Como estas?

Estoy feliz. We are loving this Spanish curriculum we are using from Classical Academic Press. Song School Spanish made for K-3rd grade. We are on Chapter 4 which is a review chapter of the previous 3 chapters. Awesome!! Most chapters have plays the kids act out, or stories I read to them, and of course lots and lots of singing. They don't argue about doing any aspects of it. There is some writing involved, and Luke complains about that; but that's nothing new when it comes to writing anything.
Summer can't do the writing parts yet, but when she can we will review it all again. I do like that I don't really have to prepare anything for the lesson that day. It makes me wonder if a boxed curriculum would save me some time. Anyway this program is awesome! We highly recommend it. They also have Greek and Latin versions. :)

What is the Right way to Write?

   I'm not certain what the right way to write is, but I am certain that many of my students were able to write logical and interesting stories by using The Writing Process. And what's more, I enjoy teaching it this way. It's logical and goes in steps, which makes me feel very comfortable.
    I've shown Luke the steps before, but I think that now that he can read and write pretty well; we are both ready to dive in and write some fantastic stories! Plus, by teaching in this manner, I can focus his language lessons on what he actually needs help with. Awesome! I love to teach writing!
    Here are a few examples of sheets I'm using for Prewriting, the first step in The Writing Process. 

Three weeks in and maybe, finally, getting our groove

The first week was great with lots of crafts and science experiments. The second week was a struggle with trying to get back into the swing of doing our work. And listening. And not arguing. Or fussing about the work to be done. This week, the third week, has been difficult with people coming over and having plans pop up in the afternoon that made me frustrated. I do not like to rush our schoolwork even if it is for Mexican food.

We've been going on a field trip or play date once a week.  We've all enjoyed that! This week we added in our Spanish curriculum.  They seem to really love it! Lots of singing. It's called Song School Spanish and is put out by Classical Academic Press.

Luke has even drawn 3 pictures of me this week! And he hates to draw.  Summer drew a picture of me today as well. :) Makes me happy. Luke told me today that I am the best teacher in the whole world! <3 He says he'd give me a hundred dollars to show me what a great teacher I am. So take note, Daddy!

We also have completed two Magic School Bus Science kits these last 3 weeks.  Those have been fun! Planets and Stars. And Bases and Acids.

Next week we have a special birthday. Summer will turn 4 on Tuesday! My big girl! We will take that day off to celebrate her. She's special like that! Bible study starts up next week too.  Can't wait to see all of our friends again.

So far this has been the best Homeschool year yet! 

The new school year is upon us. 2013-14 here we come.

In just 3 days we start back to school. Getting an early start this year so we can end the year early too. We always start out with lots of crafts, baking, and reading the first week. Trying to ease into things. This year I am including Summer much more than ever before. I think she's ready to start learning to read. I'm not going to call this her Kindergarten year bc she will only be 4 at the end of August, but I definitely think she's ready for all that K could bring her way. I'm hoping Luke will continue to take an interest in helping her learn. He has already taught her to read 2 books. :) I hope this will be our best year yet in homeschooling. I expect less fighting and whining about school. I'm going to take it slower. Maybe not do each subject each day this year. I think we may actually get more done by doing less. I'm going to be more positive! I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine with the kids. Here's to our last weekend of Summer break...

A Much Needed Break... Where are you, Spring? - There's a change a-coming!

Schooling was dragging on and on and we were getting nowhere. I was so thankful that we took a week off for Spring Break. We had a few really pretty days and took full advantage of them! Although now we are experiencing freezing temps, and have had the wood burning stove lit for a couple of days. Where are you, Spring?
Today was our first day back. It seemed like starting back was less of a struggle than I had expected. Maybe it was because Luke was not 100% at peak health. Maybe it was because he knew I would not back down. Not sure, but I was thankful that we only had one meltdown during our lessons today. I let him make mistakes during Math and he freaked out that he had to start over on the problem he missed. He definitely learned from his mistake. :)
I am trying to be more understanding and forgiving with my children. I'm trying to be a non-aggressive parent. This is difficult for me. I won't lie! I'm used to reacting instead of pausing and thinking and talking. I want the kids to be more independent and self-motivated. And if I control EVERY aspect of their lives, I don't think they will accomplish these meaningful goals.
So I'm putting it out there. I'm going to do my very best to stop yelling and paddling my children. I'm going to be dishing out more positive reinforcements and less negatives. There will be more of putting their noses in the corner or going to their rooms. And we will take more "cool off" time so we can discuss issues more calmly. They are people too! And their opinions matter.
It's time to make a change for the better. God, please guide me!

My life is a Fantasy

Studying the Genre of Fantasy this week. After I described what Fantasy is, Luke ran to his room and brought me a book about Witches, Ogres, and Fantasy. Then he kept going back over and over until I had a stack of Fantasy books on the table. Smart boy! I guess we are set for stories to read this week.
Today it was "Where the wild things are" and "In a dark, dark house."