Get Ready for the Back to Homeschool Blog Hop!

As other mamas prepare to send their children off to school on the big yellow school bus, homeschooling mamas are busy preparing for the new school year too. We just do it a little bit differently.  

Starting next week, blogging homeschool mamas and myself will be joining in on the Back to Homeschool Blog Hop.

Doesn't that sound exciting?

So be on the lookout for some great advice, curriculum suggestions, tricks of the trade, book lists, and everything else we have learned throughout the years. With over 50 bloggers joining in, I'm sure there will be so much information and I know you'll find something that will work for you.

All you have to do is come back next Monday! Easy and Simple. Throughout the week, we will be sharing various ideas. All you have to do is check out the links and see what all these great ladies have to offer!

See ya next week!!

Mark your calendars - 10 to 14 August - it's time for this years Homeschool Blog Hop. 

The Schoolhouse Review Crew will be joining forces with Homeschool Connections to bring you a week full of back to school encouragement. We have 56 homeschool Mom's sharing their combined wisdom and insights covering everything Homeschool related. That's 280 posts of encouragement and information just for you!

Meet Your Back to Homeschool Blog Hop Hosts

Marcy @ Ben and Me

Debra @ Footprints in the Butter 

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses 

Amy @ Homeschool Encouragement 

Missica @ The Open Window: An Autism Blog 

Misty @ Year Round Homeschooling 

Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life 

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity 

Clarissa @ Counting Our Blessings

Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool 

Monique @ Living Life and Learning

Rebecca @ Raventhreads 

Karen @ Tots and Me...Growing Up Together 

Rebekah @ There Will Be A $5 Charge For Whining 

April @ ElCloud Homeschool 

Brenda @ Counting Pinecones 

Tara @ This Sweet Life 

Tara @ Embark on the Journey 

Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy 

Annette @ In All You Do 

Lisa @ Farm Fresh Adventures 

Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker

Joanie @ Simple Living Mama 

Aurie @ Our Good Life 

Jennifer @ A Peace of Mind 

Jenn @ Treasuring Life's Blessings 

Kemi @ Homemaking Organized

Wendy @ Life at Rossmont 

Katie @ DailyLife 

Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory 

Kim @ Homestead Acres 

Melissa @ Mom's Plans 

Annette @ A Net In Time

Cristi @ Through the Calm and Through the Storm 

Meg @ Adventures with Jude 

Dawn @ Double O Farms 

DaLynn @ For the Display of His Splendor 

Monique @ Mountain of Grace Homeschooling 

Steph @ Indy Homeschool 

Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break 

Tawnee @ Adventures in homeschooling 

Lisa @ Tales of a Homeschool Family 

Jennifer @ Organized Home Organized School

Callie @ Mama's Coffee Shop

 Erin @ For Him and My Family 

Lori @ At Home: where life happens 

Margaret @ Creative Madness Mama 

Nicole @ Some Call It Natural 

Crystal @ Crystal Starr 

Bonnie @ Write Bonnie Rose 

Shawna @ Tenacity Divine 

Carol @ Home Sweet Life 

Kelli @ Adventure Homeschool 

Jacquelin @ A Stable Beginning 

Leah Courtney @ As We Walk Along the Road

From our Archives:

1. 5 Days of Real Life Homeschool
2. 2014 Back to HomeSchool Blog Hop
3. Review Crew 5 Days of . . . Blog Hop!
4. 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials Blog Hop!
5. Summer Blog Hop ~ 90 bloggers!
6. 5 Days of Preparing for the Holidays Blog Hop!
7. 2012 5 Days of Blogging — Back to Homeschool Blog Hop!
8. 5 Days of . . . {65 bloggers, 325 blog posts}
9. 5 Days of Teaching Creatively: Delight-Directed Teaching

                                            

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TOS Book Review for The Conversation

Today, I get to share with you a review for a very informative book. The Conversation by Leigh Bortins from Classical Conversations is an excellent resource for homeschooling parents following the Classical education approach. 

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."                                                          ~ Theodore Roosevelt 

The Conversation is the follow up book to The Core and The Question. This book completes the trivium trilogy.

The Core~ The Grammar Stage~ Elementary
The Question~ The Logic Stage~ Middle School

The Core~ The Rhetoric Stage~ High School  

Have you ever wondered why so many parents stop homeschooling when their kids reach the high school years? I know for me I see it every year. I can count on one hand the amount of families that continue to homeschool during the high school years.  "Why do so many parents committed to homeschooling their younger children switch their older children into institutions? What shakes their confidence in them selves or in the success of homeschooling?"

The Conversation helps parents who are heading into the high school years. Its focus is for families that follow a classical approach. Mrs. Bortins' goal is to help families find their way through these difficult and challenging years. The high school years can be hard to navigate but they can be filled with a lot of fun too!

