The Firefly Files

School's Out! (Almost)

I probably should post an update about school, since we are wrapping up for the year. Let's see... this is where we are:

Grammar-- Finished FLL4 with both Peeps, while Peep #1 supplemented with a grade-level grammar workbook.

Math-- completed Saxon 5/4 and 7/6.

SOTW-- finished through chapter 40.  Still have two more to go.

Spelling/Vocabulary-- Peep #1 is finishing up Vocabulary from Classical Roots; Peep #2 is working on Spelling Workout E, but probably won't finish the book by the time we wrap up the first week of June.

Latin-- both peeps continue to do Latin with my Dad.  They are almost finished with Minimus (Peep #2) and Learning Latin Through Mythology (Peep #1-- he's completed Minimus and Secundus)

Science-- we didn't do a formal curriculum this year.  We finished up a semester-long unit study on the human body in the fall/winter, and concentrated on life sciences the second part of the year.

All this in addition to piano lessons, book clubs, karate, tennis, art lessons, and various monthly homeschool programs offered locally over the year.  I feel really good about what we've accomplished.  The Peeps worked really hard, and it is so worth it to be able to finish up a bit early and enjoy the nice weather.  We're doing real world math activities now, as well as math based games; science is mostly nature journaling/plant and insect identification as well as some kits; grammar is journaling, letter writing, and history reports from SOTW.  It's a great way to wind down the year! 

I'm planning on doing something really different next year... I'm a little nervous about it but think it's time:  we are going to try a year of unstructured learning ((gasp!!))  (I hesitate to use the term "unschooling" because it won't exactly be that.  For example, I do plan to do some workbook type activities and will expect some written reports on what they're doing, lots of outside classes/activities.)  But generally, I'm going to let the Peeps choose the subject matter and the pace for the year.  When else in their lives are they going to get the opportunity to take a year and study what they're passionate about?  I'm really so excited about it.  I feel like the time is right;  we've covered all four blocks of history with SOTW, the major branches of science as outlined in WTM,  and have achieved a solid foundation in grammar and mathematics.  Now I want them to apply what they've learned... write about it, use it in everyday life (in the case of math).  For instance, we haven't done a lot of writing.  At all.  Well, this will be the year.  Writing writing writing... whatever they want-- stories, poems, letters, essays, letters to the editor, etc etc etc. but WRITING.  The math acumen they've acquired... they will USE it.  Budget for groceries, balance a check book, figure out how much oil we use in a year, travel schedules and so forth.  They are also interested in taking our soon-to-be plethora of excess eggs and having their own little egg business.  They would be responsible for operating it, including factoring costs/labor and that kind of thing.  Along those same lines, we will be covering a lot life skills areas.

I can't wait!  I've always wanted to do this, and have admired unschooling/unschooling-type learning from afar, but didn't have the confidence to try it.  I was so afraid of them getting behind.  Well, a couple of friends went back to school this past year, and I have seen clearly that that simply is not an issue.  The kids catch up--quickly! 

Additionally, we struggled a bit with motivation in terms of school work this year.  Maybe it's the age-- but I've been hearing similar stories of dissent from their friends' parents (homeschoolers).  For instance Peep #2, who previously loved math, began to complain about doing it.  I got moans and groans about the length of the history reports, that writing wasn't "fun" anymore... that kind of thing.  RED FLAG!!  The whole point for me in doing this homeschool gig is to raise people that love to learn.  That never stop questioning and critically thinking about things, that never stop wondering why things work or happen the way they do.  With that in mind, I'm hoping to rekindle a little bit of what I fear we've lost this year.   

Now, Peep #2 is going to THRIVE with this style of learning.  She is my little butterfly, flitting around constantly finding things to discover and learn about.  Curiosity is one of her greatest assets.  However, Peep #1... he is much more like me in personality **cough** Type A ** cough**.    He loves his little check lists, finishing workbooks, making corrections, getting grades, and most of all -- knowing exactly what needs to be done.  (And not only with school... this is the kid who has been asking me every single night since he could talk:  "What are we doing tomorrow?"  He wants to know the what, the when, the how-- everything to be lined up for him.)  He is going to find it challenging to fill his own time and being in charge of his own scheduling.  This will be a real opportunity for growth for him! 

We'll see... we're going to run with it for a year and see how it flies.  We may go back to the more structured style next year.  Or, if it's working for Peep #2 and not Peep #1, I may let just her continue to do her own thing and go back to our usual MO with Peep #1.  I don't know... I don't know what to expect or what the next year will bring--only time will tell!

School Update

I haven't posted an update about school in a while, so here goes...

