Accountability Feb 14-20

[Soror]

Hello all!

 

I'm up early and excited about the week :) 

 

We're knocking out my cleaning quickly- I guess "Kon-Maring" the house this fall did streamline around here. I think I've decided we'll just do bedrooms today- I want to get some done but keep it easy as dh will be home and I want to enjoy our time together. Bedrooms will be quick- my 2 oldest are always in the midst of cleaning and reorganizing their rooms, my youngest 2 haven't been doing too bad and we did a massive clear out and clean after Christmas. Anyway, I'm thrilled with the idea of starting the week off with my upstairs almost entirely deep cleaned!!!

 

So, yesterday dd1 tells me out of the blue that she wants to take a break from sewing, just when you think you have them figured out! There is an art class starting in 2 weeks, I had thought it would be too much with sewing but this changes things. I think we'll move our light day to Tues. The classes are from 10-12, so the oldest 2 would have art and I would take the youngest 2 to story time (and get some books) and then we would have lunch with dh(just like I used to do with my oldest 2). Ds could finish his work before we left (since he has been starting around 7) and we could relax and do poetry time in the afternoons. I think ds will be a bit resistant to the idea of an art class but will enjoy it once he is there- usually he is very chill but with art he gets paranoid about doing a bad job. 

 

I need to figure out when we are going to do the exam, ideally it would be good to get it done and out of the way this week. I had planned to do it at the end of the month when we took off 2 wks but moving up the break changes thing. I don't know if we can finish our prep by then but perhaps it will be sufficient- we'll see.

 

Currently I'm working on the schedule- still have to finish re-arranging it for dd1 since I moved the break and now I have some tweaking to do with switching activities. I've got 6 wks of cultural studies to plan as well but on the plus side I already have in our study of Mexico which will be in the last session of the year.

[Sahamamama]

Sunday 2/14

Home from church today (need to rest)

Reading for CBE

Finish watching "The Sound of Music" with the girls

 

Monday 2/15

Regular meals, chores, laundry, hygiene & pets

School Work

Awana

 

Tuesday 2/16

Regular meals, chores, laundry, hygiene & pets

School work

Early bedtime

 

Wednesday 2/17

Regular meals, chores, laundry, hygiene & pets

School work

Church midweek

 

Thursday 2/18

Regular meals, chores, laundry, hygiene & pets

School work

Choir

 

Friday 2/19

Regular meals, chores, laundry, hygiene & pets

School work

Family movie night or game night

[Critterfixer]

Good morning. I'm not ready to get back to school, but...

Schedule for the day:

French-review previous units

Latin-watch the DVD for lesson 15 and do a workbook page

Math-Lesson 11 in CLE and a page of Key to Fractions

Writing-read the new plot model for the week, pick spelling words to study for the week, discuss

 

 

My list: French, Latin, Algebra, Writing, Housekeeping (laundry and some cooking).

[Soror]

Critter- I'll be you next week :)

 

 

I got my Italy planning done this am. I had checked out some books on Italy a few weeks ago. I felt a bit disappointed that the library didn't have all that many but as I was planning I thought it is better that way as I tend to over plan. So, I have books for dd to read and read-alouds scheduled as well as a half a dozen picture books requested that we'll just read whenever they come in. Now to find some coloring/activity sheets for the girls. 

 

I also got the schedule lined out, I think(I almost freaked out when I saw that that dd wasn't due to finish math until a month later than I thought but I had entered in 20 lessons too many)! I wanted to go through Grammarland with dd as a prep for Treasured Conversations next year but wasn't sure where to put it but looking at the schedule I realized she is due to finish her spelling early so I'm adding that in after her spelling book is done. I've already printed off some free coordinating worksheets I found online. Now to figure out a few more details for ds.

 

We made it outside to count birds yesterday and the kids have already been spying them this am. Dd2 was ecstatic to see a HUGE red-headed woodpecker right outside our greatroom window. It is sleeting today so I believe we'll be counting from inside- luckily I have lots and lots of windows with good views.

 

Oh, and I almost forgot today is our feast for our completion of our India study :) We'll be making my favorite madras curry tonight. 

[Raifta]

Soror - your Tuesday plan sounds lovely.  And the woodpecker sighting is exciting.  

 

Plan for this week:  finish prepping for American Girl history (Kaya and Felicity) 

                              needle felt with DD

                              do experiments in fingerprinting kit with DS

                              help DD figure out how to drum up blog traffic

                              help DS start Youtube channel

                              finish knitting DD's sweater

                              have kids finish watching all Star Wars movies so we can see the new one in theatres

                              pick up library books to complement Quark Botany we are starting the following week

                              figure out how to get some reviews of specific math curricula for newsletter

 

Will still be posting with more details most days as I face each day!

