans, and DVDs to help the parent. You can also find online groups and forums with other families using the same curriculum and ask questions. 

How do I choose a curriculum, there are so many?

At first it's going to be research, lots of research, and quite possibly trial and error. Join a local homeschool group or a group online and ask what others are using. If you can, go to a homeschool convention. If you have never been, check out my article on homeschool conventions and how to navigate them. Here is a list of our favorite curriculum over the years. 

Is homeschooling expensive?

It can be, but it doesn't have to. It's really up to you. There are so many resources out there to homeschoolers. You can read my articles on Homeschooling for FREE and Homeschooling - Can You Afford it?  Some years I have purchased all of our curriculum and books used at local homeschool sales and online buy/sell groups. Other years we have joined co-ops and programs that came with a cost. It's really up to you.

Can my kids play sports while being homeschooled?

Yes, but the rules vary state to state, and more likely, county to county. Because it's different for each state and county, check with a homeschool advocate, like HSLDA. You will most likely need to call the school in your district as well.

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I hope these questions and answers have been helpful to anyone thinking about homeschooling but not quite sure where to start. Or maybe you have thought about it but don't think you can do it. Believe me, you can, and it is very rewarding, for both you and your children. 



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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 20, 2017

Homeschooling - Can You Afford It?


If you are finding yourself wondering if you can even afford homeschooling, here are some tips to keep in mind to save money:

Set a Budget

Have an idea of how much you want to spend each year and stick to it.  It can be really tempting to buy everything you see when you walk into a used curriculum sale.  Research ahead of time the prices for each item.  Write it down and bring it with you.  Just because all the other moms are equipped with roll carts and bags, doesn't mean you have to be.  Relax and look for what you need.

Make a Spreadsheet

I started one when our daughter was in Pre-K.  I keep track of the item's retail price, how much I pay for it, and how much I sell it for.  

Borrow or Swap

If you know someone who has what you need but they are not using it this year, see if you can borrow it or swap it for something you have for the year.

Use the Library

If you have a well stocked public library nearby, this is a cheap way to find all those books on your reading list.  Take advantage of their interlibrary loan system.

Buy used

Buy from friends or shop your local used curriculum sale if you have one.  In the past I have had good luck with the Homeschool Classifieds.  It was pretty simple to set up an account and look for what I wanted.  I was able to buy and sell a few things, which worked out great!

Shop Sales

Buy school supplies when everything is on sale, and during the tax-free weekend if your state offers it.

Shop Online

I have found that if I can't find something used, I may be able to find it cheaper on Amazon or Books-A-Million.  Both offer free shipping if you buy over $25 and Books-A-Million has a 20% off educators discount for teachers.  You just have to sign up for the card and then register the card number to your account.

Join a Co-op

Co-ops offer support and ideas that you would not have available otherwise.  If there is not a co-op near you, you could join the Homeschool Buyers Co-op, the world's largest purchasing cooperative for homeschoolers.

Hand Down/Combine Kids

We only have one child so we sell things after we use them, unless they would be a good resource for the future or they were consumable.  But for bigger families, hand down books and curriculum to younger siblings and combine children close in age so they can use the same curriculum.  

Search FREE Sites

If I can find a free online site that has games, resources, or materials, I have tried to incorporate it into our schedule.  Stay tuned for an upcoming post about FREE Homeschooling Resources. 

Netflix
Last year we decided to cancel our Direct TV and get only our local channels and Netflix. We LOVE Netflix!! There are many educational movies on there and you could probably find something to go along with any topic you are learning.

Amazon Prime

We don't have Amazon Prime at the moment but I've thought of getting it for the instant streaming of movies and TV episodes. Plus, there are over 350,000 Kindle titles to borrow for free. Still something we are thinking about. 

I hope this has been helpful!  There really are ways to stay within your budget so you can homeschool!  





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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 17, 2017

Homeschool Conventions


I love homeschool convention time!  It's not every year that I can attend, but when I do, I enjoy visiting with the vendors, looking at new products, flipping through books, and listening to the speakers.  It is so great to have all the homeschool companies in one place at the same time.  

So how do you prepare to attend a homeschool convention? 



Check the speaker schedule


Several weeks before the convention, get the speaker schedule and decide who you want to hear.  Once you have narrowed that down, make a note of how much time you will have to walk around the vendor hall and when you have to leave to listen to the speaker.  Sometimes this can be hard to decide because there may be several great speakers and their times may overlap.  I think most conventions offer recordings of the speakers that you can purchase afterwards in case you miss out.


Make a list of vendors


Before you get there, scroll through the list of vendors and highlight those you really want to visit.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming once you get there and you may miss that booth you really wanted to see.  


Scope it out first

The convention closest to me is not tremendously big, so what I usually do is walk up and down the isles first and just check everything out.  I don't stop at any booths the first time around.  I'm just taking everything in.  


Take your time


When I've gone through once, then I start on one end and take my time.  Keep your eyes open, listen to questions other parents are asking, ask questions yourself, grab brochures and business cards, and check out samples.  


