Thursday, August 20, 2009

Homeschool Open House


There is a great community for homeschool moms online that's filled with encouragement, information and even laughs. You can find it right here...The Homeschool Lounge. Right now they are having an Open House and many moms are sharing a little about their homeschooling plans for the year 2009-2010. There are even prizes to win!! Personally, I have my eyes set on a few of them. I'll share that at the end.

First a little about us....for those of you just stopping by for the first time. I'm Tammy and I've been a homeschooling mom for over 15 years. I keep forgetting exactly how long...I just know when you get to this point you just say for over 15 years and that gets a little respect...sometimes! (ok, not really...) I'm married to Mike and he's been supporting our sometimes wacky experiments and group projects for....wait for it.......over 15 years!! (what a co-inky dink!!) Our first three children are boys and they have all since graduated. We are down to just one lovely student...Miss K. It is different homeschooling just one child...but I feel that I have had such a well rounded career. (First time homeschooling, homeschooling with toddlers, homeschooling multiple children multiple levels, homeschooling children with learning delays, homeschooling while pregnant, homeschooling with a baby, homeschooling high schoolers, now just homeschooling one child...wow, that is well rounded!) I can relate to just about everyone out there. Over the years we have changed our styles, our curriculum and our schedules. I try to find what works for each child and do my best to encourage the gifts God has placed in my children.





The boys are all ours and the youngest girl. Our oldest son is in the middle next to his beautiful wife. They are expecting our first grandbaby next month!!


So, what are we using this year. I have fallen in LOVE with
My Father's World curriculum and this will be our third year using it. I have never used a set curriculum this long before...but it works with K and we both enjoy it!! We are now studying Creation to the Greeks. We use Apologia for science and AGAIN I cannot not say enough good stuff about their books. It's also been three years for this series and each year has been an incredible learning experience for K AND me! This year we are tackling Zoology 2. For math we use Singapore and Calculadder. Other things that we are using this year are Explode the Code, Wordly Wise, several items from The Critical Thinking Company, Spelling Power, and The American Girl Body Book. Click on any of those links to read more about them.


Here's a glimpe into our school room. This was last year, but not much has changed...except for some new books and a little rearranging on the shelves...oh and my computer is now sitting where you see that basket on the table.


We've already had our first day of the 2009-2010 school year and you can read all about it and see some pictures here. Sometimes the best plans....nevermind....you know what happens with the best plans. Check it out and see for yourself!! Also, if you want to see other homeschool posts highlighting last year you can click here!
Oh and about those items that I am hoping to win.....

I'm hoping to win either:


#2 $50 gift certificate to Rainbow Resource


#11 Reach for the Stars Writing program


#12 Set of Circle C Adventure books


Yes, I'd be happy with any of those or even one of the other prizes.


Wish me luck!!

8 comments:

Smoochiefrog said...

We used Wordly Wise for the first time last year. Mir had problems with the comprehension questions at first, but quickly got the hang of it. This year she's excited about it.

Frizzy said...

I wish I had the ability to homeschool. I just don't have the patience for it.

Tamara Dawn said...

Very cute! I just love shipping my kids off too much to homeschool them! hehe

Hey you asked me about a zucchini recipe and here is one I LOVE :http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blueberry-Zucchini-Bread/Detail.aspx

I like to take turbinado sugar and sprinkle it on top of the bread halfway through baking. It is delicious! Let me know if you make it!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Tammy, thanks for leaving a post on my blog. Now it's my turn. --- I have some friends who use & love MFW too! I have never heard of some of those other materials you are using and can't wait to look into them. BTW...I love seeing grown up homeschooled kids. It's such an encouragement. --- And Good Luck in the contest!

Barely Domestic Mama said...

Ooh, I went ahead and bookmarked the site for future reference. We're still not sure what the plan will be for our little guy (who is just 2), but homeschooling is something we are definitely open to.

Good luck on the prizes! Hope you win something! :)

Anonymous said...

We love MFW too!

Jeanette said...

wow!! you have had a lot of experience!!! I may be back with questions sometime!! ;) Thanks so much for stopping my my blog. I am sure I'll be visiting yours often.

Angela said...

Your school room looks GREAT! I LOVE it, looking forward to hear how your CTG goes, I'm so excited about it this year, I love the Old Testament.

Angela

I will be posting pics of my schoolroom soon.