What Method Are You?

This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. We started with a box curriculum. I loved it. I still do. Its hard to get away from it. Although it wasn't perfect, the teacher's manuals are a gold mine. So, thank you, CALVERT. I couldn't have done it without you. or maybe I could have, but I'm glad I didn't. I was looking thru the spring magazine from TOS and saw an article on the different methods of homeschooling. There are many styles. After reading it, I consider myself Eclectic. It is defined as a "mix of philosophies and curricula to accommodate each child's abilities and interests. Parents choose from any method or style only those components that fit their specific needs." I like the Charlotte Mason method, but I am still learning. I have learned to like Unit Studies by doing lapbooking. I think the Principle Approach is important because it puts emphasis on God's Word. A couple of examples of this is when we do our Bible reading or anytime we do nature study. The Classical approach uses the five tools of learning, known as the Trivium. They are reason, record, research, relate, and rhetoric. It is to teach people how to learn for themselves. This is important especially when getting ready for college. And who doesn't use Delight Directed? Isn't that what homeschool is all about? This is where learning is based on the child's interests. On the other hand, Unschooling is a relaxed setting in which learning is directed by the child. Last but not least, Traditional Textbook. This is a full-range, packaged, textbook type curriculum. Like my Calvert. hehe A little of everything suits us just fine. We have good easy days and some very busy difficult days. Sometimes its easier on all of us to just do what we like for that day. I'm sure this happens in all homeschoolers lives. So, what method are you?

Still Here

Today I was thinking about my blog and school. I haven't done much of either. Today was especially difficult due to a migraine that arrived Tuesday afternoon and didn't leave until Wednesday night. ha ha! Nope I'm not talking about a guest. I am talking about a real painful no light no noise debilitating throbbing can't even move my head headache. Of course life doesn't stop because of it. The trick is to train the children and do things as slowly and light as possible. It's good to teach them how to make their own lunch. They also helped taking care of the pets. They are old enough. I sure do appreciate them.

We did work on math today. She did multiplication and he did some regrouping subtracting double digits. I also looked at this web page Lesson plans and worksheets from learningpage.com. They had some books that will go with a study on bones or vertebrates.

Well tomorrow is another day.

Today's Events

I will start with the fun stuff today. After dinner was a fun lesson in chemistry. Dad and son made some edible wart drops and some fizzy drinks. Have you ever heard of Doctor Dreadful? We found this chemistry set in the toy aisle a few years ago. They are sweet and sour mixes you eat or drink. Comes with recipes and all the beakers and other lab equipment needed. Son always enjoys brewing up a new concoction with his mad scientist laugh. muahahaha






Earlier in the day we took a 20min walk out by the water. Before we got to the trail we saw this in the road. We think it is a yellow rat snake. Too bad someone didn't like him crossing the road. hehehe




Of course there were other things in school today. Math is always done. Home Ec is another daily subject. We had some delicious buttermilk cornbread made by Daughter and Son helped with a little laundry. Let's see what's on for tomorrow? Hope it's more yummies made by the kids. hehehe

Can you say, "I love homeschool!"?

Just having some fun with a magnetic board. See the skateboarder going up the ramp?

This is their favorite place when we read. Mom and Dad's bed. Having a snack while I read from One Eyed Cat. Even the dogs and cats enjoy reading time.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

After math, we had a nice easy day. I read stories from a couple of books and they drew pictures or had a snack while they listened. I love homeschooling, spending time with my babies, and being their teacher.

New Books!

I love books! I'm so excited. We didn't stay home for school today. We went to the bookstore and i bought 2 books for our lapbook. hehehe We are still working on the HOAC lapbook on American Indians.

We should start reading these on Monday. We also got some bamboo so we could make a teepee in the backyard. We got the link from a homeschool group. The kids can't wait to get started. I will be posting those pictures soon too. Hope the weather stays good.