After five years in school, will homeschooling be a fit for our family? Walk with us as we try to find out!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Weekly Wrap Up: November 11, 2011


Joining the Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers once again...

I have to start off by asking, how can the first quarter be almost over already???  On the agenda this weekend: writing the Quarterly Reports required in our state for homeschoolers.  I know some people get really crazed about paperwork, but I like to write and I like to analyze.  I am actually looking forward to putting down the test subjects' progress on paper.  

I plan on comparing their progress thus far not only to the state standards, but also to the our homeschooling mission statement.  After all, whether we are making a positive difference in all the areas we considered when decided to start Our Great Homeschool Experiment will be what we examine to determine what we will do after this school year.

On to the Weekly Wrap Up...

Our week actually started on Sunday this time.  The boys had been sick with fever and sore throats all weekend, so we stayed home from church on Sunday.  By Sunday afternoon, they were feeling fine.  Since I had plans on Monday morning and my dad was scheduled to come stay with the boys for a couple of hours, they agreed to get a jump on their Monday assignments.   Then they could spend the time with Papa on Monday playing instead of working.  This flexibility is one of the things I love most about homeschooling!

Monday morning, we continued working through the assignments for the day until Papa came.  Then I left to meet a friend for breakfast.  It was so nice to get away for a few hours and catch up with Andrea.  When I returned, Papa had the boys happy and tired out.  We finished up the rest of the day's work fairly easily.  I think we all appreciated a light Monday routine!


TS 2 and I started using the new phonics/spelling program I purchased and set up last week to replace Explode the Code.  Despite the time it took to set up, it is actually very easy to work with, especially since we are already familiar with the majority of phonograms taught in All About Spelling.

Tuesday was election day.  We had a pretty typical morning working at home.  During our mid-morning break, we walked across the street to vote.  I reminded the test subjects about our system of secret ballot voting and why it is so important.  We talked about how we should be thankful for our freedoms in this country and how it is different in much of the rest of the world.  

The boys were very productive on Tuesday.  They were determined to get their work done on time, as we had a friend from public school who had the day off coming to spend the afternoon with us.  


On Tuesday evening, I went to the monthly parent's meeting for our local homeschool support group.  The topic was Homeschooling High School.  I almost did not go because I don't think we will homeschool during high school.  Then again, I never thought we'd homeschool period.  I figured if nothing else, the evening would provide an interesting education for me.  As it turns out, I am so happy I went!  The ladies in this group are such an inspiration and encouragement to me.  They are truly striving to live Godly lives and to raise their children with love and integrity.  Listening to their struggles and triumphs makes me want to press on in this parenting journey. 

Unfortunately, my wonderful babysitter could not make it this Wednesday so I missed Bible study again this week.  We actually had piano lessons on Wednesday this week because Mr. B. could not make it on Tuesday.  During his lesson this week, Mr. B. taught TS 1 the G-major scale.  After that, TS 1 was able to take a song that was written in the C-major scale and play it in the G-major scale.  I was amazed!  I took piano for four years as a child and it never even occurred to me to try that.  Mr. B. is very happy with both of the boys' progress so far.


With the promise of another fun play date on the agenda for Thursday afternoon, the boys worked diligently all day.  I am really proud of how independent they are both becoming in working through their assignments each day.  They each need help at times with the content of their assignments, of course, but they are moving from one to the next without nagging from me.  For that, I am thankful and proud.


On Thursday evening, I went to a friend's house for Mom's Night Out with the ladies from school.  It was so nice to see everyone and catch up.  I am so blessed by the support from these amazing moms!


Friday was Veteran's Day and RA had the day off from school.  Since RA is in school and our co-op follows the school's holiday schedule, we decided to do the same with our homeschool.  That meant we all had Friday off!  We spent the morning puttering about at home- the kids all enjoying lots of free time.  Then we were off to a play date with friends from church in the afternoon.  


I plan to spend some time this weekend working on the paperwork for our Quarterly Reports, which are due at the district at the end of next week.

How do you evaluate how the year is going in your homeschool?





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