Journal Archives - Growing In Grace

Homeschooling is about…

November 22, 2013Tracy

Homeschooling is a very unique learning situation, a very special privilege. Because so much of my children’s lives involve them waiting their turn, waiting for Mommy and Daddy to minister, waiting for us to finish a conversation, waiting for church functions to end, etc., homeschooling is my special time to tell the world to wait.

I rarely answer the phone or check email, and I make an effort to let my children know that this is Mommy-time and that everyone else must wait their turn (except Daddy, of course). But there was one more way in which I wanted to be more intentional with my kids. Affection. Having them in my lap during reading time, holding their hands during chants and memory work, a hand on their back during handwriting—I’ve been trying to intentionally think of any way that I could physically remind them that I was focused on them.

Middlest especially responds to this. She sits in my lap at every opportunity; she plays with my hands as she skip-counts by 5’s; she gives big hugs at every success. And one morning, as she came into the kitchen for her breakfast she said, “Mommy, do you know what my favorite part of Monday is? It’s about school.” When I couldn’t guess, she said, “Spending time with you!”

Homeschooling isn’t as much about filling minds with knowledge as it is about shaping hearts.

Making a Beginning

October 2, 2013Tracy1 Comment

It was with much excitement and a little trepidation (on my part) that we began school this week.

"Places everyone!" My big 2nd Grader and K5 Kid. — “Places everyone!” My big 2nd Grader and K5 Kid.

Though the first day of homeschool always gives me some butterflies and nerves, this year I was especially nervous. Perhaps it was the fact that I’ve spent the last month or more moving rather than preparing. Perhaps it’s just the fact that I have two in serious homeschool this year (2nd grade and K5). Or perhaps it’s that Littlest is toddling into a lot of trouble lately.

But, in spite of it all, our first day was a roaring success. The schedule ran smoothly, the lessons were enjoyable, and the kids were as excited at the end of the day as they were at the beginning—maybe even more excited!

The only one who didn’t enjoy the day was Littlest, who hasn’t been feeling up to snuff lately. He opted for a long morning nap, instead; and I definitely rejoiced in that unexpected grace.

This was supposed to be Littlest's activity for the morning, but Middlest decided she wasn't too big for this kind of fun. — This was supposed to be Littlest’s activity for the morning, but Middlest decided she wasn’t too big for this kind of fun.

First Day Highlights

We started our memory work review with a video of last year’s memory work. The kids had a blast watching themselves recite our timeline from last year, and it was a fun way to review. We’ll keep doing that much of this week until we feel fully refreshed and ready to add some new facts.

Middlest loved her new phonics lessons. We explored how the letter sounds are made and began our cursive work with a little magic! She used her wand to practice the strokes before we actually wrote on paper. I loved having my teacher curriculum on my NOOK! I wasn’t quite sure how I would like that format, but it was fabulous. Now I wish that all my teacher books were like that!

Middlest practicing her cursive strokes with a little ribbon magic!

Oldest really liked all of his school. When I pulled out his Essentials workbook, he actually kissed the cover; he was so excited to begin again. Of everything, however, I think he liked his audio-history with Story of the World the best. Jim Weiss will read the bulk of their history this year, and I’m very grateful to him for that convenience.

Our first maps of the year! Mediterranean Sea, Rome, and the boundaries of the Roman Empire.

We also took a hot cocoa break during our combined lessons. I’m thinking that may have to be an everyday occurrence. It wasn’t just cozy; it really made the second half of the school lessons something to look forward to. It set the mood for us as we transitioned to history and science (or art and latin on alternate days).

Curious about what we’ll be learning this year? Click the link to see!

Time of Our Lives

September 23, 2013Tracy

Several weeks and 45oo miles later, we are settling into —mmm, how shall I say it—less disarray, more order, and not quite as much cardboard.

I’m taking full-advantage of homeschool perks and have not yet begun our homeschool year. I’m giving myself one more week.

