Learning Together
We are two weeks into our new school year and there is a lot to love about that. It is so nice to have a bit more structure to our days again. We were completely free for most of the summer, and while that was great too, we were ready to get back to the learning activities.
I am again using these tote bags to hold the school books. They work great. Each child has their books and supplies in here and they just grab their bag and bring it to the table or wherever they want to work.
Each child’s bag is full of their new school books, a binder (each child’s a different color), pencils, colored pencils, crayons for the younger ones, etc. The first day of school I let them each decorate a piece of card stock any way they wanted to for the front. They loved this, and they have told me many times how much they enjoyed doing it. It really personalized their notebooks and they look so bright and colorful.
Inside each notebook I made tabs for each subject, tabs for tests, papers or stories they write, and small art projects.
So far this year has gone more smoothly than any year we’ve ever had, and I think it has a lot to do with all the planning and preparation I did before the year started. With the help of Managers of Their Schools, I was able to really plan well and it is paying off. Another great resource for planning the school year that I’ve used before and found helpful is Planning Your Charlotte Mason Education.
Things I’m loving about this school year:
A sweet little boy who brought his kitty to the table to “watch” him:
Math-U-See. For someone who grew up hating math, this program is easy to use and I love it. This is our third year using it–that’s a record. 🙂
Apologia Science. This is our second year using this program, and I like it even more this year.
Last year we went through the Astronomy book, which I found very interesting and fun. This year we’re doing Botany which is so great for encouraging nature study. I have loved all the nature walks, leaf collecting, exploring, and just enjoying being out in nature together.
We made this light hut to grow plants in:
We planted some herbs: basil, lemongrass, and chamomile.
After a few days they’ve already come up (after taking this picture I thinned them out, as too many were planted).
I have found the science kit that goes with this program to be invaluable. It has saved me so much time and makes doing the projects easier for me.
A Reason for Handwriting. I love that the children practice their writing by writing out Scripture, and they love decorating the page and displaying it at the end of the week.
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. This is my fourth child I’m teaching to read using this method. It is so easy and stress-free, and for us it has produced great readers. I can’t recommend it highly enough (although different things work for different families, so everything I love may not be right for someone else!).
I LOVE preschool. I love picture books, coloring, dress-up, painting, art, playdough, puppets, singing sweet songs, cute little voices, little arms around my neck…what’s not to love?!
These Kumon books are so fun! They are perfect for my two-year-old. Not too hard for him, bright and colorful, and fun. It allows him to feel that he is doing some real schoolwork, too. He begs me to do these books and then he wants to do every page in the book right then!
I love nature study and the little friends my children come running to show me.
I don’t care much for spiders, but I still find them fascinating…as long as they stay outside! We have found several of these tunnel spiders outside this year. We fed this one a “Granddaddy Longlegs,” and it ran out and dragged it back to the base of the tunnel. It looks creepy, but it was somehow fascinating to watch. But I did feel sorry for the Granddaddy Longlegs. 🙂
I love reading a picture book with a puppet helping to tell the story. {This picture book and this finger puppet are adorable!}
I LOVE art time. Planning art and craft projects is a huge love of mine. I could do arts and crafts all day long, and often I think I enjoyed the project at least as much or maybe more than my children!
Here is our nature and seasonal bookshelf. I keep my Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady book turned to an appropriate page for the month as inspiration. I love the artwork. The middle shelf holds our basket full of seasonal book selections and occasionally a puppet or other surprise. Below that is the nature shelf where we keep treasures found on nature walks or just around the yard. We currently have a bird’s nest that was found this summer, some bird eggs that were empty but almost whole, and some feathers. Field and nature guides are also stored here for easy reference.
These little yarn apples were so fun to make, and they are a bright decoration for a table or shelf (and they’re fun to play with).
Acorns, moss and lichen begin to fill the nature basket with Autumn treasures:
And a creative and colorful snack really makes a day seem special. This graham cracker spread with cream cheese (or butter) and sprinkles was a creation the children came up with all on their own.
I feel very thankful and blessed to be a homeschooling mother!
