Excelsior Academy
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Teaching v Assigning *updated
This an interesting topic and one I've been studying for sometime. I find that I've fallen into the assigning side of homeschooling and it isn't what I want or helpful to our goals. It isn't CM either. I received my Winter issue of the OCHEC Informer and this is the title of one of the articles. It was a confirmation and eye-opener to what I've been sensing in my heart. I'm not done reading and ponding but I'm ready to make the change back to teaching ~ it is more fulfilling and rewarding. I'll share more when I'm done.
*So I've now finished the article but it didn't reveal anything on the subject directly. I did enjoy the last part which the definition of teaches & understanding from the Strong's Concordance. Outside of that the article made no sense to me. Hmm...I'm not sure what the main point is but I'll read it again tomorrow and see if I can decifer it and if not will prolly email the writer for clarity or write my own article. More on this topic later.
*So I've now finished the article but it didn't reveal anything on the subject directly. I did enjoy the last part which the definition of teaches & understanding from the Strong's Concordance. Outside of that the article made no sense to me. Hmm...I'm not sure what the main point is but I'll read it again tomorrow and see if I can decifer it and if not will prolly email the writer for clarity or write my own article. More on this topic later.
Labels: cm, habits, homeschooling, life n times
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Progress Day #1
We managed to get some subjects in today ~ woohoo! The plan was to do the bare minimal and we succeeded. We completed the following:
English
~ reading & writing
History
~ Old Testament (Ps/Prov)
Bible
~ same as history & copywork
Math
~ 2 lessons
The plan is to consistently accomplish something then gradually add in the rest. This past Mon we went to the OK History Center, I'd been trying to go for 2yrs since they re-opened. We had a great time and the weather was wonderful. We have even planned our next field trip and return visit ;).
Well, off to enjoy my quiet evening of reading.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!
English
~ reading & writing
History
~ Old Testament (Ps/Prov)
Bible
~ same as history & copywork
Math
~ 2 lessons
The plan is to consistently accomplish something then gradually add in the rest. This past Mon we went to the OK History Center, I'd been trying to go for 2yrs since they re-opened. We had a great time and the weather was wonderful. We have even planned our next field trip and return visit ;).
Well, off to enjoy my quiet evening of reading.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!
Labels: homeschooling, life n times, plans
Saturday, April 14, 2007
~ School Out ~
Well, our term will be ending in about 2 weeks. We are suppose to be on break this week but due to the upcoming volunteer opportunity at the end of the month, we move things around. Overall, everything is going well though we are still moving slowly thru math. No big deal, its all a process and we take it one day at a time. I'm thinking about starting my week in review again so that I can see our progess. I do it for my own teacherly purposes, you know so I know that I know what we are doing. ;D So stay tuned, I will be posting our weekly updates on Weds again but am considering switching to Mons.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, homeschooling, life n times
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Nothing Much....
Yelp, nothing much has been happening around this place. We've managed to get the basics done ~ Bible, Reading, Penmanship and little Math ~ but for the most part our days were spent out in the sun. I think we had spring fever but not sure and the neighborhood children were on spring break. It has been fairly peaceful and the kiddos are actually getting up in the morning to do school. Yeah! We still don't have a consistent time table but we follow my loose schedule to get things done. They've started a little knitting group, going to the park, walking and riding their bikes so I don't have any compliments because they usually laid around all day doing nothing. I've had my prayers answered ~ I wanted them to have more acquainces their age and they have started meeting more teens. This is neat because they feel a sense of belonging that is definitely needed.
Overall, we are doing well. Progress is definitely being made. I just need to update my blog more regularly. Not sure why I'm not motivated but I'll get it together soon. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the spring weather.
Overall, we are doing well. Progress is definitely being made. I just need to update my blog more regularly. Not sure why I'm not motivated but I'll get it together soon. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the spring weather.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: blogging, homeschooling, prayer, weather
Friday, March 16, 2007
Reflections....