"Education is never finished."

The Conversation is split into three sections. They are.... High School at Home The Rhetoric Arts The Appendix The first section, High School at Home, focuses on why so many parents begin to doubt their abilities to homeschool the high school years. Fear, cultural conformity, and lack of confidence are just a few of the reasons she brings to light. As parents, we feel we don't know enough, we didn't do well during our own high schools year, or we just don't feel we have the abilities to teach the upper grades with the proper resources. We start to believe all those negative comments about homeschooling that we have heard over the years. Our poor children will not have all the advantages they need or will miss out on so many opportunists. We forget that all we need for a classical education is pencils, paper, good books, and time for great conversations! In the book, Mrs. Bortins introduces us to Aristotle' s five canons of rhetoric.  Invention Arrangement Elocution Memory Delivery

The second section, The Rhetoric Arts, is the main section of the book. It is the longest section. You will spend a lot of time reading this section and taking it all in. It's filled with so much. Here, she goes through each subject students will learn during high school. She takes each subject and shows parents how to apply the five canons to each subject. She give solid examples and ideas on how to follow a classical education in the high school years. She brings up the importance of studying Latin, debate, and speech. 
The third section, The Appendix, gives a variety of resources for parents. Conversation games, rhetoric devices to use with your student, additional resources, and a section on interviews with real parents. 

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this book. As Michael heads in to the 7th grade, I realize that high school isn't that far off. It's looming right around the corner. I sit here wondering how we got here and where all those years went. Too quickly I tell you. Like many parents, fear had started to creep in. Very few families I know continue on in the high school years. We have watched families slowly put their kids into school as they reach the upper grades. It definitely knocks down your confidence. I loved how, Mrs. Bortins gives parents solid advice and fantastic ideas. She gives parents the knowledge, resources, and confidence to jump in to the high school years. I will going back to this book through out the next few years.

Check more reviews from other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew!

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TOS Review for Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers

 

Do you struggle with teaching science? If you're like me science always seems to get lost in the shuffle of the day. I'm to worried about getting all the basics done first. We skip a day, fall behind, and then spend a day rushing to catch up. I was extremely excited when we were selected to try out Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers from Funtastic Unit Studies.

Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers is an fun activity filled book for parents, teachers, and students. For this review, we received the actual book from Funtastic Unit Studies. The books was written by Susan Kilbride, a fellow homeschooling mom. It retails for $16.95. It can be purchased on Amazon.

The book was written for homeschoolers in mind, but could easily be used by teachers. It would be great for a homeschool co-op to use for a science class. The book is not a full curriculum but rather a guide unit study filled with various science experiments and projects.

The science unit study book is geared for children between the ages of 4-13. In order to cover such a wide range in ages, the book is broken into two sections. The first half of the book is for children between the ages of 4-7. The second half of the book is for children between the ages of 8-13. Both sections cover a variety of topics. The first ten chapters include the following topics.

The last ten chapters are geared towards the older student and cover the following topics.

As you can see there is a little bit for everyone. It is recommended to do the book in order of the chapters presented since some of the lessons build on knowledge learned in previous chapters. Of course, we didn't do it that way. We used a few of the unit studies about what we all ready learned this year. It worked just fine for us. I don't see it being a problem if you want to skip around a little. We used it as a supplement to the science program we already used this year. The material and the activities reinforced what the kids had already learned this year. A great way to review and see what they remembered from their lessons!

At the beginning of each chapter, there is a materials listed provided. 

Most of the lesson require items commonly found in the house. We did have to pick up a few items, but nothing that broke the bank. The lessons are for parents/teachers to do with their students. Each chapter introduces the topic being covered and then follows up with some fun activities for the students to do. Hands-on learning!!! Y'all know how we love hands on learning here.

Well, we focused on the second half of the book since I have kiddos in the 8-13 year old age range. So far, we did two chapters from the book....Chemistry Fun! and Force & Motion. I chose these two chapters because they went with what the kids had learned this past year in school, chemistry and physics. I liked how the chapters offered suggestions for further reading, dvds for more learning fun, worksheets, and of course the fun science experiments. An extra bonus for the older students, their chapters end with a test! 

O.K. maybe the kids won't think this is a good thing, but parents and teachers might. 

The experiments were a lot of fun. The directions we extremely easy to understand. My kids were able to read the directions and do most of the experiments on their own with very little help from me. I liked how they could read about the experiments, set it up, and then execute it. I have found that Michael retains so much more when he can do it himself!

Next year, we are studying the biology. I am looking forward to doing the chapter on plants. I've looked at the chapters for younger kids and am tweaking them a bit for my older kids. 

