Day 3

This entry is actually for yesterday (Wednesday). Stayed up late finishing our literature pick "Second Cousins." I was in a rush to finish before JW. We spent a good 20-25 minutes at breakfast discussing the author's use of words to convey meaning in the text. Discussed clues in the text that pointed to the time in which the book was set. I forgot how it feels to read for analysis instead of fun. I was eager to see if Jasmine picked up on the foreshadowing technique the author used that lead up to the climax of the book. She noticed the clues but didn't label the technique. She'll be doing a story map today of the book for more discussion. I like the freestyle approach we are using for Language Arts but I really need to find a curriculum for guidance. I'm constantly referring to the County curriculum for guidance but I still need something a little more concrete.

Science curriculum arrived today (Wednesday). Started with animal classification system. Combining BJP curriculum with Alpha Omega, making sure I hit the subjects listed in the county's curriculum. Doing plant and animal behavior tomorrow leading to the study of DNA and genetics. OOOh. . . fun, I rather do history.

We spent 2 hours on Math today. Did an overview of Associative, Commutative, Distributive, and Multiplicative Properties (I'm going on memory not sure if I got them all or spelled them right :) Completed a worksheet sent by former Math teacher (he keeps us on his email list with worksheet attachments)on solving for x in Percentage math equations. She got them all right! I'm still waiting on Saxon math curriculum.

I think that's everything. Today is really Thursday so yesterday's events are not as fresh in my mind. I got everything written in my planner - the good record keeper I am ..(laughing).

Day 2

Lots of US History & Geography today. I'm more excited about this subject than JW. She thinks I'm going into too much detail but I think it will help her to learn the information and connect the dots when studying other subjects in US History. I found an interactive US Map on History.com so I could reinforce the lesson and she was interested in that. She is really a high-tech learner and I'm a traditional learner so we have to find some middle ground.

Went to the library and got US History on DVD. I'm thinking we will look at the video first then do a "traditional" lesson and see if she is more interested in this approach.

Started the second literature book today as well. I'm going to read this one with her as the language is a little complicated, then we can discuss it.

Waiting on my Math curriculum to arrive. I hate the idea of not doing Math everyday but I'm sure she will be OK.

The journey moves on . . . .

Monday, January 11, 2010
Well today was Day 1 and I'm exhausted. A lot of the homeschooling books say don't rush in feeling like you need to recreate traditional school at home but that's easier said than done. Jasmine expects a tight structure so I feel the need to live up to that expectation.
Summary of our day:
9:15 - 9:45 am - We did a half of an hour walking the mall for PE this morning waiting for the library to open.
10 - 11:20 am - Learning the layout of the regional library, checking out our literature books and black history bio books.
12- 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 2:45 - working math problems from her Saxon assessment test. I have no idea why this took so long. I had her rework problems she got wrong but knew she understood. I explained some concepts she didn't have down (order of operations, multiplying/dividing fractions, decimal placement when dividing and calculating percentages).

I left her to read for an hour one of our literary picks while I left to pick up the younger kids from school. She finished the entire book in two hours! We will do a story map of the book tomorrow for language arts and discuss. I think this wasn't too bad for our first day.
I meant to post a picture of our first day but just didn't get around to it. Maybe tomorrow.

Just Beginning . . .

I've done homeschool research over 3 years ago but we always made a different decision for JW - private school to public school then a different private school etc. So when Jasmine got into the car after school last week fed up with the watered down academics she was receiving, I knew we had to change things.

Since last Wednesday I've been up 'til after midnight researching Virginia laws, attending a homeschooling seminar in Richmond and making the decision to start homeschooling JW starting Monday. I'm scared and excited all at the same time. I believe the last 3 years have been leading to this point. I'm excited about all the many opportunities that are now open to us - extracurricular activities, field trips, etc. Living in the state of Virginia alone makes US History come alive- Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown, & Washington, DC! I can't wait to take our lessons on the road.

Younger sister is already wondering why JW is the only one being homeschooled because she is bored as well. Do you see where this may be headed?? I'm just open to whatever God wants to do.

I haven't shared this with anyone as I want to stay focused on our goals without having to explain to others what I'm doing. This blog will serve as a place for those closest to my family to keep up with our journey.

Keep us in your prayers.