Gae tagged me to do the following homeschooling meme. Thanks for thinking of me, Gae! 🙂
- One homeschooling book you have enjoyed: For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
- One resource you wouldn’t be without: A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning, by Karen Andreola This book has been with me since the very beginning of our homeschooling journey. It was the first “how to” book we purchased (about nine years ago). I return to it again and again for ideas and inspiration. Also, Managers of Their Homes, by Steve and Teri Maxwell, which I have been reading since my oldest was just a baby (12 years ago). Do these two resources seem to be at odds? For me they are not. I find much that is helpful in each of these resources, and I use them in a way that fits our particular family. I don’t schedule my babies, but the principles in this book were still very helpful and encouraging to me. I also don’t follow a schedule perfectly, but I still find it helpful to have one as a suggested routine for our day (this would be a great topic for another post!).
- One resource you wish you had never bought: I can only list one?! 🙂 Seriously, there have been many. As we have traveled on this journey there have been quite a few things we tried that just didn’t fit our family or our learning style or my teaching style. I would rather not “name names” just in case someone reads this who happens to love the item I listed. I wouldn’t want to seem to be maligning one of their favorites, and I know different things work for different families. 🙂
- One resource you enjoyed last year: Language Lessons for Little Ones. I really loved these books. I still had one on hand to use with our almost 6-year-old. I will be using that with her for her language program. It is very gentle and Charlotte Mason-inspired.
- One resource you will be using next [this] year: Apologia Botany. As I mentioned above, we’re using it this year and we really love it.
- One resource you would like to buy: A huge wooden cupboard with shelves and drawers to organize supplies.
- One resource you wish existed: A daily plan for little ones based on seasonal themes that includes simple-to-do crafts, songs, playtime, etc. I have found many plans that almost fit what I am looking for, but there is always one aspect that doesn’t work (craft projects too involved, non-Christian emphasis, etc.) I guess I’m going to have to create this one for myself, which is what I am attempting to do.
- One homeschool catalog you enjoy: Rainbow Resource Center
- One homeschooling website you use regularly: The Crafty Crow (This isn’t specifically a homeschool website, but I regularly visit here to get craft ideas.)
Well, that’s my very long homeschool update. I hope it was enjoyable to read, and not too long. 🙂
I absolutely love the tote idea! What a great way to keep each childs things together!
We are very similar in our school choices. We too use A Reason For Handwriting, Math-U-See and Apologia. Josh loved the Botony book. This year we are veering away just a bit to weather study, so he can learn just what causes the storms and such he fears so much.Then I want to use the Land Animals book & journal.
Dear Donna,
Thank you so much for leaving me such a sweet comment, and for your kind words!
I very much enjoyed reading about your family and your interests.
That is wonderful that you were able to homeschool your youngest son, and that you have such happy memories of that time.
I'm sure it is such a blessing to your daughter that you are such a strong supporter of home education. That makes such a difference. I also went to public school (and a couple of private schools), but my mom has always supported my desire to teach my children at home. She has been such an encouragement to me, and I'm so thankful for her. When grandparents are supportive of homeschooling it makes everything so much easier and happier.
Again, thank you so much for your encouraging comment, Donna!
Hi Grace Mae~
Elyse said she'd be glad to let you borrow one…she is planning to bring it Sunday or whenever we next see you. I hope it isn't the one you've already read!
Hi Joy:
I found your blog when it was still "Graceful Words". I absolutely loved reading that blog and the same with your new one!
My oldest 3 children went through the public school system because I bought into the myth that I was not smart enough to homeschool. Oh how have I regretted that decision – not only because of the wrongness of the public school system, but because of all the time I lost being with my kids when they were at home (now ages 35, 32, and 30).
My youngest son, however, I did homeschool (now age 22 and serving in the Army). I miss those days so much, enjoy them while you have them!
During the summer before each school year, I would make up my own lesson plan for the year. I went through each of the books I used and figured out what I wanted to accomplish each day for each subject. This really helped us stay focused so that we completed the year on time.
There are so many resources out there that I wish I had been able to use. I just didn't know about them. I envy the homeschooling families now!
