We inched our way back in to a new round of learning this past week. It was with heavy hearts that we began, and many of us (mostly me) had trouble focusing on what we were really supposed to be doing. Frankly, I just wanted to snuggle on the couch with my sweeties and read books and remember why we do this thing called home education, and life...
A few happenings to share :: Seen ~
This incredible wasp nest in the tree just at the end of our front entry walk (yes, both the dog and Matthias have been stung on separate occasions) The nest has now been removed.
Bumblebees up close and under the microscope (not this beautiful live one but a few we've found that had perished on the driveway).
Reorganization of some school room shelves and spaces by Violet (thank you sweet girl :)
Sean-Paul's table and our Language area ~
Newly updated craft shelves next to ~
The Science table and Liturgical Shelves/Area got an overhaul too I just didn't get any pictures (lazy, I know ;-)
Reading Around the House ~
Audio Books ~ James Herriot's Treasury, Velveteen Rabbit and The Empty Pot (Little Boys), From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenwiler (Matthias), The Witch of Blackbird Pond (Violet), Howard's End (Me).
Read Aloud - Swallows and Amazons, Children's Kindergarten Hour (a gem found at the library from 1920), a few Magic Tree House books to Seamus. Many picture books to Sean-Paul; Curious George Flies a Kite, Big Bigger Biggest, Across the Stream, Arnosky's Ark, I'm Terrific, Bunny Cakes...
Independent Reading ~
Violet ~ Under the Lilacs (Alcott), Lily's Crossing (Patricia Reilly-Giff), Skylark (Patricia MacLachlan), Born to Trot (Marguerite Henry), Nancy Drew Notebooks, The Family Manager Takes Charge (reading with me, see below), Martha Stewart's Good Things for Organizing, Marthat Stewart's Wedding Cakes
Matthias ~ The Book of Three (Prydian Chronicles) by Lloyd Alexander, Danny the Champion of the World (Road Dhal), Popular Mechnics "The Boy Camper" and Why Does a Curveball Curve, Dan Gutmann's Ray & Me, Jackie & Me-(Matthias reading aloud to Seamus) ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia 5th Edition
Seamus ~ This Family of Ours (Seton)
Me ~ cafe life: PARIS, Chasing Matisse, A Homemade Life, Revolutionary Road, Saintly Solutions, Literary Guide to Provence, The Lady in the Palazzo, The Family Manager Takes Charge
Heard ~
Some amazing Cello and Piano playing by Seamus and Matthias. Seamus is making incredible leaps and bounds in his pieces (we adore his Russian teacher, she's amazing). He's working on the Sonata in E Minor by Vivaldi, Beethoven's Country Dance and Sonata in C by Breval just to name a few.
Matthias is playing Two-Part Invention by Bach, some pieces for the Harpsicord and Organ accompaniment to prepare for Bachtober Fest coming up in September :) and some Aaron Copeland for fun! His teacher is an incredible guy who plays many different instruments as well; harpsicord, organ, accordian and of course the piano. We have been so blessed with finding these amazing musicians to further the boys passions!
Well, that about wraps the whole shootin' match for the first week, we ended up with a yucky tummy bug that has debilitated some of us, hoping we're done with it and it won't drag in to next week...
Many blessings and thanks for visiting our little corner of the world :)
'Fairest of months! ripe Summer's Queen
The hey-day of the year
With robes that gleam with sunny sheen,
Sweet August doth appear.' ~ R. Cambe Miller
And it will sadly and all too quickly disappear, enjoy these last few fleeting weeks of summer dear friends!
I love your learning room. Have a blessed school year!
Posted by: Ruth | Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I love your school room too. We are starting our second week. I am always amazed at the willingness to start back after a lazy summer. We really do love our arrangement and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Pretty soon they'll be off on their own. I am thankful and blessed for the time I have with them now.
We love reading on the couch! :)
Posted by: Jenny L. | Monday, August 24, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Have a wonderful school year! It will be a great one since you've got a spectacular teacher and delightful students on board!!!
Blessings to all!
Posted by: Betty | Monday, August 24, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Your school room looks so inviting! I'd want to learn in there =) Blessings, as you ease back into school ... It's nice that you are able to take your time with it—a definite perk to homeschooling!
Hope you're all feeling better, too.
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 06:22 AM