School Has Started

This past weekend Lonnie and I attended a homeschooling conference and it was great!  There was plenty of information and curriculum galore.  Our official school year started yesterday and we are doing school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  We have chosen to do a workbox system and each child has 10 boxes to complete each day.  It is taking about 3-4 hours, which is not bad at all.  I took some pictures today (just for you Michelle) and thought that I would share just exactly what we are doing.

First up, here is the main curriculum we are using.  As you can see it's a mix.  I've had the A to Z book for several years and there is some amazing stuff in there!  Each letter has a unit on math, science, social studies, fine motor, music and arts.  We are using Saxon Math, BOB books to read along with sight words and phonics.  For handwriting we are using Explode the Code, Handwriting without Tears, and journals.  

These are their credit cards that they get to earn money on to choose a reward with a certain game.  When we play it I will share it too.

These are prompts that go in their workboxes, which I will share soon.

Here is all of the work, aside from class work and reading, that Michelle did today.

Here is an example of a journal.  I loved this idea that a great friend shared with me and this has been the children's favorite so far.  They have to draw a story on top and then tell me about it.  For now I am having them trace the story.  Next they will copy what I have written and finally they will write it on their own.  This is such a perfect example of Mason's work.  You never know what you are going to get.  He was upset because I wouldn't let him turn the page of his journal and when I asked him what he drew a picture of this is what I got so he wrote it!
Here's Mason's journal from yesterday!  Much better work!
Here is Michelle's journal!

This is what I am using do display their artwork.  It is so simple...a 12x12 scrapbook paper with a clothespin.  

Here are the workboxes.  Each child has their own row.  The numbers start out on the left and when they have competed a workbox they move the letter to the right.  

Here is Mason working on his Handwriting without Tears workbook.

Another simple idea...alphabet mat and children have to match up magnetic letters. 

Gage usually plays with toys while we are doing school, but hey they are numbers at least!

Michelle could look a little bit happier.  She is very focused and is doing so well!

Here is Saige working hard to put her basket back the right way!

Alphabet mat in action with Mason.

Numbers mat in action with Gage (he even got it right!). 

Michelle working on cutting out her kitten for her patterns worksheet.

And the best part of today..... shaving cream!  They loved it and we are discussing our 5 senses this month for our theme.  After going on a "field trip" around the house and backyard touching different things we came back in the classroom and got busy. 











So far our school year is off to a great start.  I've already had to do some rearranging of some things in the classroom but no big deal.  I love watching them learn and there is no feeling like when they get it!  Thanks for looking!  

PS - We are still working on coming up with our official name!