[Soror]

Excuse my serial posting- I'm busy working today and checking in here and there is like marking a check off my list :)

 

Rafita- I thought about doing American Girl history with the girls, it sounds so fun, maybe some day!

 

 

 

- Finally, really, truly have rest of schedule planned (I think?) for the rest of the year. I had it mostly done then I had to change it because of the art class and I tweaked some things and didn't quite like it, a few tweaks more and I *think* it is good. It is hard to tell until we start in with it- I've changed things a bit- hopefully it is still good and manageable for ds. Dd1 and 2 are pretty much the same as before.

-Printed up coloring sheets for girls for Italy study and pinned some project ideas for our study- these will be as we have time and want to do them

-my bedroom is DONE- walls and floors washed; dresser and closet spiffed up- plenty of dust bunnies found!

-oldest 2 have got their rooms done- youngest 2 worked on theirs but I'm going to help a bit to get the details and deep cleaning done 

 

School planning for the rest of break:

-I'm starting a book club for ds- so I need to read the book and look at Teaching the Classics and Deconstructing Penguins again; I've got the book in and have done some researching on activities and discussion questions 

 

-currently planning for ds to go ahead and do his prep and test - time will tell if this is feasible

 

Cleaning left:

BATHROOMS!- mostly kids

Pantry and Hall-way for me- both aren't big or very messy so should be quick- couple hours at most

 

 

 

 

[Critterfixer]

School, housekeeping and cooking done for the day. I made Swedish Meatballs for dinner. 

I wish I had more energy, but I'm just all done in. I think I'll go to bed early. One of my boys is exercising his Hexbugs; the other is assembling a model of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I ought to be coming up with questions for tomorrow's history and writing assignment, but all I want to do is sleep.

[Jean in Newcastle]

  Dd's finished project from last week.  Rusty bunny is checking it out.

[Sdel]

Full day.  I slept in, DD went to church with granny.  DH went to pick up the grandson from the other grandparents.  DD had a make up lesson this afternoon.  We came home and did Valentine stuff.  Our favorite so far....we made chocolate covered strawberries.  I'm about to make spaghetti and meatballs and roast beef for sandwiches during the week.

 

Stefanie

[MrsRobinson]

From the last thread: Sahmama and soror- you are both right. The boys are still so little, it affects what I can get done in a day. The kids do pretty good with their chores, but I have to remind a lot. I'd like to do a checklist where they can check off their chores as they complete them. I did that with just a scrap of paper a few weeks ago when we were prepping for company and they loved it. I also need to use the slow cooker more, I am so tired when its time to start dinner, that its hard to be motivated to get it done.

 

As for school work, I think I am going to switch to the popular year round schedule that gives us periodic week-long breaks. How long is a typical school stretch? 6 weeks? 8 weeks? Btw, dh doesn't mind at all. He was the one persuading me to homeschool in the first place. I just feel guilty because his job is very physical and I know he comes home hungry.

 

Ok, now I am up-to-speed. Jean- your dd's project looks great!

 

This week, I am shooting for routine. I'm going to do my best to not focus on the clock. Just do the next thing. And not plan too many things. We'll see how it goes.

[Soror]

Jean- she did so good!

 

Mrs.Robinson- checklists are good but I would expect to still remind them. I made a laminated sheet detailing chores for awhile- my oldest are in charge of bathrooms so I spelled out all that entailed. I read this book about executive function (Smart but Scattered) and she talked about various ways to help kids remember things but in the end she stressed to just use the least complicated system that works, I think it is the same for us moms. So good your dh is supportive- that makes a huge difference, we're the ones that have to learn to live with it!

 

Critter- I hope you got some good rest last night :)

 

 

We had a grand time last night with our Indian feast and celebration. Everyone joined me in the kitchen to help with cooking we made- homemade curry (ds made the curry paste), gluten free naan bread, basmati rice and roasted cauliflower. I gave them a bit of a lesson on cooking as well. Then the girls and I dressed up, we wrapped some big scarves like saris and did are make-up and put on jewelry. The girls watched some Indian dances and then did a little dance after dinner. It was such a fun time.

 

Today- weather is still crappy out- although it is warming up today and melting the ice, so we are taking advantage of the bad weather and finishing our cleaning- hopefully will be done by lunch. No Scouts today for anyone, not sure yet if dd1 has dance or if I have yoga- the roads seem fine(the trees are just covered with ice), I'm not sure about anywhere else though or if we will get more this am.

