Half Way Homeschool Update

You know that one time you had everything all planned out and then... you ended up throwing most of it out the window? Ya, seems like this happens a lot, to me, anyway. This was my original plan for this year. And it has definitely changed. For the better, and for the simpler.
Joshua is using the five subjects available with Monarch from Alpha Omega Publishing. Bible, History, Language Arts, Math, and Science all in one spot and one format. It is too easy for me and he really is learning a lot. He uses free cursive handwriting worksheets that I found here. He has daily reading practice and I bribe reward them both for reading a certain number of pages. We do most of our reading on the Kindle App. Joshua doesn't have much interest in art or music right now. He is super into video games and I'd love to find him something to teach him how to start basic programming or something.
Nikolas is using four subjects of LifePacs from Alpha Omega Publishing. Bible, History, Language Arts, and Science in a streamlined workbook format. He uses A+ Tutor Soft for math online. Nikolas is using the handwriting book from Horizon that is transitioning him into cursive. He also reads daily for a reward. He also really enjoys doing art videos from YouTube, including Southern HodgePodge and Doodle Draw Art. See the Light has also hit the DVD player recently, I'm hoping he starts using those more because they are really good.
We also learned about Harry Potter and did some fun learning before our trip to Orlando. I wanted them to enjoy that part of Universal Studios.
We use a bunch of different learning apps on their tablets.
Here is a list of their top ten favorites, in no particular order:

• Stack the States
• Stack the Countries
• Presidents VS Aliens
• Tower Math
• Bible for Kids
• Wild Kratts
• Kindle (this is my favorite)
• Mathblaster
• Mercer Mayer interactive books from Oceanhouse Media
• and the winner is Minecraft, no surprise there.

We use other apps but these are the favorites. Minecraft is used as a reward. I will post more about the other apps that I have them use for learning, that may not be favorites but they do learn from them.

Such focus.

 

Catching Up

I have been the worst blogger ever. I haven't really been reading blogs either. Well, I have no excuses, other than being a slacker in this area. But here is an update for you.
I decided to take the fall semester off of school, I was suffering from a case of burn out after taking math all summer (Math 100, people. Like pre-algebra in high school!). We also took a dream vacation to Orlando and I couldn't see myself doing homework while waiting in line for rides. I'll do a separate post on that, lots and lots of pictures to share.
September and October are the best months in Astana because it is still warm enough to do things outdoors but you don't need a parka. I read a lot of books and enjoyed my school-free time. We made big changes in our homeschooling this year (I'll write a separate post with specifics) and it has helped our days run so much easier. Nikolas turned 7 and we had a small party before our vacation to celebrate. My friend made him a cake that looked like a pizza, it was a big hit. We really do watch too much television living here. We aren't big into museums or the opera, so there isn't much to do here. I'm hoping that when we move that we'll be a bit more adventurous.

Happy Birthday Nikolas!

Drum roll please! Speaking of moving! We got our next assignment, which will be Rio de Janeiro! We will be there fall of 2015 after vacation time and some basic language training. We are excited to be in Rio for the Olympics and the year round warmth. It is a huge change from Astana and I think it will also be a positive move for us. I plan on learning Portuguese. We receive a homeschool allowance and I want a tutor to come and teach the boys, I think our experience will be so different knowing the language. Hubs doesn't usually get a chance to learn a language but there is some time in between leaving here and arriving there, so they said it would definitely be beneficial for him to go. That means we'll have a nice break in the US before heading south.
We had a quiet Thanksgiving and Christmas. The only reason we were awake at midnight on New Years was because of all the fireworks. Are we getting old? Maybe. But I like it. I can't believe we've been thinking about retirement and what we'd like to do. An RV will definitely be involved and I hope to travel the US, it'd be nice to see the country we're from.

I've got to say that we are so incredibly blessed. I thank God every single day for this life and this man that only He could provide.

Bike Riding

Joshua riding his bike.

A few weeks later... Nikolas riding his.

We finally live in a place where the boys really have some room to ride their bikes. And it is finally warm enough. There they go! They are growing up so fast. I can't believe they will be starting second and third grades in a couple months. sigh.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week… School, school, and more school. It is the last week of the term and I am trying to get it all done.

In our homeschool this week… Spiders and pigs! Charlotte's Web unit study!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… It is okay to put down the curriculum and do something your kids are excited about.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This weekend {hoping for good weather} we are going hiking with friends/Cub Scouts. 

My favorite thing this week was… Making spiders. I love watching the boys working so hard and being so focused on something but also how much they enjoy creating.

My kiddos favorite thing this week was… Making spiders and webs!

Things I’m working on… Schoolwork. Not to sound redundant but it is my life right now.

I’m cooking… A birthday cake!

I’m grateful for… My husband {did I say that in my last post?} because he is really awesome. 

I’m praying for… The U.S. government.

I rewarded my kids this week by… Extra time on the XBox.

Something I am ogling or have my eye on… An art journaling class from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)… 

Yep, that is snow! 

Read more: http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/homeschool-mothers-journal/#ixzz2h5r0RXxa

The Homeschool Mother's Journal 6SEP2013

In my life this week… Lots of piles or books, papers, binders. 

In our homeschool this week… We are slowly getting started. Waiting for our curriculum to arrive so we can officially begin.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… Don't be too hard on yourself.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… Not many because our car is not here yet.

My favorite thing this week was… The long weekend but only because Hubs was home for four days and I also got a great workout in on Monday.

My kiddos favorite thing this week was… Joshua losing teeth and making money.

Things I’m working on… Organizing and preparing for the school year. College work. Trying to balance.

I’m cooking…New foods that I've never seen before.

I’m grateful for…Click here!

I’m praying for…focus and consistency in my prayer life.

I rewarded my kids this week by…having a PJ day!

Something I am ogling or have my eye on…

I want the one on the right for my new bedroom!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)… 

Read more: http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/homeschool-mothers-journal/#ixzz2dzsOEORd