Saturday, November 13, 2010
Old Yeller
Xander read Old Yeller a few weeks ago and we watched it tonight. Greta, just before Old Yeller died, "Sometimes movies make me cry." Marie, right after Travis shot Old Yeller, "Uh oh..........where's Old Yeller?" Grace, when Travis and Elizabeth are at the grave, "What's under those rocks?" Poor kids. I thought with everything being off camera that the girls might not catch on but they knew what was up as soon as they saw the wolf had bitten him. Greta told me she's better now, though. They want to watch Savage Sam next, or Old Yeller 2 as they call it. I've never seen that one. The puppy doesn't get killed in that one does he? They want to know why there's no Old Yeller 3 before they watch it.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
First Grade
Since Xander has been doing so well with homeschool, we decided to bring the girls home as well about 2 weeks ago. I thought I'd share what curriculum we are using for them too.
Reading-
Alphaphonics; They do a few lessons a day. We started it this summer and are picking up where we left off so they are already more than halfway through it.
Reading-
Alphaphonics; They do a few lessons a day. We started it this summer and are picking up where we left off so they are already more than halfway through it.
Climbing to Good English First Grade; They do a few pages of this every day. It has phonics practice, spelling, and basic grammar lessons.
Finally, they also read a chapter of a book that is their level out loud every day. Right now we are reading the second of the first grade Pathway Reader, More Days Go By. They are getting really good with this and when we finish this book we will move on to regular early chapter books.
Spelling-
All About Spelling- This is a very different type of spelling program than I am used to but so far we like it. Right now, the girls are just memorizing the different sounds each letter makes. For instance, when they see the "ch" card, they will need to say "ch, k, sh" in that order to show that ch says ch as in cheese more often than it says k as in school, which is more often than it says sh as in chef.
Handwriting-
They are practicing their print right now and we may move on to cursive in the spring. I will add in copywork (Bible Verses) for them next week.
Spanish-
They are joining Xander in La Clase Divertida. They need to catch up to him but we are working through it quickly. I think it is one of their favorite subjects!
Math-
Math Mammoth First Grade. They are doing really well with this math program. I think they have struggled in all of the other math programs they've used at home and school in the past but this one is making it click for them.
Science-
Geography-
Map Skills 1 and some geography games with Xander
Art-
Artistic Pursuits with Xander.
History-
Mystery of History with Xander
Music-
They are learning how to play the recorder and to read music. They have small fingers so it is hard for them to completely cover the holes to play it correctly but they love this! Xander is sitting in on this with us too.
PE-
So far, we are having lots of fun and getting everything done!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A little late
I'm about 6 weeks late with this, but Xander really did turn 9 in August! It's hard to believe that he's really that old. I used to think he would never, ever, ever, ever, ever fall to sleep on his own in under 2hrs without screaming. And now he doesn't scream about it anymore but he still takes forever to fall asleep. I used to wonder if he would ever eat solid food and now he is always wanting more. It really does all go so fast.
He didn't get to do much for his actual birthday because he tested for his deputy black belt. He was very excited about it and so proud. The next day he went to a jumpy place with his best friend and then we had pizza and cake at home with just us.
He's still usually the best big brother to the girls and very good about playing with them and looking out for them. His favorite subject in school is Greek and he likes to learn all about the myths and history. He is still very creative and loves to make up stories and games and ideas for inventions. He's lucky to have a friend who gets all of that and they will get together playing games I can't even understand. The biggest one is the "Game Creator" and he even has the girls and a bunch of other kids from his old school sucked into playing it. I have no idea what it is or how it works but the girls get very upset if he tells them they have lost power points or whatever. Maybe he can explain it to some of you if you ask.
Here's some pictures from his birthday!
He didn't get to do much for his actual birthday because he tested for his deputy black belt. He was very excited about it and so proud. The next day he went to a jumpy place with his best friend and then we had pizza and cake at home with just us.
He's still usually the best big brother to the girls and very good about playing with them and looking out for them. His favorite subject in school is Greek and he likes to learn all about the myths and history. He is still very creative and loves to make up stories and games and ideas for inventions. He's lucky to have a friend who gets all of that and they will get together playing games I can't even understand. The biggest one is the "Game Creator" and he even has the girls and a bunch of other kids from his old school sucked into playing it. I have no idea what it is or how it works but the girls get very upset if he tells them they have lost power points or whatever. Maybe he can explain it to some of you if you ask.