[Critterfixer]

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop reminding of some things. Frankly, both boys actually come to me wanting the reminders. DH seems to be a little like this as well. They just want to be sure that 1) they are on track to get their things finished and 2) that I know it. :laugh: How can I praise them if I don't know every little detail that they attended to? 

I agree with Soror; the less complicated the task, the fewer steps involved, the fewer times that they need to ask for directions or feedback, the better things work. If I can plan to start dinner at lunch, it's more likely that we'll have dinner that isn't sandwiches and fruit. That said, sandwiches and fruit are nearly always enjoyed. 

I typically call a summer quarter 10 weeks. I break after 5 to 6 weeks. I have a 10 week quarter because I only school 4.5 days per week instead of 5. Quarters work well for me.

 

Today's schedule:

French-Unit 8

Latin-Lesson 15, vocabulary cards,  workbook

Math-Lesson 12 CLE 507, page of Key to Fractions book 4

Grammar/Comp-discussion of the Discovery Plot, comprehension questions about each act of the plot, choose scene and begin writing project. Spelling practice as usual.

History-OUP Chapter 7, Questions, read Cathedral (Macaulay)

Literature-Lang's King Arthur "What Beaumains Asked of the King" a.k.a The Kitchen Knight

Science-Science Explorer Chapter 5, Sc 1: Classifying Rocks, Chapter 5 Volcanoes, A Human History

Geography-Lesson 21, US and Mexico

 

For me: French, Latin, Algebra, Writing, Housekeeping for Monday.

 

[Aurelia]

DD spent most of the weekend at her grandma's, so I had time to finish her Valentine's Day gift - I personalized a new gym bag with her name, which I couldn't do while she was here. I also finished her leotard and washed it, so it is ready for competition next weekend. 

 

Today we have spelling, English, handwriting, history, science and geometry. DD has grumped her way through most of it (which is why I hate letting her have sleepovers, even at grandma's), but has a few things to finish before we can head to the trampoline park for handspring practice before her tumbling class.

[Aurelia]

Oh, we also re-decorated the glass door to the backyard today - we change the window clings for different holidays - Valentine's Day got put away and now we are ready with spring/Easter. The spring decorations feel more fitting with the weather anyway, it was in the 70s all last week, and looks like it will continue. The trees are all leafing out now, and the grass is turning green. We've even got a few early dandelions. 

[MrsRobinson]

Soror- I am sure I will still have to remind. Maybe just a little less. ;) I'll have to see if our library has that book.

 

Critter- I like your long quarter in the summer to allow for a shorter week. I know for sure our summer schedule will be different from the rest of the year. We love to swim and hike and take weekend trips during the summer. Thanks for sharing your schedule.

 

Today, not looking at the clock proved helpful. We did breakfast and morning chores. I got the laundry going and folded a basket full while dd did math right next to me on the school room floor. The baby was fussy so we brought him upstairs to crawl around in his room and play with his toys. I folded 2 loads of his clean laundry and put everything away right there in his room while dd and I did grammar, dictation and spelling.

 

Ds brought a counting game for us to play for pre-k then I made a nice lunch and we did another quick clean-up. I wrote a checklist on a dry erase board in the school room for dd to do her science and history reading independently, 30 minutes on an educational app, put away the laundry I folded earlier during the math lesson and tidy their bathroom. She did all of that while I put the baby down for a nap and did some bill paying and email catch up. Ds tagged along with her and played with his toys some too. We discussed what she read for science and history while I got some kitchen cleaning done and now she is practicing piano.

 

I still haven't conquered the dinner front. I was so busy party planning on Friday, that I didn't do my regular grocery shopping. We've been eating out of the fridge quite well but I am running low on provisions now. I could concoct something but it won't be that great. Trying to decide if I should go for the concoction or run to the store.

 

All in all, a good day. I felt much more balanced and felt like I was getting the priorities done both with schoolwork and housework. I guess it really does boil down to if you really want to make something happen, you just do it! I guess I finally got to that point.

[Critterfixer]

 

 

I still haven't conquered the dinner front. I was so busy party planning on Friday, that I didn't do my regular grocery shopping. We've been eating out of the fridge quite well but I am running low on provisions now. I could concoct something but it won't be that great. Trying to decide if I should go for the concoction or run to the store.

The way I explain it to DH: Nobody multitasks well. I can do one thing very well, two things well, or three things not so well. Most of the time I can get the exacta: school and the house, or the house and dinner, or school and dinner. Every now and again, when the stars align, I can get the trifecta--all three things done. 

The only way I get the trifecta is by making sure I stay on track for school, that I ONLY clean the assigned spaces and ignore the rest and that I have a plan in place for dinner. And even then sometimes it doesn't happen. But today I got it! Full day of school? Check. Cleaned assigned spaces? Check.

