A Stable Beginning

Thursday, August 15, 2019

2019 ~ 2020 NOT Back to {Home}School ~ Homeschooling my Final 4: Plan of Study

The week is flying by and our time in Oklahoma with Madison is winding down, but I am excited to share our 2019 ~ 2020 Plan of Study with you today! If you are like me, I know you have spent hours and hours researching curriculums. Fortunately, because I have been doing this for 11 years I don’t have to spend too many hours researching. I know what works for my children and I strive to meet their individual needs as well. So as a word of advice, if you find that something does not work for your child's learning style, do not slug through the year just because you already have the curriculum. Trust me, I have done that and it's not worth the headache and heartache. Also, if something doesn’t work mid-year…change! No sense in trying to do something that is not working.

This year I have 4 students, grades 11, 7, 4, and Kindergarten. Many of the curriculum is the same as the last child has used but we do have some changes. One of the biggest changes this year is that we are switching back to Sonlight for our main Bible/History/Literature curriculum. It became evident earlier this year that the TOG online co-op we belonged to would no longer work for all of my children. I agonized about what to do and like the faithful God that He is, the path we were to take was placed right in front of me. Now, I am some what of a stubborn girl and it took me a bit to get the hint. But once I did, I took off running and planning for my girls.

Sonlight has worked for my two graduates, so I am eager to get started with this literature rich curriculum with my younger children again. This year we will be using Cores 100, 400, H, D, and PreK 4/5. Unfortunately, we are not all able to be studying the same time period. However, I have been through these Cores before so I already know the material which will make things a bit easier on me. I did upgrade some of the Instructor’s Guides (IG) and some of the books.

Let’s dive right in and see what we are going to be studying!

Mikayla:

Bible ~ Sonlight Bible 420

Math ~ Saxon Advanced Mathematics (Pre-Calculus) with lecture instruction with Mom and Art Reed DVD’s

Honors Physics ~ Conceptual Physics from Clover Creek Physics with Mrs. Jetta (online)

Honors English 3

~ Rod & Staff 9/10 Bk 2

~ IEW Fix- It Grammar Bk 3 & 4

~ Veritas Press Composition (online)

~ Sonlight Core 430 Literature

History/Geography ~ Sonlight Core 100: US History

Foreign Language ~ German I with Mrs. Cruz (online)

PE ~ Level 10 competitive gymnastics Team, 30 hours/week

Electives:

~ Sonlight Core 420: American Gov't & Civics

~ Sonlight Core 670: AP Micro/Macro Economics

~ LifePac Business Information Technology

Electives at Co-op *for credit

~ * Art

~ Study hall

~ Life Skills

~ * Dave Ramsey Personal Finance

~ * Yearbook/Photography

Extras

~ SAT/ACT study 1 hr/day

Montana:

Morning Time Recitations for 7th grade

Bible ~ Sonlight Core H

Math ~ Saxon 8/7 with Mom and DIVE lecture

Science ~ Apologia General Science, 3rd edition

Language Arts ~ Rod & Staff Grammar, Bk 7
IEW Fix-It Grammar, Bk 2
Rod & Staff Spelling, Bk 8
Vocabulary Doodles
Sonlight Core H Literature

History/Geography ~ Sonlight Core H: World History, Part II

Foreign Language ~ Memoria Press First Form Latin, 1/2 pace

Fine Arts ~ Zeezok Music Appreciation

PE ~ Softball in fall (SYAA) and Spring (SCA)

Electives at Co-op
~ Art
~ ASL I
~ Life Skills
~ Study Hall
~ Animal Behavioral Science

Extras
~ Girl Scout Cadette

McKenzie

Morning Time Recitations for 4th Grade

Bible ~ Sonlight Core D

Math ~ Saxon 5/4 with Mom
Monthly Math packets (hands-on learning)

Science ~ Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics (Young Explorers Series)

Language Arts ~ Rod & Staff Grammar, Bk 4
Rod & Staff Spelling, Bk 4
A Reason for Handwriting, Cursive D
Sonlight Core D Literature
Monthly Grammar packets (hands-on learning)