Here's some pictures from his birthday!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Preschool
Marie has been going to preschool for about a month 2 days a week for 3 hours a day. She loves it! She's going to the same school at our church that Grace and Greta went to when they were 4 and it is nice because so many people remember her from when she used to tag along with them. Her class is very small- there's 6 kids total in her class; 2 boys and 4 girls. Marie sees a few of them in Sunday School too which makes it better. She has 2 little friends that she is always talking about and their teacher says they play together all day. Marie isn't shy at all at school and I think she may turn into a real leader. Of course, she already tries to play the leader with Xander, Grace, and Greta, but it is interesting to see how the other little kids in her class will follow her around too. These are some pictures of her first day. She picked her backpack out herself and even though it is almost as big as she is, she insists on carrying it herself!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Report Card
It's time to do a review of Xander's first 6 weeks with homeschooling! Overall, he has done really well. He does his work without complaining and seems to be trying hard. I'll give his report card in the order he usually does his work.
Handwriting- P, for progressing-His handwriting is improving but not where I'd like it to be. He is easily learning his Bible verses during his handwriting time, however, and that makes it all worth it even if it had no effect on his penmanship. He is almost done with his basic letter practice and soon we will start copywork.
Spelling- A- He has had 6 spelling tests and has gotten 95-100% every time. Many weeks I am sure on Thursday night that he will bomb the test but somehow he has pulled it off every week.
Math- A- He has completed his first unit in math which was on addition and subtraction. Xander told me that he was "very impressed" with his math and that he had never done math problems like these before. I have seen him advance a lot in his ability to do math quickly and in his head. He got a 94% on his first chapter test. Now, he is beginning a chapter on multiplication and moving very quickly.
Grammar- A- He has completed his main grammar book and did very well on his review and test sentences. Now, he will be analyzing the parts of speech and parts of sentence for one practice sentence a day for the rest of the year.
Poetry- A- He is almost finished with his poetry book. This has been one subject that he has really enjoyed and we've had a lot of good discussions. He has written some pretty good poems that I hope he'll put on his blog and we'll continue by analyzing and reading a poem a day for the rest of the year. Once this book is finished, we will move on to a vocabulary unit.
Greek- A- He has almost finished his first Greek book and we will begin the next level this week. He now knows the alphabet and can write English words phonetically using Greek letters and the reverse fairly quickly.
Spanish- A- He can speak and understand the Spanish in the lessons that we have covered. We're going to spend the next 2 weeks reviewing so that Grace and Greta can catch up.
Science- I- incomplete- We haven't had any reviews or tests yet so I'm unsure how much he is retaining. So far, he seems to really be enjoying the science and experiments. We have covered the parts and functions of cells in our body, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system, in addition to some detective skills and techniques.
History- A- We have gone from Creation to Early Egypt so far. We will be taking a break for a week or two so we can spend more time on Ancient Egypt which I think he may find very interesting.
Reading- He's read a variety of books and while he still prefers his action and adventure stories, he is getting better about reading my choices of fiction and non-fiction for him. Right now, he's reading Old Yeller and says he hates it but maybe he'll change his mind towards the end.
Art- C- completeted- We've been having good discussions and he is enjoying looking at the pictures from our set and making his own.
PE- He got his deputy black belt so I think he must be doing something right!
And that's all I can think of for now! He really is doing better than I had expected. He's doing so well that Grace and Greta will be joining us next week. I hope the girls have just as much fun and do just as well as him!
Handwriting- P, for progressing-His handwriting is improving but not where I'd like it to be. He is easily learning his Bible verses during his handwriting time, however, and that makes it all worth it even if it had no effect on his penmanship. He is almost done with his basic letter practice and soon we will start copywork.
Spelling- A- He has had 6 spelling tests and has gotten 95-100% every time. Many weeks I am sure on Thursday night that he will bomb the test but somehow he has pulled it off every week.
Math- A- He has completed his first unit in math which was on addition and subtraction. Xander told me that he was "very impressed" with his math and that he had never done math problems like these before. I have seen him advance a lot in his ability to do math quickly and in his head. He got a 94% on his first chapter test. Now, he is beginning a chapter on multiplication and moving very quickly.
Grammar- A- He has completed his main grammar book and did very well on his review and test sentences. Now, he will be analyzing the parts of speech and parts of sentence for one practice sentence a day for the rest of the year.
Poetry- A- He is almost finished with his poetry book. This has been one subject that he has really enjoyed and we've had a lot of good discussions. He has written some pretty good poems that I hope he'll put on his blog and we'll continue by analyzing and reading a poem a day for the rest of the year. Once this book is finished, we will move on to a vocabulary unit.
