Monday, September 24, 2012

In my backyard

Sometimes the best homeschool experiences happen right in your own backyard. Sometimes they happen just at the right time to coincide with your curriculum. Sometimes that time is RIGHT NOW!

We had a bunch of little bugs in our garden. No clue what they were, or if they were helpful or harmful. (you'll want to click on the pictures to make them larger)


Sooo we looked it up. Come to find out we actually had several different stages of a certain bugs life cycle right in our garden. Can you guess what unit in Science we are starting THIS week? Yup life cycles. :)

Shown here are 3 of the stages.

Larva (mostly black with orange), what we believe to be the larva going into pupa stage (yellow), and pupa (orange with black)

Any guesses yet what this insect could be?






It's a. . . ..







For more info http://everything-ladybug.com/ladybug-life-cycle.html

Friday, September 14, 2012

Annnnd now we breath. :)

As some of you know this was the year Kadi had to do her very first standardized test. She did it and felt great about it. It was mailed. All that was left to do then was wait for the test results.

They came today! She did great! We are so proud of her. :)

We are all doing a happy dance and are going to celebrate with a family movie night, her choice of course.

Monday morning we will take the scores to the district office and not have to worry about it for another 2 years. :)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Our 2012-2013 Course of Study

As we all know things can and probably will change but as of right now these are our curriculum choices and resources we will be using for the 2012-2013 school year.

Kadence will be in 4th grade this year. - We really enjoyed using the Bob Jones University Press curriculum last year and will be using it as a base for core this year as well.

Bible - We will be starting the year off with Grapevine Studies Ruth.

Math - BJU Math 4

Science - BJU Science 4 plus a couple "just because" units. I am working on one now that will be based on the movie "Finding Nemo". I expect some of the Magic Treehouse Series will spark other units as well.

Heritage Studies - BJU Heritage Studies 4, We will also be doing a USA study (2 states per week based on regions) as well as learning about 1 president per week in order.

English - BJU English 4

Reading - BJU Reading 4, We will also be doing several book studies this year. Some of the books may include the original Boxcar Children, Stuart Little, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. As well as many of the Magic Treehouse Series.

Handwriting - BJU Handwriting 3, we did BJU Handwriting 2 last year since we hadn't officially started cursive yet.

Spelling - We have decided to go a different route with spelling this year. We will be using Spectrum Spelling 4 as well as taking advantage of all the wonderful games that Spelling City has to offer.

EXTRAS
Typing - Typing Instructor
Spanish - Rosetta Stone and weekly Co-op
Art - Daily art and weekly Co-op
Music - Guitar and Guitar Co-op
Dance - Kadi will be taking Ballet and Jazz at the Fountain Arts Center

Adam will be in Kindergarten and a half this year. Adam is in limbo right now between grades. He is advancing quickly out of the kinder work but not yet ready for full on 1st grade yet. We will keep accessing his progress and may move to full on 1st come the first of the year. When that time comes he will be switching to the BJU 1st grade curriculum.

Bible - Bible - We will be starting the year off with Grapevine Studies Ruth.

Math - Various workbooks and content from The Head of the Class website.

Science - Will tag along in Kadi's BJU Science 4 with me adding in age appropriate material. Also Abeka Health and Safety 1.

Heritage Studies - Will tag along in Kadi’s BJU Heritage Studies 4 with me adding in age appropriate material.

English - Various workbooks and content from The Head of the Class website.

Reading - Picking back up on Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons at Unit 50, Possibly using the You Can Read series by 1+1+1=1 afterwards. Also Reading Eggs website.

Handwriting - I have made handwriting worksheets to go along with the 100 easy lessons book.


Spelling - Possibly Spectrum but haven't decided yet and Spelling City.

EXTRAS
Typing - Wasn't planning on typing this year for Adam but he has asked to, so we will use the Disney Typing with Timon and Pumba as he wishes.
Spanish - Rosetta Stone and Co-op
Art - Art Co-op
Music - Lessons based on Little Einstiens tv show
Dance - Adam will be taking Ballet and Tap at the Fountain Arts Center.





YAY Kadi is done testing! So proud of her. Thank You Sarah Johnson for taking the time to administer the test.
Another first day of school. smile emoticon:) God thank You for this amazing opportunity. Please give me the strength and wisdom to turn to You always, for I can't do this without You. Thank you for my amazing support system to always be there to encourage me. smile emoticon

Monday, September 3, 2012

Our general schedule



Saturday, September 1, 2012

First Day of School 2012-2013

We spent our first day of school at the Honolulu Zoo. :)