Who's horsing around?

One of Mariposa's main interests has really taken off since late last year: equine studies.  

We've had the privilege of meeting a horse breeder who lives not too far away. As often as can be organised (usually a couple of times a week) Mariposa heads out there to help feed the horses and exercise them in preparation for endurance races.

She's also been in training to compete as a rider, until she went and fell off, breaking her coccyx just after Christmas! Not fun at all!  But she's all healed up now and slowly starting back into the routine.

Today is another day helping out with feeding.

and a well deserved hot drink on such a cold morning!

10 years ...

Well, hello again!
After 3 years of silence, I wonder who's still 'following' this blog in the hope I'll start writing again?  If you are out there, please do say hello!  I am back and will be sharing more on our family updates, with education, hobbies and other things.

It's been on the cards that Victorian homeschoolers will be reviewed by the Department of Education for some time, and we received notice that letters would be sent out to a selection of families this month.  Then, as anticipated, in the post arrived our letter .. we're one from the first group of families being reviewed!

As a means of providing evidence, as well as the pleasure of sharing how our homeschooling journey has been going, I'm firing up this blog again.  This will be exciting for me, because I know how much we've achieved in the last 3 years since I posted. So, I'll be taking this one step at a time with updates.

I'm nominating Mariposa for this review.  She is now 16 years of age.  16!!  And will be turning 17 in August.  When Maestro was this age he had already mapped out what he was wanting to do for his career and enrolled early in a tertiary course (but more about him later).  I've found it fascinating that Mariposa went through the same stages of refining her interests and following her passions at this age.

So, stay tuned. I'll be preparing to write up details over the next months.

If you're also a homeschooling family who has received a letter advising you about a Homeschooling Review, don't panic!  There's lots of information available.  Check out this post from HEN. HEN has also organised workshops for parents to attend; if you're interested please check their EVENTS page to see if one is being held near you.

First week back 2015

The end of our first week back to our homeschooling routine has drawn to a close.

There was a lot of anticipation in the air when we began early Monday morning, with Maestro making his way, solo, into the city for his first day doing his radio course at RTI (Melbourne).  He returned home that evening happy, although a little weary from travel.  The lectures are just as he'd hoped, with their first minor assessment on interviewing done on Tuesday.  So long as he's learning and enjoying a challenge, we're happy for him.  He's already been looking ahead and preparing his notes for next week.

Our routine at home has been somewhat relaxed, especially on the days when Maestro is away studying at his course.  Mariposa and I have enjoyed sitting and discussing, and getting out to do some gardening.  Our plan is to work on the books mostly in the mornings, finishing by 2pm at the latest.  Except for Wednesday, that's been working well so far.

And what are we using for curriculum?  Well, Mariposa is now 13.  We've completed Sonlight through to Eastern Hemisphere, so if we follow that schedule we'd be doing World History again. But there's a twist ... I'm following ideas from Ambleside Online also.  Ambleside Online offer a curriculum outline for free, with books carefully selected to follow the methods of Charlotte Mason.  Where possible, books are available to view online for free.  I'm attracted to what's on offer here because of Mariposa's creative style of learning. The quantity of books are fewer, lessons shorter but still extending thought with the application of constant review, and subjects such as handwriting, grammar and writing composition are still kept in context rather than isolated for their own sake.

So, we're beginning ancient world history, using the final term of AO6 as our reading guide.  This means we have as our spine this term Augustus Caesar's World by Foster (also as per Sonlight 6) and Story of the Romans by Guerber.

Using notebooks for copywork and narrations through all the subjects isn't completely new to us, but now we'll being doing this daily.  We've started off by copying out a couple of poems and a few lines of Shakespeare, then narrations about our history and science readings.  A new nature journal is also taking shape as little treasures are brought back home after a walk around the neighbourhood.

There are some other elements I haven't formally introduced to our routine yet, such as a composer study.  I do have Mendelssohn in mind, especially as we've begun looking at Midsummer Night's Dream. My library will come to my aid in finding more information on him over the next week, I hope, as I've found my written material on him here is limited.

My goal for next week is to have sampled together a better outline of what our week looks like and then make up a better schedule which I can share.  At the moment, it's printed lists from Ambleside Online and pencilled notes I'm taking as we go.

Encouragement into a new year - Charlotte Mason Companion

How are you finding your motivation to start another year of homeschooling your children?  Having time to catch up with family during holidays, or giving the home some renovation attention, is time well spent and a refreshing change from the regular routine. I still needed to have something to ponder during the day, so I decided to pull some books off the shelf and begin reviewing again.