Greek- A- He has almost finished his first Greek book and we will begin the next level this week. He now knows the alphabet and can write English words phonetically using Greek letters and the reverse fairly quickly.
Spanish- A- He can speak and understand the Spanish in the lessons that we have covered. We're going to spend the next 2 weeks reviewing so that Grace and Greta can catch up.
Science- I- incomplete- We haven't had any reviews or tests yet so I'm unsure how much he is retaining. So far, he seems to really be enjoying the science and experiments. We have covered the parts and functions of cells in our body, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system, in addition to some detective skills and techniques.
History- A- We have gone from Creation to Early Egypt so far. We will be taking a break for a week or two so we can spend more time on Ancient Egypt which I think he may find very interesting.
Reading- He's read a variety of books and while he still prefers his action and adventure stories, he is getting better about reading my choices of fiction and non-fiction for him. Right now, he's reading Old Yeller and says he hates it but maybe he'll change his mind towards the end.
Art- C- completeted- We've been having good discussions and he is enjoying looking at the pictures from our set and making his own.
PE- He got his deputy black belt so I think he must be doing something right!
And that's all I can think of for now! He really is doing better than I had expected. He's doing so well that Grace and Greta will be joining us next week. I hope the girls have just as much fun and do just as well as him!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Marie is 3!
Marie turned 3 last week! She didn't have a big party but we took her to the aquarium and had presents and cake and a little party at home. She wanted a Phineas and Ferb party and we found a Phineas balloon that is bigger than her! This week, she had her 3yr check up and although she has gained an inch and 3lbs, she still is well below the 3rd percentile. She was 21.5lbs and 33.5in. Her Dr is not worried about her being small because she is consistently growing at her own rate and she looks fine. Developmentally, she does everything a 3year old is supposed to do and more! She knows she is awesome and, just like everyone else, we love to be around her.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The ABGs!
Xander has been doing well learning his Greek alphabet and letter sounds. Marie's been picking it up to just by overhearing us as we do Xander's work. She's singing the Alphabet here- if it sounds like Greek to you, that's because it is! The volume isn't that great so you may need to turn it up.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Xander's Curriculum
I know some of you are wondering what exactly Xander will be doing this year. Maybe I can be a better blogger by posting updates about what is going on with him and his school this year.
He has already finished a small geography course that focused on reading and interpreting maps and he did a workbook on analogies. He really seemed to catch on to analogies right away and like doing those. We began a course on being a smart consumer this summer as well and he is almost finished with that. He loves money, so he was excited about this book! He also started learning cursive and we are still working on that.
For his regular school year, this is the list of what I have planned.
Math- He's working on Math Mammoth 3rd Grade. This math curriculum stresses mental math and he's a little frustrated with being told to do things differently than he is used to but I think he'll adjust and it will be a really good course.
Grammar- Grammar Island Series. We are both really enjoying this book so far. It is an interesting grammar program and a lot different than what I am used to. Right now, we are just reading through the book but when that is finished he'll move to a workbook that practices what he's learned, and a writing, vocabularly, and poetry course. Not all at the same time! He's also working through a small editing practice workbook.
Spelling- He isn't doing a full spelling program this year but is going to work through some spelling workbooks and lists. He's doing Apples Daily Spelling and Building Spelling Skills.
Handwriting- He's going through cursive and print workbooks. Not that he doesn't know how to write in print, but he could use the practice!
Foreign Language- He wants to learn 3 languages this year- Spanish, Greek, and Korean. For Spanish, he is doing La Clase Divertida and for Greek, he is doing the Greek Code Cracker. So far, the Greek book is both of our favorites! For Korean, he will do Time For Korean. We aren't going to start the Korean until we are finished or almost finished with the Greek book. It is intimidating, though, because just from flipping through the Korean book, it looks really hard!
History- He wanted to study ancient history and I picked Mystery of History. I think this will be a fun class and he is really excited about it. It's a really, really, really, big book and I'm not sure if we'll be able to finish it in one year or not.
Science- He is doing Human Anatomy and Forensics through a Winter Promise course. I am really impressed with this one so far. Not that we've started it, though! LOL!! He will be using a bunch of books, maintaining a notebook about what he is learning and doing, and going through a lot of really different activities in this course.
