Hello, Perspective.

It's fall for sure because I've had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. Instant comfort …

I'm finally getting around to this homeschool post. I usually have this one out before now, but it seems everything is different around here this time around! 

Ah, Perspective, you old friend! And the only way to have you in my life is to get older and usually involves me learning the hard way. Back when Will was in "grade 3" (whatever that means), I really started feeling the pressure and need to "up my game" (whatever that means). Six years later and having just brought him through junior high studies, grade 3 with Zanna is looking like a vacation to me now! So I guess what I'm saying is that going into this year of studies, I'm excited about enjoying this time with more of a big picture outlook than I was able to do back in 2008. 

I always prepare for my year by going back to the Word of God, rereading my favourite books on education and going back through my notes of previous years to remind me why we're home educating and what our goals of education are. I even need to be reminded of what education means. 

From there I go through what curriculum and resources I already have and consider what I want to change out or add/take out. My friend, Perspective, has helped me out quite a bit in this area. 

And now for the game plan of this year ….

Bible - Growing in Christ Sunday School Curriculum and My First Catechism (with activity book) both published by Concordia Publishing. I love, love, love this stuff! I did Growing in Christ with Will and it is extremely well done. I am a fan. It incorporates the liturgy of the church, stories are read directly from the Bible (and not dumbed done), art work is beautiful, hymn study is included on CD and their resources of posters, games and books are priceless! I also enjoy being able to listen to Issues, etc.com podcasts of the lessons previous to teaching it. 

Math - Saxon 3 and www.xtramath.org  The website is a new resource and I have her working independently on this in the mornings before we start. It builds quick math fact recall.  It's a fabulous program! And fun:) 

Language Arts - Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Handwriting Without Tears, Institute for Excellence in Writing, All About Spelling, Dance Mat Typing. Overload much? In my defence, this is not everyday. This is over the school year. And the Dance Mat Typing? Who wouldn't want to learn how to type by a singing goat with a British accent? 

History - Story of the World, Volume 3 & 4, with activity book
I had planned on following Sonlight Core B & C but she read the majority of the novels on her own - stinker! And she was already participating in Will's Core G World History so I just went with the flow.  

Science - Science in the Beginning by Jay Wile. Which I am really excited about because it takes a lot for me to get excited about Science. This is taught from the perspective of the days of creation. So for instance, day 1 we are learning about aspects of light. Easy, peasy experiments are included that don't require beakers or gasses. Sign me up. 

2nd Language - Saturday Chinese School. We have dabbled in various methods and languages over the years that include learning Mandarin and French. This year she'll be participating in a school room environment for Mandarin and Chinese culture. Some of her classmates will include some of the girls that were in our China adoption group! 

Music - violin lessons, church choir, etc. She's started with a new teacher of violin this year. She also tags along with us to choir. We have a pretty laid back and very sweet choir director that has welcomed our kids and allowed their participating. She sits next to me with the Altos but she does her own thing. I'd like to think it's still a good experience and a positive exposure. 

Art - Home Art Studio This is new for us and I'm hoping she'll enjoy it. I'm thinking this might be a fun day off thing to do. I'm artfully inept but she may have a chance. Her godmother is a talented artist that people actually pay so maybe … and Zanna's already shown signs of being able to sew so she's a step ahead of me there. 

Extracurricular activities will include year round swim lessons (we take summers off) and ballet.  She's also joined the Lutheran Girl Pioneers at our sister church downtown. I have fond memories (and a wicked charm bracelet to show) of participating as a preteen and earned my baby-sitting, photography, cooking and sewing (haha) charm back in the day. Many days ago. 

We've also joined a homeschool co-op. This is new for me and this is my 10th year of homeschooling. Did I just write that correctly? 10 years. I need a minute. 

So the basic idea is that for 3 weeks at a time, a predetermined  theme is studied and moms take turns leading, teaching, preparing and general corralling kids. For instance, this first theme is Medieval Times. I led the snack and we made non-alcoholic mead and smothered bread (French toast). 
 I think it will be fun for both of us! 

And yes, it's weird with just her and a whole lot quieter. We are missing Will like crazy and I jump when I hear the sound of a text arriving on my phone to see if it's him. We've been blessed with lots of distractions to keep us from being too down in the dumps - Zanna has a frenzy of neighbour friends in and out of our door after school hours, we have finishing touches to do to complete the basement and we're still trying to get the van's air conditioning working. (And now it's cold outside.) We just finished rewatching the final episode of Alias, the best show ever next to Wonder Woman. I honestly don't know if Syndey Bristow or Lynda Carter would win in a dual. Hmmm… And I'm still trying to figure out how to cook for the three of us when I'm used to cooking for 6 (because Will eats a lot).  And just so you know, David's Tea has rereleased their Pumpkin Chai tea and I got a little excited and ordered a lot when I realized I could have it delivered to my door. I blame Perspective - I ran out too soon last year. 

This year's going to fly by. Perspective tells me so.