Kicking Off the School Year 2014-2015

We survived the first week of school! I know this is something most parents say, whether they send their kids to public school or if they keep them at home. I know we all worry about how the day will go. I prayed a lot leading up to this school year. Last year started out pretty good, then things got crazy with moving and my oldest really hating school.We had a nice, long summer and I think we're all refreshed.

Since moving, the daily routine isn't so stressed. It's been more relaxing for us and it's been nice. I knew the school routine had to be relaxed too. So I began to look through my teacher's guide and plan out the year. I love to plan, especially school! I did more of an outline this year for our school year since the boys are getting older. I was able to get my two oldest on the same guide and it's been wonderful so far. I know home schooling looks different for each family and I'm trying to learn not to compare myself to other families. It's so hard at times, but I know it's best.

Our verses for the year. Handy on a key chain and laminated!

Our Home School Day

8:30-

• History
• Bible
• Unit Coloring Pages (Monday)
• Scripture Coloring Pages (Wednesday)

1:00-

• Science/ Art/ Drama/ Thinking Games
• Bible Study
• - break -
• Workbooks ( Motor Skills and Handwriting alternate)
• Story time
• Math 
• Phonics

 I have a first grader and a kindergartener. It's hard to believe! Both are learning phonics this year. They do different Math works books along with different motor skills/handwriting books. It's been very nice doing it all at once instead of two different guides. Our curriculum of choice is Heart of Dakota. We love HOD! It's centered around the Bible and hands on. It's Charlotte Mason style and we love it.

My goal this year as we start school is to be relaxed. I don't want to make my children hate learning. I can read to them and I can get them to memorize verses, BUT that doesn't mean they actually learn it. I want to inspire them to learn. I want them to take it in. I want learning to be fun and intriguing. And yes it can be done even at an early age.

I wanted to share our day if anyone needed any ideas. I know some days it may go totally opposite of what I envision to happen, BUT I'm also learning that's okay. I also have been asking God to let me see my children as He sees them and not how I see them. That's not easy, but I think it's something we all can pray. 



Here are a few pictures from the week:

My Kindergarten boy.

My First Grade boy.

Learning about history and that Jesus is at the center.

Aaron loves the ABC's. He knows them all!

Our unit coloring pages we do each Monday.