Plan for dinner? Check. It's not a healthy dinner, but it's dinner. Go me! :lol:

 

ETA: I totally forgot to answer the dinner question for Mrs. Robinson. Pizza. Pizza is always the answer.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Critterfixer

[Tawlas]

Well.  I've been MIA for a few days.  Had to run to the Lower Mainland (7 hour drive) and back on Friday Saturday.  Some stressful stuff happening right now to add on the fact that from now until April 6, every weekend is booked and each of them is a long weekend as far as school work goes.  I'm trying not to stress about that since there's really not much I can do.   To be fair, one of the weekends is my dd's 3rd bday follwed immediately by my bday, then easter, the the followin weekend is ds's 9th bday lol.  But still, even bday's require some work, right?  

 

We got a pretty full day of school in.  I'm thinking for the next month, we may drop the science curric and go with interest led reading/documentaries.  I'd like to finish the periodic table of elements, but beyond that, I may just do nature study and finish chemistry next year.  Or not.  I NEVER *don't* finish a book so this is a huge deal for me lol.  I've already decided that next year I'm gonna with RS4K Physics because it's at most 14 weeks and I want to get more nature study done.  So if I have eight + weeks of chemistry, that might be too tight. 

 

Remind me of this if I can't resist *having* to finish it!!

 

tomorrow is town day, and a coffee with a neighbour, so no school, not even in the coffee shop. wednesday morning, I *think* I'll do school, but then ds and I are leaving on our Train Adventure.  We're riding a real live train to Prince Rupert on the coast, staying for two days, then riding the train back to our nearest big city.  It's a 12 1/2 hour train drive each way!  Should be a blast, but I for sure won't be back till next Monday.  

 

Just wanted to check in and say I'm thinking of you all since I'm not on as much as I have been :)

[Soror]

Tawlas- lots of sympathy for the busy weekends, not having free/down time drives me bonkers. 

I have a generally have a hard time not finishing stuff as well- well the main stuff anyway. Like math, how can you not finish math? I know some people say they never finish a full book in school. I actually just decided to drop the rest of ds' grammar, we are 2/3rd done but it has become increasingly clear that it isn't worth our time- so he is moving on to some books I already had around here.

 

Mrs.Robinson- I agree with Critter- it is really hard to get it all done and keep it done. As I said I can't seem to manage any in-depth cleaning while schooling- just the basics and then supper has been my nemesis especially with wonky evening schedules on some days. I like to have some time off in the afternoon so sometimes we end up eating way late. The Instant Pot honestly has been a help because it cooks fast and on a timer and can keep warm but you still have to start stuff!

 

 

 

 

Drum roll please the entire upstairs is finished- deep cleaned- everything but the windows (that is a spring job!), floors washed on our hands and knees, walls washed, cabinets and drawers. We worked for just 3 hrs yesterday and were done by 11am. Then we took a walk and came home and watched a movie and had lunch and did a bit of school(math and spelling).

 

Today I'm thinking about trying to go fly some kites the wind is supposed to be up to 28 mph!!! In the am I hope to get our bit of school done and maybe work on the basement some and then get outside after it has warmed up some, past today the projected forecast for the rest of the month is 50+ Woot!

[Sahamamama]

  Dd's finished project from last week.  Rusty bunny is checking it out.

 

We love our bunnies here, too! :001_wub: Rusty is one lucky rabbit! 

 

[Critterfixer]

We are supposed to get up around 65F here today. Should be nice.

Today's schedule:

French-Unit 8

Latin-Cont. Lesson 15, grammar recitation, workbook

Math- CLE Lesson 13, page of Key to Fractions

Composition-Spelling Practice, Grammar lesson from Harvey's, continue Week 1 work on Discovery Plot.

History/Science-swap from yesterday

Literature/Geography-swap from yesterday

 

For me: French, Latin, Algebra, Writing, Housekeeping (Kitchen/Dining/Laundry Room)

Additionally, we have beekeeping class tonight. We have one this week and one next week. And after that, I swear I'm heading down to the library every Tuesday evening for the Writer's meetings. I found out that they have a group for young writers as well. :001_smile: I hope the boys will enjoy something like this. We'll see.

[Sahamamama]

From the last thread: Sahamamama and soror- you are both right. The boys are still so little, it affects what I can get done in a day. The kids do pretty good with their chores, but I have to remind a lot. I'd like to do a checklist where they can check off their chores as they complete them. I did that with just a scrap of paper a few weeks ago when we were prepping for company and they loved it. I also need to use the slow cooker more, I am so tired when its time to start dinner, that its hard to be motivated to get it done.

