Husband, Dad, Mechanical Engineer, Bass
Player ...
Obsessed with all things Engineering.
AMY
Wife, Homeschool Mom, Webmaster ...
Obsessed with all things Political.
RACHAEL
Daughter, Sister, Sophomore ...
Obsessed with all things Geological.
NICHOLAS
Son, Brother, 8 year old ...
Obsessed with all things Historical.
(especially Egyptian!)
Favorite Books/Curriculum
The Well-Trained Mind Singapore Math Greenleaf Guides Apologia Science AIG Science curriculum Story of the World
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Falls of the Ohio
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
On our way home, I decided to stop by the Falls of the Ohio State Park. I read about it several years ago, but had never been there. With my rock-hound children (especially Rachael), I knew they'd love it. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to see the Interpretive Center, but the kids enjoyed looking at the fossils and watching the water, and I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery & glorious weather. We had Alex with us, too, so he had fun getting some exercise after such a long drive.
I really wanted to explore the old Clarksville site, too, but it was getting dark and I knew that everything would be closed anyway. One of my favorite books of all-time, From Sea to Shining Sea by James Alexander Thom, is centered around the Clark family and much of the story takes place in the Clarksville/Falls area. Our next Shrinersappt. is in August. If it isn't too hot, maybe we'll make it an overnight trip and spend some time in the Clarksville area...
These are the books that Rachael is currently reading for History. Since she loves non-fiction, she'll usually finish off a book every day or two. We use the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia as our spine, then add various books as supplements. These were all loaned to us by our friend Heather (one of only 3 other people that I know who share the same obsession for books as I do. And yes, they're all homeschoolers!)
For History, Rachael reads two sections from Kingfisher a week. The sections are arranged chronologically. This year she is studying (approximately) the time period between the Fall of Rome & the early American explorers. She then chooses one section to outline. From that outline, she chooses a topic. It can be ANYTHING from that section - One week it may be Aztec jewelry, the next week it may be the religious beliefs of the Celtic people. She then researches the topic and writes at least a one page report.
She's always loved history. It's my hope that by choosing her own topics and writing about them, it will improve her writing skills - the one area where she needs dramatic improvement. She's always been years ahead in reading, math, and science, but spelling and writing are her downfalls. We've tried traditional spelling programs to no avail. We've even skipped the normal "English" curriculum this year, because her usage and vocabulary are great. Hopefully by writing, writing, and more writing, it will finally sink in!
Has anyone read this book? I found it on several reading lists, and it always had good reviews, so I reserved it at the library. I was going to use this as my next read aloud to the kids, but as I skimmed through it, it's boring me to death! Maybe it's just me, but this is the second "Classic" set in the Middle Ages that I've tried to read, but ended up quitting. I figure if it bores me, I can't in good conscience expect the kids to sit through it! The first one that I tried is "A Door in the Wall." It, too, was an award winner. Maybe I'm just not giving these books a chance. If there's something I'm missing, or if you have another novel that is set in the Middle Ages that you could suggest, please let me know!
After giving Rachael a choice between several books, she chose to begin this one. It looks pretty interesting. It won the 1994 Batchelder Award and I believe it might actually be a Sonlight book. It's a Spanish authored historical fiction novel about a young tailor's son who becomes an artist's apprentice. According to what I've read, it appears to give a good account of what an apprenticeship of that era would entail, then quickly escalates into a mystery. Rachael flew through the first couple of chapters today and said that it's a very easy read.
I also went through her science notes that she's taken thus far and tried to work with her on pulling out the important information. Taking notes is one area that I think homeschoolers really need to be taught. I think it's something that comes more naturally to kids who have to silently listen to lectures, but not so much to kids who come from a one-on-one/give-and-take kind of environment.
In math, VideoText Algebra is going pretty well. Today she was turning story problems into algabraic equations and learning the "grammar" of math.
Today was Jeff's first day off in several weeks. Rachael and I got up early and headed to a used book sale in Evansville. It was hot, crowded, and miserable, but I did manage to get a few decent books. I'm really trying hard not to buy anything that I can get at the library. I have over 20 large boxes of books already in storage, several boxes at this house, and dozens of books currently on loan to other homeschoolers. Until we move to a bigger house, I just don't have the room! Of course, if I find a consumable or other "homeschool" type books not available at the library, that's another story... (!)
After the sale, Jeff & Nick met us at a Mexican restaurant for lunch, then we met my mom and headed to a movie. Following the movie, Jeff and Rachael went to the shooting range and Nick & I went to Barnes & Noble. Even though I was firing guns when I was younger than Nick, there's just something that makes me nervous about the thought of HIM holding a weapon. Maybe in 5 (or 20!) years... Of course, Rachael refused to even touch it, so who knows?!?
On our way home, we drove by the county courthouse and saw the display pictured above. I have no idea who put the candles out or why, but thought it was a pretty awesome display! Of course, I guess the ACLU will probably be investigating this "affront to political correctness..."
I was going to go to another used curriculum sale today, but instead, focused on making sure Rachael was packed and ready to go for camp. We had to go to Wal-Mart to buy her a few more pairs of shorts and a few other miscellaneous items. I also received my shipment from Homeschool Library Builder (http://www.hslibrarybuilder.com/). They have a great sale going on right now and are offering free shipping. I got all of these for around $10.00!
