We are finally getting back into a routine since the upheaval of Christmas vacation. So far this week, homeschool has consisted of:
- shopping for a new full-sized violin for Meg. She grew out of her 3/4th size and has been playing on my old, cheap violin while we saved up for a new one. Monday she and I went to the music shop and tried out several. We took one home on trial, to let her teacher approve of...and she didn't like it! I guess Meg and I flunked "tone" class...!
- Getting the kids used to working harder on our studies. I've let them all slip into a routine of easy/lite work. Things are a changing here now.
- Meg and Josie resumed classes at Biola Star.
- I started test-prep with Amie and Demi-Sky. I've used Spectrum test prep workbooks before and for some reason I turned up my nose at the Buckle Down workbooks. I can't remember what I didn't like about them now...except maybe that it has no answer key (I think you have to go online or something for it) but- we started using them and I kind of like them. I am really liking the conversational tone and all the test taking hints/strategies they are pointing out/teaching.
- We are doing "Farmer Boy" as a read aloud
- Demi is still busy with lacrosse. They actually didn't take much time off during the holidays.
- Josie is neck-deep in graphic-arts work right now. She wants to- kind of suddenly- apply to the local performing arts charter school. She has to submit a small portfolio for round one of consideration. It is really rather wonderful to have her so immersed in something she is passionate about. It is kind of wonderful to have her totally "own" it all herself, nothing for me to do but encourage her and offer supplies.
- It's also a little terrifying for me. I worry about how she will feel if she doesn't get in. I worry about her getting in and not being here homeschooling. I really, really worry I will screw something up and not get the right paperwork in or miss a deadline. I'm on the verge of little mini-panic-attacks a few times a day over this...on the verge, not real ones. Yet. Sometimes being Bridgit Jones is a hard burden... kidding. not.
- We started reading Don Quixote before the holidays. It is a wonderful illustrated version recommended by Susan Wise Bauer in Story of the World- which is one of the resources we are using in MFW this year. Funny, I studied this book in A.P. English in High School but we didn't actually read it. I am finding it hilarious! Meg and Josie read parts of it at Biola Star in their text book, but they got caught up in it when I was reading it out loud the other day.
- Today, (Wednesday) I took the show on the road and we did Math and read-aloud time at a local bagel shop for lunch. I forgot how much fun, and how re-energizing doing homeschool out and about is...I will for sure have to set aside more time for outings that include study time.
- Art class and piano classes, and violin class have all resumed.
- homeschool winter days are full days. How about you, are you getting back to a routine?