 

I just feel guilty because his job is very physical and I know he comes home hungry.

 

 

I am the same way, especially if we have really worked hard on school most of the day. With three girls (9, 9, 11), I do have to "put it out," you know? They can do quite a bit on their own now, but I still manage it all, keep them focused, run the household, and do a lot of tutoring. It can be intense, so by supper time I am wiped out.

 

We have gotten to a place where this seems to work (though I don't think it would have for us with younger children, but it's fine now):

• After the children are in bed at night, I spend 10-15 minutes checking my teaching plan for the year and choose assignments from the week we are working on. I print out a list for each girl, then email a copy to my Kindle (so I'm not wasting paper).
• In the morning, we work on our Morning Routine -- beds made, bedrooms neat, rabbit chores, household chores (these are on a 3-week rotation), breakfast, meal prep (for lunch and/or supper), laundry, showers, and so on.
• We are usually ready to start our school work by 10:00 or 10:30 am. That may sound late to some, but it really does work for us. And when we do start, we know that our house is neat, our rabbits are happy, our kitchen is cleaned up, the laundry is going, we are clean and dressed, and we have something lined up for snack, lunch (we eat it late), and supper.
• Often, the girls are ready to begin their Independent Work while I continue to work on the household routine (laundry, cleaning, cooking). They work on the things they can do themselves (poetry memorization, Bible memorization, instrument practice, history timeline cards, geography memorization, spelling [oldest], French [some of it], Latin [vocabulary review], Assigned Independent Reading, typing, Wordly Wise [vocabulary], time with their rabbits, exercise, talking to Grammy on the phone, writing a thank you note).
• Meanwhile, I am wrapping up with housework, checking on their Independent Work, and cooking. For example, I might chop up vegetables for stew (possibly with help from the girls), and put that in the crock pot (that's the next night's supper). While I'm at it, I chop up more vegetables to have with chicken and pierogies for this night's supper. It's in the pan, ready to go. This often means that my husband will be able to heat it up (but he often works from home, and he doesn't usually have a physically demanding job).
• After we are all "situated," we officially start (LOL) with prayer, then we get started on Tutor Time. My 5th grader usually has some I.W. to complete, so she continues with that while I do T.T. with the 3rd graders. Then we break, eat, and get back to it (switch). Then we work on Group Work.

If I were in your shoes, I would cook in the morning, while I had the energy! The kids can play, your oldest could maybe do a few school things independently (math facts? basic phonograms?), and you can teach them all to help you with the running of the home. Then clean up the kitchen, do a quick pick up on the house, and have a snuggly read aloud. Then some one-on-one academic stuff, more snuggles, another quick pick up, a nap or quiet time, and hubby comes home. Family time.

 

My girls no longer fit on my lap, so... :crying: I am seeing a toddler and a preschooler and a seven year old from that perspective. I love where my girls are, truly, it's just amazing how the time passes. Those squishy little bodies wrapped around you will grow into BIG KIDS so fast. Enjoy the littleness while you have it.

Edited February 16, 2016 by Sahamamama

[MrsRobinson]

Critter- you sound like my dh! He tells clients that ask for the moon that they can have 2 out of 3. Fast and cheap but it won't look good. Good and cheap but it won't be done fast or fast and good but it won't be cheap! Ha!

 

Sahamamama- your post was so sweet! You're right. I am going to miss this stage when its over so I need to soak it up now. I like your layout for the day. Kind of flipping things around. I might try that.

 

Here's my new thing I'm trying to figure out. A fellow hs friend of mine told me about an awesome new exhibit at the discovery center an hour from here that relates to dd's science. It's $$. I said I'll have to stash my cash for a while before we can go. She said "we went for free on [mutual hs friend's] season pass. She's eager to take friends along to justify her purchase." This would be so great!!! How in the world do I get us an invitation without coming off like I'm looking for a handout or some equally obnoxious thing this mutual friend might think?

 

Well time for lunch here. Have a great day, everyone!

[Sahamamama]

Critter- you sound like my dh! He tells clients that ask for the moon that they can have 2 out of 3. Fast and cheap but it won't look good. Good and cheap but it won't be done fast or fast and good but it won't be cheap! Ha!

 

Sahamamama- your post was so sweet! You're right. I am going to miss this stage when its over so I need to soak it up now. I like your layout for the day. Kind of flipping things around. I might try that.

 

Here's my new thing I'm trying to figure out. A fellow hs friend of mine told me about an awesome new exhibit at the discovery center an hour from here that relates to dd's science. It's $$. I said I'll have to stash my cash for a while before we can go. She said "we went for free on [mutual hs friend's] season pass. She's eager to take friends along to justify her purchase." This would be so great!!! How in the world do I get us an invitation without coming off like I'm looking for a handout or some equally obnoxious thing this mutual friend might think?