In the meantime, we are alternating between emptying our lives out of boxes and actually living our new life.”It’s a patter-en!” says Middlest. “One day we work, and one day we play.” And that sums it up pretty well. I unpacked the kitchen one day, and we baked cookies the next. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera…

Toys are unpacked, and so is some of our favorite music, filling our new home with all the sounds that have been confined for far too long in an automobile.

And we’ve been counting our blessings, literally. One chilly morning, we snuggled on the couch together and took turns saying what we were thankful for in our new home and praying that praise to God. It was a special moment that I want to remember for a long time. The kids thanked God for their rooms and a house with stairs. And Oldest thanked God for our neighbor’s answered prayer. (The day before, our neighbor had mentioned that they had prayed for years that a family would move into our home.)

So, in the midst of this rather hectic time in our lives, thank you for your grace as well, in allowing me time to settle us all into our new home, new ministry, new space, and new life. In the throes of not-quite-back-to-normal, we really are having the time of our lives.

And Lord-willing, I’ll soon settle back into this space as well, blogging about our journey and the grace we’ve been growing in.

Celebrating the Year’s End

May 31, 2013Tracy

We’ve managed two “unit celebrations” this year, one at mid-year and one now at the end of the year. I may never be able to manage more than two in a year, but it’s definitely been worth the effort.

I’d intended to have the party nearly 2 weeks ago, but things didn’t turn out as planned and our party got postponed indefinitely. So, rather on the spur of the moment, I figured it was now or never; and we declared it party-day.

The kids have had their projects done for awhile, waiting for me to declare the day. And we’ve been reviewing our flashcards each morning with a new app I’ve tried out and really like (flashcards+).

We served up chocolate chip cookie-cake and popcorn. I let the kids have free rein with the icing.

Then, we set up our display and the kids gave their presentations.

Middlest is sharing about Roman clothes with her paper dolls and diorama. — Middlest shared about Roman clothes with her paper dolls and diorama.

Oldest gave a dramatic retelling of the Punic Wars.

We watched a short video “yearbook” with clips of our memory work, and then it was time for the trivia game.

The kids talk smack with their dad for weeks before the game, and the hype is huge. The game is mostly between Dad and Oldest; I referee and give the questions from our flashcards; Middlest is on Oldest’s team and jumps in when she knows an answer.

Dad ended up winning this time, by 4 points. But even this was a great lesson on character rather than just history facts. This kids talked on and on about what fun they had, in spite of Dad’s big win. Especially for my super competitive and perfectionist son, it was great to reflect on how much fun you can even if you aren’t the winner. Plus, it keeps them motivated with their flashcards; Dad is tough competition.

Another wonderful plus about these little parties is the opportunity we get to bring Dad into our learning. It’s the kids’ opportunity for some show-and-tell, and Dad learns right along with us to be able to keep up with his fierce competitors.

And the most obvious reward is celebrating what the kids have accomplished. All the hard work over the past weeks and months gets recognized.

A few days after our party, a used car commercial came on announcing their end of the year “summer celebration” sale. Middlest lit up immediately, “We had one of those!” Mission accomplished: a year celebrated and a summer begun.

The end at last

May 24, 2013Tracy

Well, we did it! We finished up first grade and kindergarten—final report cards and all.

Even though we have not yet had our official end, our end of the year celebration, Oldest finished his last first grade math lesson and test last week, and we’ve absolutely, totally felt like summer-time ever since.

Right now, all of our “school” has been preparing for our unit celebration and end of the year party—reviewing flashcards for our trivia game and completing projects for display and presentations. It’s been a fun way to review and wrap up the year, very unstructured and unschool-ish.

Middlest is working on some Roman paper dolls, and together we made a very simple diorama for her to place her dolls in.

Oldest decided he wanted to tell the story of the Punic Wars. He’s really gotten into the Hannibal and Scipio conflict. So we made an over-sized map (the one he’s been studying with magnets) and he’s setting up the battle with medieval men, legos, and toy elephants. It’s going to be an action-packed retelling.

Meanwhile, I’ve already been super busy planning the next year. Our state’s book fair is today (Eek! Today!!! I’m so excited), so I’ve been tweaking spreadsheets and comparison charts that I’ve been working on for months now. I go to a book fair with lists, prices, and diagrams all ready.

