Broaddus Homeschool

New School

2009-11-09T00:53:00.000-06:00

Well, Will has been struggling to do any school work that I give him at home. For whatever reason, he just does not want to complete his work. I was getting stressed. Will was getting in trouble, and my other children were witnessing it all. Poor Austin was getting Mom's attention second-hand because I would be constantly telling (nagging) him to get his work done. I felt like I couldn't teach either of them efficiently or effectively, SO it was time for a change.

I've gone back and forth, back and forth; AND have constantly prayed about the "right" place for Will to learn. I still want him to be homeschooled, but he missed having other kids his age around, and he missed "competing" with them (i.e. who got their work done faster or who got a higher grade, etc.). My husband and I still didn't feel like public school was an option, either. A friend of ours suggested this small Montessori school that meets Monday - Friday in one of the local churches. I decided to go check it out one day, and was pleased with the school and it's TWO teachers. That's right. TWO teachers! The whole school only has about 20 students, and my son knew two of them right away. I took Will on a Friday to stay at the school all day to see how he liked it, and when I picked him up he was very excited. He had so many positive comments to say about the school. It was almost too good to be true. A place that was small enough where he could still get good one-on-one attention, enough kids there for him to socialize with, and the teachers were very willing to work with our existing schedule.

Well, about a week or so past before I called the head teacher back. The students there had been asking where Will was, and his would-be teacher had went out and bought him his own cubbie "just in case". The head teacher and I had a good conversation over-the-phone. She was able to answer all my questions, and we hashed out a schedule that would work for everyone. Great! She asked me when I wanted Will to start, and I told her as soon as he could. So, she said, "How about Monday?" (the next day) Works for me! So, Will will go to Sonrise Monday - Wednesday. Thursday's he still has his co-op classes, and two times a month he has his BLAST history and/or science classes.

Now, here's another cool part. My husband was a little concerned about the tuition. We were not sure how we would pay for the school. I told him we just have to pray, but that I felt this school was our answer to Will needing a place to learn. Well, that Monday, my husband, who is a financial advisor, had an investment deal that will end up paying for Will's tuition EVERY month! How God quickly dissolved any money concerns we might have had.

So, everything was working out just fine. Will has gone to Sonrise Learning for a week now. He LOVES it. He's doing his work like he's supposed to, he's making new friends, and Austin is getting some good one-on-one time with Mom and Dad. I am very thankful for this school for our friend who recommended it to us, and for all of our friends who have been praying for Will to find a place where he enjoys school. :)

We're set for week two, and I hope and pray that it's just has rewarding for Will as week one was. Things are looking up for the Broaddus' (at least in the homeschool dept.).

A Classroom View

2009-09-30T16:40:00.000-05:00

The weather couldn't have been any nicer this morning. It was cool, breezy, and dry. As I was driving my daughter to school (with the windows down), I was thinking that there was no way I could concentrate on teaching my boys anything sitting at our BORING kitchen table (Don't tell the kids I said that!). So, when I got back I told the boys we were going somewhere, but didn't tell them where. I packed up some school stuff, my camera, and a quilt; and away we went. Of course, the boys had tons of questions and whined because I still had school stuff, but as we got closer to the beach, they got a little more excited.

The beach was GORGEOUS! We stayed out there for about an hour. We had our Bible lesson and some good reading time out there. Will studied a bit for his History test, and I helped Austin with some phonics work. They boys splashed around in the water and climbed the sandy cliff that was there.

At the end of our beach time, I asked the boys to write something in the sand about today. Will wrote the word "Awesome" in the sand. I knew, then, that I had accomplished what I wanted to this morning--FUN! Austin added his bit, too, which I'll show you in the pictures below, quite funny, and so Austin. :)

I told the boys that I would love to take them to the beach more often to have schooltime out there, so they were excited about that. So, we'll see how hard they work in order to "earn" a beach day. :)

Hope you enjoy the pictures from today! (Some have really cool effects!)

Blessings,

Cindy

"Yes You Can!"

