Wow....it's over. The summer flew by, even though we technically ended our school year right before Memorial Day, it feels like we were just here. Honestly, I think we are all ready. At least one of my sons will admit that he agrees. It is an oven outside--even outdoor things like swimming, riding bikes and general goofing off, have been foiled by Mother Nature's madness. And no matter how many times we go to the park, the library, the movies, the nature center or how many times we pull out the arts/crafts books, make paper airplanes, tie dye stuff, play Uno......it kind of gets old after awhile. The novelty of summer break is over and the anticipation of fresh pencils and new knowledge awaits!
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Andrew Pudewa--I've seen his face this summer almost as much as my husband's. LOL.
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That being said, someone has got to plan it, prepare it, make it exciting, coordinate projects and activities that coincide with learning. And you guessed it, that someone is "Mom". So, we are easing into a 4 day week. The boys have a tubing trip planned for Friday with their Royal Ranger group from church. Something to look forward to already on the first week of school! Not a bad start....Skipping vocabulary and spelling this week, reviewing the Fall of Rome before we face the Middle Ages head-on....starting IEW (the Institute of Excellence in Writing--super-stoked about this one), also starting to use DailyGrams, Explode the Code for some much needed phonics review, and what I think is going to be a pretty neat daily devotional--"Gotta Have God--Daily Devotions for Guys 10-12". So, not to overwhelm their pretty little heads the first week, we are just getting used to the groove again with a light load. Watch out--Week 2 will be a beast (bwah ha ha!)
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| Cinnamon Crunch Bagel--a First Day of School Tradition! |
Got a few surprises up my sleeve for tomorrow, though! I still want the first day to be a big deal. Okay, so we don't go buy a whole new wardrobe (or new uniforms). We don't really need a ton of new supplies--and from the Penny Sales and coupon freebies from Staples last year, we still have pencils and composition books coming out of our ears.... But, I think we'll start off the year with a yummy Panera breakfast at least!
Also, our classroom looks completely different thanks to a few new IKEA acquisitions, some rearranging, labeling, and general sprucing up. And my Denver will be starting middle school this year. I have already been on my knees thanking God for the catastrophes that will be averted this year thanks to His blessing of homeschooling on our lives. I wanted to just die nearly every week of my middle school life. Misery is not what I want for my kids. Not sheltered coddling by any means, but not unneccessary misery.
I'm looking forward to another amazing school year with my favorite guys. Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful, wonderful journey this year!!
And just curious, what to you do to make the first day special for your homeschooler?
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2 comments:
What a great post. We love IEW here. We were introduced to it last year and it worked great for my Gracie. She's doing their spelling program this year too.
Those Cinnamon Crunch bagels are my absolute favorite.
Hello, dropping by from the hop:) I hope school is going well for you~those cinnamon bagels sure sound yummy! We won't start school till after Labor Day, but I am so looking forward to getting back into routine here.
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