Some homeschool weeks go by in the blink of an eye. (Actually, most do, right?)
I enjoyed having my daughter home for her fall break. We spent lots of time together - and finally got to see the Downton Abbey movie! It didn’t disappoint. I love all things Downton Abbey, but I think I love the soundtrack the most.
A lot of time has been spent on the basketball court. My son plays for a local private school and the practice schedule is INTENSE. He really enjoys it and I can see that it is SO good for him. Therefore - it is off to the 5:45 a.m. practices we go! (yawn)
I hope you didn’t miss the post about math success earlier this week.
I field a lot of questions about different math programs and did a little explaining in the post. I also talked about some other keys to math success - and this is coming from a non-math person. The important thing is, however, that I can facilitate a successful math education for my children by seeking out the appropriate resources and opportunities.
I'm excited to share 5 good things with you.
It seems like math games, audio content, and fine arts pervade the recommendations.
The World & Everything In It
This is a trusted news source for our family. I consider it part of Grant’s homeschool to listen to this on a regular basis. Watching mainstream media isn’t an option for me (too much stress, polarization, and I’m not sure what information I can trust). This daily podcast presents news from a Christian Worldview and in a very calm, dignified manner. I appreciate the emphasis on Supreme Court cases and the short segments of information that keep a teen’s attention.
Number Jugglers - The Number Ladder Game
This is a FABULOUS math game for children of ALL ages. I played it this week with a 4th-grade friend of mine. Basically, it involves using numbers to make equations. It allows children to play with numbers and come up with different possible solutions. It can also be taken to the extreme by our older children (my son was saying something about the power of zero?). You can buy the game used on Amazon (the book includes a lot of variations on the game, too) or you can see the instructions here and create your own number cards.
To Your Brain, Audiobooks are Not Cheating
If you have a child for whom reading is a chore, don’t feel one bit guilty about using audiobooks. This article just confirmed what I already know: audiobooks are awesome! I listen A LOT and I’m trying to convince my son of the joys of audiobooks. I have been listening to a lot of the books for Challenge 1 on audio (To Kill a Mockingbird was amazing!)
The Homeschool Sisters Podcast - Gameschooling by Subject
Do you include games in your homeschool? I really love all of the ideas presented in this podcast. If you’re going to take the time to listen to a podcast, you might as well get a bunch of good ideas from it - and that is exactly what this episode provides.
Music & Nature Study
In November my friend Cindy West (Our Journey Westward & No Sweat Nature Studies) and I are teaming up to give my SQUILT LIVE! members a treat. We will be learning about Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring in our music lessons and Cindy will be presenting a nature study lesson about the Appalachian Mountains. Aaron Copland is my favorite composer and I’m so excited to share about him with the students. If you’d like to give your children some quality music appreciation and nature study combined in November, please join us!
I will be traveling to South Florida next week to be with my dad. He is having surgery Monday morning.
Please keep us in your prayers.
It’s a good thing my husband works from home because Grant won’t have to miss a homeschool beat while I’m away. And, through the miracle of FaceTime, I’m sure I can keep up with his schoolwork while I am away.
It is also at times like this that I am reminded of one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling: community. Our homeschool community supports and lifts each other up during times like this. I already have a meal from a friend in the freezer. I have offers of rides for Grant. I’m pretty sure my family will be taken care of while I am away.