2009-09-29T18:08:00.000-05:00

I literally have tears in my eyes right now after reading this article: Yes You Can. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but I truly believe that God wants my family on the "homeschooling road" right now. But, like the article said, when we made this choice it seemed like we were bombarded with difficulties, bad days, bad tempers, HURRICANES (Yes, our first year!), and just a whole lot of negative stuff to try and make homeschooling out to be a bad thing--a bad choice for us. I have lost count of the number of "bad" days we have had in homeschooling. I have prayed constantly for a good day, just one good day, then another, then another. I kept thinking if my boys would just listen and do their work and stop fighting with me and each other, we would be successful. Well, it just seems like things have gotten worse, and NOW I'm thinking that I have failed as a teacher, as a parent, as a wife--ONE BIG FAT FAILURE! My prayers now to God are, "I just can't do it.", "I can't do this by myself.", "I need help, God.", "Please help me.". Pretty desperate, huh? Finding this article has put it ALL IN PERSPECTIVE.

The author of the article talked about Romans 7:15-25, and she said, "The gist of the passage is that “…the things that I don’t want to do, those are the things that I do and the things that I do want to do, I do not...” Does that not sound just like our home schooling struggle? I do not want to fuss at my kids or neglect my lesson plans or fall behind, but that is where I find myself over and over. I want to be patient and loving and encouraging and to find the methods that work for my child, but I just cannot seem to accomplish that. Paul was talking about our human nature struggling against our desire to please God; I see such a clear correlation to my desire to be a good home schooler." THAT IS SO ME RIGHT NOW! I keep telling my husband that I don't want to yell at the kids or get behind on schoolwork or argue with my 10 year old. I want to be patient, understanding, efficient, timely, but I feel like I can't do any of it right now. It's the two sides struggling against one another. My desire to do want is right and pleasing to God, and my humanly sinful side that has a short fuse and just wants to give up. God tells us that we can't do everything on our own. That's not how we're wired. We need God, just like my kids need me to be their mom.

There comes a point in your life that you get to that "breaking point" and realize that you can't do it all, and do it perfectly. As the author states, "When I admit that I cannot do it, it is at that moment that God can begin to work. 'When I am weak, then am I strong.'" In the Bible, Paul says, Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 –

“My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I am being brought to my knees to see that I am weak, and imperfect, but I AM NOT A FAILURE. You might fail at something, but you can ALWAYS try again. (Just like the 408 formulas that failed before Formula 409 worked.) God will be my strength where I am weak. God will give me patience where I lack it. God will fill me with His love so I have enough to share with others. God will prepare me for the day ahead, so I won't feel like I'm behind schedule. God can do it all. I just need to let him. *SIGH*

Please if anyone is reading this blog, and you have been struggling with homeschool, or anything for that matter, you might think about reading Mary James article. It helped me. It might help you.

Love to all,

Cindy

My daughter's first day at preschool.

My boys first day at their co-op classes.

These children are the reason that I will not give up or give

in to sinful ways of the world.

Great find!

2009-09-22T00:34:00.002-05:00

I am loving what I just found for my son, Austin. I was reading a post on another blog and there was a link to this great educational site. Starfall It is a wonderful site to help your child learn to read or improve their reading skills. There are activities to help your child learn all the sound blends with audio lessons included! There are books to listen to with animation in them. There are different sections depending on what reading level your child is on. The site was supposedly made to help 1st graders, but pre-kindergartners, kindergartners, and 2nd graders will enjoy this site, too. My son did not want to put the computer down this evening. He loved all the activities and was reading words that I didn't think he knew. I really think that this site will be a huge help to him. So, if you have a child who is beginning to learn to read or is right in the middle, you should check out this site. Oh, and did I mention that it was free!

