Our Homeschool Happenings (April 2014)

Well, I thought I was going to be able to update what we were learning back in March, but that just didn't go the way I planned. So here we are, at the beginning of May, and I've remembered to update you on what we've been working on. Most of it isn't anything fancy, over the top, or something that you probably haven't seen before. So, I'll just post a few highlights. It is a blessing to learn at home.

{Scripture}
We're continuing to memorize The Ten Commandments, word for word, according to Exodus 20. We are just finishing the 4th commandment (keeping the Sabbath day holy) and the kids are enjoying the challenge. Click here if you'd like to see an example of what Scripture memory looks like in our home. We are also memorizing Isaiah 53:5, which is a verse near and dear to me, as my mom would pray this with my brother and me each night at bed time.

{Music}
We were glad to participate in a local university's homeschool music program. For 8 weeks, homeschool students from ages 8-18 can select an instrument and take free lessons, provided that the parent supply the instrument. The "trade-off" is that the lessons are taught by music education students, which gives them hands-on experience in teaching. We participated in this program 2 years ago, and that is when my oldest daughter fell in love with the flute. As a result, we surprised her with a flute for her 10th birthday and she named it "Clarice," and she hasn't stopped practicing ever since. My 9 year old daughter chose to learn the viola, and let me tell you, she was ecstatic! She has a pretty good ear for music and learns pieces by ear very well.


At the end of the 8 weeks, the children in the program have a recital for the parents to show off their new skills. Both of my girls did a great job! And, I was especially surprised because my oldest daughter performed a solo that she "forgot" to tell me about!! She was the only soloist in the entire program and my heart was beaming for her. In addition to the music, this program has reinforced that hard work, diligence, and dedication produce good fruit.



SJ with her teachers


TM with her teachers



{Literature}
Here are some books that we have enjoyed reading:

Product Details
This is our current read-aloud;
it's great for boys and girls, as well as multiple ages

Product Details
My oldest daughter (11yrs) is reading this
series and is loving it!
(You can find these in the Kindle store at really low prices!)

Product Details
My 9 yr. old daughter is reading this and is
learning a lot about a person's character.
(It's currently free on Kindle!)

Product Details
My son (6 1/2yrs) has been enjoying this series
for the last year and half or so. He is just reading
through them at his own pace and mama's glad because
he reads them willingly, on his own!

{Science: Gardening}
'Tis the season for planting, finally! With all the winter weather this spring, I didn't know if we'd get to this point. As part of their science, the kids are responsible for helping plant, feed, and water our plants this spring. During our planting, we have had some good discussions about what plants need to survive, the benefits of good soil and mulch, how worms help in the garden, etc. This is what we've planted: a maple tree, 3 bushes, 6 dwarf spruces, daisies, asters, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers (green, red, yellow), and Romaine lettuce. It was fun to go to our local gardening center and selecting items as a family. Even the kids commented several times about how much fun it is to have a family project like this; so it's been great all around.
 


Husband and the kids named this maple "Bill Harrison" LOL!
Yes, we name our trees.







6 dwarf spruces before we planted them along one of the fence lines.
This red maple was planted 4 years ago (I think). Her name is "Myrtle Jr." ;)
 
Oldest son instructing the younger on
how to mix Miracle Gro' with water. ;)

Well, that about wraps things up for our April highlights. This month, I hope we are able to get in a couple of field trips before my baby girl arrives. . .perhaps to a strawberry farm and a wildlife reserve. We shall see. . .

What's been going on in your homeschool? Are you nearing the end of the school year, or do you school year round?

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Comments

  1. What a great music lesson opportunity! Looks like you've been having a great year with all of your fun activities! We are taking a break for the summer. We are counting down!:)

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    Replies
    1. Yep, that music opportunity has led to some pretty good private instructors at reasonable rates, since they are students themselves. I hear you about counting down; we're on a countdown, too! :) Thanks for stopping by!!

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  2. So much fun Stacie. That is so exciting for your daughters to get the chance to take lessons like that. I'll bet they are doing a great job. I play the flute too and always loved it like your daughter. The trees and shrubs are beautiful. We named a tree that we recently planted, Herman. Don't ask me, but older kids do that too. Enjoy the beautiful spring time and keep us up to date on that new baby! Blessings to you.

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    Replies
    1. Jennifer, you play the flute?! I didn't know that! I played flute a tiny bit from 4th through 7th grade, but I didn't stick with it. I wish I had, especially since I now have a budding flutist on my hands. Would it be okay if I kept you in mind if I have flute-related questions along the way?

      Okay, so we're not the only ones who name our trees!!! :) I'll keep you posted on the little one. God bless you!

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    2. Great wrap up! Thanks for sharing your current reading selections. Wishing you a happy May!

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    3. Thanks, Latonya,

      Happy May to you!

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  3. Stacie,
    If I can help you out with flute questions, I'd be happy to. :) I used to give lessons and tried to keep from getting rusty by playing in church. It's a fun instrument.

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  4. precious memories Stacie!!
    I especially love that you are teaching your children the 10 commandments from Exodus!
    I have a new blog now. I closed my others!
    And OMgoodness your hair is beautiful!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hey, Tonya! Thanks for your sweet words! I'm glad you're blogging again; I'll pay you a visit. Take care,
      Stacie

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