Homeschool Updates

If you would like to follow us on our homeschooling journey go here:

http://tryingtohomeschool.blogspot.com

I had to start another blog to try to organize all the info I want to save!

Preschool Drop-out (Take Two)

   You may remember a little over a year ago we pulled Leah out of Challenger Pre-school. Well, we've done it again! This time it was all her decision. For the past few months Leah's preschool class size has grown a bit (from 5 to 8 students). They split the class between 2 teachers still giving a 4 to 1 ratio which is really unheard of in a preschool setting. But even with that, Leah has become increasingly "board" at school. She began  throwing MAJOR tantrums(not like her at all) surrounding school and throughout the day as well. She started saying things like "I hate school, I am never going back". Oh great. Now what!!!!!
   Well Dave and I had a talk with her last week and asked her why she "hated" school. She proceeded to tell us she wanted to go to a "new school" where she could learn something "new". And that she did not want to learn about the alphabet anymore because she "already knows all that". Her idea was that she wanted to go to "KINDERGARDEN". Well, I did not have the heart to tell her that in kindergarden she would likely be much more bored than she is in preschool where they are currently teaching her about irregular vowels. But I did tell her that the law will not allow her to attend K for another year and a half.
     So begins our homeschooling journey. At Leah's request, I agreed to teach her "Kindergarden" at home. I knew this was coming but in my mind thought I would have another year or so before really "getting into it" so to speak. I thought she could continue with her current school and the when K time came I would most likely need to homeschool. In preparation and research, we borrowed  the K-12  Kindergarden curriculum from a friend a few months ago and have been quickly breezing through it. It seems VERY repetitive which Leah dislikes. But she DEMANDS that we "play school" ever day and this has helped fill that need. But long term I don't think K-12 is a good fit for us.
     So after much research I decided to try Moving Beyond the Page. This is a literature based curriculum which seems perfect for Leah. I ordered the 5-7 age range and we should receive our supplies tomorrow! Fingers crossed! I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about having both kids home all day every day. Also anxious about being solely responsible for her education. I just keep reminding myself that she can always go back to school if it gets to be too much.  So next week we will start the Moving Beyond the Page. This teaches Science, History, and Language Arts and a bit of Math through literature. We will also finish out the last unit she has left in her Primary Phonics series books ( then I am not sure what if anything more for phonics???? )and keep up with the Jump Math book she is working through. Stay tuned!

Our animals speak Portuguese!

It's long. But she is just so cute!

Missing their furry friends

Leah and Kate got to spend two months playing with Heidi and Gabby! I am sure the dogs are happy to be home to some peace and quiet. The kids however are missing them. This video was taken near the begging of their stay. You can tell they are all still getting to know each other!

Winter Recital

Leah has been anxiously counting down the days to her duet recital. She was a bit more nervous this time due in part to a microphone set up she was supposed to announce her name and recital piece into. But all things considered, a brave performer! Mary and Joel made the trip up to attend which made Leah feel super special. And Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt sent the beautiful dress!

The past 2 months in photos

The birthday bike. Happy 4th Leah!

Leah finally enjoyed a party! She had such a great time this year at her birthday party, even played the piano for all her guests! Very out of character... I hope it lasts!

Leah LOVES to play the piano. ALL DAY! She must run up to it 20 times a day and play a few songs then go on with whatever else she was doing. 

We did not get many Christmas photos this year. We were too busy enjoying it! It really was such a fun and happy time! Nothing like having two young children at Christmas.

Leah and Dvae went swimming every Sunday this winter. Leah is getting more and more brave in the pool. They also go out to lunch after. A fun date for them each week!

Library books helped us survive a long winter with horrible air.

She is working on the climbing skills. A few more years and she will start training with Uncle Kurt!

This is a common view in the kitchen. They both enjoying drawing.