I've not been blogging much for our hs but thats okay. I've got most of it written in my journal and when I make time, I'll do a proper update. I have been thinking about what I want us to do next and what direction to proceed in. We've experienced several setbacks, nothing major, just little things that have sidetracked me a bit. More than anything, I have figured out that I am very tired and it was due to never resting while working. I don't know what I thought would happen once I stopped working but I was tired when I worked and I'm still tired because I don't rest. I was listening to a ministry cd tonight and the speaker talked about just that, resting. He discussed how God had dealt with him on resting and he didn't get it. I am like that too. Just too stubborn, pig headed or something until it hits me upside the head.
Well, life hit me upside the head last week. I have been dragging myself around, not able to get up before 9a and the worse, didn't bother to do lessons. I'd just sit, knit or do absolutely nothing. Then the car broke down and started to put some things into perspective. We've been w/o a car for 2wks now and my home has been more peaceful until this afternoon when I began to worry about how I was going to get to work. Well, enough of that, I realize that I need to rest more than I need extra spending $. I need to be more discipline with the finances I have and simply rest. My dc need me to be the best teacher I can be and that begins with me taking care of me.
Now don't misunderstand, we have been working but no formal lessons have been done. No big either, we have done Bible, we read together or alone, and we do lots of math even if its just working in the kitchen. I've managed to make lots of things by hand, you can read more here. My dc are starting to do more with their hands and we've taken 3 walks this week. Yeah! Its been a very long time since we actually did any physical activity. It has been good for us and we have been reflecting on why we are here, what we have learned and where we will go next not forgetting what we've been through. Oh, we really would like to have transportation but it has given us time to consider our ways and what is best for our family. Plus the dc have been able to spend time w/their dad too.
So as far as academics go, I think I am now finally doing what I had been praying and planning about in this post. I am finally teaching, and living, so that my dc know life isn't all about academics. It is about living a life that is full, content and in service to the Most High. This is a full life and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of it.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Well, life hit me upside the head last week. I have been dragging myself around, not able to get up before 9a and the worse, didn't bother to do lessons. I'd just sit, knit or do absolutely nothing. Then the car broke down and started to put some things into perspective. We've been w/o a car for 2wks now and my home has been more peaceful until this afternoon when I began to worry about how I was going to get to work. Well, enough of that, I realize that I need to rest more than I need extra spending $. I need to be more discipline with the finances I have and simply rest. My dc need me to be the best teacher I can be and that begins with me taking care of me.
Now don't misunderstand, we have been working but no formal lessons have been done. No big either, we have done Bible, we read together or alone, and we do lots of math even if its just working in the kitchen. I've managed to make lots of things by hand, you can read more here. My dc are starting to do more with their hands and we've taken 3 walks this week. Yeah! Its been a very long time since we actually did any physical activity. It has been good for us and we have been reflecting on why we are here, what we have learned and where we will go next not forgetting what we've been through. Oh, we really would like to have transportation but it has given us time to consider our ways and what is best for our family. Plus the dc have been able to spend time w/their dad too.
So as far as academics go, I think I am now finally doing what I had been praying and planning about in this post. I am finally teaching, and living, so that my dc know life isn't all about academics. It is about living a life that is full, content and in service to the Most High. This is a full life and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of it.
Have a great weekend!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: general, homeschooling, life n times, plans
Friday, March 2, 2007
~January Update~
Whew it has been a very long time since I last posted about our progress. It has really been slow and steady. Part of the re-adjustment to me being at home. I’ve taken up a new hobby ~ knitting and I’ve been spending more time reading, listening and being. This has allowed me to be active in other areas than hsg. But I’m returning because I really enjoy recording our progress and sharing w/others on their journey. It keeps us all connected.
