I've been reading my old blog a little bit this evening and it makes me sad that I didn't keep up with it. It is just so full of sweetness with all the endearing stories and the pictures. Those were crazy days with my 5 young children but it was so so good. And it is so good to go back and read and remember the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. It's fun for the kids to see where we were and where we are now. And it's good for me, as a homeschooling mama who often feels like we aren't getting anywhere but just making messes everyday, to see that we've established rhythms and habits and really, a family culture, around God's Word, good books, and lots of time together. We've been doing "Morning Time" for years! I just didn't call it that so I didn't even realize it was a thing way back at the beginning of our homeschooling! Well, I enjoyed going back and seeing what the kids were doing for school in the early years so I'm going to take some time to list what everyone is doing this year.
Peter (10th-ish)
Saxon Algebra 1
Apologia Chemistry (at co-op)
Technical Writing (at co-op)
Tapestry of Grace Year 2 Honors History and Honors Literature (online)
Worldview
Vocal Lessons
(other- volunteering = Cadet Junior Counselor, works at a bike shop, has discovered a love for cycling)
Kate (10th-ish)
Saxon Algebra 1
Apologia Chemistry (at co-op)
Technical Writing (at co-op)
Art (at co-op)
Tapestry of Grace Year 2 Honors History and Literature Lite (online)
Worldview
Vocal Lessons
Maddie (7th)
Saxon Math 7/6
Apologia General Science (at co-op)
Art (at co-op)
Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature
Latin for Children 1
Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason )
Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason)
Fallacy Detective
Writing and Rhetoric book 3
Teshome (6th)
Saxon Math 7/6
Apologia Land Animals Science (with 2 other moms teaching to a group of boys)
Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature
Latin for Children 1
Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason )
Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason)
Fallacy Detective
Writing and Rhetoric book 3
Piano Lessons
Ella (5th) and Charlotte (4th)
Teaching Textbooks Math 5
Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature
Latin for Children 1
Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason )
Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason)
Cursive Practice
Math Facts Practice
Writing and Rhetoric book 2
Piano Lessons
Silas (pre-K)
Phonics
Get Ready for the Code
The Ology
lots of puzzles, play and reading aloud
He wants to do EVERYTHING the older kids are doing!
Anneliese isn't officially a student. Well, who am I kidding? My kids are my students from birth! Right now we're trying to figure out if she really still doesn't know her colors or she's totally playing us. I'm pretty sure it's the latter. She definitely keeps us on our toes!
In addition to the above "subjects," we have "Morning Time" most days. We gather around the table to work on our scripture memory passage of the quarter, sing the hymn of the quarter (this summer I planned a 4 year cycle of scripture and hymn memory and I plan to add poems soon), and pray. Then I read aloud another spiritually related book. So far this year, in light of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we've been reading Heroes of the Reformation by Richard Newton. When we're done I plan to read Children's Stories by JC Ryle. After that, the high schoolers are excused and we do an enrichment study per quarter. First quarter we studied the art of Jan Van Eyck. Second quarter we are studying Hamlet. Third quarter will be a study of Beethoven. Fourth quarter we plan to study the poetry of Tennyson.
Our days are packed and tiring but I hope that truth, beauty, and goodness is infused in all that we do and these precious children leave our home equipped for all they will face in life and inspired to continue a life long habit of learning!