Even though my kids are grown, my grandkids are now getting homeschooled and I am constantly sending my daughter ideas. She is really grateful for them!
I am still a very strong supporter of homeschooling and I encourage every family I meet to look into this. I serve on our church's school board (we have a private Christian school there), but I still encourage people to choose homeschooling as their first choice.
You have a lovely family and even though I am old enough to be your mom, you inspire me and teach me new things through your blog.
I love fall and look forward to seeing your seasonal photos. I live in San Diego — so we have only two seasons here — hot summer and cooler summer. I grew up here, but lived for 12 years in Iowa and just enjoyed the 4 seasons immensely. I moved back to San Diego 10 years ago to be near my aging parents. Someday I hope to move back to a small town in the Midwest. In the meantime I tend to my garden in my back yard, sew, craft and cook from scratch.
Keep up the wonderful blog!!
Love
Donna
I Love Isabella Alden books too.
My friend Rebekah got me started on them. I've only read one though.
I'd love to borrow some sometime if Elyse wouldn't mind.
Thanks for your post.
Melanie~
I forgot to say thanks for mentioning the ABC Jesus Love Me site. I'll have to look into that, as I've never heard of it. Thanks!
Hi Melanie!
It was so nice to hear from you!
That is funny that we are using so many of the same books. We must have similar taste in books. 🙂 Regarding Language Lessons for Little Ones, I really love them for the younger ones. My older daughter thought it was too easy, though (She did the Language Lessons for older students last year), and she prefers Abeka (though I can't imagine why!).
Thanks so much for the feedback about the recipes. I'm happy they worked well for you.
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment, and I hope you have a great week!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this post, Sarah! 🙂 It's so nice that we are able to inspire one another through our blogs…you've had so many creative ideas through the years (especially with your girl's group) that inspired me, too!
Thanks for your comment about the book shelf. Old books (and Lamplighters) are such works of art in themselves that it is a joy to display them!
I haven't read Esther Ried yet, but Elyse has read all of that series and the whole Chautauqua Series, too. I really should read them, as Elyse has been begging me to. She says Isabella Alden is her favorite author.
Lately I've been reading the "Rosa of Linden Castle" book, interspersed with cookbooks. 🙂 Maybe this winter I'll have time to read some of the Isabella Alden books. 🙂
I loved your post and I think it's funny that we are doing the same science again this year. We did Astronomy last year and this year we are doing Botany and really loving it a lot as well. We also love Math-U-See. Math is one of our favorite subjects. Have you checked out http://www.abcjesuslovesme.com? They usually have seasonal ideas and are christian based. I'm not doing everything on there, but I look at their ideas for my preschooler. They also have different activities for different age groups. I'm using the Teach your child to read as well and so far it worked well for our family as well. I was wondering how you liked the Language Lessons. Glad to hear your feedback. I really enjoy your ideas. Your Baked oatmeal is still a hit in our family as well as the orange cranberry bread. So delicious!
Thanks again for your inspiration!
Melanie.
I loved this post, Joy! It is so inspiring, and I think I am going to copy off and save the whole post. I love gleaning wisdom from the 'older women' who have gone before me! And wow! You are so creative and schooling must be so fun for your children. From their own personalized school bags, to the organized notebooks you made, nature walks, great curriculem . . . it looks like you are going to have a wonderful school year!
By the way, I love your shelf with the old books on it. It looks so homey! And I recognize a number of those titles – especially the Isabella Alden books. 🙂 Have you read her book Ester Ried? That is our favorite!
Grace Mae~
Thanks for your comment. It was nice seeing you yesterday! 🙂
Collette~
Thank you for stopping by…I'm glad you enjoyed reading it! 🙂
Hi, Joy!
I loved reading this post (and your comment about balancing your days)! There are many similarities between your homeschool and ours…and it was so encouraging to hear about how your family has worked everything out 🙂
Sounds like you have a great school-year lined up!
Blessings,
Collette
Hi Miss Joy~
I like the notebook idea. School is harder this year but fun.