Make notes


If there is a vendor that you liked, make a note of it so you can come back to review it again.  If you are in a large convention hall, also write down what isle you are in so you can find it later.


Bring snacks  


If you have your children with you this is a must.  Even if you don't, sometimes the food options are not the best and there can be long lines, which just wastes precious time.  Pack snacks, and even your own lunch, to save time and money.


Get there early


If you can, get there as soon as they open to get the most for your money.  Parking alone can take a long time, depending on how large the convention is. 


Set a budget


This may be the most important thing.  In all honesty, I rarely purchase from the conventions.  I just love to go to flip through materials and check out curriculum I've never seen in person.  It's easy to go overboard.  Set a budget before you get there so there is no temptation to buy more than you need!


Have fun!  


Leave the kids at home if you can and go with friends.  Make a day trip or weekend out of it.  Enjoy your time!




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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Update on Our Homeschool Reviews


So here's a little update on what's going on with Our Homeschool Reviews.

I started my blog way back in May of 2010 when I began writing reviews for The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. I happily reviewed some wonderful products and posted about our day to day homeschooling adventures for about four and a half years. I loved it and so did our daughter!



The first picture I posted back in 2010

Then after some thought, in December 2014 I decided to step down from reviewing for TOS simply because our daughter was about to start Jr High and she needed a break. It was hard to say goodbye to that close-knit group, but it was best for our family. I was still pretty active on my blog and enjoyed writing and interacting with readers and friends.

As time went on though, I needed a break too. 


Fast forward about two years and I'm finding myself with more time. Our daughter, who is now 13 and in 8th grade, has been pretty independent over the past year with her school work, and, well, I still love reading through curriculum! I miss it!


So here I am! Ready to dive into some new curriculum and share my thoughts with you. I'm excited to get started! I hope you are too!


***Stay tuned for some exciting announcements! I'll be sharing with you some of the curriculum that I will be reviewing over the next few months. ***




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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Favorite Curriculum Over the Years


Oh wow!  This picture is bittersweet!  My girl is 13 and in 8th grade now but this brings back so many wonderful memories of homeschooling. And a lot of those memories were created with great books! I thought I would list a few of our all time favorites. 

All Time Favorite Curriculum
Before Five in a Row/FIAR
Explode the Code
Hooked on Phonics
Heart of Dakota {LOVE!!}
History for Little Pilgrims
Draw Write Now
Draw and Write Through History
Song School Latin
A Child's History of the World
IEW's Writing Courses
Apologia's Science
A Pioneer Sampler
Mystery of History

All Time Favorite Books/Readers
Grandpa's Box
Mr. Pipes Books
Viking Quest Series
One Small Square Books
The True Story of Noah's Ark
Daughters of the Faith Books
The Family Under the Bridge
The Little Riders
Toliver's Secret
Twenty and Ten
Life in the Great Ice Age

There are many more books and curriculum sets that we have enjoyed but the ones listed above bring back the sweetest memories of sitting together and just enjoying life and learning.



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©2010-2017 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 17, 2015

Girls Preteen/Teen Bible Study


I recently started a Bible Study/Devotion with some of Funny Bunny's friends at dance.  For months prior, I really felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart to start something, but I just wasn't sure what at the time.  I continued to put it off but that feeling kept coming back.

I finally built up the courage and asked if these girls would be interested in going on this journey with me.  This was truly a hard step to take.  Although I enjoy teaching, I do have some anxiety over it, and let's face it, I certainly am no expert in the subject and don't have all the answers.

But I asked.  And they accepted. :)

So in following God's instructions as laid out in Matthew 28:18-20, I am using Beautiful Girlhood as my guide.  This book was originally published in 1922, and although it has been revised and republished more recently, the wording is still pretty old fashioned. The content is timeless though.

Here is a peek into what we have discussed so far:

Character-Building
The Strength of Obedience
Inner Beauty {today's lesson}

My intent is to write in detail about each one in hopes that it may help someone else. Will try to get the first up sometime next week.



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©2010-2015 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

How to Avoid Homeschool Burn Out


I posted about homeschool burn out about this time last year.  Thought it would be a good topic to discuss since we are experiencing it right about now. ;)

You see the end in sight, but you've been working in the same books for months, the kids are getting restless, you're already thinking about going to the next homeschool convention...your family is getting burnt out!! 

So how do you avoid homeschool burn out in the first place?  I think the best advice is to switch things up!  Simple changes in your school day will help to energize your family, giving them the push they need to finish the school year off with a bang.  Here are a few tips. 

1. Location, Location, Location.  Where are you currently doing your schoolwork?  Is it still working for your family?  If not, change it!   Go to the library once a week and get school done there.  Switch from the schoolroom to the kitchen, or the kitchen to the dining room.  Kids love these small changes and it may make a bigger difference than you think. 

2. Change Your Material.  Is there a certain subject that your child is frustrated with?  Change it up a bit.  Instead of reading from your science text book, find a chapter book on the same subject and have them read that (or read it to them).  Find a fun math program online that you can substitute for their regular math work.  There are tons of FREE program out there, you just need to look for them. 