Things have been moving along pretty well, despite the fact that we've had several days this month of field trips and playing hooky!  We took a Monday off and went with some of our homeschool friends to see Avatar in 3-D at the iMax theatre.  (But, we made it up another day... that's the beauty of homeschooling )  The Peeps were so cute, they kept trying to reach out and grab things, like they weren't quite convinced it wasn't actually right in front of them, even though they knew better.  Gotta love kids...

We also took a field trip to Boston to see the Harry Potter exhibit at the Boston Museum of Science.... it was awesome!  I wish they had allowed pictures.  We loved seeing all the props and sets up close.  I'm such a knitting geek that my favorite things were getting an up front view of Ron's sweaters and other goodies knitted by Mrs. Weasley. LOL  But, the best was the gorgeous knit blanket on the end of Ron's bed!  I soooo wanted to snap a picture to reference later but I didn't want to embarrass the kids by getting thrown out of the exhibit.    It inspired me to start working on my own patchwork blanket; it'll be a great way to use up leftover yarn!  Fortunately the Harry Potter Lovers Group at Ravelry had some great screen caps (page down) of said blanket.  *drool*  Anyway, we spent the whole day, had lunch, and got to look around other parts of the museum as well.  Fun day!

Our book work is moving along on schedule and I hope to be finished with the bulk of it by late April early May.  The exception is history--Story of the World has 42 chapters and we do 32 weeks of school, so that means that even if we double up a couple of weeks we will go right into June with history.  Which is fine since we really enjoy history and with our other subject finished up we can really sink our teeth into the topics.

Speaking of history, we are spending the next few weeks studying WWII and the Holocaust.  Ugh.  I truly believe there are things worth fighting for.  I'm a peace-loving gal but seriously, sometimes people need a little ass-kicking!

It's That Time of Year...

We're back to school for another two weeks before we begin our winter break (to start back up in January).  I'm ready for it!  We took Thursday and Friday off this past week and it was nice; made me realize how much I DO need a bit of respite from school.  I'm really looking forward to all our Yule activities!  The calender for December has really filled up, but without the worry of getting our school work done, I'm happy to be busy with the bustle of the season.

Work-wise we are doing well... on schedule with all of our subjects.  The only thing I'm stressing a bit about is science; we haven't done as much as I'd like this semester.  With that in mind, I've signed us up for a bunch of fun activities and projects at the Nature Center during the month of December.  Though technically we're in the Physics phase, a little nature study will be a welcome change! 

I'm almost done with my shopping... since our holiday is a mish-mash of French, Catholic (DH) and pagan (me) traditions, I find myself in the position of getting a few things to be from Santa (stocking and a few under-the-tree gifts), Père Nöel (a couple gifts under the shoe), and me (on the Winter Solstice I give each Peep a small, usually handmade gift).  We don't go crazy with the gifts... I mean, it shouldn't be about the STUFF, you know??  In the past it was more difficult... friends and family literally inundated the Peeps with toys and trinkets.  After years of gentle persuasion on my part, they've all mellowed considerably in that regard, which I very much appreciate.  A few special, well-thought out gifts are much more appreciated these days, as they've learned to value quality over quantity.

At any rate, for now, we will spend our days the next couple of weeks concentrating on school,  while visions of sugar plums dance in our dreams at night.

Out, Damned Spot!

William Shakespeare

Took the Peeps to see a performance of Macbeth this morning.  Let me tell you, eight-thirty is early for Shakespeare, even for the caffeine-fortified!  Still, it was an awesome show, put on by a small local theatre group. Afterward the cast and director sat on the stage, talked with us, and answered various questions on the art of acting and in particular performing Shakespeare. 

Macbeth

The Peeps enjoyed the preformance as well; they had been suitably prepped (I'd hoped).  Last week we read Macbeth from Tales from Shakespeare, as well as a study guide the theatre company provided and character bios.  We also re-listened to the SOTW adaptation from the Middle Ages audio CD.

I don't know why, but I feel there is value in being well-versed (or even partially-versed) in Shakespeare.  The stories are timeless, the writing lyrical, and the characters compelling.  Fortunately for me there are so many wonderful adaptations to gently introduce  younger students to the world of the great Bard of Avon.  Even when the Peeps were little I remember reading them a fantastically illustrated version of a Midsummer Night's Dream that they absolutely loved.  Hopefully, I am instilling a life-long love of his work, if not outright bardolotry.  

