Monday School

Warrior has been working with his hands for quite a while for manipulatives in Mathematics.
Today, is a transition to shapes.



Reading aloud with quite careful elocution,
Student presented the Psalms to the Homeschool.



Onto Current Events,
Student reads from the news page at Klove.



Catching some simple experiments up with GRAVITY force tests,
Student gathered an array of objects to test...





And reading up on Health, Student always enjoys the comic strips.



And Mascot? Well, he's getting his share of time as Baby Spider...



Blessings of knowing the souls of Heaven's treasures.
These children are no strangers.
Guests that we are keeping and caring for
until He returns.

Tuesday News

Praising God for the Homeschool's camera return, we are putting it to good use, with the wrist-strap tightly attached! Here's Student's proof-of-spring photography...



Student read from our History lesson on Ellis Island in the front yard. Distractions of green and oxygen and sun surrounding her. Another benefit of our first year attempt to obey in the education of His blessings, and a grrreat one it is this time of year!



Continuing around the yard and into the day's lessons, Student picked up the violin and played her two working pieces and took another stab at note-reading. Trying to seperate, dogs eating, fat cats in alleys, and all that in her brain...and Teacher's as well, we survived.



Warrior experienced a right-of-passage on the backyard swingset today before his naptime: pumping of the legs and independently swinging!



What joy that boy held, and what contentment he displayed all through his afternoon of the wind in his hair...(which he has announced he wants to look like Larry from the 3 Stooges, thanks, PapaD!) It was his naptime words of wisdom that brought out his frustration with life: I don't like temptation! As he tries to quit the thumb habit at nighttime, Teacher understood.

Student broke through to yet another test and set of speed drills in Math. She worked through her Language seatwork outdoors as well as drafting this story for Writing:
Big Fish!
Hey I'm going fishing! It is fun! What is it? Fishing is you have a fishing pole put a worm on it and catch!! The End

She was determined to finish the story before coming to the end of the space provided! That she did, and her printing was so neat that Teacher didn't comment on the length!

Off to soccer practice we walk. Finishing the day with MORE Activity for young hearts, and a stop at the creek on the way home!

Tuesday Hospitality

The Homeschool was blessed with great news of yet another blessing from the Lord: Baby Isabella was born over the weekend! Two parents are enjoying the changes and sacrifice that brings new purpose to life. Godbless their family with health and rest, AMEN!

Homeschool spent the majority of the day preparing and tasting the meal we cooked for their family. Prinicipal suggested the main dish: Stuffed Turkey Roll. Warrior helped turn apples into Oatmeal Apple Muffins.



Student helped entertain and distract Mascot so Teacher could accomplish the other meal mates.



When the supper we complete we sent it with love and hospitality without grumbling including a message of love:

Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.

Also in the Homeschool day Student learned the ever-so-detailed task of revising! With much delay and angst, her story as follows was complete, with ONE revision. No more, please! Was the familiar plea, oh how Teacher remembers the pain of revising...The main correction was once upon a time, as separate words! So true that when reading, I usually read those familiar words very quickly, and run them together: onceuponatime was quite the compound word before her revising! She then argued that a good story didn't have to have a problem in need of resolving, so she came out on top with this personal narrative!

Snowy Day Once upon a time a snowy day came. The children went to play outside! Warrior was the first one out. Then, me, then daddy. First we had a snowball fight. Dad got me six times! After that we had cocoa. We had a nap, we played pool, we watched tv, and went to bed!

Learning all about graph paper in Math, Student began her line graph on the week's temperature highs. She likes using a straight edge, and since the last wooden ruler at the Homeschool bit the dust (during Warriors ching fighting aka: sword fighting) she adapted with the edge of a Larry Boy dvd. Quite nicely, Teacher must add. A tool is what you make it!

Finishing up a review of the Revolutionary War and the Constitution, we discussed the current event of the health bill passing. Also in the news, this week is Pray for Sudan week. They are preparing for elections and change. May God continue the desire for peace, but above all may every heart present in that land know the peace of Christ and it's rewards! Amen

Reading, what else could fill so much of Student's time? Intently reading through more stories in the 2nd grade Abeka reader, she just had to leave the book behind to catch some sun and skating Activity with the neighbors. Warrior created icecream with his bicycle and all the new sprouts of spring plants...all in a day at the Homeschool.

Wednesday Wilderness

Wilderness Road, to be exact. Student is getting through the still-needed American History. Daniel Boone also fit into today's lesson. No big smiles or groans either way for Student, she just listened and learned.

