The Not-Back-to-School Edition: Welcome Year #9!

Who would've "thunk" it? 9 years! I remember Blue Spruce and I discussing homeschooling when our oldest, White Pine, was 4 and attending a wonderful Montessori pre-school, pondering what direction to take with our bright Sapling for Kindergarten. Our one year of "we'll see how it goes" has turned into "9 years and counting"! 

What's up for this year?

Graphic from  http://thelintonacademy.blogspot.com

White Pine, age 13, is starting high school. ((sigh)) High school! Well, REALLY he's supposed to be going into 8th grade, but all his coursework is 9th or higher so I must accept the fact that he is indeed a high schooler. Maybe. Time for detailed record-keeping and longer school hours!

White Pine's 9th Grade Plan

I. Honors English I with Composition (1 credit Grammar, 1.5 credit English and Composition, .5 credit SAT Preparation)

   A. English Grammar 101

   B. Excellence in Literature II: Literature and Composition

C. Create Better Writers

      D. 601 Words You Need Need to Know to Pass Your Exam (SAT)

   E. Vocab Videos (SAT)

  II. Saxon Algebra I (1 credit)

III. Biology with Laboratory (1.5 credits)

   A. Prentice Hall Biology

      1. Prentice Hall Biology Reading and Student Study Workbook

      2. Hippocampus Biology Videos (from Text)

   B. Biology Coloring Book

IV. World History, Geography and Cultures (1 credit)

   A. Around the World in 180 Days

V. Electives (1.5 credits)

         C. Physical Education (1 credit)

   D. Computer Proficiency (.5 credit)

Sugar Maple and Balsam Fir will be finding school QUITE a bit different this year. After 2 years of  "falling off the Charlotte Mason band wagon" and some frustrating, challenging behavior, we're jumping back on. And I'm adding in some work box ideas to boot! Gotta keep them on their toes trying to figure me out, right? LOL

Sugar Maple's 5th Grade Plan

I. Language Arts

   A. Spectrum Language Arts

   B. Spectrum Reading

   C. Spectrum Writing

D. Create Better Writers

   E.. Sequential Spelling

   F. Handwriting: Cursive

      G. Critical Thinking: Word Roots

II. Saxon Math 65

III. Apologia Elementary Science: Botany

IV. World History

   A. Story of the World Volume 1

   B. Story of the World Activity Book

   C. Story of the World Notebooking Pages or Timeline

V. Electives

   A. On-line Free Spanish

   B. Physical Education: Walking/Hiking, Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Softball

   C. Nature Studies

   D. Handicrafts

   E. Clarinet and Band

   F. Music Lapbook - Music Theory, Famous Musicians, Lapbook

G. Keyboarding

   

Daily Schedule

Monday - Walk, Language Arts, Writing, Spelling, DEAR (Drop Everything And Read), Math, Science, Reviews, Clarinet, Handicraft

Tuesday - Walk, Reading, Handwriting, Spelling, DEAR, Math, History, Spanish, Clarinet, Keyboarding

Wednesday - Walk, Language Arts, Writing, Spelling, DEAR, Math, Science, Reviews, Clarinet, Handicraft

Thursday - Walk, Reading, Handwriting, Spelling, DEAR, Math, History, Spanish, Clarinet, Keyboarding

Friday -  DEAR, Math, Nature Studies/Music, Clarinet OR Field Trip

Balsam Fir's 2nd Grade Plan

I. Language Arts

   A. Houghton Mifflin English

   B. Hooked on Phonics Levels 2-5

   C. Handwriting: Printing

   D. 2nd Grade Scholar

II. Horizons Math 2 Workbook 1 and 2

III. Apologia Elementary Science: Botany

IV. World History
A. Story of the World Volume 1

B. Story of the World Activity Book

   C. Story of the World Notebooking or Timeline

V. Electives

   A. On-line Free Spanish

   B. Physical Education: Walking/Hiking, Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball

   C. Nature Studies

   D. Handicrafts

   E. Music Lapbook - Music Theory, Famous Musicians, Lapbook

  

Daily Schedule

Monday - Walk, Calendar, English, HOP, DEAR, Math, Science, Reviews, Handicraft

Tuesday - Walk, Calendar, English, Handwriting, DEAR, Math, History, Spanish, Scouts

Wednesday - Walk, Calendar, English, HOP, DEAR, Math, Science, Reviews, Handicraft

Thursday - Walk, Calendar, English, Handwriting, DEAR, Math, History, Spanish, Scouts

Friday - Walk, Calendar, DEAR, Math, Nature Studies/Music OR Field Trip

So, how do we DO our homeschooling?

Well, White Pine will be doing the majority of his work independently, but with my or his Dad's guidance. Although some of his school work WILL have exams, we'll be focusing on discussing his work - the good and the needs improvement. He'll be recording his work - including time spent - using the School House Teachers' on-line high school planner. Our goals for White Pine are to "take over" his learning by managing his time, finishing his studies accurately and completely, and keeping thorough records.

Sugar Maple and Balsam Fir will be continuing on with their work binders - a workbox system twist - with shorter, more varied daily lessons similar to those of Charlotte Mason. And to keep them focused and productive, their new work binders have workbox grids and cards on the front. (Want more information on the workbox grids and cards? Click over to Homeschool Creations here!) These grid schedules will provide the Saplings with a VISUAL of what is to be accomplished during the day and a sense of accomplishment as they turn their cards over when lessons or activities are completed.

Don't Have a Laminator? No Worries! Clear CONTACT PAPER!
After Cutting on Workbox Grid Cards, I "Papered" Them and
Stored Them in a Recycled Plastic Container with Lid.

Sugar Maple's Work Binder - 3 Ring Binder with Front/Back Clear
Sleeves. Slid in Workbox Card Grid. Here's a Sample Daily
Schedule with Cards. Velcro Dots in Corner, Back and Front,
to Attach Cards to Binder

Turn Cards Over When Completed. 15 Minutes Card for Break

What does our schoolroom look like?

Well, this is a hard one for me! LOL I know for some of us it means a place where the kids do their studies with all our supplies and books; it's usually a room dedicated TO homeschooling or at the very least an area. For us, it can be anywhere! 

 I suppose I'll start with our diningroom/school room. ((wink)) This is where most of our "things" are and where we do the majority of our school, especially in the winter months.

But we could very well be doing our studies in THESE places too.

On Nature Trails in the Woods

At the Top of Our Mountain Looking at the White Mountains in NH

At the Local State Parks with Lakes and Beaches and Trails

In Our Own Backyard

Or in the Van

Well, that about covers the basics of Year #9! Here's hoping to a smooth, productive year filled with fun, new experiences, ah-ha moments, and happy attitudes! All the best for YOUR upcoming year too!