History/Geography ~ Sonlight Core D: American History, Part I

Foreign Language ~ Memoria Press Latina Christiana, 1/2 pace

PE ~ Level 7 competitive gymnastics Team with HOPEs Training

Electives at Co-op
~ Dance
~ Legos
~ Wacky Science
~ Art
~ Our Presidents Rock

Extras
~ Girl Scout Junior

Micah

Morning Time Recitations for Kindergarten

Bible ~ Sonlight Core PreK 4/5

Math ~ Saxon 1
Math Made Fun K (hands-on learning)

Science ~ at Co-op

Language Arts ~ Moffatt Girls Phonemic Awareness
Moffatt Girls Phonics Made Fun, Level A
Moffatt Girls Ready 2 Read, Lv 1
Sonlight Core PreK 4/5 Literature
A Reason for Handwriting, Manuscript K

History/Geography ~ Sonlight Core PreK 4/5

PE ~ Shetland Baseball Fall and Spring (SYAA)

Electives at Co-op
~ Art
~ Science with Mrs. Angie
~ Magic School Bus Science
~ Elementary Spanish
~ PE

Extras
~ Cub Scout Lions

So, that is our Plan of Study in a nutshell. I know we are making the right move to return to Sonlight completely. The girls are excited about the books we will be reading and learning from so that helps me know that this was the best move for us. We also will be joining a Girl Scout troop for Montana and McKenzie as well as a Cub Scout Lion pack for Micah. He is super excited and can't wait to go camping!

2019 Annual Not Back to School Homeschool Blog Hop

What are you studying this school year? When do you start back to school? Monday is the big day for us and I am excited to get back to routine and get to learning. Be sure to check out what my CrewMates are blogging about for this Not Back to School blog hop and link up your posts below. Come back tomorrow as I go over some frequently asked questions.

Kristen Heider @ A Mom’s Quest to Teach –Theme: A Quest for a Great Homeschool Year

Patti Pierce – Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy – My Favorite Homeschooling Things

Wendy @ Life on Chickadee Lane – 5 Days of Nature Study

Jacquelin @ A Stable Beginning – Homeschooling my final 4

Christine @ Life’s Special Necessities – Yes! You Can Homeschool Your Special Needs Child

Sally M – Tell the Next Generation – Tips for Homeschooling Struggling Learners

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Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Wordless Wednesday

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2019 ~ 2020 NOT Back to {Home}School ~ Homeschooling my Final 4: Scheduling

Welcome back guys! Today I am excited to share a little interview with my kiddos as well as how I plan to implement our schedule. Let's get started.

My oldest at home will be Mikayla, a Junior. She has been homeschooled since 1st grade, but if you count the time where she was not able to go to school due to an undiagnosed Gallbladder flair and surgery, she has been homeschooled since Kindergarten. She missed nearly four months of school back then when she wasn't able to go or stay at school.

1. What is one thing you want to do this school year?

~ I plan to work really hard on my studies so I can be a classified as an "Early Academic Qualifier" for NCAA purposes at the end of my Junior year.

2. What is your favorite subject and why?

~ Lunch, because that means the school day is almost over. {this is her answer every year. At least she is consistent :-)}

3. What is your favorite color?

~ Red

4. Name three words that describe you.

~ Indescribable, Quiet, and Unique

5. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

~ Europe

6. What is your favorite book?

~ Harry Potter

7. What are you looking forward to this school year?

~ Learning German

Montana has never been to a traditional brick & mortar school and has been learning at home since birth. She is my deep thinker and needs to be challenged academically, like Madison. Lately we have noticed a few similar tendencies that Madison had around this age so now we are better equipped to help Montana excel. Madison scored really well on her Standardized testing and now I know how to approach this stage and help Montana reach her full potential.

1. What is one thing you want to do this school year?

~ Art classes at Co-Op.

2. What is your favorite subject and why?

~ Reading, because I like to read interesting novels.

3. What is your favorite color?

~ Crimson Red

4. Name three words that describe you.

~ Shy, Artsy, and Bookworm

5. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

~ Japan

6. What is your favorite book?

~ The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

7. What are you looking forward to this school year?

~ starting 7th grade

My sweet McKenzie, how can she be in 4th grade already! This girl loves Science and is taking two science classes this year. She is still a little bit, but packs a big punch in her studies and in the gym. Don't tell her she "can't" because she will prove you wrong and will do it! She is still a bit of a perfectionist, but getting better at letting things go and moving on. I can't wait to see her shine this year as she turns double digits!