A new habit I'm establishing is my morning reading time.  The house is quiet; my mind is just coming into gear. Quietly I go into the kitchen to brew a cup of tea, then I sit and read for up to 30 minutes. After that, Papa is ready to enjoy breakfast with me before heading to work and I start the daily routine with the children.  I'm really amazed at how the whole tone of my day has picked up again since starting this. That little bit of 'brain exercise' first thing has helped the conversation time flow from the outset.

So, what am I reading?  I have two books on the go at the moment: Devotions from Genesis and Charlotte Mason Companion. The latter I have read a couple of times before, but I wanted to review it again as I know my children's learning greatly benefits from this gentle style of teaching, indeed, of parenting.

Karen has truly embraced a warm style of writing, sharing encouraging words with gentleness and wisdom. Through her work, here, she's teaching me about her application of motherhood.

During my first reading of this book, I remember feeling very humbled. Here was another layer of learning I needed to take on. My children were young and there were times of boundary pushing, along with questioning and curiosity. While I knew this was coming, experiencing this was quite another matter, because a parent isn't always as well prepared with HOW one will exchange words and attitudes until confronted with the issue. There were wonderful days, and some not-so-wonderful ones also.  We were all learning and I found the early chapters in this book very encouraging.  Now, as I'm reading through this book yet again, I'm remembering the little conversations I had with my younger children and finding I'm fascinated at how much we've all grown individually.

Still, there are other lessons which weren't taken quite so to heart earlier on. Sometimes they are of interest, but not so valid to the current situation that I didn't ponder on those words quite so much.  Here's an example for you. Mariposa has been diligently working very hard at her spelling. Her issue with reading (mild dyslexia) meant we needed to take the reading requirements down into shorter time periods.  Now at age 13, Mariposa has improved remarkably, but I found myself always worrying about her spelling.  Here's what I found in chapter 22 "The Servant Spelling":

Mother reminded herself, however, "Spelling is just a servant to higher and more important matters, so I dare not worry over it, only tailor it more to my student's specific needs." 

... If your students, age twelve and up, struggle with spelling, they are not alone.  This can be the age when teachers' faces flush to look upon a rough draft full of spelling errors.  They may think, "Surely he should be able to spell by now." The truth is that many students still have a way to go.  Spelling ability follows reading ability. For some it may follow at a greater distance, but it does follow.

Sigh of relief! It will follow.

I'm a little over half way through this book now, with notebook now nearby at the same time to jot down ideas as they come to mind. The next few weeks will start seeing our plans emerging for another adventurous year of learning.

Until next time,

Catherine

2014 in review

I can't believe this year is coming to a close so quickly! So much has happened, with lots of personal goals achieved and exciting trips. Here's a whirlwind summary of what we've been up to:

Maestro (age 16) started the year earnestly looking for options for his tertiary education next year. We travelled to a few places on their open days, as well as two VCE/Career Expos, but it took time to refine what outcome he actually wanted career-wise. Whilst finishing off his final homeschool year, he took on voluntary work at the community radio station and the local library. In September he went for an interview at the Radio Training Institute and was accepted into their Advanced Radio Course in Melbourne. As a parent to a homeschool graduate, I have to say that this is probably the most difficult part of the journey we've had.  There are a lot of options out there with Open Uni, TAFE, etc., but you really do need to find out where you want to end up and then back track. Each path has it's own set of entry requirements and it's really worth starting to look into this as early as possible in preparation for the year ahead. We may have needed him to complete VCE via Distance Ed. for some courses, whilst other only needed a STAT test.  The course he's ended up getting into required a sample of his work done, an interview and a copy of 5 mins. of his radio work done at the local station. At the end of this course he'll have credits he can use for any Bachelor of Arts, should he desire to follow up on journalism or television work in the future.


Mariposa (age 13) has really blossomed this year. She's been on a huge learning curve for most of the year and so much has fallen into place.  Horseriding was her #1 goal, with the option to do her first dressage exam at the end of the year ... and guess what?! She did it! Not only did she complete the exam with excellent marks, but she came 3rd in her Class (ages 13-14).  Next year, riding lessons will continue, practising more of her jumping.

Mariposa has also been busy learning some pottery and mosaic skills, plus her piano where she's made up a few of her own compositions now.  Piano and singing will also be pursued more next year.

