Homeschooling through the Holidays

Like everyone else - December is crazy. Not only am I trying to teach in a classroom, I'm trying to homeschool and be a mom. Instead of going crazy - I let the homeschooling become the normal stuff we do. 

This year we made trees out of ice cream cones

Cookie baking is Math

and we always make cupcakes for Jesus' Birthday - Megan took it to Christmas Eve Mass!

Don't let the busy guilt overwhelm you. Just keep doing what you always do. The kids ARE learning. They ARE building traditions. 

Lighting the Fire

Megan wanted to learn how to light the fire in the fireplace, so daddy taught her. I wasn't so sure because I tent to run on fear, But I let Daddy teach her anyway. This definitely would not be something you would learn in school, lol. 

Botanic Gardens

Nature is a Huge part of our Homeschool. Any excuse to get outside and explore God's creation is a good excuse to leave the books behind! 

Today we went to UCR for a class on succulents. Each of the bugs got to pot their own and bring it home! They got a tour of the Gardens as well. It was a wonderful morning with Auntie E, Grasshopper and Little Man. 

Visit Local Festivals - events

When you homeschool be sure to make time for local events. Every year in Riverside we visit the Festival of the Trees.

One of the reasons is because my good friend, whom the kids call Aunt T decorates one of the trees.

This year we found a Lego Tree which was Douglas' favorite! 

This is a great way to get out of the house, and get inspired to get in the holiday spirit. We get to do a few crafts, visit with Santa and then I take the bugs to lunch! 

Harry Potter Birthday Party

Megan turning 10 is Huge... Today's Party was an EVENT to say the LEAST. My homeschool philosophy has always been "It takes a village". This party was no exception. 

My scrapbook friend MO'D worked tirelessly on the decorations, pulling from her personal stash to make this all come together. Auntie EN sewed robes for all the child-guests, Daddy and I. and so much more... The "Big" birthdays are special and I want to thank you all for being her to celebrate with our Harry Potter Girl! 

As you entered the yard you did so through Platform 9 3/4 ....

   Then you were sorted by the SORTING HAT

  some decorations

 Honeydukes candy bar...

Megan and Uncle painted this sign together

Daddy and the Birthday Girl

Even Papa got sorted (He's a Gryffendor)

Auntie E with her Robe shop

Painting owl ceramics - our good friend JB has her own ceramics business similar to the popular "color me mine, etc" . 

 Watch out for that wizard! 

Pet Halloween Costumes

Even the Cats have costumes this year

Minnie - you little Devil...

 Jack is A Pirate - His full name is Captain Jack after all! 

 Princess is not a happy Angel....

Lauren is a Rock Star

 Megan - Harry Potter

 Douglas - Hawkeye

Fun at the Fair

The LA County Fair is a big part of our Homeschool learning adventure. They have a program called Read to Ride. The kids spend all summer reading books and writing summaries (book reports) and they turn them in at the fair in exchange for ride tickets. It's an amazing program! 

  Of course we eat lots of new foods too! 

 Here the Bugs are learning from a Blacksmith. 

 One of our Favorite stops is the Cows - we always get FRESH MILK! 

Change of Grade Day

Every Year we have a Tradition of beginning the school year with a Field Trip. We take it on Labor Day because Daddy is home as well. This year we went fishing. We chose a place the kids were guaranteed to catch something! 

Here are the kids buying bait

 Daddy shows them how to bait the hooks

 Fishing champs..notice I choose to remain the photographer...

 We find a great spot for a Family Picture! 

 Douglas is in 4th grade, Megan in 5th grade and Lauren is in 6th Grade

Although I don't necessarily believe in pigeon holing kids into grade levels, people ALWAYS ask, so it is just easier.  The kids enjoy being like others as well so I really find this a harmless way to identify progress from year to year. 

Camp Crabtree

Each Summer the Big activity is to produce a play. Because we only have 1 car I can't exactly put the kids in a theater group. So I created my own. Thankfully we have a big family and plenty of friends who look forward to CAMP CRABTREE each summer! 

This year's production is the Wizard of OZ. I search online for a script with the appropriate number of characters based on how many kids are participating and we go from there. I adapt the lines if needed, mostly adding humor. The older kids help make props, sets, programs, etc. I have Help with costumes from the "dress up bin" or whatever the kids have in their closet. We never really spend a lot of money. The whole thing start to finish is a week, The parents drop the kids off Monday - Friday and the production is Friday Evening. 

 Megan was the narrator this year

 Douglas was the scarecrow

 Lauren was one of the Flying Monkeys

 Here is the whole cast together... Cousin YaYa even brought her dog to star a Toto! 

 We turned part of the sidewalk into the Yellow Brick Road

Socks that Lauren had in her drawer from the 99cent store got stuffed and red glitter shoes - you know who this represents! 

Summer School

Because I work I try to squeeze as much schooling into the summer as possible. Somehow it never looks like school they way people think it should. 

Beach days....

                                                                 A week at VBS

A giant Slumber party when friends visit from Louisiana. 

But my bugs ARE learning, and growing, and developing. I would not change a thing. This is why I homeschool. 

Donate Hair

Both of my Girl Bugs are blessed with the most beautiful hair. Megan's was long enough to donate. The spirit of giving is important to foster. They can grow their hair back, there are kids out there that an not grow hair at all. (Besides, these hair cuts are stinkin' adorable!)

Do onto others....How do you promote giving in your school?