Down Mulberry Lane

Driver's Education...

Chelsea and Megan are taking driver's education together.  Their cousin is also taking the same class with them.  This is a common scene at our home this month since they've begun the course.  It is fun to see them apply themselves to the class.  They were nervous about taking the class, since Chelsea doesn't remember much of school, only having attended Kindergarten and 1st grade at school.  And Megan has never attended school at all, she's been homeschooled the entire time. 

The first week was a bit rough for them, but they have adjusted, and felt more comfortable.  They get asked lots of questions about being homeschooled.  Some are really strange questions like... does your Mom teach you?  Do you wear pajamas all day?  Are you really smart?    They've been accepted into the class for the most part.  Their driving teacher loved them, probably because they already knew how to drive for the most part... just needed help with some things like parallel parking (which I don't do well) and interstate driving.  Their classroom teacher has had fun with them and everytime they are split into groups they get asked by the kids more questions about homeschooling. 

One day they had a guest speaker and he was talking about emergency workers and he asked if anyone had family that were emergency workers... my girls with their cousin, all at one table, raise their hands and the girls thought it was so cute that their "cool joe" cousin says... yah, he's my uncle.  We all had a good laugh about it.  We love my nephew and are glad that he feels proud of his family.  He's had a hard time connecting with family over the years and it is nice when he shows some warmness towards family. 

So far they've passed the driving part of the course, now they have two more tests to take to complete the class.  They have to get 80% to not have to drive for the DOT.  70% to pass the class.  We will see, but they have proved to do well so far. 

Warmly, ~Melissa

ps... like the scooby doo t-shirt?  My husband loves anything with scooby-doo and the girls often ask for a shirt just to please Daddy.  The shirt says "Got Munchies?" 

Homeschool Record Keeping

I have been at this 10 years now?  And each year or every 6 months or so, I find something new to keep my progress recorded.  I do really REALLY love Homeschool Tracker, as I've stated on my homeschool blog, but in the current arrangement in the house, my computer is upstairs and we do most of our school downstairs.  I went back to paper record keeping.  I will use my Homeschool Tracker by recording our grades in that, so I can make up a transcript, quick and easy like, when the time comes. 

I was trying to find the perfect tool to record and to plan and I realized that what worked for some, didn't work for all classes.  I also had two notebooks and two children with two notebooks and it was getting to be a handful to carry around all these books.  I tried combining my record keeping with my home management binder, but I found I didn't use it at all because it was HUGE and cumbersome!   However, today, I decided just to put our study courses in a 3 ring binder.  I have dividers separating the different courses, and I made copies of one simple master sheet that works well.  The sheet is simple enough that I can modify it for both kids if they are studying the same material.  I can also add a column for listing grades on some assignments, when necessary. 

I like pretty.  I like unique and creative forms.  But when it really comes right down to it... I SOOOO love simple! Simple works.  Simple can be easily modified and still look uncluttered.  I've realized that I don't need fancy record keeping books.  But I do need to have records.  So, simple just seems to work all around. 

My plans are usually made on loose leaf paper, so sliding that in the appropriate course worked really well.  I've tried other planners, I actually like the CLASS record planner book and I like Rod and Staff's simple record keeping book, but with both books, I tend to get ahead in a subject or two and pretty soon I am flipping pages trying to keep track of a full day's work.  I've also tried a ring bound notebook or a ring bound project notebook.  Those work better, but when we change directions, it is hard to reorganize a ring bound plan.  I realized I needed a different system that worked with our style of learning. 

I like several things about the new record keeping book.  I have both students in ONE book.  Everything is clean, simple and clutter free; I have what I need and nothing more.  It is only the study subjects, so once books are put away, I put the record book away and it slides away in a drawer.  It is a small handy binder, only 1/2 inch wide.  I can see it will make school so much easier.  AND, I even allowed for some creativity.  I used a 1/2 inch 3 ring binder with the clear plastic pockets on the outside, so I can decorate and redecorate as I desire. 