In June, I went for my ABRSM grade 5 singing and theory exams. It was hard work at the start of the year finding the 'groove' to sit and work through so many study papers for the theory when it had been so long since I'd done anything like that (around 20 years I think!)  Thankfully it all paid off and I passed both exams with Distinctions .. yay!  I've only just gotten my certificates in frames and will have them up on the wall soon.

Papa (my husband) also did his first ever guitar exam and passed with Honours.  Woot! We're on a bit of a roll this year! (smile!)


We also took our very first EVER trip overseas as a family this year.  P&O Cruises took us on the "Bounty Adventure", travelling to New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and then Norfolk Island.  It was a long cruise of 16 days and not like anything we'd experienced before.  We met some lovely people, including some old school friends from my childhood (amazing how small this world is!).

Along with all the other regular entertainment and art lectures, there were four lectures on Christian and Bligh, and how Pitcairn Island, then subsequently Norfolk Island, were settled by the mutineers and their descendants.  The lecturer works as a curator at the Norfolk Island museum and was keen to share information when we told her a brief version our homeschooling story.  She highly recommended the book The Pitcairners by Nordoff  for anyone wanting to fill in their knowledge of this part of Australiana history. I was very pleased to find a copy of this book in our library when we got home, along with some BBC documentaries of Norfolk Island also.

Now it's the start of Summer break.  The children will be camping and staying away with grandparents. I'm taking some time to organise my piano studio for next year's lessons, as well as finalising plans for Mariposa's lessons. Lots of reading, gardening and quilting to do, and visiting with family.

Hoping you've all had a wonderful 2014, and here's to a fabulous 2015 very soon!

Until next time,
Catherine

Chemistry: the balancing act

This post has been in my draft box since July ... but I thought I'd still publish this in case it's of use to others. Sorry it's taken so long!

I've finally caught up with Maestro in his Apologia Chemistry (2nd ed) book.  He had slowed down quite a bit once he hit module 4, where he began working on balancing chemical equations.  Just prior to applying the algebra part to his work, there is a quick list of elements he must memorise as they never appear as single atoms.  It's a bit like remembering the spelling rule that some letters need to be doubled when put after a short vowel ... they need to be memorised.

This list of elements which are NOT composed of single atoms are called homonuclear diatomics. The list (for our reference as much as for others) is as follows:

Hydrogen (H2)
Nitrogen (N2)
Oxygen (O2)
Fluorine (F2)
Chlorine (Cl2)
Iodine (I2)
Bromine (Br2)

I also pulled out an atom molecular kit, similar to this available on ebay. It really helped to physically make up the compounds and redistribute the atoms required to balance the formulae in the book (where it was possible to do so).

Here are some websites which allows one to practice balancing of chemical equations.  These are a few we've tried:
- Stinks and Bangs!  takes you step by step
- Jefferson Lab
- PhET's similation program ... great for visualisation with the balance scale (I think this is my favourite of the three  )
- Battleships .. if you have the right co-ordinates, the bomb only activates if you balance the equation correctly
- Rags to Riches

If you're doing chemistry with your children this year, I'd love to hear how you're getting on!  This is one subject I'm having to sit and learn WITH my son, as I only remember doing it in part until it became an elective and I dropped it in favour of Biology.

Update .. we're well and truly through half of this chemistry book now.  An update will be forthcoming. (smile!)

Until next time!
Catherine

TOPS Electrical circuits

TOPS lessons about electrical circuits are now all a 'go' here.  What a fun way to experiment with how to make a very simple circuit, using a battery, torch bulb, and strips of foil with masking tape on the back. Maestro enjoyed doing this Sonlight Science level a number of years ago, and now it's Mariposa's turn.

It starts off simple enough.  You provide the tools (after they make their own foil strips) and then they have to figure out how to get the bulb to light.  It can take a little longer than first expected.  I think I heard more than once, "I don't think this bulb is working!"

THEN          ......     O LOOK!

Motivation then set in. It was time to try some of the suggestions in the TOPS Electricity book.

Using two batteries was even more impressive!

If there was going to be a science unit study I'd recommend, this would be near the top of my list. 

This TOPS book is well explained and lots of fun to do.

Until next time!

Catherine

Harriet Tubman in Art

I came across a very pleasant surprise today, in preparation for our art lesson.

We have been using Meet the Masters, and this week's artist is Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000).  Lawrence chooses some very interesting subjects reflecting his life.  His parents were from southern America and moved north during WWI to New York.  It was here that Lawrence was born.