It was the violin practice that brought out the groaning. But Student made it through Long Long Ago, and will have another quick practice tonight for Principal when he returns from the workday.

Mascot and Warrior read Dr. Seuss together. The growing age of Mascot is more obvious with the Homeschool events of reading, as he lets no book go unread! Don't even try to sneak and read without him, either.




Student scored 80% on today's Spelling list:
photo
√ chaot (caught)
moth
fear
orange
almost
√ pillo (pillow)
dimple
station

Finishing up Phonics and Language with review of pronouns and examples of antonyms and synonyms, Student was ready for a break! Math break to be exact!

Writing the long name for numbers and adding combinations with 4 addends, Student enjoyed the flashcard work. Making the pages kid-sized makes all the difference some days!



Warrior is also growing as he now plays the actual learning games on his toy-computers instead of just using them to make racket to distract Student from her studies...well, sometimes he still distracts, but what else are boys for bu to annoy those in their immediate environment and get a kick out of it? Got to love the little men!



Carted and rolled around all-the-live-long-Homeschool-day, Mascot served his purpose: ceating smiles on family faces! Through Bible History, Cursive Writing, and yet more Reading, our little trooper rolled in-style!



Thank you Lord above for adding your grace and mercy in the presence of our littlest adiition, that makes some of the biggest difference in our day! Amen

Tuesday News

News, indeed! Student selected her favorite parts of the local neswpaper she used in the Homeschool yesterday and created her very own issue...what a morning! She included the following...



And Teacher spent the morning sewing...



And Warrior spent the morning fishing...



Then there was Mascot...quiet and content...



It was after lunch with Principal that the Homeachool got to some book-learning!
Beginning with Bible History, we read in the Gospels of Jesus' teaching and many followers as well as the leper being lowered through the roof to get closer to Jesus and ask for healing. Warrior took one look at the illustration and asked if the man on the stretcher had been "...hit by a car?"...and then wondered if esus was going to hit him...so we talked of the healing power through the Holy Spirit given to us, just as Jesus did. And, he proceeded to heal Mascot...good ol' boy. Putting his learning into practice, indeed!

Warrior learned all about number 13 tody. With the help of Sesame Street collection from Teacher's childhood days, thanks Grandmother, he found hidden 13s and learned about Ernie's red balloon disaster!

Right after another chapter in Mattie Mae, Math brought Student seatwork and story problem creating. We used Hotwheels today! If Student has 10 cars and so many go into the field, how many are left at the farmhouse? Student had fun with that! Reviewing 1/3, and 1/4 of a whole group the fractions completed our work. It was outside that we finished with a test and speed drills! Her fastest time of 46 seconds was on her last practice.



US History was read by Student today. We read a narrative of an 80 year-old widow and her trek from one colony to another. It's fun for Stduent to think about times without roads, bridges and cars! What strides have been made in this country, and not by our merit, but the grace and love of God. Thanks, Lord for your constant forgiveness and blessings in this country.

Monday Music

Yes, violin practice was scheduled, as many days at the Homeschool, but what is more exciting than an instrument one plays day-in and day-out? Mascot's toy xylophone! Toy + Student's Ear= Joy to the world! What fun for a Monday!

It must have been the rainy forecast that forced the spring-cleaning desire to come alive at the Homeschool today. Student and Warrior respect-cleaned the living room, organized ans sorted the family movies...
"Well, I'd say the grown-up movies go on the bottom because we don't watch those very much. And, the kid movies in the middle and the Veggie Tales on the top. We're done!" This of course took place after Warrior exited the cabinet the movies are stored in. It was just his size, but never noted before as it was always full! Oh how fun is cleaning, it gives new perspectives to all!

Warrior was on duty in the dining room, and he was thrilled to detox the table from all of the sneezing lately...



Onto balancing bean bags upon heads, loading laundry into machines, folding quilts and shining the ever-dreaded STUDENT ROOM!



After seeing Principal for lunch Student and Teacher sat in the quiet to read of Colonial Life. Our History Thoughts from Student:
"It's so crazy that people treated the slaves badly just because God designed their skin to be in the sun. It's sad that families couldn't stay together. But I am glad that I don't have to wear the clothes those fancy ladies wore. You couldn't climb a tree, really."