ETA:  My favorite quote of the play, spoken by Lady Macbeth to her husband after he has made a scene of seeing Banquo's ghost at his dinner party:  "You have displac'd the mirth."   LOL

Good Reviews for Our Brandy-New Co-op

So our homeschool Co-op is going really well.  I wasn't sure what to expect but so far we are having a blast.  Friday mornings we arrive at a few minutes before 10 a.m. (not a little slap dash of dress, let me tell you... we're so not good at having clothes ready, packing up lunches and assorted accoutrements the night before...why do that when you can you experience that searing adrenaline rush in the morning?) Anyway-- they go into their first class:  Writing Workshop.  They are LOVING this.  I hope it keeps their creative juices flowing.  As I mentioned in a previous entry, we have struggled with writing, especially of the creative kind, so I am very happy.  After Writing Workshop Peep#1 goes into Chess, and Peep#2 into Fun with Fractions.  I sit in on that class so it's been interesting to see how she's progressing.  Peep #2 is actually quite good in math, but it doesn't come naturally;  she's not a "numbers" gal like Peep #1 (she gets that from me).  The mom teaching the class was actually a math teacher B.K. (Before Kids) so that is cool.  At noon we break for lunch, which as long as the weather holds we are enjoying outside on the picnic tables beside the playground.  The Peeps wolf down a quick bite and then it's off to climb or swing or play a game of kickball while I eat and chat with some of the other moms.  It's a good group.  I normally feel so out of place with other moms.... oh who am I kidding, I feel that way with everyone!... sigh... but I digress... These moms are awesome.  It's an eclectic bunch but similarities definitely outweigh the more obvious differences, and I really enjoy spending time with them. 

Sometimes we do Drama Games at 1p.m., and sometimes we just head home.  Last week was their once-a-month Monopoly and More class but that wasn't a big hit.  I don't think they'll do that one again next semester. 

So, we have dipped our toe into the Co-op pool so to speak, dabbling with a few classes; but I think next semester we will go whole-hog and sign up for as much as we can.  There are some really interesting offerings and I'm looking forward to seeing what will be available on the next go-round.  Pretty impressive for a Co-op in its infancy!

Academic Plan 2009-2010

Wow, how quickly the weather turned!  Feels like autumn already... and though it's my favorite season, I'm not quite ready for it yet.  I was hoping summer would last a tad longer!

No denying autumn is here though, and with it, the start of school.  I love when the tourists go home, the school-kids are back in school, and suddenly the roads are traffic-free, no more mobs at the museums and libraries we love to frequent... bliss!  Tomorrow we hit the books, and this is what the Peeps curricula will look like for the 2009-2010 academic year:

Peep #1- Sixth/Seventh Grade

Math- continuing with Saxon 7/6.  Love the Saxon programs!  He is working almost entirely independently on this, which helped a lot last year with freeing me up to work with Peep #2 on hers, which was more teacher-intensive.

Grammar- I am having Peep #1 work along with Peep #2 in First Language Lessons Level 4.  We will be supplementing with a Grade 6 grammar workbook, but the FLL series is so rigorous (and above grade level), that I like him to work along with us on that as well.  In addition to grammar, he will be completing levels G & H of the Spelling Workout series.

Writing- We haven't done much creative writing so far.  They do history narrations, science experiments, book reports and biographical sketches, but I want to focus a bit more on creative writing this year.  In that vein, they will both be taking a Writing Workshop at our local Homeschool Co-op.

History- Last cycle of Story of the World (v.4 The Modern Age).  As a Logic Stage student, instead of doing narrations for each chapter, Peep #1 will be writing outlines.

Science- exploring physics and how things work.  One or two times a week he'll complete an experiment, do a write up, and maybe add a sketch to his science journal.  We'll also be spending some time this year doing units on The Human Body and Biology. 

Latin- Continuing with Secundus Latin, supplementing with Learning Latin Through Mythology.

Logic- Continuing with Mindbenders A3/A4 two to three times per week.

Peep #2- Fourth Grade

Math- Saxon 5/4.  New format for her this year-- more like Peep #1's.  This will be a bit of a challenge for me as well, since I will no longer have a "script" to follow when we do our math lessons!

Grammar- First Language Lessons Level 4. I love this grammar series because it is thorough and contains dictation and memory work all rolled up into one package.  Nice!   Peep #2 will also be completing Spelling Workout E & F.

Writing- see Peep #1

History- see Peep #1

Science- Physics.  One or two times a week she'll complete an experiment from Physics Experiments for Children, do a write up, and maybe add a sketch to her science journal.  We'll also be spending some time this year doing units on The Human Body and Biology. 

Latin- Continuing with Minimus Latin, supplementing with Learning Latin Through Mytho

Extra Curricular Stuff:  Both the Peeps are mad about Karate, and will continue with those lessons 3x per week.  In addition, they'll be attending classes every Friday at the Homeschool Co-op (Fun With Fractions, Writing Workshop, and  Monopoly & More) and monthly homeschool classes at our local Nature Center (Insects & Plant Life Series).  They'll continue with piano lessons, but formal art lessons are still up in the air.

August 26, 2009

Summer has at last arrived in the northeast and .... now it's time to think about getting back to school!  The Peeps are excited to start, but I feel like I could use another week or two!  Best to strike while the iron's hot, so I'm planning on hitting the books September 1st.  'Sides, we can always do a little school work by the pool, right?