His work in general uses many bold colours to reflect mood, and often with a method of overlapping.  He also uses his art as a way to communicate his life as a black American.  He was commissioned make a poster for the Munich Olympic Games (1972), and was one of many artists invited to capture his impression of President Carter's Inauguration in 1977.  However, how he chose to capture the event wasn't what was expected.  He'd rather capture the cheering crowd on the outskirts and sitting amongst tree branches.  President Carter wasn't literally represented at all! (To see his piece of art, The Swearing In, go here.)

I was delighted to find Lawrence had created a very interesting piece of art showing Harriet Tubman leading the people in the Underground Railroad.

Harriet is shown with her large hand leading the people, 

whilst pointing to the North Star with the other hand.

His technique of layering is quite obvious here, giving the piece a sense of depth.  The project we're supposed to be working on at the end of the lesson is a citiscape using the layering technique with tissue paper.  I may put the option to the children to do a similar piece of art as a landscape, or even attempt to imitate this piece.  I'll share the results when we're done!!

More Harriet Tubman artwork can be found by Lawrence and other artists.  Here is a small selection if you'd like to follow up:

• Lawrence: Daybreak - A Time to Rest (1967)
• Lawrence: The Life of Harriet Tubman No. 7
• Bryson: Harriet Tubman as Moses
• Johnson: Harriet Tubman in Patriotic Colors

and finally, a picture book telling the story of Harriet Tubman, illustrations by Jacob Lawrence. (It's available at Amazon and Book Depository, but I'll put the You Tube link here.)




Until next time!

Catherine

Quilts in our American History studies: Freedom Train

Mariposa and I are sharing some new found information through our reading at the moment.  She is learning about American History, using Sonlight Core D+E, and we're now using Freedom Train as her read-aloud.

Freedom Train has been a very engaging book.  We find we're moving through it at up to three chapters a day, so will finish it fairly quickly.

The story itself is moving at a good pace for us.  It has enough detail for discussion, but not too much that it becomes morose.  There is always some action about to take place, which is what prompts us to read 'just one more' chapter.

I've found it very interesting that a book I'd started reading last month (but haven't had time to finish yet) touches on a similar subject.  I'm reading The Runaway Quilt, which is book four in a series written by Jennifer Chiaverini.  In Jennifer's first book, The Quilter's Apprentice, there is reference made to quilts that were made as a signal to those who were escaping slavery through the Underground Railroad.  I decided to check for more references to see if more evidence could be found to prove this.

Early Log Cabin blocks were hand-pieced using strips of fabrics around a central square. In traditional Log Cabin blocks, one half is made of dark fabrics and the other half light. A red center symbolized the hearth of home, and a yellow center represented a welcoming light in the window. Anecdotal evidence, based on oral folklore, suggests that during the Civil War, a Log Cabin quilt with a black center hanging on a clothesline was meant to signal a stop for the Underground Railroad.   http://www.quiltviews.com/log-cabin-quilts-a-short-history

photo found here

There seems to be some controversy over this idea, as is written up in this piece of "Quilt History".  Still, I think that it's a very interesting piece of information to consider.  It's a theory that fits in with the codes of songs Harriet used to give secret messages to her friends and families throughout the story.

The Runaway Quilt explores the use of the Flying Geese block.  I'm now keen to finish reading this story to see what it reveals.  It seems that there were other quilt blocks used as symbols to slaves on the Underground Railroad.  Here's some more information I found: The Underground Railroad Quilt.

Even though there is no absolute proof to say that this quilting 'codes' were put there to assist runaway slaves, it's been interesting to find that there was definitely a huge effort made by many to help them find their destination.

Until next time!

Catherine

June 21st Wrap Up - It's Officially Winter

Beautiful sunny days, but very cold cloudless nights; this is how our winter was heralded in this year.  The sunshine has lifted our spirits considerably, though.  We've found seats by sunny windows to perch ourselves during the day, then we snuggle up in dressing gowns and under quilts in the evening.

It felt like we slowed down a little this week, probably because the children worked a little more independent of me and I could potter around the house a bit more.  I've been organising bookshelves and preparing used books to sell on.

At home ...

Outside, in the garden, I've not worked at all this week.  I need to remedy that next week and get the staging shelves set up in the greenhouse so I can finally use it to start my greens.  Oh yes, and I need to order my asparagus plants!!

 It took two full days to get this kit greenhouse assembled.
Now the staging shelves need to be put up and we can use it!

Our hens are at the end of their moult and I'm really hoping they'll start laying again soon.  It's been tricky rationing eggs.  I know I needed to store up at least 4doz more than I had put away for this winter.

Socially speaking ...