Art- We'll be doing Artistic Pursuits once a week. This book has the kids look at and discuss one famous piece of art each week, then it describes the techniques used in that piece, and the kids then do their own artwork in the style being studied.
Music- We're working on getting some guitar lessons set up for him. I'm not sure when he'll start but we have a couple of options in mind already.
PE- We're going to count his taekwondo as PE. He also does some yoga every morning before he starts his work.
Geography- He's not doing a formal geography course this year but we'll play some geography games every week. He's going to be playing Scrambled States and Where in the World?
Reading and Writing- Finally, I will be assigning him books to read and writing assignments based on those books. He has to read 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction book of my choice at a time as well as 1 book of his choice. So far, he has read The Whipping Boy, The Boxcar Children, Bunnicula, and a book on Greek Myths as my choices. He's currently working on The Matchlock Gun and a couple books on ancient monuments and ancient cities. His choices have been Calvin and Hobbes, The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson), and Frankenstein (adapted for kids). I'll have him write reviews of those books on his blog soon. I have a list of books I want him to read but he's reading them faster than I anticipated so please go ahead and post if you have a suggestion. Also, if anyone knows if the mother in Matchlock Gun dies, let me know soon! I'm not sure and I want to know before he gets to the end.
Other- He wanted to take a musical theater class but I'm not sure we can fit it in the schedule and he also has to do a daily Bible devotion/quiet time.
He has already finished a small geography course that focused on reading and interpreting maps and he did a workbook on analogies. He really seemed to catch on to analogies right away and like doing those. We began a course on being a smart consumer this summer as well and he is almost finished with that. He loves money, so he was excited about this book! He also started learning cursive and we are still working on that.
For his regular school year, this is the list of what I have planned.
Math- He's working on Math Mammoth 3rd Grade. This math curriculum stresses mental math and he's a little frustrated with being told to do things differently than he is used to but I think he'll adjust and it will be a really good course.
Grammar- Grammar Island Series. We are both really enjoying this book so far. It is an interesting grammar program and a lot different than what I am used to. Right now, we are just reading through the book but when that is finished he'll move to a workbook that practices what he's learned, and a writing, vocabularly, and poetry course. Not all at the same time! He's also working through a small editing practice workbook.
Spelling- He isn't doing a full spelling program this year but is going to work through some spelling workbooks and lists. He's doing Apples Daily Spelling and Building Spelling Skills.
Handwriting- He's going through cursive and print workbooks. Not that he doesn't know how to write in print, but he could use the practice!
Foreign Language- He wants to learn 3 languages this year- Spanish, Greek, and Korean. For Spanish, he is doing La Clase Divertida and for Greek, he is doing the Greek Code Cracker. So far, the Greek book is both of our favorites! For Korean, he will do Time For Korean. We aren't going to start the Korean until we are finished or almost finished with the Greek book. It is intimidating, though, because just from flipping through the Korean book, it looks really hard!
History- He wanted to study ancient history and I picked Mystery of History. I think this will be a fun class and he is really excited about it. It's a really, really, really, big book and I'm not sure if we'll be able to finish it in one year or not.
Science- He is doing Human Anatomy and Forensics through a Winter Promise course. I am really impressed with this one so far. Not that we've started it, though! LOL!! He will be using a bunch of books, maintaining a notebook about what he is learning and doing, and going through a lot of really different activities in this course.
Art- We'll be doing Artistic Pursuits once a week. This book has the kids look at and discuss one famous piece of art each week, then it describes the techniques used in that piece, and the kids then do their own artwork in the style being studied.
Music- We're working on getting some guitar lessons set up for him. I'm not sure when he'll start but we have a couple of options in mind already.
PE- We're going to count his taekwondo as PE. He also does some yoga every morning before he starts his work.
Geography- He's not doing a formal geography course this year but we'll play some geography games every week. He's going to be playing Scrambled States and Where in the World?
Reading and Writing- Finally, I will be assigning him books to read and writing assignments based on those books. He has to read 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction book of my choice at a time as well as 1 book of his choice. So far, he has read The Whipping Boy, The Boxcar Children, Bunnicula, and a book on Greek Myths as my choices. He's currently working on The Matchlock Gun and a couple books on ancient monuments and ancient cities. His choices have been Calvin and Hobbes, The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson), and Frankenstein (adapted for kids). I'll have him write reviews of those books on his blog soon. I have a list of books I want him to read but he's reading them faster than I anticipated so please go ahead and post if you have a suggestion. Also, if anyone knows if the mother in Matchlock Gun dies, let me know soon! I'm not sure and I want to know before he gets to the end.