1. What is one thing you want to do this school year?

~ Science

2. What is your favorite subject and why?

~ Science because I think it's fun! I am excited to learn Chemistry and Physics this year.

3. What is your favorite color?

~ Teal

4. Name three words that describe you.

~ Helpful, Funny, and Playful.

5. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

~ Paris

6. What is your favorite book?

~ I just read Cleopatra in Space and it was good.

7. What are you looking forward to this school year?

~ Lv 7 gymnastics

My baby is in Kindergarten! Not sure I am mentally prepared for this guys! {Just kidding, I am}. I love this age so it's going to be a fun filled year of hands-on learning for Micah. He is especially looking forward to learning to read and going to Co-Op with his friends.

1. What is one thing you want to do this school year?

~ More painting

2. What is your favorite subject and why?

~ Alphabet and phonics because I want to learn to read.

3. What is your favorite color?

~ Green

4. Name three words that describe you.

~ Energetic, Playful, and Happy.

5. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

~ Co-Op and baseball field

6. What is your favorite book?

~ Books about Jesus

7. What are you looking forward to this school year?

~ hands-on school/play

I always enjoy hearing the kids answer these questions before starting a new year. Do you interview your kids? If not, I would try it and see what they say.

Let's shift gears and talk scheduling. Over the course of the last two years I have come to rely on my planners heavily. In my daily planner I write a TOP 3 for the things that I must get done each day plus any appointments etc. In my school planner I write out the kids lessons and then on Sunday afternoon the girls copy into their own planners what needs to be completed for the week. I will check them once they are done.

If it seems as if I am a bit hardcore with the planner, it's because I am a bit of a stickler with the girls writing in their planners. I encourage them also not to use too many abbreviations. After all, if you can't read what you wrote, there is a big chance that you will forget it. Plus, if it's clearly written in the planner then you won't miss an assignment that is due. Mikayla has four online classes this year and hopefully sitting for two AP tests in the spring, so hopefully the tools that I have instilled in her over the years with help as she transitions to online and more independence.

This year my gymnasts have a fall training schedule that will be better suited for our schooling needs. I am so happy that their coach took the concerns of the parents into account and met us halfway. Yes, this will be the first time in a long while where both girls have evening practice a few days a week, but they will be done early evening and we will have the mornings to do school and instill some of the values I felt were missing. In fact, I may even be able to implement a full Morning Time again or at least just one day a week. Mikayla will have Saturday school again this year, but she is determined to be an "Early Academic Qualifier" for the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of this year so she has not complained too much about it.

photo credit

Our mornings start very early. This year, the girls will all start at 7AM and work for 50 minutes before we have to leave for the gym on gym days. In my mind, I think that is enough time for me to lecture Mikayla in Math and hopefully Grammar before she heads to train. My younger two should be able to complete their Bible, Vocabulary, Handwriting (if needed), and Growth Mindset in that time as well. Micah will have a set activity or free play during this time. Once we get back from dropping off at the gym we will continue to work as needed. I am guessing that I will only need an hour and a half to school with Micah and then he will play quietly and listen to read aloud etc.

I'll also be working late again this year. My limit is 9:30PM because my brain just can't think straight. Mikayla is not taking Latin this year, but she is starting German and I plan to learn along with her...just not at 9 o'clock at night. I already know my first complete sentence in German about not using cellphones...the kids love it! {NOT! :-)} I'm looking forward to a great year starting on Monday!

Have you already started school?

I hope you'll join me tomorrow as I share our 2019 ~ 2020 Plan of Study. Until then, be blessed and shoot me any questions you have for the Q & A on Friday. Check out what my CrewMates are blogging about and link up your own posts below.

Yvie @ Homeschool On the Range – 5 Days of Upper Grades Homeschooling

Kimberley @ Vintage Blue Suitcase – Roadschooling with a Teenager

Yvonne @ The Life We Build – 5 Days of Relaxed Homeschooling

Destiny @ Some Call It Destiny – Encouragement for the Homeschooling Mom

Karen @ Tots and Me…Growing Up Together – A Peek into Our Homeschool

Cassie D @ Deputie Tribe – Homeschooling 6 Taking Care of YOU

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Tuesday, August 13, 2019

2019 ~ 2020 NOT Back to School ~ Homeschooling my Final 4

Good morning friends!

