Excelsior Academy

Saturday, September 24, 2005

New Things

Today, we started a Yahoo! group for homeschool teens in OK. It is called "AmblinOkiesTeens" and the children are glad to finally have a place to meet others and share, chat and whatever they do. We invited a couple of people to join and we'll see how that goes.

Today, we spent most of our time on the computer creating, editing and setting up the group. I also did some research for images to be added to their group page as well as finding images for my blog page. I uploaded my first image - its of Nags Head Beach, N.C. We so miss the beach, but we are glad for the images available on the net to keep us happy for now.

Everything else kinda didn't get done, I was off and we worked on the group project. I think overall it was a good day.

Tell next time - in the Life & Times of the Excelsior Warriors.

Dawn ; )

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posted by Dawn ;) at 12:30 AM 0 comments

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Week 3 Begins ;)

Today is the beginning of week 3 and it was a fun filled day. I am writing today, because my oldest wants our blog to be kept current. So, here is today's adventures.

We began with review and discussion about our schedules and work required. I explained how dictation and recitation works and why we will be doing it. We discussed the methods of narration and their purpose. It appears everyone has a clearer understanding of their responsibilities, so we will hope for the best.

Wed. is our humanities day - we are scheduled to do Bible-Old Testament Study, Bible History, Shakespeare, Plutarch Lives, Nature Study/Walk, Singing and Recitations/Dictations. However, this is our third Wed and we still haven't been able to fully complete our scheduled items. Well, its okay, because we did cover a lot of review material in Bible-OT. That was very encouraging. I think they realize that they did learn something and that sometimes they need a refresher from time to time. We reviewed Genesis and the various stories outlined in the first book of the Torah. We discussed the Hebrew and Greek name of the first five books of the Bible. They did remember the names and what they mean. Very impressive. We then covered singing. Oh, what fun this was. LOL We worked on our scales and then we practiced singing in harmony, unison and singing without passing out. We finally ended our session working on the selection of two songs for a presentation, which would also earn them 4-H points when completed. We typed out the words to various songs and we will continue with our music lessons just like we would do if we were in a choir. We will learn rhythm, notes and breathing techniques as well as stage presence. I look forward to the outcome of this wonderful adventure.

Well, I gotta go. Til tomorrow - with more in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!

Dawn ; )

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posted by Dawn ;) at 12:35 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Week 1 & 2

We have successfully completed week 1 of our new school year. We have begun week 2 and things are in full swing and running very smoothly. We have tweaked our schedules and have found our rhythm and it feels good. Though I do regret, from time to time, working outside the home, the children having done a marvelous job with keeping up. We have shared our simplified schedule with a couple of people and hope that they can find a balance as we have.

This week #2:

Wed - 9/14: was our first official group day that got off to a late start (Mom had sinus issues from allergies - ugh!). We discussed the first week of school and any changes or needs for the upcoming weeks. I discovered that some books were missing and made a note to pick up from the library. We reviewed our Bible lessons from last semester and ds narrated beautifully. He was able to answer 98% of the review questions with accurancy and the older sibs were amazed. They thought he didn't pay attention. CM is working. We talked and just enjoyed each other and I really did enjoy this time with them.

Thurs - 9/15: we attended our first 4-H meeting with Impact 4-H. They joined and found it very exciting and a way to make new friends while doing things they loved. The group leader took them home, fed them dinner and returned them to the library (where the meetings are held) so they could be guests at the Public Speaking 4-H meeting. They decided to join this group as well and ds has even decided to participate in the Communications Rally in November. This is really exciting for he hasn't really wanted to do much and I am seeing a side of my dear son I haven't seen in years. Today also marked the first meeting for our Charlotte Mason Discussion Group/Tulsa. We met at Mardel's and five of us moms got together to discuss CMs methods and to share with one another on this journey of learning. I left feeling much needed encouragement and looking forward to us meeting again.

Fri - 9/16: we discussed options for things to do over the weekend, oldest dd and I went to work. It was a pretty uneventful day.

Sat - 9/17: we attended a garage sale at the home of the Public Speaking 4-H president. We got to meet other members and their families and got a few cool items from the sale. This counted as a 4-H event for them as well, however, I don't have all the details but I think because they helped with cleanup it was community service points. I'll find out more later.

We also went to pick up our schedules and t-shirts for the State Fair. That was fun, we got to meet the volunteer coordinator and her homeschool assistant. We received 8 passes to the fair along with our package and we will be able to count all the volunteer activities for 4-H in several catagories. The dc's really liked this since they will miss one of their 4-H events during this time.

Mon - 9/19: was a routine day for the younger two - however, oldest dd worked at my library today and earned $, community service points and an applause award (she doesn't about this one yet). I was very proud of her for she didn't have to offer to help and she gave up her free time and day off to work. Very awesome in my book.

Tues - tomorrow is the last day of week 2. Our week runs Wed - Tues. Makes life simpler for us, we begin with group and one-on-one then progress to independent days. This week we will be able to do more group, one-on-one and make a library trip for I am off Thurs & Fri. Yeah! Thats all for now.

Tune in again for more in the Life & Times of Excelsior Warriors.

Dawn ; )

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posted by Dawn ;) at 12:23 AM 0 comments

Saturday, September 10, 2005

New Beginnings

Welcome, this is my first entry. A lot has transpired since I first created this blog and I am not sure where to begin. However, since it is titled "New Beginnings," I'll keep it to what has happened recently.

We have finished our first week of school and it has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I was very anxious about this year for in it I had high hopes of achieving greatness where I have lacked before. I believe I truly put too much pressure on myself and now I can see that the worry was for naught. The children are happy, content, joyful and have taken to this new school year wonderfully.

We began implementing more Charlotte Mason this year using the wonderful curriculum provided by Ambleside Online. It has been most helpful and freeing to be able to turn to such a resource. I remarked to my husband today, that today was the first day I didn't think, worry or needed to complete something for school and it felt marvelous. The children had few questions and it was a very smooth day.

I was anxious about this year because so many new things were happening to include jumping full tilt into using AO/HEO along with starting a part-time job and all the other marvelous opportunities that were beginning to come our way. Suffice to say, it has been a wonderful day and week. We even met fellow hs'ers today at Chess Club (one of the new opportunities).

The children all have their own schedules and work independently. We have group times set aside for every Wednesday, every other Thursday/Friday and weekly tea-times that my son is so looking forward to. I must admit, I was not expecting such a response or such diligence or willingness to learn since prior years have been somewhat of a struggle. I am truly thankful they are maturing and taking it upon themselves to be more responsible and to truly want to learn. This past school year, I believe, was very helpful in establishing this in them, however, I was unaware of it until recently. I guess, all those long nights and days of praying and trying to make it work have truly paid off.

I look forward to a marvelous year of learning, growing and being all that we are created to be in Him. May the Lord continue to bless our home for His Glory.

Dawn ; )

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posted by Dawn ;) at 12:13 AM 0 comments