We're in week three of homeschooling and it's going pretty well.  We started the tuesday after labor day and only did about half of the curriculum to start off with.  I was very frustrated because my big order of curriculum didn't arrive like it was supposed to.  However, lesson one of many to come, learned....order stuff earlier!  It ended up working out and I think it made a much easier transition as we slowly added new subjects as they came.  This week is our first week with all of our subjects.  Unfortunately, this morning was one of those mornings that we struggled a bit.  There were tears but we worked through them and honestly, most days haven't been like that. 

We start our day with Bible.  Honestly, I haven't been too excited about the Bible curriculum we're using and most likely I will be changing it in the near future.  I received a lot of advice from other homeschool mom's that if something isn't working or you don't like it to not be afraid to get rid of it and use something else.  The practical side of me doesn't like wasting the money but I also know that I need to do what's best for the kids and I.  I'm going to continue to use it for awhile to see if I change my mind so we'll see.  After Bible, the kids work on their core subjects (math, reading/phonics, spelling, language arts, and handwriting/journaling).  We also do a "subject of the day" which is just a focus on particular subject like art or health/fitness, etc.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we do all the core subjects but also add in science and history.  We haven't been doing school on Friday's and it seems to be working out pretty well.  Of course, if things get harder or the kids get behind we can always use Friday's to catch up.  However, I would like Friday's to be our fun, educational days where we can do field trips and other things like that.

The kids have also been using a weekly checklist which has been working out well.  They check off their schoolwork as well as their chores and piano practice.  There are other things like educational activities and outside play/P.E. on their as well.  They're very motivated because they get a pretend dollar at the end of the day if they completed the whole list with a good attitude.  The "money" they make can be spent at our reward store at the end of the week. 

Also, I should add that the picture above is of our textbooks and workbooks.  This is what I am responsible for teaching my kids this year!  It doesn't include any of our school supplies, books to read (readers, etc.) projects or Sophie's stuff.  We have accumulated a lot of stuff since school has started and I'll be working this week to get it all organized in a big cabinet.  When my big box finally came, I was so excited!  Everybody loves getting packages but it was so exciting to see all the things I spent so much time researching and deciding on.  It was overwhelming too.  Next time around I will take a picture of all of the boxes to show just how much it all is when it comes in.  Fun and exciting!

I have so much more to share but I'll save it for another post.  Maybe I'll even have some pictures to share.  :)

Comments

[HannahNoel]

Oh my, I am overwhelmed just looking at that picture! I hope things keep going well for you and the kids!

[Sam]

Love this post Jen! And, I recognize a lot of those books. :) Hope things go good this week as you juggle it all! I'll be anxious to recap with you soon. As for the guilt over money spent on curriculum you don't like, someone said in my class to not beat yourself up over it and just consider it part of the cost of their education. :) And, if you only dislike one thing so far, I'd say you did pretty good with all your researching beforehand!!

[Jodi]

Glad it is going well for you. You sound excited about what you are doing, that's great! :)

[jen]

Sounds like things are going pretty smooth for the most part. you amaze me. i'm not quite sure how you do it with a little one.

[mom]

AMAZING!! So proud of you & the kids!! :)

[chrisanna]

Wow, look at all those books! I'm so proud of you. I know your an awesome teacher for you kids. I love hearing about your schedule & school day. Thanks for sharing!