The week started with a full day of dance competitions on Sunday.  Maestro was involved in four routines and Mariposa in one.  They didn't collect any firsts, but both received 2nd placings, and a 3rd.

Funny girl.  

New false eyelashes required for competition.

Mariposa has been the centre of attention regarding extra activities this week.  Her horseriding lesson went extremely well.  She was invited back to learn a few other horsecare skills on Thursday night, involving feeding and rugging up for colder nights.  Her teacher also asked if she'd like to come back and be a helper to beginner students during term break.  Of course, when asked to come and work with horses, Mariposa is most willing, so she's clocked up about 6 hrs at the riding school there this week.

Such a lovely sunny day for riding!

In our homeschool ...

Maths seemed to be one main focus this week.  Mariposa continued practicing her long division based on the strategy we set up last week. (I'm so glad she has that visual to help her.  It's made it so much easier!!)  Maestro is learning more about quadratic equations, working through Algebra 2.  The dvd episodes are a little longer in explanation, and I like to watch them with Maestro to make sure I understand the same method.

The other main focus has been our reading.  Maestro has finished off Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and has now gone straight on to read The Red Baron by Manfred Van Richtofen.    Mariposa is reading Black Beauty, with her read-aloud being Freedom Train.  I'm finding the latter quite interesting, especially as a book I'm reading, called The Runaway Quilt, is on a related topic.

Our science lessons have been most inconsistent this week.  Maestro's been working through his Chemistry book, learning about ionic and covalent compounds.  He didn't get to do his experiment this week, so we'll be doing that first thing next week.

Mariposa will begin working on her TOPS Electricity (Sonlight's Science E) module next week.  I had planned to start this week, but with her doing extra horseriding activities, we couldn't schedule enough time in.

Next week is actually our last week for the term, then we'll take a two week break.  The weather promises to be as sunny as it was this week gone, so that will be great to keep the motivation up and propel us into our break with enthusiasm to organise some things around the home (that being the gardening mainly).

Until next time!

Catherine

Teaching Long Division

The time has come again to teach ...

LONG DIVISION!  

Now here's a math topic which usually brings on the groans from not only student, but teacher/parent alike.

How do you teach your child to do this?  I have my 'hands on' Mariposa learning to do long division, with double-digit divisors. Gulp!  Yep, I was procrastinating this during the week, but found some ideas on other blogs and pinterest.  Here's how we went:

We're still using Singapore Maths for our math curriculum.  The Home Instructor Guide (HIG) is great for offering information on how to teach the process.  Sometimes there are some games suggested, but not this time.  We have a whole lot of words, including definitions we've not really used before.  Lots of fun new material!

After doing the background reading, I came up with a plan on what we need to put into Mariposa's Math Notebook.  A resource I found over at HoJos Teaching Adventures helped give a visual and meme.  It's certainly a meme that sticks: Does McDonald's Serve Burgers?   I printed of the pdf page from HoJos link and then used this to help Mariposa create a page in her maths journal.   Our burger is made like a flip book, so you can lift the flap and read the process information.

That was a fun revision activity.  Now to teach how to divide with double digit divisors (love that tongue twister, hey?!)  I helped her write out the goals and slowly went over the process with the example as shown:

Mariposa then coloured in her work, writing over the same equation part in like colours.  Eg: red for dividend, etc.

The next step was to let her try some of the problems on her own to help concrete the concept before packing up for the day.  We'll probably spend a good portion of next week going over this and doing more practice problems before moving on.

I think that took a good 45mins today, with all that creative notebooking done there too.  I know I'll be asking about how to do long division whenever we see those golden arches again on a road trip.  Hopefully the concept sticks.  :)

Until next time,

Catherine

Current 'high school' happenings

Friends had told me you get much busier as the children get older.  I thought it would actually get a little easier as they become less dependent.  Well, that's true, but we're also doing a LOT more running around to activities now, and when I'm required for help with lessons, I need to make sure it's a solid 30mins+ per session now.

Maestro is now almost fifteen years old. (How did that happen so quickly?!)  His studious personality has certainly made my life a lot easier.  He's still a prolific reader, but diverts from the suggested Sonlight reading list to other books found in the library or recommended by friends.  His current education 'package' looks like this at the moment:

History: Pandia Press' History Odyssey: 'Modern Times Level 2' ... which includes a list of classical and modern literature,
research and writing projects.
Sonlight Core H is also on our shelves for him, where I'll select some books relevant to the time period for him to read, or we'll read together.

