It’s very common for me to re-evaluate our homeschooling around Christmas time. I think about what I want to spend our homeschooling funding on and whether what we are doing is working or not. I asked the girls if they were happy with their math workbooks, if there was anything specific they wanted to learn about in the near future.
We love Lego. Lego is one thing that I am purchasing more of regularly. Just recently I bought a set that included rescue services – police, ambulance, fire, etc. The kids loves putting together each piece on the cards included. We had quite a “rescue center” built. On my list to purchase are some bigger base pieces so we can build houses and towers and scenes. A second package includes vehicles, at Wyatt’s request. I am excited and so are the kids.
The children are all happy to continue working on their ACSI math workbooks. They are colorful and easy to use. The children are mostly self-directed there, as their reading skills improve, my help is needed less often. The older girls are working more slowly through their books. I suspect the concepts are challenging. Wyatt and Marrissa are close to moving on to the next level.
When asked what they wanted to learn about every single child said SCIENCE. We had been given a level B A Reason for Science but had never used it. I was scared to tackle it, never having been good at science. But at their request I pulled out the books and the box and am ready to teach the first 2 lessons and have looked closely at the ones following. I really didn’t need to be nervous about starting this course. It’s pretty simple. I have on my list to order Level C of the same program.
A Reason for Science is my first choice for science simply because we already have these materials in the house. I asked other homeschoolers what they used and enjoyed for science. I got rave reviews for Apologia. I may look into ordering a book or two from that curriculum as well, to either supplement all the children’s science or use just for the older girls. Apologia has a human body one and the older girls have been asking to learn more about that topic of study. We have one workbook on the subject already, but Apologia is a Christian publisher, while the one that we have is not.
The other area of study that we will be diving into is art classes. We have already started to collect materials (kneaded eraser, pencils, charcoal). Kristyn is the most excited about this, but whenever we talk about it, or have done it in the past, the other children are quick to participate. We have created some pretty good artwork. This course will be in addition to the crafting the oldest three girls do with a family friend. This friend has had them do card making (including stamping, scrapbooking) and a craft project. A number of these projects were gifts for others.
Regular visits to the library is essential. We always have books around. Lately the requests have been for audio books that they can listen to while they are falling asleep at night. Most recently they have listened to Cinnamon Bear (a Christmas tale from old time radio) and the WHOLE Little House on the Prairie series. Kristyn wants to start that series from the beginning again. I have a number of websites where I can download free audiobooks to mp3 players for the girls as well.
Our Christmas and birthday gifts this year for the children were electronic based. We now have 2 dsi’s and a Leapster (I think that’s what it’s called). Educational games were purchased for the most part and I have loved seeing the girls conquer math and problem solving issues. I know there is a lot of guess work involved, but every time they do and re-do the questions, they are seeing and ingraining the information into their minds. I resisted the dsi’s for a long time, but now I am very glad that we have them. (They are a great bargaining tool as well.)
TV programming includes such shows as How It’s Made, River Monsters, Myth Busters, Perry Mason, Matlock, Little House on the Prairie and Swamp People. We watch very few cartoons. Wyatt prefers Diego, but is pretty easy to please with the computer, if we aren’t watching something that he is interested in. The other children are interested in the computer, but nearly as much as Wyatt is showing an interest. What I love about him and the computer is that if someone else wants to use it, and he’s been on there for a while, he very willingly gives them a turn and moves on to something else.
I look forward to watching the children learn and grow even more in the year to come.
Striving to learn and live God's purposes, 
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