3. Go Outside.  When was the last time you took your children outside for a nature study or even for just a walk or bike ride?   I know this time of year it is too cold in some places, but even a break to play in the snow is what they may need to get their day going. 

4. Get Out Those Crafts.  Has it been a while since your 4th grader got out the crafts?  Crafts are fun for all ages and can be made to go along with what they are studying.  Collages are easy and kids love to cut pictures out of magazines.  Give them some Legos and have them make the animals who live in that habitat you are studying. 

5. Experiment Day.  Why not set a day aside every once in a while for experiments?  Science experiments, recipe experiments, Play-Doh experiments.  Expect a mess and don't worry about it. Hands on learning is the best kind of learning. 

6. Time Off.  Maybe what your family needs is some time off.  Go on a day trip to a museum, to the park, or to the movies.   Taking time off school and spending the day doing something fun as a family may be just the thing you need to re-energize! 

I hope some of my tips have helped.  I know when we have begun to burn out, I have tried each of these at different times, and they always seem to help! 




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©2010-2015 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Homeschooling with Heart of Dakota: Unit 21


Heart of Dakota: Resurrection to Reformation - Unit 21: The Rise of Venice, the Reign of the Tudors, and the Mughal Dynasty.

Reading About History and Timeline:  Continued reading in The Mystery of History III.


History Storytime:  Still reading Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation aloud.  And I'm a little behind so we have some catching up to do, but it's a good book so I won't mind the extra reading aloud too much.

History Project:  For this unit Funny Bunny had to draw, color, and paint a building that includes towers, turrets, and domes.  It is still in the process of being completed so I will post a picture of it next week.

Independent Reading: Around the World in 80 Days


Science:  In science she is learning about plate tectonics.


Writing:  I haven't talked about writing too much this year.  Funny Bunny is using IEW's Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons.  We really love IEW and the way they teach writing.  Funny Bunny just finished lessons 10-13 and wrote a mini research paper on Knights.  It consisted of an introduction, conclusion, 3 detailed paragraphs, and a bibliography. Wish I could share her whole report...below is just the introduction.


This week she started a story sequence chart using a selection from The Sword in the Stone.  She gets to be a bit more creative and can use dialog with the characters so she is a bit more excited about writing this story.

Extra Curricular:  Two weekends ago Funny Bunny and some friends finished up their 10-week drama and chorus classes and put on a medley type performance for their families.  It was sweet to watch and they all did an excellent job. She performed the following:

Vocal Ensemble - I See, I Hear, I Know
Vocal Solo - My Favorite Things
Vocal Trio - A Whole New World
Vocal Ensemble - Let It Go
Drama Trio - If He Hadn't Come



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Monday, February 2, 2015

Homeschooling with Heart of Dakota Update


It's been a few months since my last Heart of Dakota update.  We are still working in Resurrection to Reformation and currently on Unit 20: The Spread of the Protestant Reformation.

Reading About History:  Funny Bunny was so happy to finish the readers and move on to Mystery of History Volume 3.  She has been enjoying reading through it on her own.  :)

History Storytime:  I am currently reading Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation aloud.  It is a hard book to read aloud {long and wordy} but she really enjoys this series so I am sticking with it.


History Project:  We've been a little lazy about doing the history projects the last couple weeks. Below is her project from Unit 18.  She sketched and painted one of the most famous images that Michelangelo painted in the Sistine Chapel. She had to do it lying on her back while it was taped to the underside of a table. She does not like it because the brown paint for the shading was not working out, but I think it looks pretty good considering she was painting it on her back.


History Research:  Since we are learning about Martin Luther, she had to do her own research and learn more about Wittenburg, Germany.


Science:  For science she has been reading A Child's Geography Vol 1.  For the past few weeks she has been learning about the ocean currents, the water cycle, what causes the seasons, what makes up the atmosphere, evaporation, and what the earth is made of.  Below is a worksheet on the ocean currents from Unit 18.


Devotional Bible Study:  We are still working through Beautiful Girlhood. Although Funny Bunny thinks this book is a little old fashioned, I am really enjoying the time we are spending together reading through it and studying the Bible.




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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Homeschooling with Heart of Dakota - Week 6


I'm a little behind with my Heart of Dakota postings as we are actually on Unit 12, so hopefully I can catch up a little in the next few weeks. 

Heart of Dakota: Resurrection to Reformation - Unit 6: The Byzantine Empire and Muslim Invaders

Reading About History: Still reading selections from The Story of the Middle Ages and Famous Men of the Middle Ages, but they've added back in some from Peril and Peace and Monks and Mystics.  She is enjoying those.

History Storytime: Continuing to read Mystery of the Silver Coins. 


History Project:  This week they had to copy key passages of Scripture that reveal Jesus' identity and bake them into 5 loaves of bread.  The bread was pretty good and very easy to make.


History Written Narration and Timeline: Charlemagne



Science Exploration:  Phases of the moon


Poetry:  She was asked to draw a picture to go along with an Emily Dickinson poem about the moon.   




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©2010-2014 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/