I'm enjoying it. We love using Math U See. I learn so much from him teaching.
I love the way your blog looks.
Lisa~
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful year learning with your children. 🙂
Jacinda~
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Deanna~
Thank you for sharing your perspective as a mother with older children. I always find it so encouraging to hear from someone who's already "been there." I so much appreciate your encouragement that we can never get these years back. That is so important to remember! I hope your school year is blessed!
Miss Sarah~
Thanks for your sweet comment! My daughter just loves Isabella Alden's writing. My husband is always on the lookout for any of her books, and he especially likes to find the old ones. I didn't know you could get the books on audio! That would be really neat to have. I'll have to look into that–thanks for mentioning it! 🙂
Elizabethd~
Thank you so much for your comment, and for asking such a great question.
I'll have to be honest and say that the balance of homemaking, mothering, and homeschooling can be quite difficult to achieve. Sometimes a mother can feel pulled in many directions all at once!
There are several different things that keep me from feeling completely buried:
1. I have had to let go of perfectionism. I love cleaning, and I love for my whole house to be neat and tidy all the time. But I have realized that with five children in the home all day that it just isn't going to be as clean as I'd like all the time. I have had to learn when it is "good enough," and just let the rest go until I can get to it.
2. Allowing my children to help out with household duties has helped tremendously. We have regular school subjects Monday through Thursday and then Friday we take the morning to clean. After cleaning we have an hour scheduled for art time. For supper we have pizza, often homemade. They are motivated to get their weekly chores done so we can have this fun time together. We also have daily chores that aid in the upkeep of the house.
3. I have a couple of hours in the afternoon where the younger children are napping or resting and the older children have other activities planned. This allows me time to sew, read, work on crafts, or whatever. I also stay up later than the children, and I am able to work on creative things then, also.
4. My older girls do some of the cooking. Elyse (12) makes breakfast most days, and she and Abigail (10) make lunch some of the time. They often help with supper preparations, also. This is a huge blessing to me, and they have said that their favorite activity is to be in the kitchen cooking, so it's a win/win situation.
And the main thing I have had to realize is that I just can't do it all! I have been realizing lately that my children are getting older and I won't always have this time with them. I so much just want to build a wonderful relationship with each one of them and give them lots of happy times that draw us all closer together. Sometimes that means just letting some things go. For instance, sometimes I know I've got so much work inside to do, but it is beautiful outside, so we just take off out the door! The work will always be there waiting for me when I come back. 🙂
I didn't intend for this to be such a long reply, but there it is!
I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Maria~
Thanks for visiting! Cubes are a great idea, too. 🙂
It looks like you're off to a great start on school this year and it sounds like you are ALL enjoying it which is wonderful!
You've got some great resources! I hope you have a wonderful school year!
(By the way, those old books caught my eye right away – especially the Pansy book. 🙂 My sister and I just started listening to Ruth Erskine's Son on audio. We love her books! :))
Very nice! What a great learning year you are having…
I do a Charlotte Mason inspired education here too. Love Karen Andreola's book – it saved my homeschooling when my oldest was 9! He is now 22 years old and we homeschooled him all the way through high school! 2 more graduates and 3 kids still school age keep me more than busy. We are enjoying our learning together still. After 17 years of homeschooling, I am more a proponent of it than I ever was!
I always tell Moms "You can never get these years back." I wouldn't trade this time with my children for anything!
Blessing on your year!
Deanna
Witnessing your homeschooling adventure makes me so eager to begin ours! You have a lovely family.
Hi Joy,
This is a wonderful post! Thanks for giving us a peek into your home school. 🙂 We are using the CM method this year for the first time, and my children are loving it – and so am I. 🙂
Have a blessed day,
Lisa
Oh Joy, I remember when you shared this before, this is what I use for my sons and my daughter, but theirs are cubes 😀
Have a blessed day dear friend.
m.b.
To me as an ex teacher from UK, where home schooling is rare, this was fascinating. There is obviously so much preparation to be done, especailly with a mixed age group.
I would love to know….when do you have time for all the other things, housework, cooking etc?