School Send-Off

Even though my oldest two are (now) away at college, this mama still enjoys rejoicing with the start of a new school year...and I hope to continue to include all my children in one fun and simple tradition.

Math Lesson of the Day: 03.14.16

"...the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle..."

Spontaneously we decided to bake a Pi Pie to commemorate Pi Day.  What better way to celebrate than with a 'rounded' pie...3.14.16!

First Days 2015 - 2016

Back to School.  Yes!

Having my little cyber-journal blog, makes it so convenient to quickly look back at the past several 'first days of school'...looking back brings such good memories, and allows me to see just how much we have matured as a family.

~ Back to School - Fall 2013 ~ {phfr} style

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter

The ABCs of school...

Academics!

We have always started our academic year on or near the Feast of the Nativity of Mary (right after Labor Day).  It seems that everyone began weeks before us...I was starting to feel a bit late.
But, to tell you the truth, I was glad to have the extra days to plan and organize and even borrow fun ideas from other moms, like here and here.

Books!

I believe,  that for every home school family, this sight is cause to be euphoric!

{pretty} sight

Oh what a pretty sight!

The Books have arrived!!!! 

The Classics

Curriculum!

This year we are using a few more online courses and my children are loving it!  (and so am I). 



A Classical Curriculum

Biology with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, HS Latin I & II, Theology, Vocab. & Writing...

This is an exciting year for us!  Technology has taken designing our own classical curriculum to a new level!

{happy} heart

Books that make a heart happy!

We found these little treasures after visiting a few antique shops...The prices were not as good as our library or church book sales, but they were a steal nonetheless.

{funny}

credit:  Victor S E Moubarak

Victor S E Moubarak falls under {funny}; Why? 

Because he writes very funny posts.  If you would like to smile, laugh or ponder Godly thoughts, a quick visit to TIME FOR REFLECTIONS will not disappoint. 

He is the author of several books, including the captivating book "Visions"; perhaps you have read it?   Victor's latest book "More Time for Reflections" is now available, which you can download for FREE!  Or, for a nominal fee, receive it via Kindle.

But WAIT!  There's more...you can now listen to Victor's vintage radio program recordings entitled Reflections Soundtracks.  We plan to play a program during our afternoon school year teas...great discussion starters for our family talks!   Especially because both my teens are studying (more) theology.

You can read more about the author, here.  Have fun!

{real} busy

I am still organizing for our school year!!!

Books ordered.  check!

Classes scheduled.  check!

Back to School supply shopping.  check!

Organizing book shelves, desk area, learning room...

I will right be back!

Traditionally, we begin our school year on:

 

~ The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~

 

 

This year will be slightly different...

 

...to be continued.

Go to Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment... 

 

 

~ Artwork for Home Educators ~

Art has been one subject that has really given me a challenge.  Not so much in the younger years, but in the middle school years, and now the high school years.

I've used so many different art programs, books, and classes...trying to teach three grade levels at one time has been, as I mentioned, a challenge.

Last year we began to use The Art of Drawing for Kids - The Gluck Method Fine Art Instruction Series.  It has worked wonderfully!  We were able to cover several different drawing techniques.

Here are a couple drawings, from last year:

I, too, got in on the fun!

Wouldn't this type of pastel drawing fit well in a baby nursery?  I think I may just frame these.  :o)  For my nieces and nephews children...

Well, I'm hoping to continue to use this Art Class for my teens this Fall.  Teen Art Class

But I'm also leaning towards continuing to use the Christian Heritage Art Program with Little Lamb.  Although I've used CHA with my two oldest, my youngest has not yet used this program. 
I like the idea of using an art curriculum program that teaches about  the history and heritage of Christianity.


I'm undecided...

~ Another Reason... ~

Why I home school...

This morning, I discovered this on the inside cover of one of Little Lamb's workbooks.
:o)  Made my day!

So, on those challenging days (when I'm pulling my hair out)...I need to remember these moments.

~ Chemical Reaction ~

What does and empty container, vinegar, baking soda & ballon equal?

Besides carbon dioxide...

 

...a very happy 8 year old.  cool.