Reading was completed through the daily local newspaper. Teacher isn't in favor of this again in the near future. But it was quite sweet that Student's humor connected with Garfield! Otherwise she thought it was a total waste...
"Why isn't the city asking if they should buy the van? Who says what they can buy? Weird that the people in the city don't even know what is going on." And maybe the Homeschool should venture to the next city hall meeting, we haven't been since Student was 3 and we were rallying for support of the neighborhood park we now enjoy.

Math pushed the problems up to four addends and introduced the even and odd numbered addresses on each side of the street. Student wondered what the big deal was, but completed the exercise anyway.

Bible and Spelling completed our Homeschool day. Student wanted to know when she could have a letter grade on her paper. Teacher usually talks out the questions with Student until she can correct them. But this time we changed it up and Student corrected AFTER the letter grade was given...today she earned a 60%, D. She smiled and said THANKS!

It was NOT our typical rainy day, as we haven't watched any movies and only had minimal computer time and reading. No puzzles, just LIVING ROOM SOCCER...

Thursday Things to Read

Beginning our morning of learning in Warrior's bedroom as he had his separate computer turn,
Mascot wanted his share of the flag-holding duties for pledges.



Trying to do her Spelling list of special sounds dge as in fudge, ch as in chorus and suffix review, Mascot was right in on the seatwork as well.



Pinkalicious was the first of the day's Reading. All from Student to Warrior, Teacher listened to their words from the other room. God's ways of making the little things work, is the heart of Homeschool. So often big plans are the focus, and as in life, it's the little daily things that are making it all worthwhile.

Reading also took place at the library. As we left the Homeschool for Student's first lesson back after sickness, we thought to make an afternoon of outings in the sun! Riding bikes from place to place, Student was readying her legs for soccer while Warrior is focused on readying his muscles for tee ball come summer!

Again, the little things, like walking as buddies, times of sibling togetherness that result inn love. Only God could orchestrate such peace out of sibling chaos!



Working together in playtime at the park, we knew our afternoon was fading and we must return to the Homeschool for seatwork. And once arrived, Student worked on Mathematics and wrote her sweet kite story and read it aloud:
Sally's Kite
One day Sally got a kite for her birthday!
She went outside to play with it.
She ran out to fly it it went up into the sky.
"Oh!!! Look mom the kite went into the tree!" the kite got stuck. DADDY! got the lattr
DADDY! can reach it! HooRay DAD saved the Day!!! By Student

Reading also from The American Revolution from A to Z, Warrior wanted to answer each question with a sure bet of an answer: George Washington. Every question, every answer throughout the reading. Now that's just like the sure answer in Sunday School:Jesus! He's got it down.

Finishing the day reading from Fancy Nancy A to Z Fancy WOrds, Student has a favorite for today: Z is for Zany. Daddy is zany!
Speaking of Principal, the kids created some springtime Art for him. List of needed suuplies:
pink cotton balls
white cotton balls
scissors
crayons
glue
LOVE
They let their bunnies hop to be with Principal at work and smiled as they left a trail of cut paper, broken crayons and glue puddles behind...

Make a DIfference Monday

Beginning bright and early, the Apple Oatmeal muffins popping into the oven and filling the homeschool with fruity flavors.



For Make a Difference Monday this week, our random-act-of-kindness to spread the love of Jesus was for Mr. Mike. Being our neighbor for years now, we've always felt hesitant to gift him baked goods because of his diabetic diagnosis. Truly, it was just a lack of education on our part, so we fixed that, and got to fixin' some scrumptious treats! Student and Warrior bundled up and delivered them with smiles.

As for the week-long hiatus from book-learning last week, the hiatus is back off again. (Silly Beastie Boys.)

On to Math, Student reviewed Mr. Clock and was asked to name 3 items that weighed more than a lb. and 3 that each weighed less than a lb. her thoughts:
> 1 lb= Mascot, House, Car

< 1 lb= Empty clothes basket, milk carton, Empty bank

Also working on numbers with 3 digits, that hundreds place addition still has no weight on Student! She moved right along to her seatwork with the listing of all the presidents from George to Abe! Our Library trip tonight will connect right in, as we are hoping to locate some American Revolution material. Onward we go! Or backward? Well, we will read our Bible lesson and Reading lesson while we are there. Our read-aloud book to start today is on Determination and the story of Helen Keller. Teacher can't wait for Student's reaction!

Reviewing continents, longitude, latitude and oceans on the globe, Student had to dig deep into her first grade brain to retrieve such content. But oh how amazed Teacher is each time the information is brought forth! One doesn't have to provide anymore evidence of God-given brain power strength in wee ones, because at the Homeschool we see it every day! Thank you God!

