We started our day off by making "Writer's Notebooks" that we will use to journal and story tell. We personalized these by using family photographs and magazine clippings to make a collage. Here is the finished product:
Trace's Notebook:
Avery's Notebook:
We dove right into our storytelling process and Avery proudly showed off her stormy story, lightning and all!
I have found some very cool information on different websites and we have a full year of fun ahead of us. A lot of friends and family ask how our schedule works and so here it is for this year:
Monday
8:30- Journal
9:00- Art (ARTistic Pursuits-An Introduction to the Visual Arts)
9:30-Spelling
10:00- Outdoor Walk/Nature Study
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
8:30- Journal
9:00- Art (ARTistic Pursuits-An Introduction to the Visual Arts)
9:30-Spelling
10:00- Outdoor Walk/Nature Study
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
10:00- Outdoor Walk/Nature Study
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
Wednesday
8:30-Journal
9:00-Music
9:30-Read Aloud Time
10:00- Outdoor Walk/Nature Study
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
8:30-Journal
9:00-Music
9:30-Read Aloud Time
10:00- Outdoor Walk/Nature Study
10:30-Math
11:00-Reading Workshop
11:30 Chores/Independent Play
Lunch 12:00
Thursday
Co-op (The kids will take three classes a piece during co-op)
Friday
8:30- Writing Workshop
9:00-Science
9:30 Math
10:00 Spelling Test
10:30 Library
12:00 Lunch
Of course, we don't always stick with our schedule. For instance, we don't stop at exactly 9:30 on the dot to move to Math. That would be ridiculous. For me that is the ultimate about homeschooling. If someone doesn't feel well or a lesson isn't progressing, we have the freedom to move on to something that will. That's the beauty of it. But it does really help to have a general outline and sense of order so we aren't in chaos either.
9:00-Science
9:30 Math
10:00 Spelling Test
10:30 Library
12:00 Lunch
Of course, we don't always stick with our schedule. For instance, we don't stop at exactly 9:30 on the dot to move to Math. That would be ridiculous. For me that is the ultimate about homeschooling. If someone doesn't feel well or a lesson isn't progressing, we have the freedom to move on to something that will. That's the beauty of it. But it does really help to have a general outline and sense of order so we aren't in chaos either.
Also on Fridays, as we did last year, we visit the Library, check out books for the coming week and then stop at one of our favorite places for a slice of pizza. (Providing everyone behaved all week long!)
I am very excited about our writing and reading workshops, a time where they can work independently or get my help as needed as I do chores! I also implemented independent play last year which was the greatest addition to our day ever. The children can spend time playing, but no computer (or television-obviously!) and they have to play alone. They may go into their rooms or the back yard and play, but it really helped develop their imaginations and ability to entertain themselves instead of demanding to be entertained. Here is Trace during his Independent Play time building an army:
Well, that's it for now. We are eager to get into our school year and learn! I added a couple more pictures of my little hard workers for their Nana :)
