Thursday, October 23, 2014
First Day of School 2014-2015
The first day of school had always been the day after Labor Day until this September because my trip to China visiting my dad. So, we started 2014-2015 school year on September 12, two days after I came back.
They both have grown so much... Daniel has exceeded me in the following areas: shoe size, wrist and waist measurement, and weight too.
They both have grown so much... Daniel has exceeded me in the following areas: shoe size, wrist and waist measurement, and weight too.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Summer vacation and learning less is more
Ambleside Online (AO) is the free Charlotte Mason style classical education curriculum that we've been using ever since we started homeschooling three years ago. I love it and believe that God directed us on the path.
However, this year, with Daniel doing year 4 and James year 1, it's becoming more and more difficult to follow the schedule as is. We're not even doing the whole thing: no CM style nature study, no handicraft, no regular composer study, and simplified poetry. After cutting at least two books from James' list and moving a few books to audio/free read for Daniel, we are still behind schedule. What's worse is that I often feel rushed. Little time left for reflection and contemplation. I'm tired, very tired. I may have taken on more than I could handle. Where is peace? Joy?
Last week, I came across a blog post by a fellow AO homeschooler talking about the very thing that I've been struggling with--scheduling.The post oozes with wisdom. Basically she was saying that less is often more. You want to or need to cut back until there is peace at home. Really?? Maybe that's what I need to change my thinking...
This week marks the start of our unofficial summer vacation. We're going camping Humboldt National Redwood Park.
However, this year, with Daniel doing year 4 and James year 1, it's becoming more and more difficult to follow the schedule as is. We're not even doing the whole thing: no CM style nature study, no handicraft, no regular composer study, and simplified poetry. After cutting at least two books from James' list and moving a few books to audio/free read for Daniel, we are still behind schedule. What's worse is that I often feel rushed. Little time left for reflection and contemplation. I'm tired, very tired. I may have taken on more than I could handle. Where is peace? Joy?
Last week, I came across a blog post by a fellow AO homeschooler talking about the very thing that I've been struggling with--scheduling.The post oozes with wisdom. Basically she was saying that less is often more. You want to or need to cut back until there is peace at home. Really?? Maybe that's what I need to change my thinking...
This week marks the start of our unofficial summer vacation. We're going camping Humboldt National Redwood Park.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
End of School Year Parties
We were not done with school when these celebrations happened. In fat, we are still not done now as July is approaching.
Our homeshcool group's Carnival type party was at Kristi's house. They have a huge back yard in Galt. Each kid prepared and set up his/her own table with either a treat or a game. James had a cookie decorating table but I forgot to take pictures of that :(.
Then, there was AWANA End of the Year Party.
Our homeshcool group's Carnival type party was at Kristi's house. They have a huge back yard in Galt. Each kid prepared and set up his/her own table with either a treat or a game. James had a cookie decorating table but I forgot to take pictures of that :(.
Then, there was AWANA End of the Year Party.
Lemonade and Backyard School
Homemade lemonade from homegrown lemon, made by my homegrown kid. How sweet is that!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Field Trip to Raley Field
My every first (and the kids' too) visit to a baseball field. I was pretty impressed by the facility. Well maintained and clean, with interesting art work and attention to details.
This was a SCOPE wide field trip. I got to know one mom who happened to used the same curriculum that we've been using. "Me too!" "Me too!" What a pleasant surprise! After another AO mom moved away to Texas over a year ago, I have not met anybody locally who uses AO. I will definitely get in touch with her later.
This was a SCOPE wide field trip. I got to know one mom who happened to used the same curriculum that we've been using. "Me too!" "Me too!" What a pleasant surprise! After another AO mom moved away to Texas over a year ago, I have not met anybody locally who uses AO. I will definitely get in touch with her later.
Week Before Easter: Game Day and Easter Celebration
The week before Easter is Spring Break for many public and private schools. I didn't intend to take the whole week off, but it ended up being a off week, mostly. Benjamin, a boy of a friend, stayed with the whole week because his mom had to go to work and did not have enough vacation time. I had Daniel do some of the Stanford 10 Standardized testing here and there. James did a little reading. That's it.
We had a busy week though. Monday we went to American River College to watch Speech and Debate by homeschool students. Most of the speeches and the one debate we watched were probably way over the heads of James and Benjamin. Daniel was watching and following with interest and I was totally impressed by the performance of the young men and women. Hope to have Daniel do Speech and Debate once he is old enough.
Wednesday morning we had Pancake and Game Day with Sacramento Homeschooler Meetup Group at Arden Library community room. Yummy pancake and fruit for breakfast. Meeting and chatting with friends old and new. Fun!
Wednesday afternoon. Easter Celebration with SCOPE chat group was at the park. I prepared an activity for the kids remembering the passion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Then our traditional cookie decoration.
Friday was hiking day at Cosumnes River Preserve with homeschool friends. It was a long hike for younger kids but nobody complained. We even saw a coyote carcass!
In between all the driving and activities, we had relaxing and fun time at home too. Oh, I make a Resurrection Garden, which turned out to be OK.
We had a busy week though. Monday we went to American River College to watch Speech and Debate by homeschool students. Most of the speeches and the one debate we watched were probably way over the heads of James and Benjamin. Daniel was watching and following with interest and I was totally impressed by the performance of the young men and women. Hope to have Daniel do Speech and Debate once he is old enough.
Wednesday morning we had Pancake and Game Day with Sacramento Homeschooler Meetup Group at Arden Library community room. Yummy pancake and fruit for breakfast. Meeting and chatting with friends old and new. Fun!
Wednesday afternoon. Easter Celebration with SCOPE chat group was at the park. I prepared an activity for the kids remembering the passion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Then our traditional cookie decoration.
Friday was hiking day at Cosumnes River Preserve with homeschool friends. It was a long hike for younger kids but nobody complained. We even saw a coyote carcass!
In between all the driving and activities, we had relaxing and fun time at home too. Oh, I make a Resurrection Garden, which turned out to be OK.
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