Monday, July 28, 2008
new purchases
I had a rare afternoon yesterday when I was able to get out by myself. I headed over to a local Lakeshore Learning store to buy a few journals for our school year. I especially like their "Draw and Write" journals which have a blank area for a picture, then lined areas for writing. I picked up 2 of those, 2 writing prompt journals (simpler one for N,) 2 poetry journals and 2 reading log journals. I also picked up lots of paper! Zaner-Blose writing paper, 12x18 drawing paper and 8x12 colored construction paper. I spent just under $50, but we should be good for writing and drawing for the entire year!
On the way home, I stopped at Barnes & Noble for a reading comprehension book for C. He had one last year at a 3rd grade level that he really enjoyed working in, so I picked up the 4th grade level. I also picked up a phonics workbook for N. At under $4 each, they're a pretty good value.
I picked up the last 3-pack of unlined moleskine notebooks there, too! I love these for nature journals. The ones we used for the last 2 years were full and it was time to replace them. These notebooks are so light and easy to carry -- plus they are a great size for the boys to record the nature around them. We use the ones that are 5x8 with a cardboard cover.
I need to place my CHC order and then we're ready for the year!
On the way home, I stopped at Barnes & Noble for a reading comprehension book for C. He had one last year at a 3rd grade level that he really enjoyed working in, so I picked up the 4th grade level. I also picked up a phonics workbook for N. At under $4 each, they're a pretty good value.
I picked up the last 3-pack of unlined moleskine notebooks there, too! I love these for nature journals. The ones we used for the last 2 years were full and it was time to replace them. These notebooks are so light and easy to carry -- plus they are a great size for the boys to record the nature around them. We use the ones that are 5x8 with a cardboard cover.
I need to place my CHC order and then we're ready for the year!
Friday, July 25, 2008
planning for a new year
I've started planning and reviewing for the new year! The boys will start their enrichment program in mid-August, and we'll start our studies at the same time. I know the boys are ready as they both pulled out workbooks this week on their own and started doing some work. N is asking to learn time and is interested and eager.
I went through the homeschooling cabinet in the hallway and discovered many things I had completely forgotten about! An entire pack of 12x15 paper! An entire BOX of coloring books of famous artists and desert scenes and more! 2 mini greenhouses! Pretend snow! Our good binoculars!
It was quite the revelation, and I was reminded how last year wasn't necessarily very filled with extra activities. Oh, well, there's always this year!
There are about $100 worth of textbooks I need to purchase before we start, but I'm trying to see if I can narrow that down and make another order in a few months. I have to make a final decision about math (do I stick with MCP or try the Seton math books this year?)
Yesterday I began tackling the enormous task of sorting through our children's books. I emptied 3 bookshelves and set aside one box for donations. I organized and sorted and made categories for the remaining books -- and then realized that I still had about 150 books scattered throughout the house that I somehow need to fit onto the shelves. I think we have plenty of reading material for all 3 kids, but I still wonder if I should buy a few readers for N?
I'm getting excited and so are the boys. I'm creating a routine that we can stick with and I'm willing to be flexible when needed. It's going to be a fun year . . . especially as I realize that it may be our last year homeschooling. While I would love to continue, I may need to find outside employment that won't work well with homeschooling. I intend to enjoy this year to its fullest!
I went through the homeschooling cabinet in the hallway and discovered many things I had completely forgotten about! An entire pack of 12x15 paper! An entire BOX of coloring books of famous artists and desert scenes and more! 2 mini greenhouses! Pretend snow! Our good binoculars!
It was quite the revelation, and I was reminded how last year wasn't necessarily very filled with extra activities. Oh, well, there's always this year!
There are about $100 worth of textbooks I need to purchase before we start, but I'm trying to see if I can narrow that down and make another order in a few months. I have to make a final decision about math (do I stick with MCP or try the Seton math books this year?)
Yesterday I began tackling the enormous task of sorting through our children's books. I emptied 3 bookshelves and set aside one box for donations. I organized and sorted and made categories for the remaining books -- and then realized that I still had about 150 books scattered throughout the house that I somehow need to fit onto the shelves. I think we have plenty of reading material for all 3 kids, but I still wonder if I should buy a few readers for N?
I'm getting excited and so are the boys. I'm creating a routine that we can stick with and I'm willing to be flexible when needed. It's going to be a fun year . . . especially as I realize that it may be our last year homeschooling. While I would love to continue, I may need to find outside employment that won't work well with homeschooling. I intend to enjoy this year to its fullest!