I dropped the kids off at my mom's house this morning to head to a used curriculum sale. I was able to go to a couple of garage sales (one of which was falsely advertised as having lots of homeschool materials... ) and a thrift store before hitting the Steak 'n Shake drive through. As luck would have it, the lady forgot to give me my Sweet 'n Low for my tea, so I had to go into the restaurant. As I was walking back to my car, some crazy person was honking and waving my way. It was my friend Heather and her husband (Nathan)! Nathan's medical test had taken less time than anticipated. I took my bag and drink back into Steak 'n Shake and ate lunch with them. Afterwards, we went to the curriculum sale where we both got A LOT of great deals (see my bargains in the picture above!)
Since my mom had taken the kids to the movies, I decided to hang out until Jeff got there. I went to Wal-Mart and a used bookstore, taking my time in each place. Wow! I had forgotten how relaxing it could be just to browse at my own snail's pace! When Jeff finished his trek from work (a 2 hour drive to E'ville), we ate at our favorite Indian restaurant, then hit the movies. What an awesome day!!!
We went to the World Wide Missions store. It's sort of like a huge garage sale, but the proceeds benefit worldwide missions. Rachael got a gyroscope and a cool reading lamp. Nick bought a Winnie the Pooh fanny pack (yes, Jeff was thrilled!), and I found these...
I was so excited! They were only $1 each. They were a perfect find considering next year is the medieval portion of our historical studies!
What did we accomplish today? Absolutely NOTHING!!! Rachael read about 35 pages of her book "Archimedes and the Door of Science." Other than that, the kids just played and we watched the movie, "Flubber." While, yes, that does look like some sort of Harry Potter costume that Nick is wearing, it's not. He asked Rachael to make him a Super Hero costume, and that is what she came up with. (Her only supplies were yarn, scissors, and construction paper...)
I did manage to make supper. Polish Sausage, sauerkraut, mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes, & corn (yes, I know...potatoes & pasta are both starches!) were on the menu. Nick surprised us all by actually eating the sauerkraut. Rachael & I won't touch the vile stuff, but Jeff likes it so I make it for him...
My name is Amy, and I'm an addict. Yes, I realize that a pathological addiction to office supplies is directly proportional to the level of geekiness, but hey, I LOVE office supplies! Take it from someone who has purchased nearly every type of writing utensil ever manufactured, these pencils are AWESOME!
At least I can take solace in the fact that my life is not totally controlled by this addiction. (My book obsession, however, is another story...just ask my husband whose every vacation is at least partially planned around visits to discount book stores!)
Linda, the homeschool grandma who helped me teach art at co-op, recommended this book to me. She played it up so much that I, being the history buff that I am, immediately went to the library and reserved it. After I picked it up, the first thought to cross my mind was, "UGH! That's a lot of pages and awfully small print!" In my younger days, book length was inconsequential. These days, however, I find myself just too busy with lesson plans, kids, and life in general! Before returning it unread to the library, I decided to read 'just the first chapter' ... well, I haven't been able to put it down! I ended up having to renew it and I've been reading a little bit every night before bed. If I ever get it finished, I'll let you know how it is. So far, it's fabulous!
Day 133 - Nick is Hooked on Phonics, well, the stickers anyway!
I recently bought 3 of these Hooked on Phonics workbooks for Nick. On every other page, there is a space emblazoned with the words, "I did it!", where you are supposed to attach a sticker after the work is completed. Apparently, this motivational device is downright addictive for Nick. I actually have to hide the books when I'm busy doing something else, because if he finds them, he will hunt me down to help him. He will literally complete an entire book in one sitting. I guess that's good for his learning, but rough on my wallet!
I received this book free at the Cincinnati homeschool convention. I started reading it a couple of days ago. It was a very fast read and a phenomenal story! Growing up Catholic, I got more than my fair share of saint and martyr stories, but never really read about any of the great Protestant heroes of the faith. I can't wait for Rachael to read this one...
While cleaning up my kitchen this morning, I broke my stone. For those of you who use and love your stone, you'll know how heartbreaking this is!
On a happier note, my Amazon.com Birthday shipment came in. My mom (who buys EVERYTHING online) bought this book and cd from my wishlist. I have been wanting this book since I saw it at the homeschool convention last year. I LOVE Susan Wise Bauer's books. I even like reading the SOTW series for my own enjoyment! I also keep the Well-Trained Mind handy because I refer to it constantly for reading list suggestions. I can't wait to start reading this book!
I also love Josh Groban & Christmas music. Having the two together in one cd is just magical!
We checked out the D'aulaires' book from the library, and it was an instant favorite for both of the kids! We've been reading this out loud during the day. Our renewals are almost expired and the kids still love it ... I think this is one we're going to have to buy! I'm hoping I can find it used (and cheap!) at one of the homeschool conventions. I've also been reading "Just So Stories" to the kids at bedtime. I had never read any of Rudyard Kiplings books, but for some reason always seemed to have an aversion to him. I picked up this book at a used bookstore for $.60. It looks like we'll be reading more of his books in the future, too! The Children's Homer is one of Rachael's assigned history books (we're doing Ancients this year ... again!) She complains that she doesn't like it, but not as much as she complained with "Black Ships Before Troy" by Rosemary Sutcliffe! I've read part of the Children's Homer to Nick and he likes it, so it can't be that bad! I think by adding more of the classical literature as recommended by the Well Trained Mind, it's requiring a longer attention span and a more varied vocabulary than what she would like....
I just bought this and started reading it. Of course, when I Googled it, I came across a lot of negative publicity surrounding the book. Anyone have an opinion as to the validity of the story?
Name: Amy Home: Indiana, United States About Me: I am a Homeschool Mom of 2 awesome children. This is my attempt at Project 365 - to chronicle our world through daily photos... See my complete profile
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