Language Arts: Apart from the writing of research papers with Pandia Press, we've begun using IEW's Speech Boot Camp.  It was recommended that teens use speaking as a means of delivering their writing, but Maestro isn't so keen on the idea of public speaking.  Still, we're encouraging him to put together a speech a week and use the opportunity to develop his skills in organise thought flow and delivery of smooth speech.

Maths: At the beginning of this term, Maestro moved on to Algebra 2, using Math-U-See. This is still working for us as he can view the lesson on the dvd and then continue with his work.  Only occasionally have I needed to help go over the material again to explain it.

Science: Also beginning this term, he's started Chemistry using Apologia.  I'm so glad I bought the prac. kit!  Having the beakers, test tubes, thermometer and even a little spirit burner in it (which he's yet to use) has helped me time-wise not having to track down all those bits and pieces on online stores.
This week he's begun learning more about the periodic table.  I think it may be time to get out those posters I'd had stored away for up until now, and put them up in his room.

Elective: I decided we'd tag some of what he's reading/doing under 'electives', which is primarily Life Preparation.  We started this year with learning about finance.  Now he's reading up on Home Maintenance, using CLE's Home Repair and Maintenance text.  Book learning here isn't the same as application, so we're making lists of things that need fixing around the home and he'll work on those for a bit of income.  If he could fix the plumbing with our dishwasher, that'd be fabulous!!

Dance is still part of his regular activities, with at least 5 hrs a week spent on lessons, plus competitions which have been running adhoc since May through to August.  And in his spare time, he's still working on his music technology (music remixing and podcasting).

Then there's all the other running around to catch up with friends, and organise activities outside of the home.  This week it was laser tag with our local homeschool group.  Next week a group is going to the docks to learn about imports/exports.  We have some regular meetups organised so the teens can work on crafts (like a sewing circle, but the guys will bring another small project their working on).  Yes, it's keeping me VERY busy ... and I've only shared what the elder child is doing today.  I'll post again soon with Mariposa's list of books/subjects.

Until next time!

Catherine

(The Late) Mar 8th Weekly Wrap Up

Hello again everyone!  Don't the days just go by so quickly when you're having fun, hey?!

We've had a long weekend with some fun pottering about and outings, so I got a little distracted from the blogging again, but I'm back now!  (smiles!)

Well .. we've been enjoying some of this extra warm weather that's been here in Melbourne for just over a week.  Today was just a bit too hot, though .. 37degC here.  Thankfully it's cooling off and only 30degC now (at 9:30pm).

We have a new arrival in the chicken run.  Little 'Freeman' hatched last Sunday.  Unfortunately not all the other little hatchlings made it, but we're still waiting on two more eggs ... so we'll see!

In our homeschool ...

We've had a few topics finishing off for both the children.  

In maths, Maestro began and completed the trigonometry part of his Geometry work, which has completed MUS Geometry.  The next level would be MUS Algebra II, but I'm thinking of first taking a slight diversion to reading String, Straight-edge, & Shadow: The Story of Geometry by Julia E.Diggins.  It will be a good break for Maestro on completion of Geometry, and also a nice book to share with Mariposa as she begins her geometry exercises in her Singapore Maths book after completing decimals (especially all those word problems!!)

In history, Mariposa is still slowly working her way through Carry On, Mr Bowditch with me.  We've had Papa join in with this and he's really enjoying the story.  We've had talk of acquiring a sextant .. but I'm not so sure about that one! :)
Maestro's been learning about the Agricultural and Industrial revolutions. He's starting Oliver Twist (and I think I'll have to download the unabridged version from Audible so I can catch up with him!)

An introduction to atoms and the periodic table started Maestro off into his science module last week. We've been playing with this site called 'Build an Atom', where we can test our understanding of how atoms work. (Yes, I'm relearning all this with him!)

This simple video from BrainPOP gives a summary on atomic structure with a quiz at the end.


Socially speaking ...

We've had another relatively quiet week, except for an outing on Sunday.  The children went to visit with friends whilst Papa and I took a trip into the city to preview a film called Performance.  I received the invitation   c/- the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which was lovely.   :)  This was a very moving film, and definitely one for those who enjoy the finer details of music, but more so about the dynamics of friendships in such a close knit group.  


That's about it for now.  I'll have some more to share at the end of this week, with another excursion lined up for Friday (yay!)

Until next time,

Catherine

Homeschool High School Carnival: Record Keeping

For all my sharing of schedules each year, one thing I haven't really shared recently is how we record the bookwork actually done by the children.