Overall, we have enjoyed the unit studies. I think many homeschooling families could use just this as a science book and learn a lot throughout the year. Kids have plenty of time (middle/high school) to dig deeper into a subject. Teaching kids through hands on learning will provide them with so much more knowledge. If parents can make science fun kids will want to learn more about a particular area when they get older. Michael loves anything science so I tend not worry about him. Therese has already displayed a lack of interest in science, but when we do fun experiments, like those found in the Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers, I see her show interest and a little bit of excitement over science. Maybe this book will be what helps here like science more!

F.Y.I~ I did take photos of the science experiemnts we did, but the memory card with those photos seems to have disappeared. Once I find it, I 'll add them so you can see all the fun we had!

Not sure the books is right for you? You can give it a try for FREE!
Funtastic Units Studies is offering TWO freebies!

Plants for ages 4-7

Atoms 

If you want to learn more about the book just click on the link below.

                                   

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Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 3, 2015

I know it's been awhile since I did a Happy Homemaker post, so I thought I would get back into them. I hope y'all had a great weekend. We had a busy one with gardens, Mass, and Therese singing in the children's choir. The girls did an amazing job. They spent 3 days learning traditional hymns (a few in Latin) and sounded beautiful. I love hearing traditional hymns in Mass.

Outside~

It's beautiful outside. The sun is shining brightly and there are big, white fluffy clouds filling the sky. A perfect day for hanging out laundry. Today is the last hot day for awhile. Starting tomorrow the temps will drop down to the mid to low 80's.

What I am reading~

Orchard House by Tara Austin Weaver

A charming story about how an over grown garden brings a family closer together.

On our TV~

I don't really watch any specific TV shows. Therese has started watching Growing Up Bates since they took 19 Kids and Counting off. Michael watches anything to do with nature.  

What's for dinner~

Tonight leftovers...pot roast with veggies

Menu for the week~

Still need to work on this

Monday~ Leftovers

Tuesday~ Baked Ziti

Wednesday~

Thursday~

Friday~

Saturday~

On my to do list~

Laundry

Finish organizing the school room....school starts next Monday

Ironing..yuck!

Sewing~

Therese's new curtains for her room. We switched her room to a more grown-up theme, No more butterflies and flowers. My baby girl is growing up.

Trying out a quilted Halloween table runner pattern

Favorite Photo~

Mama Kitty sitting in her window basket as we get back to school.

Inspirational Quote Inspired by Mass~

Linking up with Happy Homemaker Monday

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Our Week in Review/Weekly Wrap-Up~ July 31st

Wow....another month gone! Where did July go? As I sit here and write I can't believe today is the last day of July. august will be here tomorrow and school is right around the corner.

This week has been non stop. Sunday we headed to the pool and relaxed in some cool, refreshing water. What better way to beat the heat than splashing around in the pool.

Monday we stayed home and worked on some math. Yup, we have started some school work already. A way to ease into the demands of the new upcoming year. The kids have actually done it without complaining. It's funny how when you start homeschooling year round they don't complain about starting back when other kids are not. They know they will get off other days, like the first nice week after a rough winter. We get to enjoy the beautiful days at the park while those other kids are sitting at desks day dreaming about playing outside. An everyone likes to have a day off on their birthday!

I sent in our NOI and proof of progress to the county. Both items are due this month. Test results are due on August 1st while our notice of intent is due August 15th. I prefer to send them in at the same time. Less work for me and them.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Therese had choir camp again. She has really enjoyed it. The director, Mr. C, is wonderful for the kids. He sings at the Basilica in Washington D.C.

I love that he always picks traditional Catholic hymns to sing. No new hymns here! She tried out for a solo and was given the task of of an understudy. So if one of the girls gets sick, she will sing the Psalms at the Mass. Not to bad for a young lady who has not been part of a choir for very long. She is thinking about joining the churches children's choir next year.

Wednesday was camp day for Micheal. This week he learned about eagles and hawks. Two of his favorite birds. The center is currently rehabilitating a few hawks and one eagle so they were able to see the birds up close.

Next week, they will learn about skunks and raccoon. 

We also visited the vets again this week. We have two kitties down with the cat flu. Hopefully the third kitty doesn't get it.

Now for a relaxing weekend! Hope you have a great weekend.

                                       
Linking up with My Week in Review,  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, Show Off Friday,  Learn and Link, Friendship Friday, Family Fun Friday, Christian Fellowship Fridays

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TOS Review for With Lee In Virginia

Today, I get to share with you a fantastic audio book on CD called With Lee in Virginia from Heirloom Audio Productions. With Lee in Virginia was adapted from the book, With Lee in Virginia, by G.E. Henty. With Lee in Virginia is the third production from the company. This is our second story from Heirloom Audio Productions. A few months ago, we reviewed In Freedom's Cause about William Wallace.

