Homeschooling Questions

Posted by Cindy on September 30, 2011

I’ve seen this meme on several blogs and thought it might be fun to participate.

Homeschooling Questions

1.  One homeschooling book you have enjoyed.

For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley

This is truly the main book that shaped my homeschooling style in the very beginning.  I recommend it all the time for those who are interested in a gentle, Charlotte Mason or relaxed style of homeschooling, and those who are frustrated with the “traditional” method.

2.  One resource you wouldn’t be without.

The Internet!

3.  One resource you wish you had never bought.

I don’t like to negatively mention any product.  What doesn’t work for me, will certainly work perfectly for someone else and I wouldn’t want to be a stumbling block by saying the product isn’t worthwhile.  There are several products that haven’t worked in our homeschool, but as I get more experienced with choosing things to meet our needs, I find I make fewer and fewer mistakes.

4.  One resource you enjoyed last year.

Just one???  If I have to narrow it down to just one, I’ll say my county’s extension office and the classes they offered.

5.  One resource you are using this year.

All of the curriculum resources I’m using are listed here.  Two others that are important resources this year = co-op (especially the biology lab) and field trips.

6.  One resource you would like to buy.

I really wish I would’ve purchased Diana Waring’s 2nd set in her History Revealed series: Romans, Reformers and Revolutionaries.  The price scared me off, but now I realize the price is well worth it because the curriculum works perfectly with our style.

Update – A wonderful cyber friend, Melissa, saw this post and sold me the curriculum for a great price.  Joy filled my heart when it arrived in the mail!

7.  One resource you wish existed.

I find myself patching together this and that for character training because I haven’t found anything that works just like I want it to.  Hmmm…Maybe that’s an idea for my next writing project???

8.  One homeschool catalog you enjoy reading.

I love CBD’s homeschooling catalog.

9. Which homeschool subject gives you the most frustration or anxiety?

Writing!  Strange for someone who writes herself, huh?

10. What is your greatest challenge in homeschooling right now?

My greatest challenge is balancing high school, middle school and preschool at the same time.

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I’d love to know if you complete the meme on your blog, too!

2011-12 Curriculum and Schedule

Posted by Cindy on July 29, 2011

High School, Middle School and K4.  Wow.  This year will surely test my homeschooling grit!  (Like the others haven’t, right?)  I’ve finally pinned down curriculum for the year ahead.  We’re all really looking forward to diving into some new materials, as well as some of our comfortable oldies-but goodies.

I’ll get right down to business sharing the main curriculum for each kiddo.  Remember, we NEVER do everything every day!

Mahayla – 9th Grade

Caleb – 6th Grade

Together

Eli – PK/K4

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We’re also jumping back into co-op this year where the kids will enjoy some fantastic classes once a week.  (I’m teaching the logic/critical thinking class and have shared those resources here.)

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Our daily schedule is always subject to change depending on projects, field trips, appointments, etc. – but here’s the tentative weekly schedule.

Schedule – Mahayla

Schedule – Caleb

Schedule – Eli Daily

AM

Primary Arts of Language Games/Worksheets

My Father’s World Science Activities

PM

Math and/or Art Activities

Bible Story and Literature Books

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 Happy 2011-2012!

Curriculum For Sale

Posted by Cindy on January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!  I’m re-posting this because I’m not sure many of you saw it when I originally posted over Christmas weekend.  (Bad timing!)…

I’ve added bunches of new things to my For Sale page – English From the Roots Up, Math Manipulatives, Simply Grammar, File Folder Game Resources, an entire preschool curriculum, Dover coloring books, some Five in a Row books and tons more! There are over 100 products listed!

I really need a laptop for the Midwest Homeschool Convention this spring, AND I’m considering purchasing Teaching Textbooks for Algebra soon. Needless to say, that’s why the for sale list is so long. Hop on over and see if there are any treasures or bargains that call your name.

Planning for Next Year

Posted by Cindy on December 28, 2010

Christmas is over, the first semester of school (for many of us) is over, and we’re beginning to reevaluate the school year thus far.  As we think about what worked and what didn’t work, it might mean a little tweaking should be done as 2011 begins…

Read the rest of my Heart of the Matter article here.

Favorite Games

Posted by Cindy on November 22, 2010

During my workshops about creative homeschooling and living math, I often talk about incorporating games into the school schedule.  The question that always follows is, “Which games are your top picks for each subject?” So, for the record, I’m posting some of my favorites for various subjects.  Since this is the Christmas gift season, some of these games might be good choices for secretly educational gifts!

You’re gonna think I’ve gone widget crazy!!!! However, this was the simplest and easiest way to put together a post with photos rather than just writing a long and boring list.

I would love to hear about some of your favorite games!  We’re always up for something new!