I used it the first time today and my oh my did things run smoother and better.  I wasn't fumbling for a different book for a different subject.  When the girls asked a question, the book was handy for both of them.  If I was working on one subject and another came in to ask a question about another subject... I had the information right there...(each divider has the needed sheets filed with finished items filed to the back... so no flipping through all the pages to find the information I needed)... SOOOO NICE!  

I know it is hard to believe that I may have stumbled upon something that works, finally, especially since I've only used it one day.  But I have a hope and a peace about this that is different than other tries before.  Before I wanted something pretty, or something educational looking, something that was like what everyone else was using, or something that made me look intelligent if someone happened to snoop upon it.  LOL.  All the other ideas were motivated by selfish thoughts in some way or another.   I realized that isn't what I needed.  I simply needed a way to record our happenings that had some ability to shift and change when I did.  I was excited this morning to discover that something so simple can work. 

Now parts of my book are parts of systems that I have used in the past... the ones I tend to fall back on when I LOSE my book and when life is busy and I don't have time to fill in all the blank spots in the other planners and record keeping books.  That is likely the key to finding success in my record keeping system. They are tools I have used before, but ones I kept running away from because something new caught my eye!  When time was scrunched these simple pages worked.  When I misplaced my book, or my kids misplaced my book, I could grab a sheet and still work on some planning and add it to the notebook another time.  No more running to and fro looking for something better... may my heart be satisfied with simple! 

I'd post a picture, but thought that perhaps that wasn't best, afterall, what worked for me was finding those things that I needed to use for my specific area, for my specific family.  If you are searching for that perfect tool, consider the fact that perhaps, just perhaps you already have the materials to make your own simple record/planner book.  I just used the word processor on my computer to create a simple table that I could print out.  It included the items that I needed, period.  I placed it into a 3 ring binder, which worked best for me... what I discovered was that the size really made a difference.  I've used 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, and even a 3 inch binder... but wow a small 1/2 inch binder feels JUST right for me!   May you find what works just right for YOU! 

Warmly, ~Melissa

Planning...

Every so often, I have to reevaluate where we are at in school.  This weekend, I sat down and did the numbers.  I was feeling very far behind... to the point of needing to push a bit.   I figured out how far we were along in Chelsea's high school courses and what she'll need to accomplish to graduate.  I also tried to figure out Megan's progress as well. 

To my delight, we are on track.  We should be able to graduate Chelsea ON TIME... and we should be able to finish her 11th grade year up before summer camp, if she decides to go and gets accepted to work again.   Megan is using her 8th grade year to also begin "high school" in classes that she is academically ready.  She has begun Spanish, Ancient World History, Bible, and also a couple electives she works on occasionally. 

I am feeling much more calm.  We aren't behind.  We've had some hectic days and yet, we still are doing ok.  If we take too much more time off however, it will be a bit hard to complete by June 1st.  I'll not worry about that right now, rather just keep plodding along.  I jotted in my school calendar a monthly countdown of available school days so that I can keep on track each month.  Perhaps it will give me incentive to keep up a good pace, rather than drifing behind a bit at a time. 

Warmly, ~Melissa

Homeschool Meme from Jacque

I started homeschooling (years ago or year)

in 1999.  Kate was in 5th grade.  Chelsea was in 2nd grade.  Megan was still a little lamb.  We pulled the older two from church school.

I homeschool __ of my children

2. ?  LOL.  I guess 3 is correct until Kate is officially graduated, which will be soon.  But next year it will be just two... that will be different for me.... I guess more time for me to spend with baby, decluttering, etc!  We have 4 children however in all different stages of learning... even if one is about to graduate, she is still needing guidance. 

I teach my children to read at age(specific age or not?)

No specific age.  There is always room for introducing it, but I found pushing it doesn't work.  My 2nd daughter learned to read up to a second grade level during 2nd-third grade... she didn't proceed much further in skill until she was almost 13yo... when she went from 2nd grade to 7th grade skills in a matter of months. (and yes we checked her eyes and tried ALL kinds of reading programs).  I worked with her on and off throughout the years, but tears and inability caused me to take breaks from the pressure of reading.  In 6th grade, we worked hard and we got progress... so we continued to work hard and she was able to read even above her grade level.  My youngest read around 6-7yo and continued with yearly growth.  

