Life Moves too Fast

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted a new blog. Sorry, all you faithful readers! (I only have 11 followers, so it's not like I'm disappointing the masses, right?)

So, an update...

Life has been rolling along─two foster boys doing well, cat doing well, children doing well, marriage doing well, finances doing well (paid off two debts before the end of the year!), and home school doing better...ish.

I'm trying really hard to maintain a solid run at good, hard work on our schooling. It's been a challenge with all the runs downtown for visitation and other random happenings. I did order a new spelling curriculum that I hope will really blend well with other things we're doing.  All About Spelling

In other news, I've decided to resign from my position as a worship leader in our chapel. It was a tough decision, but one that will afford me a lot more time on the weekends. It seems strange to not be on a worship team anymore. It's so much a part of who I am that it almost leaves me feeling naked.

I'm hoping to jump back into my blog. I wanted to do that 52 week photo project, but my Canon Rebel Xti didn't agree with me. It won't even turn on. And there aren't any camera shops around. Maybe next time on that one.

So, with all of that out of the way, I leave you with some fun upcoming events:

North Dakota Home School Day at the Capitol is going to be held on February 3rd
~They're looking for home schooling families to reserve a table and come "show off" what they do on a daily basis. This gives our legislators a chance to see what the benefits of home schooling are.

North Dakota Christian Home Educators Conference will be held March 3-5

and

Things are happening in ND legislation. Get involved in what is coming up soon at our Capitol. We need supporters to help pass the most recent changes in legislation regarding home education!

Peace and Blessings!
Erin

What Curriculum Do You Use?

Home schooling is so much fun. I love that there are so many choices out there now, not just for teaching styles, but also for curricula. Sometimes that can be overwhelming, and sometimes it can be lots of fun. Once I got started sifting through all the many, many options, I became somewhat of a curriculum fiend. I'm thankful that we live in a state where there is no government say-so in our curriculum choice.

So, here's a list of some of what we use and love:

History and Science:  Christian Cottage Unit Studies  Free Sample Unit Download, Evan-Moor History Pockets, LINK 2

Geography: Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Map (or send email to thevoice@vom-usa.org for paper version) and Prayer Point Digest by Samaritan's Purse

Math: Math-U-See

Penmanship/Handwriting: A Reason For Handwriting

Spelling: Sequential Spelling   Try Before You Buy!!

Reading:  All Through The Ages: History Through Literature Guide
  and reading list from Unit Studies
Learning to Read:  Bob Books, Spectrum Reading

Writing: journaling that corresponds to Unit Studies and creative writing assignments provided in Unit Studies

Art: assignments provided in Unit Studies as well as supplemental assignments from:

Draw and Write Through History, Draw Write Now, The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas, The Usborne Art Treasury, In The Hands of a Child: Art Appreciation

Foreign Language: Dora and Diego Homeschool Spanish, The Complete Book of Spanish, Rosetta Stone

Music: Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought), Peter and the Wolf, Making Music Fun, The Story of the Orchestra, DSO Kids, Tubby the Tuba, Carnival of the Animals: Classical Music for Kids, Recorder Excellence, Classical Music Lapbook

Bible and World Religions:  Bold Believers, A Child's ABCs of Praise, Searching for Treasure

My bookshelves are so full that I have to stop myself at the store. I could keep buying more and more, but I have to exercise just a little bit of self-control. We won't be able to fit in our school room if I don't!

Praying this list gives you a starting place if you need it, or if you're already knee deep into your home school adventure, I pray it gives you some new and fresh ideas.

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G and Language Arts

The hardest curricula I have tried to piece together in our home school experience have been Language Arts and Spelling. I have looked and looked for something that is complete and interesting. I have searched for something that is relevant. I finally found some things worth dealing with.

TOTAL LANGUAGE PLUS is a reading linked approach to language arts. Because I am such a HUGE advocate of reading (I often feel that if I can just get my kids to love books, I'll have done my job.), I love this approach. I believe that the most logical place to learn language is through reading good books. So, naturally, this approach made total sense to me. The cool thing is that it's a complete program, encompassing everything from vocabulary, spelling, and usage to comprehension, Bible application, and writing. It's a winner in my book. It eliminates the need for several separate workbooks or programs for each thing. Here is a link to some of the their freebies including 26 common spelling rules for download. The books are listed by grade level to help you choose ones that fit your child's learning level.

Also on my list of "good ones" to look at was ALL ABOUT SPELLING. I have a friend that uses this program, and it seems incredibly thorough and includes techniques for all learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic). Here is a link to some of their spelling rules.

I love that this program has scripted lesson plans. Some home school teachers struggle with how much to do with their students or how to instruct the lessons. This does it all for you and it's so simple. I think I might take the class just for myself!

Do you have others that should be on this list? Post links and a description in your comments. Or share with us how you feel about the ones I've already mentioned. Are there downsides? Share that too!