So w/o further ado, here is a summary of what’s happening with the Warriors:
Jan. 10th ~ marks the first day of our new term. We began slowly with me focusing on what is most important and what schedule will work best. I used our time to have discussions with Da Boy and Riley about what they’d like to accomplish this year and what they thought needed to be improved. After this discussion, I decided that things needed to be kept short and sweet ~ very simple for my sake. We would officially begin on the 31st, my last day at the library.
Jan. 10th ~ marks the first day of our new term. We began slowly with me focusing on what is most important and what schedule will work best. I used our time to have discussions with Da Boy and Riley about what they’d like to accomplish this year and what they thought needed to be improved. After this discussion, I decided that things needed to be kept short and sweet ~ very simple for my sake. We would officially begin on the 31st, my last day at the library.
Week of 1/15 ~ 1/19
I began planning our term, working to determine where was the best place for us to start. I decided on our art and picture study, it would be the same as AO. I selected the pictures to be used and then I selected our group reading material. I created a separate entry to keep up with these are listed in the sidebar.
I began planning our term, working to determine where was the best place for us to start. I decided on our art and picture study, it would be the same as AO. I selected the pictures to be used and then I selected our group reading material. I created a separate entry to keep up with these are listed in the sidebar.
Week of 1/22 ~ 1/26
My plan was to move them both up to Yr 7 in AO, however, I found out neither is ready for this jump. I worked out a school calendar to help me stay focused and to include breaks, exams and such info. However, it is a very flexible calendar so that when life happens we are able to roll with it. I created our daily schedule to be about a 3 1/2 - 4 hour day which will include 1/2 of drill/exercise. This week was a no lesson week due to ice storm and the necessity of prayer and planning. We spent time reading, enjoying the comfort of our cozy home and the snow. ;D
I have decided to move slowly back into the flow of learning. I will work on habits and take my time with what is to be covered and when. I will be transitioning into a full schedule by using CMs school schedule to help. We will begin with the Form 1 schedule to allow us time to develop and reinforce needed skills and habits. Our schedule will rotate on a 6 day cycle and will be done by order of day. So, if we miss a day, we begin on the next day )i.e Day 1 last worked day begin with Day 2 assignments).
Jan. 26th ~ was our first day of lessons. This was done to determine where really stood. I wanted to see how each would work on the new schedule, where they were in math and what I needed to address as I created my lesson plans. I have begun using lesson plans again and they have been a life savior.
Our schedule looked like this:
20m ~ OT Bible - Gen 5
20m ~ Penmanship - Frost poem (actually 10m)
10m ~ Recitation - Bible Ps 37:5
10m ~ French - Lesson 1 (actually covered Spanish-tape player wouldn't work)
20m ~ Math - Lesson 1 MEP Yr 5 (actually 25m)
15m ~ Break - outside
15m ~ Drill - outside
30m ~ Reading - audio Da Boy- Trumpet of the Swan, Riley - Treasure Island
10m ~ Natural History - organized books
Music appreciation ~ Schumann cd1 hour home blessing ~ living and dining rooms, bathroom and kitchen
*overall a very productive day. 30m was cut from schedule due to starting late and I wanted to be done by 12:30p.
Week of 1/29 - 2/2
Mon & Tues - reading and copywork. Da Boy began Black Beauty. I spent both days fine tuning lesson plans and working out math strategies, reading CM and printing materials.
Wed ~ snow day. No formal lessons today and my last day at work. Developed my lesson plan outline to be able to keep track of where we are and where I want to go over a 6 day period. Though there were no formal lessons, the following was done: Bible NT ~ John 2; Copywork ~ John 2:23-25; Math ~ p2 #1 & 4; and Reading.
Thurs ~ we began lessons again which was Day 2 on my lesson plan that included art study. Art study was amazing. I read over CMs notes as well as WCL2L’s section, and had tremendous results. They both really surprised me with the work. The oral narrations were very good as were their illustrations for Bible. We worked through Week #1 of math and I am finding that we need to add in more mental math and basic arithmetic for reinforcement. We began Ps 91 for recitation and I believe this will be ready in 4wks for a formal recite. I am spending time actually lesson planning like I did when I taught computers, this has been very helpful in keeping me on track, flexible and confident. Definitely a plus around here.