A few of my most favorite homeschool teaching resources are:

The Bible

Moore Formula Manual

A Home Designed Form-U-La

Internet

Any scope and sequence book.

The library.

Do you write out goals for school each year?

Yes, I guess.  I don't consider them school goals, but just growth type goals.  I am totally about the " BIG PICTURE"... and school is such a small part of that... it doesn't even begin to include the character training, the biblical training, the life skill training, etc... I write goals to keep me focused... if I get lost or frustrated during the year with a child, I read my goals and sometimes that is enough to say to me... back off on math... this character issue is a MUCH bigger problem and worthy of the time needed to fix the problem.  It keeps me sane when I think we're not accomplishing anything.  It encourages me when I see that we are making progress.  It also keeps me on track when I get very busy with farmer's market, lambing season, gardening, etc. 

What time do you start school each day? Do you have a specific schedule?

Hmmmm, Last year it was between 9 and 10 am.  I am hoping to start earlier this year.  We will be trying a new schedule.  Before we did farm chores first and by the time we were finished and cleaned up it was almost always 10am. 

I have used ___ math programs. My favorite is:

Math-It

Saxon 54-Algebra 1/2

Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1

Rod and Staff grade 1-4

Miquon Math

Horizons Math

Holt Algebra 1

Wow!  I didn't know how fickle we were!   Actually it wasn't fickleness at all, it was finding something that worked for each child.  Miquon worked for one daughter... Rod and Staff for the next.  All use Saxon 54-87.  And my favorite so far has to be Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1, even with a few goofs in the CD's.   I'm still looking for the perfect, (within budget) elementary math.

I have used ___ science programs. My favorite is:

Bob Jones University (grade 2 or 3... a gift from a friend... OK, but not the greatest).

Milliken Unit Studies.  Two of my daughters really enjoyed some of these.

Rod and Staff:  We like the old 5th/6th grade science books...God's Marvelous World

Unit studies (our own and Weaver)

Apologia High School Courses.

Creation Magazine.  Nature Friend Magazine.  Ranger Rick Magazine.  Birds and Blooms Magazine. 

My favorite for high school would be Apologia.  I have looked at Apologias younger ones and they look real nice as well, but I haven't used them.  With the younger grades... we enjoy unit studies... so anything that serves that purpose is great.  We then end our unit study with Rod and Staff's God's Marvelous World and all three girls have used it and found the second book especially quite informative... the first book has more nature items that boys would like!  LOL.  After these books, we use Milliken's unit studies and then to APologia.  We love the magazines. 

I have used ___ grammar/english programs. My favorite is:

Simply Grammar

Easy Grammar

Winston Grammar

Wisdom Words by Weaver

Understanding Writing

Developing Communication by CLP

BJU - American Literature

Suggestions from Moore Formula Manual, Ruth Beechick 3R's, and unit studies.

Rod and Staff.

Understanding Christian Literature

My favorite... I guess favorites would be what light your kids' eyes up, eh?  They like Easy Grammar.  They usually will not balk at an unit study assignment of writing.  But Rod and Staff's simple approach is what has gained the best writing skills from my girls.  That and alot of reading.

I have used ___ history programs. My favorite is:

Rod and Staff 4th and 5th

Unit studies - Milliken and Beautiful Feet, Prairie PRimer

CLP - Streams of Civilizations

BJU or A Beka (I forget which one it was) - United States History

CLP - Fair Play

CLP - Aaaack... can't remember the name... About the constitution!  LOL

Books of interest/ biographies, bibliographies, etc.

Current events:  News, internet news, God's World publications.

Our favorite text... is Streams of Civilizations.  Two girls now have enjoyed it and will often times share what they've read with details and excitement.   But our favorite way to learn history is through biographies. 

What months do you homeschool during?