Good Progress

So it's halfway through our school year, and I'm feeling pretty good about where we are.  We are on schedule to finish up our bookwork by mid June... some subjects earlier than than.  I was able to keep up a good momentum through the fall, enough so that we took three solid weeks in December!

This time of year though, it's really hard to keep that momentum going!  I'm really pushing myself.  Last year I felt the same way and we dropped a lot of the book work for a while in the early winter.  We regretted it as the nicer weather arrived though!  So I am determined to stick with it.  We'll take another week break in March, and I have a feeling it will be much needed!

School, Harry Potter, & Harvest Time

Wow, my last post was in April!  Such is the life of a gardener, I guess.  I'll pick back up on my posting (more frequently) once the garden is put to bed for the season.  Right now everything's either at peak harvest or just passing, so it's already slowing down some.  I had fabulous success with my pumpkins this year:  13 in all-- a witch's dozen!  Everything did really well, with the exception of my cukes.  They were so bitter;  I will won't be trying that variety again!  I'll post more detailed garden notes another time...

We had a great summer.  The highlight was the Harry Potter book release party we went to on July 20th.  The place that did it really went ALL OUT and it was a blast.  The peeps got to pet a variety of "magical creatures" including an owl and a 90-pound albino python! 

Magical Creatures

The owl was my favorite;  they truly ARE magical.  Let's see... they got interviewed by Rita Skeeter, had a potions lesson, got their fortunes read by Professor Trelawney,

Fortunes

helped Hagrid find Fluffy, and got to watch Snape on trail and decide whether or not he was guilty or innocent.  In addition, we watched a bard preform, got a horse-drawn carriage ride, and got to eat ice cream on the double decker Knight Bus!  Naturally, none of that compared to actually getting the book.  Peep #1 started it on the car ride home.  I let him read a few minutes before bed, then he spent most of the next day reading it until he finished that evening.  It took me quite a bit longer, but I loved it as well.

Knight Bus

Fortunes

Potions 101

 

**SPOILER ALERT**

Okay, I KNEW Snape wasn't bad!! I would have been seriously disappointed if JKR had gone that route; IMO it would have been so horrendously out-of-character if the immensely wise Dumbledore trusted Snape only to have him turn in the end. I loved the retrospective we got to see of Snape in the end, though I was really bummed out he had to die. I loved the character, which I really credit Alan Rickman with... he brought a likability to Snape that the books never had.

I just loved the book. It was a fantastic journey, and I'm sorry it's over wail. The epilogue was a littlle too corny for me though, but still enjoyable. I just thought it needed an "in between" chapter... maybe set a few months later, so see how everyone is settling into a world without Voldemort. Which reminds me... Harry had wanted to be an Auror-- I wondered what his profession was as an adult and wish that had been revealed. (Perhaps he signed a book deal and was living off it ... LOL)

At last!

One other small beef: lack of Ginny and Harry. She remained such a small part right to the end. Sure, they got married and lived happily ever after an' all... but I just figured she'd have a bigger part. Their romance just never rang true to me because we never really get to see it develop... Harry just seems to realize he likes her one day and boom, that's it. They share some snogging on and off, get married in the end but... just kind of falls flat for me. I still think Harry and Hermoine would've been a better match.  They shared a lot of emotionally charged scenes and were a lot closer than Ginny and Harry.

**END SPOILERS**

Other than that, we enjoyed our usual vacation, had a visit from my brother and his family, and generally spent a lot of time doing summery things.  Now I am turning my attention towards school, which we start the Tuesday after Labor Day.   BUT, the details I will save for another day, another post, as this is already turned into War and Peace...

180 Days

In accordance with our state homeschooling laws, I make sure we get in exactly 180 school days in our year.  Yesterday I say down and crunched our numbers-- we are right on track to finish up in mid-June (the 15th).  However, if I can squeeze in a few weekend field trips we can try an shave off a few more days.  Technically, we still do some sort of  "school" in the summer, but it's all the fun stuff.  Field trips, art projects, nature journals, science in the form of gardening, rock and shell identification at the beach, that kind of thing.  I really look forward to it!  I put a lot of pressure on myself during "regular" school time to do the three Rs, so this a nice change of pace for me.

That said, I am probably going to continue with some sort of Math instruction this time.  Because I switched DS to Singapore from a different Math program, I started him a year behind to make sure he would "get it" (Singapore teaches Math concepts much differently).  I shoulda known... he picked it up no problem and has whizzed through.  So I'd like to maybe continue at least somewhat with it over the summer to get him where he's supposed to be.  For DD, I'll just give her a math drill sheet once in a while to keep her facts in her head.

Next week we're on Spring vacation and I have a few activities planned. I'm really looking forward to that.  Sometimes I think we get our best "schooling" done during vacation!