Blessings,
Cindy (Happy Mommy)

New School Schedule

2009-09-13T19:49:00.004-05:00

Explorers Itinerary

Monday and Wednesday

8:45am - Emily to school
8:45 - 9:30am - Mom is walking
9:30 - 10:00am - Bible
10:00 - 10:30am - Reading
10:30 - 11:30am - CO-OP for Will
Reading/Writing for Austin
11:45am - Pickup Emily
12:00 - 1:00pm - Lunch
1:00 - 1:30pm - Extra CO-OP time

Friday

Follow Monday/Wednesday Schedule, unless it is a BLAST DAY.

Tuesday

9:00am - Emily to school
9:00 - 9:45am - Mom is walking
10:00 - 10:30am - Bible
10:30 - 11:00am - Reading
11:00 - 11:30am - Math
11:30 - 12:00pm - Math for Will
Reading/Writing for Austin
12:00 - 12:45pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Pickup Emily
1:30 - 2:00pm - Finish up work

Thursday

8:30 - 1:30pm - CO-OP DAY
9:00 - 1:00pm - Emily in school

So, in order to make school a more pleasurable experience for everyone, I have decided to change the school schedule. In my earlier blog posts, I wrote about a tough week we had not too long ago, and my kids were on the verge of going to public school. But, I am determined to make homeschool work for at least this year, if not more. I discussed my concerns with my husband, and we came up with a new schedule that I think will be more manageable for the kids. My oldest son has MUCH more work to do in his co-op classes this year, than last year, and he was having trouble getting it all done in a week's time; AND get his other school work, too. He, I think, was getting overwhelmed and stressed (at least, that's what I'm hoping).

So, my hope is that with this new schedule, the boys will be able to digest ALL that they learn, where ever they learn it. :)

Hopeful homeschool mom,
Cindy

End of Third Week

2009-09-05T09:27:00.002-05:00

Well, we have finished up our third week of homeschool. If you have read my previous posts, then you know that my oldest son was grounded for NOT doing his schoolwork (and other things), but I'm happy to say that he is UNGROUNDED. It's been a struggle this week for him, but Friday came along and he was determined to not be grounded for the weekend. We had a LONG heart-to-heart yesterday about having a Godly character, living with a purpose, and making wise decisions. I'm hoping just a little sunk in. It seemed to because his demeaner and attitude changed for the better after "the talk". He ended up doing 2 lessons in his math, checked out a new curriculum on the computer by doing a history lesson, read a couple of books to his brother, and was more helpful and happy overall. So, hopefully this is how we'll start next week, too. ;)

Austin has been doing well all week. He is continuing to finish his workbooks that I give him. Yesterday, he finished a Dr. Suess math workbook. Austin, also, worked on his handwriting; and finished his first lesson in his new letter/phonics book.

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Ready-Code-Nancy-Hall/dp/0838817807

We, also, watched the Disney's Planet Earth series this week, too. These are some great shows that showcase the Earth and everything in it. We watched the show about icebergs, Antartica, and Emperor penguins.

Disney really made a wonderful series with Planet Earth. We don't really have a science curriculum here at home. The boys have other classes that they do outside of home to fulfill the science requirements, but we were a little short on life and earth science. We saw the Planet Earth movie in the theater and loved it, so when the series started on Discovery, I started recording them for the boys. So, they learn about the land, animals, climate, life cycle, etc, when watching the shows; and after we can divee further into each one.
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/planet-earth.html
I am really glad that this year we ARE progressing in our learning. It is a continuous process, though, for homeschooling. The adjusting part, I mean. Next week, Emily starts school at her other preschool, so she will be in school 5 days a week. The boys and I will have 3 - 4 hours a day to work on their work, uninterrupted. ;) I still need to organize my thoughts and lesson plans for the week, so we can be most productive.
But, it IS the weekend now, so Happy Labor Weekend, everyone!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Roadblock!

2009-08-31T16:04:00.000-05:00

We have hit a roadblock! For whatever reason, this weekend Will (my oldest) did not want to do his homework. His dad and I gently reminded him early on that he would need to get his work done by Sunday evening. Well, Sunday evening came along and Will still hadn't completed his work. My husband had a meeting that evening, so I was here with all 3 kids trying to convince Will to do his work. At 7:00 p.m. I asked Will to get started on his homework. THREE HOURS Will DID NOT have his work complete! I was fuming! My husband was frustrated! We were doing SO good, why now to stop listening, stop obeying, stop DOING?! I don't know what was different from this weekend than the other weekends. AND, this morning did not get any better.