 

Well time for lunch here. Have a great day, everyone!

 

You call around at local libraries and ask if they have museum passes! :) We went to our local Science Museum about two Saturdays ago, and it was free for us. We had to reserve the pass (online), pick it up on Friday afternoon, go to the museum on Saturday, and return the pass by Sunday -- so, a bit of driving, but otherwise free. Plenty of libraries have passes to museums, perhaps yours does, too.

 

Or, you could drop a hint to your first friend that you'd like to go with the mutual friend, and see if she passes that along.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Tuesday - Yesterday we took off so that dh and I could have an all-day day trip date.  Today was L.A. emphasis.  Dd is doing a couple of remedial programs in hopes that they will be a good fit for her since I'm more and more sure that she is dyslexic.  We started Analytical Grammar Jr. and she did ok though she confuses pronouns and nouns sometimes.  It definitely is at instructional level for her.  I was originally thinking of starting the regular AG with her but was starting to think that it would be too hard and this confirms it for me.  She's doing really well on a simple remedial outlining book that I got at a teacher supply store.  Figuring out what the main idea is something she doesn't feel confident about yet, even though she did just fine on it.  We also did a high school level exercise on reading comprehension that she did great on too.  (So she's all over the map in being able to do high school on some stuff and then back to upper elementary on others.)  

 

 

[Sahamamama]

Monday and Tuesday

 

We got so much house work and school work done yesterday and today, honestly, but I've just been too occupied doing it to post about it here. ;) And I'm tired now, so I'm not going to list it all. You'll just have to trust me. LOL.

[Critterfixer]

I'm beat. We got back from the beekeeping class around 9:00 and the boys haven't been in bed thirty minutes yet. I just got dinner. 

But it was a good class with a lot of people. The room was very crowded. Glad I have a week to recover before the next one! School went well, too. So a good day.

I don't have history planned for tomorrow, but I'll think of something before I head off to bed.

[Critterfixer]

As expected, everyone is moving rather sluggishly this morning. I have the schedule up, however.

Today's schedule:

French-Unit 8

Latin-cont. Lesson 15, Vocabulary review, worksheet

Math-CLE Lesson 14, 1 page of Key to Fractions

Grammar/Comp-Spelling practice as usual, read the model again and work on questions over Act 3 of the plot.

History-Chapter 8 OUP Rulers and Rebels, first half of the chapter, questions

Literature-Cont. Lang's King Arthur "What Beaumains Asked of the King"

Science- Chapter 5, Sec. 2 Science Explorer Igneous Rocks, additional reading of Chap 6 in Volcanoes

Geography-Unit 5 Introduction Central and South America

 

For me: the usual. French, Latin, Algebra, Writing, Housekeeping.

 

[Raifta]

Our second week off schoolwork and it's been busy!  

 

I finally got the kitchen into some modicum of respectable cleanliness yesterday, we all went outside for fresh air and exercise (aka shoveling snow for me), we played games, the kids did have 30 minutes of assigned reading time, we worked on craft projects that never get started/finished, DS and I did our menu planning for the week, and I helped DD publicize her doll blog a bit more.  Oh, and I did all the finishing touches on the sweater I am knitting DD and now need to block it!

 

Today:  playdate with other HS friends

             30 minutes assigned reading

             deep clean hamster cage

             continue knitting sock

             piano/guitar practice

             

 

I am actually anxious to get back to regular school days next week.  I'm excited about the new things we have planned.  I'm also a bit nervous as I'm hoping to get a part time job soon (crossing fingers that one of the two I've had testing for recently gets offered) and that will make schooling/housekeeping more stressful, as I had planned a pretty rigorous 5 week schedule for our next 5 weeks.  Will probably keep to the schoolwork and let the housework go if that happens.

             

[mama25angels]

Well we've just been doing routine work here, although my youngest now does his math on the whiteboard and using the c-rods. He loves it, to round things out a bit we watched a few of the education unordered videos and really liked those so I think we'll keep doing that. I've also added in the Hoffman academy videos for piano, which we both love, I think I'm going to buy the lesson plans for the first lessons and see how thy go with him. I'm hoping to see a bit more progress from him in the next few weeks. We have church tonight and co op tomorrow to round out the week, I must say I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I'm hoping that mine remains clear so that I can get some plans in place for next week.

[Critterfixer]

I am halfway done with the day's lessons. I've been busy looking at graduation requirements in the state so that I can prepare for high school. :scared: In some ways it's flat terrifying, in other ways I am actually looking forward to building the courses. I've got two more years of middle school to get through, but I figure it doesn't hurt to think ahead.