We homeschool all year.  Not always the same methods all year, but all year, none the less.  We tend to school all day when it is a mom day.  When Dad is home... tv usually is on at 7pm and all are on the couch with Dad.  By schooling all day, I mean the environment is richer for learning.  I don't consider the tv that Dad watches to be enriching as far as learning goes.  LOL... it's usually comedies, mysteries, or reality shows... Once in a while they will watch a history documentary... but that isn't very often.  LOL.  Mom's the party pooper... usually no tv at all, unless an approved educational program.  We live two different sets of schedules depending on when Dad is at work and when he is at home.   

Favorite homeschool method?

Hmmm... I hodge podge it... but I fall back on the Moore Formula.  I like the balance of work, study and service and try to keep that balance as we live our days.  Keeps me from overloading on school... or work... or service even... I've had a couple years when I've done TOO much.  But I pull from alot of different resources and methods.  Age of my children and personality just seem to give in to different methods.  It works for us even though it is mighty hard to explain!

Do you/plan to homeschool all the way through high school?

Yes.  Kate is our first soon to be graduate.  But we didn't plan it from the beginning... we took each year as it came.  Once we felt comfortable with homeschooling, we decided to continue until God led us elsewhere... that hasn't happened yet... so we try to do our best each year.

Have you noticed specific learning styles in each child?

Yes.  And these change as they grow.  Very interesting to study and knowing these will help find better resources to match your child's learning.  Although we never limit them to just one style... that may be their best/easiest way to learn... but not the ONLY way they learn. 

Do you keep specific or general records? Or none, really?

I have records.  But they are a bit muddled at the moment.  I am trying to compile them so I can reduce my paper storage.  That is my NEXT project... after the declutter/garage sale.  The records consist of schoolwork, planners, and my journalings and assorted homeschool record programs that I have tried through the years... I find I prefer paper records... they are more portable and I can catch up at the dentist or where ever. 

 Do you teach Bible, art, journaling, phys. ed.?

Yes.  Phys. ed is my weakest link in our schooling.  We have become more attentive with exercise, but not "education" in general as far as doing the natl. PE program, teaching specifics about sports.  We try to vary each year with allowing a new experience if we have the funds to try say... gymnastics or tennis... that sort of thing.  But usually it consists of general family exercise and group games.  Art is a close second in my weakest link... but we do alot of crafts and I find these worthier as they are Blessing others for the most part.  My kids enjoy journaling... and Bible is our first 1/2 hour to hour of our day... and we stop if questions come up during the day and dig into our Bibles... it is always a priority to learn God's Word in our home.   

Where do you like to shop for homeschool books and resources?

Hmmm... vegsource.com was a favorite for a long time.  Homeschool Classifieds has been more successful as of lately, however.  Ebay and Half.com are resources I check for good buys when I know what I am looking for.   I look for specials on swap boards/email groups as well.

As for companies... we like Rod and Staff Publications, Moore Foundation, Christian Light and Christian Liberty Press.  I love the Lacelle Family's website as well.  I like to browse when I have time.  Rock Solid has good prices at times. 

There are so many more... but I don't have my favorites on this computer... so I can't really share more. 

What have you been itching to try?

Hmmmm... that is a hard one.  I make lists... actually post it notes on my computer screen of things I would like to try.  I search for them occasionally and usually find them at a good price.  The more spendy options however... I'd love to try, but I don't even dwell on them, cuz it just won't happen.  I am too cheap and we really don't want to go into debt buying curriculums. 

*Do you use and/or like to use E-books?*

I just started.  I found the Homeschool eStore and have been downloading some ebooks.  We will see how that goes.  We do however like to download audio books.  The girls will put them on their computers or MP3's and listen to them. 

Do you have anything to add?

I hope that you will leave me a comment and let me know if you do this tag. I really love to glean what others know and are doing, because I think that is one of the best things about blogging in the homeschool community!  (this is Jacque's note, but I agree, please let me know if you posted so I can read up on yours as well!) 

Warmly, ~Melissa