Tuesday, September 1, 2009

4 weeks and still going

Well, we are now in our 4th week of learning at home. Tyler really wanted to be a part of a concert band so he is attending Band twice a week at the middle school. He loves it! He, basically, has the best of both worlds. He still gets to go to school, see some of his friends (that he has gone to school with for 5 years) then come home do his school work and be done for the day (with out having to worry with homework). Kyle does not attend any part of the public classes, however he will be a part of a home school Math Olympiad group (the math stuff that he can figure out and do in his head is absolutely amazing). We are also going to join a science class with the homeschool group from our church. The math and science groups don't start for another 2 weeks.

There are always advantages and draw backs to everything. With learning at home, I have to say that the boys do go a little crazy at times being in the house all day. That part is an adjustment. ...with out getting in the car and spending money. We tried to go for a bike ride the other day but it is still way too hot here in AZ. I am learning to be more creative with keeping the boys busy. It has been good for me to use my brain a little too. :)

The other day the hubby wiped all the dust off our old Monopoly game and the boys LOVED it. It actually made for a good lesson in economics. As we were playing we were teaching the boys about the value of money, buying, selling, investing, and even how to negotiate. I have to say, it was cool watching them learn and enjoy it. I feel like a kid again playing games with them.

I just learned of Geocaching. I can't wait until it cools down and we can go Geocaching around town. I have never done it before but it sounds like a lot of fun. Anyone ever done it before? I have a few other ideas to tryout to keep us busy and learning outside of the written work we do at home. If anyone has any fun inexpensive ideas I would love to hear about them.

Well, I guess that is all for now. Until next time....

5 comments:

Lisa (the girls' moma) said...

Ames -- Look up Letterboxing, too. It's similar to Geocaching except you don't have to use GPS. There's a whole Letterboxing culture out there!

Monopoly -- what a great idea!

Jen said...

Ok, help me out what is Geocaching? I am clueless! Ha!!

Amy, I am glad it's going well, I think about you ALL the time! I am so glad Tyler is loving band!! Makes my heart happy! I know Kyle will LOVE being in the Math group! He really is amazing with numbers! It really seems like homeschooling has been great for the entire family!! I'd love to play Monopoly! I actually remember playing it in my economics class in high school!

Love you and miss you all!!

Jen

Leslie said...

Stopping by from SITS! Hang in there homeschool mom...I homeschooled my kids through high school (when it was illegal!). It was the BEST thing I could have done for my children!

Sarah Brown said...

I am in AZ as well and totally ready for it to cool off--this has been a LONG summer! I have stumble upon some really great homeschooling blog so I know there are LIOS of great ideas floating around out there. Best of luck to you and I look forward to reading about your great ideas.

Brandi said...

Hi Amy,

Thanks for your comment--No I haven't joined a home school group yet. I did look into the QC one but just haven't joined. I was completely carless for about 6 months, so I wouldn't have been able to do anything anyway.

As for ProActiv, I just get it directly from their website. I like using the membership discount and it automatically ships how ever often you want it to be shipped. I think I get it every 12 weeks.