It is Friday - When did that happen? A mother's homeschool journal

In my life this week…

Getting down the routine.  I am so thankful for structure.  Little Dude started pre-school last week.  The first day was was wonderful (aside from that whole car debacle), every day since has been a struggle with crying, wailing, screaming.  The little guy does not like school.  I was perplexed about this at first.  Zippy never had any trouble going to day-care, babysitter or pre-school (not that those three things are the same).  Then I realized that Zippy was in a child care situation with somebody from the time she was itty bitty.  She had to learn to share early.  Little Dude really hasn't.  He is an only child in a lot of ways, and I admit I am a little bit {ok more than a little bit} protective of him.  He needs pre-school, I need him to be in pre-school.  So we will persevere. 

In our homeschool this week…

Our first full week.  This week Zippy started her nature notebook.  I am taking a page out of Charlotte Mason's book, but I was a little leery about just going into the woods and saying ok look around, but I thought I would give it a try.  I was surprised, it worked!  I gave Zippy the instruction to write down or draw something from each of the senses except taste.  Once she started she couldn't stop.  We ended up spending almost twice as much time as I thought.  The best moment was when we were walking down the trail and Zippy stops.  She backed up a few steps and sniffed the air turned to me and said.  "I think I smell mint".  I looked around and sure enough there was some wild mint.  I plucked a leaf - shhhh don't tell anyone - just to be sure.  This is definitely going to be a weekly science experience.   

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week was also the first week of Co-op.  This is such an integral part of our homeschooling.  Zippy has to be around people and I am learning to respect that.  Co-op gives her that "social-time" with other kids that are home schooled, so she is not the odd one out.  It also gives the Little Dude more time to play with other kids.  And it gives me time with other moms who have made this choice to educate our children at home.

Things I’m working on…

My American History curriculum.  Zippy worked through the first few lessons.  I will be posting lessons here soon.  

I’m cooking…

Chicken. Found a great deal on chicken breast at the grocery, so I am going to try some of the great freezer/crock pot meals I've been hoarding ahem saving on Pinterest. 

I’m grateful for…

Coffee.   And wonderful doctors and nurses who care for the Little Dude. This week Little Dude had his annual MRI, just to be sure everything is still ok.  We were blessed this year to get a Saturday appointment first thing {that is 6:45am} in the morning.  So glad there is a Biggby in the hospital. 

 

I’m praying for…

My family, every day.  

 A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

 "You see, we are concerned with the hearts of our children. The whole picture. A firm foundation."
~Hodgepodge Mom
{I was deeply touched by her profound post on socialization. Find it on Hodgepodge.}

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