I had to take my daughter to her first day at preschool, which is supposed to be a happy day, but I was so exhausted from last night, and not mentally ready to start today, that this morning was just kind of a blur for me. I did manage to get one picture of my sweet little Emily before I took her to school. While I was with Emily, my husband was supposed to be the substitute teacher. From what he told me and from what I saw, my youngest son worked on his language workbook(which he ended up finishing COMPLETELY before lunch), read in his reader, and TOGETHER, they read the Lord's Prayer. My oldest continued to work on his spelling/vocabulary and language worksheets from the night before. BUT, the minute I got home, Will's attitude changed, and not in a good way. We struggled the ENTIRE morning trying to get Will to get his work done and to be good. Is that so much to ask?

It is now 4:15p.m, and Will is still working on his language sheets. As you can tell from this blog, I am in the living room typing while Will is in the kitchen "working". Ugh!!! I even played some Schoolhouse Rock videos for him about grammar and verbs to help him and to give him a little break. I just don't know. This is what A LOT of last year was about, AND I don't want to go backwards. I want to progress. I want the kids to progress.

I have given Will until 4:30p.m. to finish his worksheets, then I'm grading them. Final, no more chances. I don't like doing this to Will, but I feel like he's not getting it or he's not understanding the consequences of not doing your work.

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
Ecclesiates 11:6

I am at a lost right now.

Cindy (frustrated and confused homeschool mom)

Second Week Under Our Belts

2009-08-30T08:31:00.000-05:00

Our second week of school is now behind us. The boys had a busy week, but a good one. Monday -- Wednesday was spent doing schoolwork here at home with Will working on his math and language; and Austin whizzing through math and reading workbooks. On Thursday, the boys had their co-op classes. This year Will's classes involve a lot more work on his part, which I'm not sure he realized when he signed up for them. He has a history-based writing class that is challenging him right now, but that's good because he is not a kid who likes to write. I'm pretty sure Will has enjoyed his science classes. He's a science nut! Ha! Ha! Austin is enjoying his FIAR (Five in a Row) class. The students just finished reading a story about moonjellies in New England. He has made many pictures with moonjellies on them, and had a fun snack this past Thursday to close out the week. His next book is about a giraffe in Paris--should be fun!

On Friday, the boys went to their second BLAST class. This week's class was learning about the biome, the rainforest. The boys had fun! When I picked them up they had their faces painted, some kind of crown on, and they were carrying bamboo. They talked about swinging on vines, which was their favorite thing of the day. They said the BLAST home was decorated like a jungle. I am so thankful for these BLAST classes and the wonderful family that teaches, it has been a blessing and an enjoyment for the boys. This is Austin's first year that he could even go because he's old enough now. A lot of work and dedication is put into these classes every two weeks, and it shows. The boys have learned a lot--a lot more than I could teach them right now. So, as long as I can keep sending Will and Austin to BLAST, they will go. :)

On Monday, my "part-time" homeschool girl, Emily, starts preschool. She'll go to one school 3 days a week, and then, on September 8, she'll go to another school the other 2 days. I want her to get used to going to school 5 days a week, so that she can prepare herself for kindergarten. I had hoped that she would have been at one school, but there was not an opening left for her for 5-day, so we had to split it up. Her new school should be fun, though. She know a lot of the teachers and students already from church; and the school has a HUGH Noah's Ark slide in the school area that she's pumped about getting on. She has asked me ALL summer when is she going to her new school. She's excited! She's ready, too. We've done a lot of school here, and her brain is ready to learn more.

So, overall I would grade this week as a solid "A"! If we keep this up, we will have an AWESOME year!

Thanks, kids, for making this week fun and productive! Here's to next week!