[MrsRobinson]

Well, my day was derailed by dh having some crazy eye issue. He couldn't open his eye at all, the pain was so bad, it was making him nauseous. We were up most of the night. I had to haul the kids with us and drive him to the doctor this morning. He immediately sent us to a specialist. Drops every hour today, every 2 hours for 2 days. No work. Bummer! Poor dh!

 

We just wrapped up a late lunch and dd is starting math. So we should have some productivity this afternoon. I did read aloud some history while we were waiting for dh at his appointments.

[Critterfixer]

 

 

Well, my day was derailed by dh having some crazy eye issue. He couldn't open his eye at all, the pain was so bad, it was making him nauseous. We were up most of the night. I had to haul the kids with us and drive him to the doctor this morning. He immediately sent us to a specialist. Drops every hour today, every 2 hours for 2 days. No work. Bummer! Poor dh!

Ouch!

[Critterfixer]

Last day of the homeschooling week for us. Today's schedule:

French-Unit 8

Latin-Lesson 15 cont., grammar recitation, worksheet, study for quiz on Sunday

Math-CLE lesson 15, Key to Fractions 1 page, study for test on Sunday

Grammar/Comp.-Spelling test, diagramming infinitive phrases used as adjectives, free writing

History/Science-swap from yesterday

Literature/Geography-swap from yesterday

Library day

Help with bees

 

For me: French, Latin, Algebra, Writing, help with the bees, housekeeping

[Jean in Newcastle]

Wed. -

Science emphasis.  We did school at the library and were able to score the small conference room for ourselves.  Everything went pretty smoothly. 

[Raifta]

I am pretty excited because the kids are going to Grandma's today for the afternoon!  This never happens.  I get the house to myself about once a year.

 

So morning plans:  30 minutes assigned reading

                               piano/guitar

                               DD does her laundry (she has no clean socks)

 

afternoon plans:  I get some coffee - go for a walk to do so maybe?

                           block the sweaters I finished knitting (one 2 years ago :blushing: )

                           make sure I have all the supplies for the science/history stuff we are starting next week

                           make chicken noodle soup with the remains of the roast chicken

                           knit in the afternoon light

                           maybe do some scrapbooking?  I'm working on 1992 - it's a bit weird, as I've been moving backwards in time along with keeping up with the current stuff and this is the first year without DH in the pictures (also, there are so very few pictures from the days before digital cameras and they are all so horrible - it really cuts down on the amount of scrapbooking I have to do for those years pre 1999)

[againstthegrain]

Today:

Math - DONE

LA/phonics - DONE

Assigned Reading - DONE

start new Read Aloud

History map work from yesterdays lesson

 

they are working on tomorrow's work as well so that 

normal housework :

clean up family room, kitchen, sweep, dishes, shake the rugs

-I also need to finish up finding what classes I am taking in the summer (i have 23 credits left to take for my bachelors, most are gen eds). 

-I need to reorganize DDs closet so we can close up the second attic access in there.

-Spend 30 minutes unpacking basement (this is my daily goal its been going well in order to keep progress on unpacking)
-change our linens

-print DD some more number lines

 

 

I do need to start working on our summer plans. We are completely done with regular school by May 13th...then we are taking a week vacation before we start summer school (math1/wk, assigned reading daily and 2-3 unit studies)... 

[Aurelia]

I haven't posted in a couple of days, but we've been chugging along.

 

Today: English, math, spelling, history, science, all mostly done, so far. DD is procrastinating as much as possible on doing her writing assignment, though, and I'm getting frustrated. She got her pullover (finally!) on bars, and she was thrilled, and Tuesday she got her leotard that she was supposed to get back in December, so that's good, but I cannot get her to bring her head back from flipping around to focus on her schoolwork. Seriously, if she could do nothing but gymnastics/tumbling and horseback riding 24/7, she would.

 

I finally moved up to the next level in my guitar class, so now I'm an intermediate beginner, LOL. I skipped working out for like 2 weeks, so I'm still recovering from my workout on Tuesday. My quads are SO sore. Stairs have been a problem, and I walk like I'm 80. The dog is terribly disappointed I won't chase him around the house. I'm debating trying to do some exercise today, or push it off to tomorrow. It will probably be tomorrow, because I'm in the midst of fixing dinner, and I can only do 2 of 3 - practice guitar, work out, or make/eat dinner. I never have enough time for all 3. 