I was very excited to receive this opportunity to review and share this story with my kids (and you). This year in history, we will be learning about the Civil War. I thought this would be a great way to get the kids interested in their upcoming lessons. Kind of like a little teaser to wet their appetites!

For this review, we received the 2 disk Cd set in a durable case. We were given access to the down loadable study guide for the story. This summer has been busy with summer camps, so we listened to the Cd's while traveling back and forth from camp. We were able to listen to the entire story in 2 days.....about 2 hours in the car. It was a great way to help pass the time while traveling in the car.

With Lee in Virginia is a story about the Civil War. In the story you will meet Vincent Wingfield. You will follow the life and journey of this 15 year old young man. Vincent is eager for adventure and determined to fight for his home so he joins the Army of Northern Virginia. While fighting, he meets and serves under some very famous Civil War generals.....Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson,  Jeb Stuart, and Robert E. Lee. I'm sure you have heard a few of those names before.
During the battles, Vincent sees what war is really like. He sees the devastation and death. The devastation of the war touches him personally. Vincent learns the importance of virtue and valor, determination and courage and how to be true to one's character.

The story is written well and allows listeners to see what the Civil War was really like. It brings up all the reasons for the war. It gives listeners an insight into why the South fought so hard during the war. It wasn't just to keep slaves. Many southerns were against slavery. Many never even owned slaves. We hear the sadness and witness the turmoil men faced as they fought against their friends, family, and fellow Americans. It truly was a war of brothers against brothers. While traveling about and fighting, Vincent reads his father's Bible and sees the strong faith of his leaders, like General Robert E. Lee.
Vincent grows into a fine young man. By watching the men around him, he see the importance of living up to one's own duty. We all have a role in this world and we need to live up to the plan God has for us.

The story is wonderfully told with some very famous actors lending their talents to the tale. Kirk Cameron, Sean Austin, Brian Blessed, and Jim Weiss are just a few of the voices you will recognize. The sound affects make the story realistic and places you there during the battles.

Our Thoughts.....

We enjoyed the story very much. It was easy to follow and held the kids attention. They eagerly waited to see what would happen next. As soon as we got in the car, they were pushing the play button. Both my kids liked listening to this story. They both found it was easier to follow than In Freedom's Cause. If you are learning about the Civil War, we would recommend adding this to your lesson plans. An added bonus it the study guide that goes along with the story. It provides discussion questions, thought provoking ideas, and vocabulary to help the kids learn some new words. I printed it out to follow along and I know we will definitely use it again when we get to the Civil War later on in our school year. I'm sure we will listen to the Cd again too!


Want to learn more about Heirloom Audio Productions or more about With Lee in Virgina?
Check out the other reviews of the story from the Schoolhouse Review Crew!

Facebook~ With Lee in Virginia

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Our Curriculum for 2015-2016

It's hard to believe another school year is about to begin. I have had a lot of fun planning and getting ready for this year. I always enjoy planning for the new year. I often feel I plan too much!

This year, the kids will be doing work in 4th-7th grade. It all depends on the subject.
For "regular" school, they would be in 5th and 6th grade. I can't believe they are that old already. It feels like we just started learning our ABC's and 123's. Where has the time gone?

To make things easier this year, I am giving Lego Man and Princess P real names.....not their real names though.

Princess P will now be called Therese after her favorite saint.  Lego Man will now be called Micheal after Saint Micheal of course.

So what are the kids up to this year? Let me fill you in.


Religion~ 
Monday-Friday
Faith and Life 6
Gospel of Mark
Gospel of Luke
Baltimore Catechism
Classically Catholic Memory

Language Arts~
Monday-Thursday
Micheal~ Lepanto Press Voyages in English 6
                Diagramming Sentences
                Editor in Chief Book 1
Therese~ Lepanto Press Voyages in English 5

Spelling
Monday-Friday
Micheal~ Spectrum Spelling 6
Therese~ All About Spelling Level 4

Latin
Monday-Thursday
Memoria Press Latiana Christiana 1
Classically Catholic Memory

Math
Monday-Friday
Micheal~ Saxon 65 & Saxon 76
Therese~ Horizons Math 4

History~
Monday & Wednesday
Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year
Pioneers and Patriots

Science~
Tuesday & Thursday
Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year

Geography~
Monday-Thursday
Classically Catholic Memory
Mapwork

Tree Study~
Friday
Memoria Press Book of Trees
Nature Journal
Various Resources

Bird Study~
Friday
Memoria Press What's that Bird?
Nature Journal
All About Birds Website

U.S. State Study~
Friday
Library Books and Various Resources

Poetry~
Monday-Thursday
Harp and the Laurel Wreath

Art~
Friday
Style and Artist Study for 9 Weeks Each
George Seurat
John James Audubon
Georgia O'Keeffe
Grandma Moses

Music~
Friday
We will be studying music from the Civil War time period and the pioneering days.


                                            

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