Fri ~ another eventful day and we managed to complete all but 1 lesson ~ crafts. We did drill, mental math and had a read aloud. I’m exhausted but I was before we started, its the second day home and I’m finding I was very tired. We did the first lesson in the “Italics” book.
At the end of this week I discovered that there was a lot that needed to be done in order for us to have a successful hs. The following is a brief list of things I am working on:
1. attitude ~ too much time spent alone has developed some tudes that aren’t appropriate
2. communication ~ nothing is said w/o it being ugly or degrading
3. responsibility ~ too much time alone has created an air that they are in charge and need to tell the other what to do
4. habits ~ they appear non-existent at this point but I am sure they just have become dormant
5. character ~ also appears non-existent though it too was new before them being left alone
6. organization ~ its a mess, enough said. need a plan
I am confident that things will improve. I will work slow and steady, individually and at their level of understanding. I will endeavor to develop confidence, trust and cooperation in them and allow them the time necessary to adjust to this again. It is an adjustment for me and them, however, I am hopeful and the Lord has not given me this assignment to fail nor left me w/o the proper resources to get it done. My main resource ~ prayer. We will work more on their level, not mine and there will be some weeks we do less and some we will do more. I am not discouraged and I am at peace with this plan.
Well that’s all for now. I’ll update soon on February and then start fresh with March. I am journaling all our progress, including the little details of what is working, why and what I do when it doesn’t. I may share some of my notes on this but for now I’ll “keep it simple ~ just the facts.”
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: habits, homeschooling, life n times, plans, tos
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wow ~ what a slacker ;D
Did you miss me? I hope so but I must apologize for being MIA and when there is so much to tell too. I'll have to take time to update on wed, not much energy left now. I want a long hot bath, some chocolate then a good nights sleep. Thats been lacking of late, too much staying up, working ~ subbing @ library and filling in at bbw and then the awesome concert that I was at from 8a-1a on friday. Whew! I'm a bit whipped.
The kiddos are doing wonderful especially with the art study and I've got lots to share which I've been keeping in my journal. Yes, I started a new one and have been faithful to write in it so updating will be smooth.
Have a great evening. ;D
The kiddos are doing wonderful especially with the art study and I've got lots to share which I've been keeping in my journal. Yes, I started a new one and have been faithful to write in it so updating will be smooth.
Have a great evening. ;D
Labels: home, homeschooling, mia
Monday, February 5, 2007
TOS Valentine Sale ~ Hurry
The Old Schoolhouse is doing it again ~ a spectacular sale
on great books and resources.
If you missed the last one, go over now and stock up.
You won't be disappointed.
ends Feb. 6, 2007
Labels: books, homeschooling, tos
Monday, January 22, 2007
Progress Report
It's been quiet here. Not much happening thanks to the ice storm and cold temperatures. We were even expecting lots of snow but that didn't happen, just rain and sleet. Too bad ~ I wanted to stay home and snuggle, drink hot chocolate sitting by a fire. Maybe another day but I did resign from the library and look forward to spending much more time at home w/my family. I am also finished with working at BBW for the season though I will am on-call for them. I was thinking about applying for another pt job, about 10 hrs a week but decided that I am going to rest and let God do what He promised for our family and spend my time w/Him. Between teaching, volunteering, working w/my support groups, drawing, writing and subbing sometimes ~ I believe I have plenty to do w/o having to take on a new job. Besides, dh decided it was time to start selling books, so that will keep me busy too ~ a home business.
To recap, we have been just reading and resting. I am planning our course for the year. Taking my time to decide what would be best and to allow myself transition from work back to home. I am finding that my full attention is required to move us forward in our studies, therefore I am using these weeks to prepare for the move up in our course work. I am hoping to begin Year 7 in February but I want to be here to be apart of the lessons and studies. I have never read most of the books they will be working through and want to do so. I so look forward to working with them instead of trying to get them to work. Thats a hard job and hasn't been the easiest thing for me to accept.