Should we keep records on how much work we've covered?  Do I need to list every topic for maths, science and history?  Does it matter?  For some this is a state requirement.  In Victoria (Australia) it isn't.  However, I do really like to see progress made and it's a nice history of how our homeschool worked each year.

You may not have noticed, but I don't write up detailed lesson plans or set goals to finish topics by due dates.  I'm a 'fill in the calendar as we go' kind of gal.  Yes, we have a broad set of goals to get to by the end of each term, but as long as there's learning happening and it's consistent, we really just move with the flow.

Writing it in as we go is also my way of being flexible.  There are times we do extended writing sessions (as we did today, actually!), so we didn't cover maths.  Well, we'll come back and do maths tomorrow.  I can also then check back to see how long it's been before we do another longer writing session (seeing as it went so well today .. I'm sure we'll do it again).

I've gone through many variations on the same theme, but always find myself only writing down achievements after the fact rather than filling in pre-emptive goals.

Here's what I'm now doing:

Each week we start a new page.  I'll write in activities we're due to do outside the home, and then fill in what's completed during the day.  The left-hand "Weekly Objective" column has become where we write in the theme of the week.  Eg: spelling has been focussing on 'ie' words, with particular emphasis on 'ceive' words for Mariposa, and Maestro's working on module 13 in science this week.

I also write in every time we start a new book, whether that's a story, textbook or learning program.

In addition to the recording of all homeschool 'work' achieved, we began keeping a binder of every certificate each child completed from a young age.  This is something I had when I was growing up, which now contains everything right through to my Curriculum Vitae and job references.  If the children complete a course outside the home, I ask for a letter or some form of certificate verifying the learning areas covered.  All of this is added to their binder.

I try to keep everything pretty simple, and I'm still a keen paper user.  I know there are apps for this and that, and I enjoy using my blog to record some of our happenings, but in the end, if someone's going to ask me to show them evidence, I have my paperwork to show.

There are some resources I've listened to and read online that have been helpful.  I started my journey of research, a couple of years ago, with some information from Jim and Sheila Carroll about using Charlotte Mason in the high school years.  This basically encouraged me to continue from where we were already going and keeping notes on what was achieved.  This is when I managed to then come across Lee Binz's YouTube videos.

I don't know if I'm doing it all correctly, but I do know I have to do something to show when the children apply for tertiary entry.  We'll be aiming to get to an open day where Maestro hopes to study in a couple of years, and I'll take in a summary of all his work to give them an overview of his study habits and check his eligibility to start studying there.  If we have anything to remedy, we have a couple of years to fine tune that.

If you'd like to read more about how other homeschoolers are doing their record-keeping, jump on over to the Homeschool High School Carnival.  Thank you to Vicki for hosting it this month! :)

Until next time,

Catherine

Mar 1st Weekly Wrap Up

Autumn is definitely making it's appearance known.  Our car has had to go in for repairs, so on my walk back home I was enjoying the cooler morning, noticing the beginnings of leaf fall along the pavement.

Another sure sign of a change in the season is that the hens have begun their moulting. The chook run had a scattering of feathers everywhere the other day; it got me a little concerned hoping that a cat hadn't tried harassing the girls, but they were all safe and accounted for.   It's funny how both the black frizzles have started by losing their feathers under the chin first.

Moulting also means fewer eggs, so I'm going to start putting as many away as possible ready for winter.  Sorry neighbours, that's it for this season!

Let's take a quick look at what's happened this week.

In our homeschool ...

Maths for Maestro is a continuation of ways to prove triangles, and he'll finish this week's work with a review page of all that's been covered so far in this MUS Geometry book. Only a few more lessons and he'll have finished this book .. but that could take a couple of weeks still.  Mariposa's been practicing dividing decimals.  The use of large grid graph paper has been a wonderful help!

Our science lessons have revolved about safety and survival for Mariposa.  She's almost ready to read the first aid section, so I'm planning on pulling out some bandages so we can practice some simple techniques for making a sling and a splint.   Maestro's continued through with his early physics work and worked on friction.

We are reading Carry On Mr. Bowditch together, as well as completing the readers What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin and Phoebe the Spy with Mariposa.   Maestro's been learning about the Russian revolution, and has started reading The Trumpeter of Krakow which is set in Medieval Poland.

Mariposa has continued with her horseriding and is preparing for her Level 2 certificate now.  She's started learning about all the various horse colours, but after some discussion with the teacher, she now knows she needs to do a lot more research than she first thought.  A very creative picture presentation has begun.  I don't know if Mariposa's decided on making it into a poster or booklet yet, but I'm so glad she's just jumped right into this researching.  I've not had to give her any writing projects this week at all as this has been plenty for her to do.