Other- He wanted to take a musical theater class but I'm not sure we can fit it in the schedule and he also has to do a daily Bible devotion/quiet time.
New School Year
Our kids started their new school year August 2. It seems way too early but they didn't ask me what I thought.
Grace and Greta are now in 1st grade. They have the same teacher Xander had in 1st and we are all excited about that. So far they have been having fun and they like their class. They didn't know any of the girls in their class and only one of the boys but they have said they are making friends. They can't name any of the girls they have been playing with, however! Xander is being homeschooled this year. He is really excited about it and so far has been really cooperative. He has had a light week because some of our books didn't get here in time to start so we'll see what he thinks next week when he has a full load. Marie will turn 3 on Sunday and isn't in school yet. She's having a lot of fun playing with Xander and coloring next to him. She's even starting to sing the Greek alphabet!
Grace and Greta are now in 1st grade. They have the same teacher Xander had in 1st and we are all excited about that. So far they have been having fun and they like their class. They didn't know any of the girls in their class and only one of the boys but they have said they are making friends. They can't name any of the girls they have been playing with, however! Xander is being homeschooled this year. He is really excited about it and so far has been really cooperative. He has had a light week because some of our books didn't get here in time to start so we'll see what he thinks next week when he has a full load. Marie will turn 3 on Sunday and isn't in school yet. She's having a lot of fun playing with Xander and coloring next to him. She's even starting to sing the Greek alphabet!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Charlotte's Web
Xander is going to be a gosling in our community theater's performance of Charlotte's Web this summer! He wanted to be Wilbur but he is happy to be a gosling and to be in the show. There were a ton of people at the audition, and there were only about 2 speaking roles available for boys his age, and this was his first audition for anything like this, so just getting to be a gosling was great for him and he'll have a lot of fun. This is not a school play and he didn't know anyone else who was auditioning and we are proud of him for taking the initiative. There is a charter school in NC that Xander is hoping to go to and I suggested that if he wanted to get in the school he may need to start doing some arts type things before he applies and he chose to try to get into some plays and things like that. If anyone is interested in coming to see him, you can go here and see the performance dates and even buy tickets if you want!
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte's Web
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Marie- Live!
We have a ton of these videos. Mostly because once she sees the camera she quits performing and we can't get a good video of all of her songs and dances! These are her best on camera from the past few months. And for each of these, there are a million performances that were not recorded. Millions and millions. Note the stage in her Barbie song. She needs a stage to give a proper show.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Dress Up
I walked into the living room today and was surprised to see Buddy all by himself like this.
Marie was the only one home so I asked her what had happened to Buddy. She said, "Oh. He's a reindeer." I told her he didn't like to be a reindeer, she said he did like it. I said, no really, he looks sad. She said, "Ok, he's a horsey!"
Later, she played dress up with some more appropriate friends.
Marie was the only one home so I asked her what had happened to Buddy. She said, "Oh. He's a reindeer." I told her he didn't like to be a reindeer, she said he did like it. I said, no really, he looks sad. She said, "Ok, he's a horsey!"
Later, she played dress up with some more appropriate friends.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Bowl Print
This is how I found Marie after she finished her spaghetti. There was no mess on the table, her clothes and hands weren't that bad, and there was no food in the bowl. But, do you see it? It isn't just a messy face, but the perfect outline of a bowl around the middle of her face! And even after her bath, her face was still stained orange the next day in a perfect little circle all around her face.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Singing and Dancing!
Grace and Greta's kindergarten PTO performance was last week and they actually sang and danced! For their PreK shows, they stood up with their class and did not move or open their mouths at all so we were very impressed. I can't comment on how loudly they may or may not have been singing, but we can see their lips moving so that shows effort.
They are in the front in the orange shirts.
They are in the front in the orange shirts.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ready and Waiting!
The girls are ready and waiting in case any little green men might stop by in a few days. We have leprechaun traps! They know leprechauns like shiny things so they thought the shinier the better! The little sign says, "Leprechaun Party Here!" just in case they can't figure out who the shiny stuff is for. Then....once they climb on board to head to the party- boom! They fall in the trap, and we will ask for our pot of gold.
If Grace looks a little off, it is because she has been sick. Her eyes have been swollen and red. See- that was a good picture- she could look a lot more pitiful!
If Grace looks a little off, it is because she has been sick. Her eyes have been swollen and red. See- that was a good picture- she could look a lot more pitiful!
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