Time4Learning Review

I was excited to get my kids started on Time4Learning. My intentions were to use it as a supplement to our regular homeschooling activities. I try to cover as much as possible, but am never quite sure that I got it all. I also thought that it would be a nice way to review things that they had already learned and give them some time to work independently. I was not looking for something to replace our regular instruction activities. Time4Learning met all of these expectations. It was a great supplement. The kids really enjoyed the lessons and activities. A lot of things were review for them, but there was also a lot of new material that we hadn't covered. I was very happy with the mix. For the most part all 4 kids were able to work independently. There were a few places where I had to read for my kindergartner or reexplain things, but not a lot. My one disappointment is that it will not work on the android tablets that the kids got for Christmas. They don't support the plugins that Time4Learning uses. We only have one computer so it is difficult for us to use programs like Time4Learning because the computer is always being used for something else. We got the tablets so that we would be able to access more programs, like Time4Learning. The tablets have turned out to be a great investment for school, we can use them for a lot of things, but we can't use Time4Learning. We had to still use the computer and just take turns rotating. This worked okay, but I am not sure that I would like doing it that way on a regular basis. So, bottom line, Time4Learning is a good way to supplement your regular homeschooling activities. It gives the kids a break from mom and mom a break from the kids. It can be used independently, mostly. And you can relax and not worry about having to cover everything.

Time4Learning

I am very excited about a special opportunity that I have been given. I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Dolphin Tale

We saw Dolphin Tale this week. Such a good movie! Some of my favorite parts: when Hazel says, "I'm homeschooled, that's why I'm such a chatterbox" and when Sawyer says he doesn't really like school Hazel tells him he just hasn't found a subject that interests him. Also when Sawyers mom tells the summer school teacher that her son is having the best summer of his life learning things that the teacher could never teach in a classroom out of a textbook. Other than these fun little parts it was a great example of what kids can do when they get excited about what they are learning. We all had a great time.

Cardboard Play

Our oldest two kids had the wonderful opportunity to be in a play last week, The Princess and the Peas. They spent two hours a day for one week practicing parts and making props. All of the props were made out of cardboard. Everyday they came home with a new color of paint all over their arms and clothes. It was great for them to have so much hands on experience. Then on Saturday they had their performance. All of the kids did a great job. The best part is that they had so much fun learning something new. Now they want to get their friends together and put on their own play. Nothing like inspirational experiences. =)

When and Where Real Learning Takes Place

This week has been absolutely full of wonderful learning experiences. We started our week learning about Independence Day and the Revolution by reading American History Stories by Mara L Pratt, M.D. This is a great book for all ages. I read while the kids drew or played quietly on the floor. On Tuesday we visited a local Colonial Fest. It was so fun! They had a baker, candle maker, blacksmith, an area for kids to try out some colonial chores and costumes, and a whole bunch of other really cool stuff. Several nights this week we watched episodes in a documentary series on Netflix called The Revolution. The combination of book, video, and live experience really excited the kids about the colonial period. I have also pulled out our copy of the Magic Tree House book Revolutionary War on Wednesday along with its companion research guide. We celebrated the 4th of July with sparklers and driving up the mountain side to watch fireworks throughout the whole valley. Is learning supposed to be boring, because we have had a blast.

On another note, we have had a lot of fires burning throughout Utah over the last few weeks. This week we had a fire start on the mountain close to where we live. We have watched it closely, prayed for those near it and the firefighters trying to put it out and today we took the opportunity to prepare if an emergency like this ever affects up personally. We prepared emergency bags (we already had them, but they were quite outdated) with food, clothes, and hygiene and first aid kits. We talked about what kind of emergencies might affect our family and what to do if we ever have an emergency. We had a couple of pretty successful practice runs. If you are prepared you don't need to fear.

Our homeschool is really starting to take the shape of authentic learning. I am so excited!

Entrance Applications and Interviews

Update on how the entrance applications and interviews are going. First, the kids have loved this. They are really excited about having a name for our homeschool and being involved in creating a learning plan for themselves. They filled out their applications and it was fun to see what courses they would like our school to offer this year: history of China, science, art, and music. Hmmm, no one said math, that's weird. We also practiced for their interviews. In pairs they took turns talking about themselves for one minute, making eye contact and not fidgeting. If they weren't the speaker they had to "actively listen" to the other person. Funny that a few of them thought that their mom's and dad's ages were somehow relevant information to give during their one minute talking about themselves. We haven't done the official interviews yet, but they are getting ready and having fun preparing. Can't wait!  

Happier Homeschooling!

I have decided that I am going about this all wrong. This has been an outlet for me to vent my homeschooling frustrations safely, but I don't like that all of the posts have been so negative. So, I am going to try to take my homeschool frustrations and shed a new and happier light on them. Not sure how to do this exactly, but I am going to give it a try. My goal is to see the better side of things and help others to see homeschooling for how awesome it can be. And when someone that knows me says, "I know a family that homeschools," it will be followed by, "and they are amazing!" Get ready because it is going to be great!