Happy homeschooling to all!

Cindy

First Week of School

2009-08-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

Drumroll, please! The first week of school is now complete! I am proud to say that there were no major meltdowns, Mom/teacher still has hair, and (dare I say) the kids had fun! Whew! I was so hoping that our first week, for that matter, first day would be a good one. We had such a tough time last school year that I was stressing a lot about this year. But, my kids made me proud. (Aww!) With that said:

I pray for continued educational blessings throughout the year for my kids. I pray that my focus will be on God's plan for their education, not my plan.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Hallelujah!

A Little More Organized

2009-08-15T05:16:00.000-05:00

People who know me, know that I like to be organized with my lists, calendars, notepads, etc. My home might not always look organized, but in my mind it is, and some day my vision will come true (and pigs will fly, right). Though, several times last year during homeschool I felt so unorganized. I'm sure I wasn't, but some days there was mad chaos throughout the house because I couldn't find a book or a lesson plan that I had printed out the night before, or my teacher planner notebook, or the kids couldn't find their homework because there was not a designated spot to put it. We have a area in our kitchen opposite of where our dishes and other kitchen things are (like the kitchen sink :_) located, and I have used it as a craft area, but now we also have our homeschool stuff there. Well, most of the time this counter is littered with items NOT related to homeschool, which frustrates me even more (let's just add to the chaos, shall we). Right now, the counter is cleared of junk. Hallelujah! I'm one step closer to being organized. I'm getting a little off topic, aren't I? Okay, "back on the bus."

One way that I try and stay organized for school is to have a planner where I can write down lesson plans, assignments, grades, etc. I, also, like to have everything in one place, so I can just grab the planner and go. The planner I used last school year was great, but wasn't big enough; and I was using one planner for both boys. I even had a special 4-ink clicky pen to distinguish each child. (Jealous, aren't you?) I used black ink for my oldest, and green for my youngest, and if they were working on something together I used blue. I know, sad, huh? Well, with me being SO organized (chuckle), I kept losing my special clicky pen, which the whole world just stopped when that happened, so I thought this year I would do something different.

I had read somewhere to use a binder for each child, which I thought was a good idea. But, as I was thinking (uh,oh), I realized that I spend a lot of time on the computer (A LOT), so why not have my planner online. Brillant! So, I went to http://www.homeschooltracker.com/ and downloaded their Basic Edition homeschool planner. I am able to keep track of attendance, grades, assignments, reading logs, field trips, etc. It seems like I'm really going to be able to stay organized with this system. I have a calendar with the school schedule already laid-out, and I can quickly glance at any date or assignment and know what needs to happen for homeschool. So, I'm really excited about this, and hope that it's one less thing that I have to worry about keeping track of in my house. I just have to remember where the laptop is located. ;P

Oh, and did I mention that this planner was FREE! Great, huh?

Happy organizing!
Cindy

School Starts Soon!

2009-08-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

On Monday, I went to the student orientation for the boys' co-op. Summer is officially over. The boys will start school on Monday, the 17th of August. They will start their co-op that following Thursday, the 20th of August. I still have SO much to do before Monday! Am I procrastinating or what?! I just told my husband that I have to go to the homeschool store(s) this weekend. I can't delay anymore!

I'm hoping I can get everything done in time. I know the first day or two is just for talking about what we'll study, our education goals for the year, rules, organizing our desk spaces, etc., so I just need to get a handle on all that before we dig in further on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I pray the boys will have fun this year. Last year was such a huge adjustment! The boys still aren't too sure of things, but my goal is to offer more outings (i.e. field trips, nature walks, sports activities), so they are not "stuck" in the house ALL DAY with mom. My youngest son will, also, be able to go to BLAST classes that my oldest went to last year, which I think he will enjoy. I keep telling them, "We can do this!" When something clicks in their heads to show them that this homeschool thing is really fun, I say, "Hallelujah"! There are so many things that they can do that other kids in public/private school can't, and I want them to appreciate and enjoy it all.

