Day 2

So far, so good.  We managed to get math, grammar, and spelling done before family came over to play and do crafts.  Later we'll go to the library since we are already overdue on a thing or two.

That's an interesting side note.  Homeschool families LOVE the library.  Even though my kids sometimes argue that they don't want to go, somehow we always end up leaving with a stack of books.  I have, at times, had 60 books out at one time.  We do have a special shelf specifically for library books, because otherwise it would be absolute pandemonium.  We (meaning my husband) manage the books on the computer so we can check what is due when.  Some people still use those long slips of paper, but I just can't get into it.  I wish they'd save a tree and not print it at all, in fact. 

My husband seems to think that we should get everything in on time every time.  A worthy goal, I and yet I can't help feeling like at least I'm giving a little extra to the library that we use so much when we pay overdue fines.  Here in the Hudson Valley, you can pay your fine anywhere in the system, but the money goes to the library where you pay it, not where it is due.  Something I try to keep in mind so I can support the library of my choice.  We go to about 5 different libraries, and two are real favorites.

Anyway, Day 2 has been mostly survived and even enjoyed to a great extent.  I may even read some history to the gang of two.  That's a real treat, and I don't mean for them.

Survived Day 1

We're at the end of day 1.  Wasn't sure I'd make it, but here we are!  We managed to do a whole math lesson, and it only took the entire day.  Interspersed between the numbers we threw in some history (Gombrich's A Little History of the World: well worth it, aimed at kids) some writing and some spelling (thanks to Spelling Connection online: free and also vaguely game-like). 

I think the best thing we did was start the day with getting our notebooks ready for the year.  Every year we use the same binders, but replace the front cover page with a print out with their name and grade which they then decorate however they want.  It adds a bit of 'special', and gets them into the spirit at least for a little while.  Of course, some people take advantage and decorate for half the day, but it isn't like they can escape me, so all the work will get done eventually.

I had told the kids that we would have an easy day.  Oops.  We took an extended break at 3pm (after starting at 9:30am), then finished after dinner.  How can we keep this pace up?  I'm not sure.  I'm thinking we'll just go with it for now, and when we slow down, I won't have to worry about it too much.

Another New Beginning

Every year since I've started homeschooling, it's the same.  The end of August approaches, and I'm feeling like we can learn anything!  New books!  New pencils!  Classes, classes, classes!  I really love homeschooling at the beginning of the year.  Somewhere along the line, however, the enthusiasm dies down. 

This time, it will be different.  Have I said that before?  It sounds familiar.  Well, I might say that every year, but this year I plan to post about our homeschooling experiences.  Fourth grade with twins, here we go.  Trials, tribulations, fun and information are all in store as I gear up for the New Beginning, startiiiiiiing...NOW!