Our book list is not complete. I'll try to get it posted before Feb but it may not happen before the 31st, which is my last day at the library. Riley and Da Boy are reading the last of the books they haven't read on the Pre-Year 7 list in preparation for Year 7. I'll update more later in the week. Have a great week!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
To recap, we have been just reading and resting. I am planning our course for the year. Taking my time to decide what would be best and to allow myself transition from work back to home. I am finding that my full attention is required to move us forward in our studies, therefore I am using these weeks to prepare for the move up in our course work. I am hoping to begin Year 7 in February but I want to be here to be apart of the lessons and studies. I have never read most of the books they will be working through and want to do so. I so look forward to working with them instead of trying to get them to work. Thats a hard job and hasn't been the easiest thing for me to accept.
Our book list is not complete. I'll try to get it posted before Feb but it may not happen before the 31st, which is my last day at the library. Riley and Da Boy are reading the last of the books they haven't read on the Pre-Year 7 list in preparation for Year 7. I'll update more later in the week. Have a great week!
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: AO, books, homeschooling
Monday, January 15, 2007
Our New Look
Its done! Whew, glad thats over. The kiddos decided that we needed a total overhaul, so here it is. I will continue to update it and transfer our files from HSB so they are here too. For now, you can access them in the sidebar. I'll add my most visited hs blogs too and maybe a few extras too. ;D
Anyway, hope you enjoy our new place in cyberspace. Just one step away from the website ~ on the horizon though, now that I have capable students to manage it.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Anyway, hope you enjoy our new place in cyberspace. Just one step away from the website ~ on the horizon though, now that I have capable students to manage it.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: blogging, homeschooling
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Planning Progress
I have spent my time wisely this weekend, shutup inside during the ice storm. I've managed to get the following done:
1. school calendar for 07
2. draft of our programme of study
3. drafts of lesson plans
4. organizing my lesson book
5. determine which books we still needed
6. create a to do list for etext printing and other docs
I've returned to my Jan - Dec school planning and I'm very pleased with that. I will be posting my programme of study this week, which includes our book list, but only for the 1st term. I'll post each term separately just in case there is a change in direction, I won't have to delete a bunch of entries.
I'll update later in the week, I'm not sure if I'll start blogging daily or just once a week as before. I will also be working on updating the sidebar and transferring my archives from HSB ~ very slow process. ;D
Have a great week.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: books, homeschooling, life n times, plans
Saturday, January 13, 2007
~ 1st Term 2007 ~
Its almost completed though we have been back to our studies since wed. I am finalizing our plans for the term taking into consideration my absence and other various items. I have posted them under my categories ~ group reading, art/music study, etc. These two are done and I'll work on our main book list this weekend since I don't have to go to work tomorrow. Yeah me!
Anyway, just using my time to update, arrange and make our blog current. Have a great evening ~ still icy around here but oh so warm inside. :D
Labels: homeschooling, life n times
Friday, January 12, 2007
Cold, cozy kind of weather
We are in the middle of an ice storm and the governor has declared a state of emergency preparation for us. I'm happy, its cold outside but very warm inside ~ hearts and lovely fire. We skipped school today and went grocery shopping. We won't be doing that again when there is a storm warning. I wasn't aware of the governor's declaration and found myself in lots of traffic. We managed to get all our necessities along w/some extras and are safely back at home where dh has started a fire. I am cooking dinner in the crockpot ~ creamy turkey with egg noodles, will make a very rich pound cake later and homemade hot chocolate. The kiddos are coloring and we will be listening to a book on cd soon. Not sure if we are listening to my book, Sense & Sensibility or the Tales of Two Cities. Either way it should be a lovely afternoon though dh had to return to work to complete payroll in case our weather does get bad thru the weekend.