Welcome to the 2019 - 2020 NOT Back to School! This week I want to give you a sneak peak into our homeschool. This year I will only have 4 students, Mikayla {11th}, Montana {7th}, McKenzie {4th}, and Micah {K}. This past May, Madison graduated and as you read this she is settling into University life in Oklahoma.

As you can see from the picture above my last four kiddos are all competitive athletes. Mikayla and McKenzie are Optional gymnasts, while Montana and Micah are my ball players. They all train/compete all year long but I make their schooling priority ONE! Yes, it makes for early mornings and long nights for me, but they are worth it.

I hope you'll join us we go through this week. I will introduce you to the kids with a five question interview and share how we will get our schooling done, share our Plan of Study, and do a Q&A at the end of the week. I hope you will stick around and ask questions if you have any!

Also, be sure to check out what my CrewMates are posting for their 2019 - 2020 NOT Back to School by visiting some of their blogs.

Abby @ Making Room 4 One More – Time Management for Homeschool Moms
Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool – 5 Days of Homeschool Questions
Amy @ the WRITE Balance – Year-Round Schooling
Annette @ A Net in Time – Homeschooling.
Betty @ Lets Get Real – Homeschooling High School
Cassandra @ My Blessed Mess – Eclectic Homeschooling

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses – ABC of Homeschooling

Dawn @ Schoolin’ Swag – Adding Fun to Your Homeschool Day

Erin @ For Him and My Family – Large Family Homeschooling

Lori @ At Home Where Life Happens – Learning Life Skills

Monique @ Mountain of Grace Homeschooling – Homeschooling the High School Years

Monique D. @ Early Learning Mom – Homeschooling With Autism

Be sure to check them out as well as the other linked up posts.

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Friday, August 9, 2019

Classical Literature Guides from Memoria Press ~ a TOS review

It’s Friday and time for another review! As Classical homeschoolers we are no stranger to the high quality curriculum that Memoria Press produces. In fact, we use quite a bit of Memoria Press curriculum in our yearly studies. This year with McKenzie my 4th grader I am focusing on reading with her so we were blessed to receive the Fourth Grade Literature Guide Set to use to get a jump start on her reading studies. We are both excited to dive into her first literature guide, The Cricket in Times Square.

If you are new to the homeschool, Memoria Press (MP) is a family-run publishing company founded by Cheryl Lowe in 1994. The company creates simple, easy-to-use classical Christian education curriculum for home and private schools all over the world. Memoria Press's produces many popular Latin, logic, literature, and classical studies courses for children in PreK-12th grade. Their products are written and field-tested with the students who attend the highly acclaimed Highlands Latin School. We were blessed to receive the full Literature Guide Set for the 4th grade that includes the Teacher and Student Guides for the following titles:

~ The Cricket in Times Square

~ Homer Price

~ The Blue Fairy Book

~ Dangerous Journey: The story of Pilgrims Progress

Each Student and Teacher’s Guide is a soft cover book that contains between 25 to 75 pages. The cover is a glossy cover with a depiction of the book. Inside you will find crisp black and white pages for completing.

The guide are divided into chapter or stories for each book. The Teacher’s Guide is the exact copy of the Student Guide with the answers filled in. There are also helpful information for the teacher in that guide.

You can use the guides in any order you choose, however, since we have a copy of the 4th grade Lesson Plans I followed the plans in there and we started with The Cricket in Times Square. Each day of the week you are given a little bit to complete from each chapter of the book.

I had McKenzie read aloud to me while I followed along in my own copy of the book. She didn’t much appreciate the reading aloud and I soon discovered why. Once we started the curriculum I realized that McKenzie’s eyes do not track very well and she frequently skipped words or chunks of words. So, we stopped and slowed down to make sure she read each word. This helped tremendously with her reading comprehension as well.

McKenzie enjoys this literature curriculum and doesn’t put up too much of a fight to do her reading. That makes me happy, as it could be a struggle. The variety of lessons and activities found within the guides keeps the information fresh and exciting.

The plan for the upcoming school year is to have McKenzie read and complete the other novels and study guides. I feel like these are a great addition to our literature curriculum and will help her become a strong, avid reader.

First to Tenth Grade Literature Guides {Memoria Press Reviews}

But you know what? Don’t just take my word for it. Check out what my CrewMates think of the Literature Guides from Memoria Press. We reviewed several different levels so be sure to click the banner below to read their thoughts.