While many HS'ers are ending their school year, I'm just beginning our adventure! I really hadn't planned on HS'ing so soon after the kids got out of school, (they've been out for two weeks now) but they wanted to get started and I had gotten my rest and regrouped. So I just winged it today, keeping it loose. We began with their having puzzle time this morning, then they changed the dry board poster calendar. Next they read for 30 minutes. (I just realized we forgot devotions.) The kids have been itching to get on the new SOS (Switched on School house program) I got them so I walked them through the operations and helped each one out with the navagations. They both did a lesson in Science and Math. My youngest wanted to do History too so I let her. They also did one lesson on Brainpop in English and tested in the program. I took the lesson, expanded it into a sentence project and that was pretty much it. What I like about the program is that it gives them three chances (if it's set up that way) to make corrections to any answers they miss during their tests. The program has Spelling Bee's, Alpha 14, tutors and embedded educational presentations on the subject. They can listen to it as many times as they like to understand the contentas well as have the computer read the material with the "text to speech" feature. At the end of the session they are given a test to recount the material of the material covered and tested collectively. Tomorrow I plan to break open the 4th grade SOS English program and have them take a stab at it. Then I will take them into the text book English studies next week. I'm waiting on a few missing books from Lifepacs. We also have Horizons Math and Rod and Staff English that we will be using. I'm really doing my bridge work with the kids to see where are and strengthen any areas of deficiency I find over the summer. I also am interested to see if my bright 3rd grader can handle 4th grade work. She held her ground today, but we will see. I want her to have the 3rd grade foundation so I may do a combination. My 1st day's thoughts: time went by really fast! I thought I would be done by 1:00 but we were closer to 2:00 wrapping it up today. Once I get them both on the same page, I plan to let them use two different computers together, instead of switching off like I did today, which slowed things down a bit. One of the reasons why I decided to HS was that my son was not receving the type of education he needed IMO this year in 3rd grade. I know part of the problem is his new found tendency to day dream and not focus, so I'm handling this issue firmly. He can't blame the teacher anymore. :wink: Happy HS'ing.
Is that your kitchen table? Or do they share the same desk? My kids thoughts were "we couldn't do that" - they annoy each other too much, lol! Congratulations on a great start.
What a beautiful family and cheery school area! Congrats on your first day! I'm a big believer in seizing the moments when kids are excited about learning. Sounds like you are off to an amazing start!
Thanks ladies for your words of encouragemnt. I will have to upload a pic from my digi camera. The camera phone pic isn't that clear. P.S. Aussie, this is my "unused" dining room, finally being put to use. (Most of the schooling was done in the family room on my laptop, which I plan to put in the classroom.)
Hurray! I am so glad to hear this , er read this report that is awesome that it went so well! I know what you mean about time flying by, I am surprised when lunch break comes and teh kids are begging to take a break because we get so much done, yet the time is gone! Thanks for sharing! Be blessed!
Oh now you are making me want to get started again with our new books. I love the school area you have. The colors are so bright and cheerful. Your kids are so cute. Your daughter has that look of "Oh no Mom has the camera again". That is a look I know well. Sounds like you had a great day. Isn't it great to get to really enjoy your time with your children and not have to rush them off to be under the control of someone you barely know much less trust? I love homeschooling. Beth
Thanks Sloan, I wanted the environment to be stimulating, although so far we do spend a lot of time schooling out of the classroom after devotion, prayer and their reading time. -LOL P.S. I updated and changed the picure.
I love your Bench GM! COOL! Love the cross on the wall not sure if I told you that one? I have a blue cross in my kitchen. I need to get a clock for the wall for our 'classroom'.... We tend to look at the computer clock but they need to learn the non digital style of telling time more quickly. They can tell me the time but I see them looking and thinking , well mostly ds9 but even older two have to think twice cause they are digital kids!
Wow, Geeky! That picture sure brings back memories of when our children were younger! Enjoy every day with your precious ones. They grow up so quickly!
LOL Totally OT but your daughter remotely looks like one of my dd's friends (well at least she does to the 2yo) and she's behind me looking at the pic yelling: karyn & some boy! Karyn and some boy! (Karyn being my dd's friend.) LOL Kids are too cute.
You have beautiful children. BIG congratulations on your 1st day of hs'ing. What did they think of it?
All I can say is you cannot possibly be a geek with two beautiful children like that! WHAT DARLINGS!!!
Thank you, there is a tender story behind that red and blue bench. Actually, I am the Mom to 5. Our 1st son was called home at 5 days to be with our Father. I had painted that bench for his new nursery. But this was a comma, not a period. That nursery and bench has been home and resting place to 3 other kids needing homes, including 1st; my infant nephew, so to God be the Glory. He can bless you in the darkest hours, if you faint not. :love:
Wow, neat story, that's a very special bench for you, then! Glad you "kept the faith" through your darkest moments! Thanks for sharing!
what a wonderful pic. thanks for sharing. Congrats. on your first day. hope you have many wonderful days ahead.