Socially speaking ...

We've actually had a much quieter week!  No outings this week, except for those visits to nearby friends which the children have organised.  Eg: Mariposa's taking a walk with the dog with another homeschooler now and should be back by lunchtime.

A few friends have been discussing getting a girls sewing circle organised, so we're hoping to start that next term.  Meanwhile, I've scheduled an initial gathering for the middle of March where the girls can try out some flower arranging (similar to what I've done with Mariposa in 2011).  We just need to organise an alternative activity for the boys.

At home ...

Our broody hen we had back in December 2012 didn't end up hatching any eggs because they were 'duds'. She obviously wasn't happy about not having any little ones to raise as she's started sitting again.  I've ordered some incubated fertile eggs to pop under her, which Mum has graciously offered to bring over for me (thanks Mum!)  Once they arrive this afternoon, we'll put them under Miss Broody.  We should have chicks again soon!

The vegies are growing nicely in the pots too.  I went out and picked a nice bunch of silverbeet to cook up with some tomatoes for our breakfast.  Mmmm!

Also .. have to tell you quickly that we've started using water kefir!  It's been great for Mariposa's eczema.  I'll do a separate post on that soon as I've found out lots of information and had a month to try out favourite techniques.

I hope you all had a great week and have a lovely weekend.

Until next time,
Catherine

FREE in March: Economics has Consequences

I was very excited to see this announcement in my email box.  We've enjoyed using products from The Compass Store before.  Now they're generously streaming their film "Economics Has Consequences" on YouTube and Vimeo for FREE! during the month of March.

I've seen the first episode, and I think it's great information to share with the family.

Go HERE for YouTube or HERE for Vimeo.

Catherine

Our 2013 schedule and curriculum

Okay, I confess!  I am (still!) a schedule addict!

I, personally, LOVE seeing what other people do to help organise their time.  I enjoy reading through their ideas and seeing if it would be something that may fit our family lifestyle.

So, in saying that, please take this post as a way of sharing in case you are part of that type of audience who does like seeing the ideas of others.  I don't want to send a whole lot of readers into a panic.  No, you don't NEED to write up a schedule like this!  This is 'me' and how I work, and I'm just sharing if you'd like a peek into my life.

Also, do note that I don't claim to have everything perfect here.  We certainly DO!! have off-days, even off-weeks. Sometimes we are so engrossed in learning a particular topic that we spend longer on it than a written schedule allows ... so I'm flexible.  However, for my purposes, I do need an outline of how to manage our time. This is my guideline, especially where having extra students for music are concerned.

What do I use to organise our homeschool routine?

Well, I drew a lot of inspiration from Managers of Their Homes, so will still write out our routine in that format.  It works so nicely and I can print it out easily enough and paste it into my diary to check against appointments, etc.  If you'd like a look at last year's schedule again, please see here and here.  Below is a screen shot of how our 2013 schedule is looking at the moment:

click image to enlarge

Today was our first day back to the books.  It was great seeing the children enthused and pulling the books out.  We did have a few disorganised moments here and there, but I was really pleased to see that the day ran quite well.  Tomorrow may be another story, but today ... we're all happy. :)



Here is what we are using in 2013 (taking up where we left off last year):

Maestro (age 14):

• Wordly Wise 9
• IEW (B continuation course, then Speech Boot Camp), plus adhoc writing journal/comprehension
• Math U See Geometry
• History Odyssey: Early Modern 2, with readers from Sonlight Core H and 100.
• Apologia's Physical Science
• A collection of other books on life skills.  He's already reading Money Matters Workbook for Teens. CLE's Home Maintenance is his next elective choice.
• Dance (ballet, jazz, hip hop)

Mariposa (age 11):

• Phonetic Zoo A
• IEW (A) plus adhoc writing journal/comprehension
• Singapore Maths level 4, book 1, then level 5
• Sonlight Core D+E
• Sonlight Science F (3/4 through from last year), then Science E.
• CLE's Home Economics, plus sewing projects I'll put together.
• Piano lessons (preliminary).
• Horseriding
• Dance (hip hop)

Together we'll also be using:

• Grammar of Poetry
• Bridge to the Latin Road
• Visual Latin
• Meet the Masters for art (purchased through Homeschool Buyers Co-op).

Well ... that's the plan!  I can't believe another year's already underway.  I hope you ALL have a wonder 2013, and I look forward to sharing more as the year goes on. :)

Until next post!

Catherine