Back To School Countdown - Curriculum

Well, it has all started here. The schools are back in swing, and my kids are patiently waiting for us to get started (actually, they're hoping I just forget all about it hahaha!). I plan on starting the day after Labor Day. Since this is the odd year (2011), we won't be going to Florida for two weeks, so I don't need the extra time on the calendar.

Since we have a start date, it's time to get all the books together. We're going to try something new this year with the older ones, online curriculum. It's so hard sometimes to get all the subjects done with all the kids everyday!! So, I thought we'd give the online thing a try.

I picked up the last of the school books this morning. I love that we live so near to BJU and their press distribution center. I ordered Mr. Helper's books online and picked them up this morning (saved some money on shipping YAY). I still need to get the books from two years ago out for the younger ones coming into those grades, and get last years put away for the future. It seems like there's a never ending cycle of putting things away and getting things out(happens with our clothes too).

This year, we're using a mixture of curriculum for the two that aren't online. I decided to try a science curriculum that the two (1st grade and 3rd grade) could do together. I borrowed Christian Kids Explore Biology, from my sister-in-law. She used it last year for her 2nd and 3rd graders. I'm hoping it works well for both the Princesses. I'm also using LifePac for their history and geography instead of BJU. I looked for things that I thought we would be able to do together as much as possible.

Now, all that is left is to get everything in the room and organized, still waiting on those rooms downstairs to get all done. I'm hoping (and praying) that we get everything done in the next 2 weeks and can start in our new classroom instead of at the kitchen table. Regardless, school start date for my 4 homeschool students is September 7, 2010.

Back To School Countdown

For those of you who don't know me personally, this is my 4th year homeschooling. A little background, after struggling to keep the bills paid and the three older kids in Christian School, my husband and I decided to try homeschooling. The first year was an absolute learning experience. The second year went a little smoother, but also involved the birth of my fifth child right at the beginning of the school year. Last year I finally felt like things were coming together, and I already had in my mind what I wanted to change for this year......So, I'm going to do this countdown in a serious of posts. The first being, getting my classroom back!!

When I first started homeschooling, I had a room in the basement that I cleaned out and used as our classroom. At the end of our 2008-2009 school-year, my husband decided to remodel our entire basement in an effort to give us more usable space. He decided to put the master bedroom and bathroom and another bedroom in the basement as well as a laundry room. Then, I would have one of the rooms upstairs as a classroom. Well, the master bedroom and bath is FINALLY finished. It only lacks a coat of paint and the carpet (minor details).

Long story short, in the next two weeks, my husband has to work full-time, paint two rooms, move bedroom furniture and whatever else I think of. I just don't have high hopes for all of that to get done. None-the-less, I will be starting school the Tuesday after Labor Day, even if it's at the kitchen table like last year. The bright side is, that by the end of this year, I will have a designated class room for our little homeschool.

Part two will be my curriculum plan. I'd better get things started. Lots to do in the next couple of weeks; 4 different grade levels make for a lot of materials.

Hard to Say Goodbye

My children are in a state of sadness. Their best friends in this world are moving to California!! Try answering, "Are we ever going to see them again?" with tears running down their little eyes. I just don't even know where to begin with that. Do I answer honestly and say, "Well, most likely not"? Their little hearts are already breaking.

It was hard for my boys when we made the decision to homeschool, they had spent their first three school years in traditional Christian school and had made friends (none of which they have kept in touch with). Then, we met a family so similar to ours it was amazing; 5 children and a homeschool family. The kids were all very close in age. We all were very excited, and the kids got along very well.

The kids have spent the past two days together, playing and making memories. Hubby and I have done our best to help out with both the moving and keeping the kids entertained. I still don't know how to answer their question. I do believe with the internet and all the technology of today, they can stay in touch. I know I'm going to do my best to let them try.

I know losing your best friend is not easy, and we will surely miss them. But, I have no doubt that God will bring someone into our lives here to help fill this void we are feeling. I also know that God will make their adjustments as smooth as possible since they are following God's will for their lives. I cannot be sad about that.