I’ve also gotten to a few household projects that have been looming over me for awhile, like going through all the winter clothes and outgrown items.

It’s been a more relaxed, yet very productive kind of week. But next week is a different story. Next week, I’m going to be like Moley from Wind in the Willows. I’ll say “Hang it” with all the projects; let’s go outside!

A Nose full of Spring

May 10, 2013Tracy

The sun finally broke through the clouds this week after a long rainy spell. Rainy days are hard; lots of rainy days are really hard. Lots of rainy days and a teething baby are the hardest. Everyone has been out of sorts. So when the sun showed up this week, I could hear the “hallelujah chorus.”

And of course, I sent the kids outside immediately. Even if we did have math and history to finish up, there would have been no point in forcing learning with all of the pent up energy in our house. I felt like kids were pouring out of every door and window to get into that sunshine, but it was just my two and all the noise that comes with them.

And Littlest pounded on the door, peaking out at their joy. Of course, we had to go for a walk and let him breathe in that fresh goodness. Except that with all of the freshness came our next mortal enemy—allergies. I’m only slightly exaggerating. Allergies at my house are extreme, and they start young. While Oldest takes after me and only ever shows the slightest symptoms, Middlest was put on Zyrtec at 6 months and each spring we revisit the same misery. My husband, even after taking regular doses of allergy medicine for months now, is swollen, stuffy, and nearly incapacitated. And Littlest looks like he’s going to join the club, too. He rode along in his stroller with tears and snot just streaming down his face, as happy as a lark.

They are all happy, snotty but very happy.

So when Middlest asked me why she was “sick,” I told her she’s just got spring up her nose. She seems okay with that. For right now, I am too, especially when the alternative is bringing all that exuberance back inside.

Anyone else have the problem of nature lovers with allergies? Any advice for easing the symptoms without forgoing the outdoors? I’d love your comments!

Linking up with the Homeschool Mother’s Journal.

Journaling the Journey

April 5, 2013Tracy2 Comments

I’m picking up where I left off nearly a year ago, journaling our journey. And I’m back for more than one reason. Of course, it’s nice to have these little journals, brief summaries of where we’ve been and what we’ve accomplished. But another reason is that I’ve missed having the opportunity to become vulnerable before you, to throw back the curtains and let you behind the scenes of our lives.

It’s easy as a blogger, as I go through my photo archives, to only present you with our triumphs and successes. After all, how many of us remember to grab the camera when the art project flops or our child is throwing a temper-tantrum.

The other side of the coin is that these journaling posts are hard for me to keep up with. I can’t schedule them ahead of time, and I don’t like to force myself into an appointment with my blog every Friday. So here’s the trade-off: I’ll journal our ups and downs as often as I can. Please don’t hate me if I miss a week, just kiss your babies and understand that I had to spend a little extra time that week doing the same.

So without further ado…

In my life this week~

This week has been jam-packed! From wrapping up Easter festivities to preparing for a Ladies Fellowship at our church, it’s been hopping around here. Not to mention that prepping lesson plans for the next nine weeks happened to fall this week as well. And throw in making curriculum decisions for next year while the sales are on.

But one delightful thing that I have been reveling in is the timing of our last unit of Tapestry of Grace ancient history. We’re studying the Roman Empire, the life of Christ, and the early church and martyrs. And in God’s perfect timing, Easter is kicking off our unit. We’ll be looking at “growing up where Jesus lived” and reading about those who gave their lives to share the gospel message.

Though it might not have been the timing I would have chosen, it is great timing.

I’ve also been reviewing a product with the kids that has really been helping Middlest with her phonics. I can’t wait to share with you.

The last thing on my agenda has been overhauling the school room. It’s been making me extremely claustrophobic. Hanging pockets are falling off walls; I’m drowning in kids’ artwork and work pages; and it seems like we have flash cards everywhere. So here’s what I’m asking help for this week.

Please give me ideas on how to organize the flash cards. We have all sizes, and everything on Pinterest assumes that my flashcards are all one size. These are what I have to work with.