So, if anyone should read this post, and would like to say a quick prayer for the Broaddus Homeschool, be my guest. The less bumps, twists, and turns(or u-turns) we can take, the better--just smooth sailing all the way through May 2010!

Cindy (aka nervous teacher)

I can check some things off my "To Buy" list

2009-08-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

I have been searching and watching many Ebay auctions lately for homeschool curriculum, and have recently won an auction. I've been wanting to buy the Teaching Textbooks Math 5 (http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/) curriculum for my oldest son when I found an auction for one that was ending tonight. I thought great, I'll be able to actually get in on one and bid (normally they end before I get a chance), so I placed my bid, and won! Yeah! So, as soon as it comes in the mail, Will can start his math for the year. I really hope he likes this program because I'm wanting him to have a goal of finishing the Math 6 by the end of school year. He's been on the website and likes what he sees there, and since it's on the computer, he'll enjoy it even more.

My other thing that I purchased was 2 memberships to websites that offer printables for parents and teachers. I used a lot of these sites last year to print worksheets, spelling lists, and handwriting sheets for the kids. I'm using http://schoolexpress.com/index.php and http://www.abcteach.com/. I, also, purchased a spelling program, too, for my oldest.

So, slowly, but surely I am shortening my "to buy" list.

One of Many Lists

2009-08-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am a list person. I am lost without my list. So, for homeschool, I have been making TONS of lists. I've got to write some of the school stuff down here, so I can refer back to it later. For some this might be boring, but for others you'll know exactly what is going on in my head. I'm starting to stress because school starts soon, and I don't have ANY curriculum yet. AAHH! Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I've got two lists going right now. I have one that I've listed the curriculum that I am getting, and another list for the curriculum that I might get.

Curriculum That I Will Buy

Teaching Textbooks Math 5-Just bought on Ebay!
Apologia Zoology 2 ( Fall Co-op)- a sweet friend had this book, so I was able to get it from her
Apologia Zoology 1 (Spring)
Abeka - "Learning About Our Community"- the teacher had an extra one that I could purchase. Nice!
U.S. History - Based Writing Lessons VI
All American History Student Reader Vol. I & Student Activity Book - bought at homeschool store (8/14/09)

Curriculum That I Might Buy

Between the Lions - View, Read, & Do Series
Reading Made Easy - bought Teach Your Child to Ready in 100 Easy Lessons
All About Spelling
Conquering Cursive
My Father's World
LEGO Robotics
Worldly Wise 3000 - Grade 5 and Grade K & 1
Around the World in 180 Days Exploring One Continent at a Time - bought Galloping the Globe
Easy Grammar
I am checking out Switched on Schoolhouse for Will. A friend is letting me borrow it to see if Will likes it. Cool!

Well, my maybe list is bigger. I obviously have some more decisions to make, and QUICK.

A New Year

2009-08-08T19:23:00.000-05:00

It's almost time for school to begin. This year will be our second year to homeschool. Last year my husband and I talked and talked, and prayed and prayed over whether God wanted us to homeschool the kids. I really felt in my heart that this is what God wanted us to do. My husband wasn't so sure, there was just a lot of things going on, and I felt that our lives were getting really crazy. I thought if I could homeschool the boys we could get a lot more done in a day, and not ever leave home. Well, I think I've complicated things more, but I do see a "light" at the end of the schooling tunnel. My kids are troopers. There is so much that they and I have had to adjust to and still stay sane in the process. I have no formal training to be a teacher, but I firmly believe that teaching is our main jobs as parents. God has placed these children in our lives and we are to take the reigns and become teachers of life for them.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 4:6-9

So, I am here for my kids to teach them how to read, how to write, how to add, subtract, and multiply, but most importantly I am here to teach my kids about God's love and plan for them. I am excited to see my kids learn and grow.

Happy Teaching!

Cindy (Homeschool teacher and mom)

So, I blity to God and my children to teach them all that God has planned for them to learn. The purpose of this blog is to record everything that we will do in homeschool this year, and hopefully yea