I'll go now, must check in at some other sites quickly before logging off. Have an excellent week.
til next time ~ in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!
Labels: books, home, homeschooling, weather
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
~ We're Back ~
Well actually, I'm back. I've been refreshed, rejuvenated and energized. I'm now ready to take back what I've laid down and begin again. Its been a long time since I looked forward to working in my home and accomplish school. Oh yes, I mean with a whole heart attitude. I realized that I had become discontent, uninspired and simply lacked the motivation to have a truly wonderful home atmosphere.
We began school today. I planned a very simple list of things to cover and we did them all. ;D For the next few weeks, we will not be doing formal lessons so that I may transition home and plan our move. We will be covering basics things though, Bible, Music, Home Ec, Mental Math, Crafts and Art. It will be all low key so that we may be able to focus on sorting, cleaning, minimizing and packing our home. Oh, and building our relationships again. The most important objective for us.
I'll update our school schedules and plans as soon as I have them solidified. I'm planning to change some of my sidebar features and add a Q&A section, some of my notes from book studies, etc. It will be a wonderful resource section, I hope. ;D
Well, off to do more cleaning. Talk w/you all soon.
~ til next time in the life & times of the Excelsior Warriors!!
Labels: homeschooling, plans, routines
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Plans for the New Year
As I prepare for our upcoming new year and term, I am reflecting on what I want to accomplish and what we have done. I realize that I really need to focus more of my attention on developing my students, not just academics but character as well.
Our CMason Study group is reading "When a Child Loves to Learn" and I must admit that it has given me a whole new perspective of a Charlotte Mason Education. I am finding that it is more than the snippets you can glean here and there, it truly encompass more of the life of the learner and not just the academics. I've been able to relax in my thinking but I do realize that more could be done on my part, as the home educator, but I am too stretched in different directions to be truly effective. I'm glad we are reading this book slowly and I look forward to reading the rest of the book, though I think it will definitely be a re-read in the future.
Our CMason Study group is reading "When a Child Loves to Learn" and I must admit that it has given me a whole new perspective of a Charlotte Mason Education. I am finding that it is more than the snippets you can glean here and there, it truly encompass more of the life of the learner and not just the academics. I've been able to relax in my thinking but I do realize that more could be done on my part, as the home educator, but I am too stretched in different directions to be truly effective. I'm glad we are reading this book slowly and I look forward to reading the rest of the book, though I think it will definitely be a re-read in the future.
The following quote has sparked my interest in simplifying so that I can be more effective:
"Education is not a life later; it is a life now." p112
As I reflect on this statement, I realize that I have been planning for the future but not truly taking stock of the now. This is their educational (mine too) life now and we need to focus on the now and not what is to become. I've been struggling with not being prepared enough for the future, for not planning the proper course for college bound students, for not being able to teach something, when in reality the only concern I need is the now. What can I do now to improve their education life and draw them toward the life they are to lead later? Am I fulfilling the requirements of an effective home educator, or am I simply doing whatever necessary to get it done and over with. I really don't want to be the latter but I think I have not been taking myself or what I need to do seriously enough to be more than that. I want more out of our homeschool and therefore, it will require more of me. Ooch! thats the part that I've been negligent of mainly. I am grateful that the Lord is patient, kind, longsuffering and has a way of turning everything around for our good.
As I prayerfully plan our next steps, taking in to account the things that are important and some long range goals, I'll be able to balance homeschooling better. It is my prayer that we grow, learn and share together. I am purposing to make changes in me first, then I am certain the changes in the dc will come. CMs style is very gentle and peaceful, which is what our lives need at this time, and I do miss our teachable and impromptu moments that are breed in this type of atmosphere.
My first lesson plan assignment will be: Creating an atmosphere to grow in. Hmm, I like the sounds of that. I'll share more as I develop my thoughts, read more CM and rest in the Lord's care, letting Him lead and direct our progress (He does such a better job at it than I).
May you all have a blessed day!
Labels: general, homeschooling