Games, thanks to Grammie, went on for a fine extended period today. Mascot bounced and watched as Warrior and Student solved their issues of sharing and building snakes, houses, towers and designs.



Student got her fingers moving and eyes exercised a clothing design project. Our dear friend Miss B was over for Church and Sunday lunch yesterday, and she shared about her clothing design class at the local high school, and Student listened with keen ears! So now Veronica has a nicely trimmed wrap skirt and a tank with cross straps on the way! Sew, sew, sew...it's fun, fun, fun!



It's Mascot that inspired the Science curriculum today! Student was sitting with him and discovered his first tooth broke through! So, we read in her Tooth on the Roof book from Auntie Ang, and learned the locations & names of our teeth as well as the parts. And the milk-tooth losing in Germany brings this lovely tradition:
"I don't do anything with my tooth..."
okay, so Student thought that was funny to be included in the book, but really... let's try Greece:
"I put my tooth on the roof for good luck that my tooth that grows in next will be healthy and strong!"



Ending the afternoon with backyard activity, Student and Warrior made dirt hills, a pirateship equipped with sails and told tales of hunting bears. All in a Day of Homeschool!



Joshua 1:3,8
"I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Midweek Rocketeer

Yes, the Homeschool met it's goal of finishing seatwork and learning-on-paper before noon, so the afternoon could be set aside for outdoor rocketeering! Go us!



We began the day with breakfast and History at the table. Principal listened to Student read 3 sections! And with his ears and eyes amazed..Student read right through "...summoning the officer and his guard...anxiously they returned to Jerusalem...the distinguished men were amazed at the wisdom and understanding of the child at only twelve..." If Teacher could have read so well in first grade, there may have been an actual enjoyment developed of reading! God has truly blessed this generation with more than we can know!



Amidst Student's seatwork in Phonics, the rockets began to take shape. Beginning from an attachment formed by Toddler to a rocket set at a metropolis bookstore, last week, our promises of creating a homeschool rocket took shape today.

After all was complete... WAIT ...come and see how the Mascot laughs... that was the call from Toddler and Student from the nursery. We found them batting baby fabric blocks intoMascot's face, and he was indeed laughing about it! What a united set of siblings! Getting them together and on the same page of creativity happens more than before we began the obedient journey of homeschooling. All praise to God for the times of peace and unity, not by our workings do they love one another.



Before we get back to the great outdoors...
√ Finish the introduction to George Washington
√ Complete a map of the US during his administration (while Teacher nursed Mascot and so the prevailing map was a bit mixed-up, but full effort was put forth, it's just that Teacher needs to learn the EXACT shapes or print a copy of the states before setting Student free to complete such a task...)
√ Violin practice
√ Phonics seatwork
√ Math calendar review

All thoroughly enjoyed the experiment, and though Teacher and Principal taught of the solid and liquid reaction creating a gas.. the experiment never lifted the rocket off of the ground! Maybe next time, we should tell the instructions to include MEASUREMENTS of the ingredients!?

So, Student and Toddler settled for the ol' Mentos and Coke reaction:
exploding soda to new heights was just as much of a blast! The reaction being visible with the naked eye helped Toddler and Student get it.

As for the clean-up? Weather man says God's planning showers and light snow tomorrow night...Thanks, Lord.

Finishing up the afternoon outside in the sun... just for fun!



Principal aiding in the learned new skill: Heeley hand-me-downs...

as the smiles from Mascot were just enough to remind us that everyday is a day the Lord has made, with or without sun! Though, honestly, we are praising Him for the presence of the sun today!

Reading Away

Beginning Student's History lesson upstairs, away from the rowdiness of the boys, Student reviewed Abe Lincoln facts and moved on to Thomas Jefferson facts. Listing all the "L" words that related to Lincoln, Student emtied her brain onto the paper:
Labor
Lad
Long
Lamp
Light
Leader
Lawyer
Log cabin

As for Jefferson, our skip, hop and leap, leaving us with the third president of the United States, Student contructed this map detailing the continuing of Manifest Destiny during Jefferson's years. Eying the years 1801-1809, and quickly figuring that it was 8 years, Student remarked:
Oh, so he served twice.





It was upstairs that Student planned on learning QUIETLY away from boys...then we heard them having SCHOOL upstairs as well...