[Critterfixer]

We got through most of our day. The boys decided that they wanted to work through their schedule backwards today. They decided that math in the afternoon isn't the best idea, particularly when it's 70F outside, and the butterflies are flying and the wind and sunshine are calling your name. The bee trip needed to be done at three, so we had to skip Latin and French today. But we are a day ahead in Latin anyway. So no big deal.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Thurs. - History emphasis

 

We did it at the library again.  Again, everything went pretty smoothly.  And again, I scored the conference room. 

 

This evening we met with a family regarding a weekly babysitting job for dd14.  The mom told me that she's thinking of homeschooling their 7th grader next year.  I never know what to say when people ask about homeschooling.  I did refer her to the Well Trained Mind book.  And I told her a little bit about what we do.  But we don't necessarily do what is the "norm" (whatever that is for homeschooling). 

[Soror]

Hey guys, haven't checked in but we've really had such an enjoyable week. I'm so glad we busted butt over the weekend to get the house spic and span and school planning done because for the most part we've been able to relax and enjoy the time. It's the best break we've had in ages- either we've been busy with holidays or appt's or I haven't felt well it seems for the last few. The tiny bit of school I had planned, well ds did 2 days and dd 1. I should know better than plan stuff- once the weather warmed up we wanted to play. That is ok though- I'll just move it forward- I only had a smidge scheduled anyway. Ds ended up with some bug he didn't feel good Wed and really bad Thurs, threw up in the am but started perking up towards the night. Thankfully(fingers crossed) the rest of us seem spared. Today we are supposed to go on a hike with friends although the weather is rather windy so I'm not certain if that will happen, fingers crossed it does.

 

Well wishes to all of you!

[Raifta]

Well, that coffee yesterday after 6 months of no coffee was a mistake.  I enjoyed my walk and relaxing coffee without the kids but I was awake.  all.  night.

 

So we shall see how today goes.  Current plan:

 

Morning:  piano/guitar

                30 minutes assigned reading

                play/work date with HS friends (I get to learn the ins and outs of updating the local HS ass'n website, kids get to play)

 

Afternoon:  DD has horseback riding lesson            

                   DS has to prep/cook dinner

 

 

[mama25angels]

Soror- I hope you guys are able to get out for your hike!

 

Today is our 95th day of school, yippee!!! I love making it to the 100 mark, usually we don't make it to that point until Marh, but thanks to you ladies and this thread, I've been able to keep moving forward. Today is our light day so my mission is to:

 

Go to the store (if not a lot of rain)

Do math, Latin, morning time

Straighten the house so I ca relax this weekend

[MrsRobinson]

Sounds like everyone is having a pretty good week!

 

Mama25- congratulations on 95 days and counting. I need to count up our days. A little 100th day celebration would be fun for the kids. With dd's surgery last fall, we may not hit 100 days til April! Ha!

 

I didn't post yesterday. We got through all our school lessons and I was in the mood for planning! (finally) So I got a solid start by mapping out my goals for the year and what I want our days to look like. Then individual subject goals. Now the nitty gritty of what to actually DO for each subject. I started with reading last night but didn't get very far. Still, I'm happy with what I got done and still feel motivated to keep making progress.

[Sahamamama]

Jean- she did so good!

 

Mrs.Robinson- checklists are good but I would expect to still remind them. I made a laminated sheet detailing chores for awhile- my oldest are in charge of bathrooms so I spelled out all that entailed. I read this book about executive function (Smart but Scattered) and she talked about various ways to help kids remember things but in the end she stressed to just use the least complicated system that works, I think it is the same for us moms. So good your dh is supportive- that makes a huge difference, we're the ones that have to learn to live with it!

 

Critter- I hope you got some good rest last night :)

 

 

We had a grand time last night with our Indian feast and celebration. Everyone joined me in the kitchen to help with cooking we made- homemade curry (ds made the curry paste), gluten free naan bread, basmati rice and roasted cauliflower. I gave them a bit of a lesson on cooking as well. Then the girls and I dressed up, we wrapped some big scarves like saris and did are make-up and put on jewelry. The girls watched some Indian dances and then did a little dance after dinner. It was such a fun time.

 

Today- weather is still crappy out- although it is warming up today and melting the ice, so we are taking advantage of the bad weather and finishing our cleaning- hopefully will be done by lunch. No Scouts today for anyone, not sure yet if dd1 has dance or if I have yoga- the roads seem fine(the trees are just covered with ice), I'm not sure about anywhere else though or if we will get more this am.

 

You have to watch "Nagada Baja." It's our favorite. ;) Everyone dances when we put that on. Even I do.

 

[mama25angels]

I didn't make it to the store today, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad!!  I do have to get laundry done this weekend, but I got bedding done today so that's a plus.  My goal for the weekend is to read, relax and prepare for next week.