Boy school, schmoy school! Where can the girls of the world be free from boydom?! Mascot isn't counted in the boywar, as of yet. But joining forces with Toddler, he did enjoy reading in their bedroom. All Things That Fly, was another recent thrift store book find. Toddler picked an X-15 for the day's learning.



Teacher: Do you know what this supersonic rocket is made of?
Toddler: No.
Teacher: Metal:Nickel.
Toddler: Ask me again, Mom. Again!
Teacher: What metal is this rocket made from?
Toddler: Quarters!

And how does Toddler read, one may ask...on his head, naturally.



Teacher's prayer:
Lord, knowing that Your will for these children is not merely a position, but a relationship with You, help us to not limit their knowledge of You because of their chosen position. May we teach them when they walk, stand, sit, lye down and hang! Amen

Final Friday

To practice true religion:James 1:27
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Being Final Friday, Student set out on her mission to look after a certain widow loved dearly by the Homeschool. Student spent a snowy morning inside Miss Jane's farmhouse dusting spots just her size!
Dining table legs
Shutter slats
Dining chair spindles



Student and Miss Jane completed their time together preparing lunch for the Homeschool. Packing ourselves over the creek and past the woods, we landed at her dining table for a classic winter luncheon: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup!

After giving thanks to God for the food, Miss Jane shared about Student's helpful heart. When Principal asked Student how she responded when asked to complete a task that morning, she said...
"I thought I could be polite and do it right. I didn't complain, she's not my MOM!" All laughed, and laughed some more. Yes, we know we often save the illest responses for our loved ones, we all fall short there! Lord forgive us.

Re-booting each foot that walked, the Homeschool headed home just in time for the arrival of little blonde guests for a Kansas Day activity.




Celebrating God's provisions for both the birds of the air and our families, we used Miss Jane's hog lard and mixed up some suet-stuffed oranges to provide for the local birds during these cold days.



Finished and resting in the freezer until tomorrow, Student will eye just the perfect places for her feeders. For this we know is true: God is the source of all we need, and He works through many channels. The girls were delighted to be a channel of provision for the Kansas birds...HAPPY 149th KANSAS DAY!

Connecting to Kansas Day, History taught Student of Lewis & Clark. She was so excited to connect her newly acquired tooth-traded golden coin to the lesson. Checking the map for the Kansas locations Lewis & Clark traveled along, and just what significance Sacajawea is thought to have. Officaially, we have skipped from the 16th president doen to the 3rd, and will continue a steady countdown to prepare for President's Day.

February, yes, the month that begins MONDAY! Where will the semester go? Student is the furthest along in Math & Science. As for the rest that First Grade is to hold, the Homeschool relies on the sufficient grace of God!

Migration

Video fun for all!
Student created her own play to help remember the lyrics
to her next working piece for violin class with Mrs. S.

Also in Homeschool, Toddler and Student took their sack lunches
and headed to the Rec Center. Jo and Nolan met them for
some ball-gun-matchbox-run-fun! That gym hadn't seen action like
that all day!

Back to the Homeschool, Student eagerly worked on her Awana memorization. She has now earned her jewel for knowing all 27 books of the New Testament! That vest is slowly looking more and more like a princess fashion accessory!

As for Toddler, he was still for the majority of his lesson. He caught up his verses and hid his new on in his heart, too. It was the Apple tree activity that threw him overboard! Making use of the sit-and-listen times he has during the day is a constant puzzle Teacher is trying to solve. His best learning times, differ from day-to-day. His interest peeks at different incriments. But, trying to check-off Awana from our list today, Teacher hurried the activity, and it lasted for 2 minutes!



We were trying to create a good-smelling spice blend like the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. Teacher was hoping he'd smell some that weren't his favorite and then others he did want to include in his mixture. And, he got a waft of 2, including garlic powder and cinnamon, and called it GOOD! (The fuzz in the left corner is his hair...that's as still as he stood!)

Student was moving today, too! She moved her bike for 3 miles along the creek path! She had the blessed-sight of observing the geese flying patterns above, hence, she picked the blog title today.What a girl, what a pixie! She loves to note the name of her vintage schwinn, pixie it is! One pivk pixie that's preparing her legs for indoor soccer season!



Reviewing how many more story problems in Math, Student moved on to discover the thousands place. Reviewing calendar facts as well, she was sure that their 10 months in a season, til she was assured by Teacher that if Winter lasted 10 months, we'd have to pray about MOVING!