Curriculum Choices 2019-2020 8th Grade Year

Ummm... did I just type that? 8th grade?? How did that happen so fast? Didn't I just take this photo yesterday?

Sigh...time moves entirely too fast Mamas. Make sure that you are cherishing every moment you can. Even those that bring you to tears or make you question if that phase will ever end? It will and a new one creeps up on you.

The next thing you know, they are almost taller than you and are doing things all on their own.

Okay, enough with the emotional stuff... Let's get on to what our 8th grade school year will look like.

We actually took the summer off this year due to a lot of fun adventures. It is the first time he's ever had a summer break in our entire career of homeschooling. Hopefully it works in our favor for when it is time to start back in a couple weeks!

Here we go!

Math and Science
We will continue doing these two subjects on Florida Virtual School. I'm thankful we have this free program to compliment our homeschool curriculum and keep us on track. The teachers we have had so far are wonderful and work with Boo Bear to make sure he does his best. This option is a great one for us as we do not want to do all of our school work on the computer. It gives us the option to pick and choose the courses, up to 6 classes at a time, that he can take. We typically stick with these two subjects as we like other options, for now, for the rest.

Grammar and Spelling
We are trying a different route this year with our grammar. We will be doing the ACE Paces for English and Word Building. These smaller books help Boo Bear to actually see completion throughout the school year and it helps him to keep pushing along. I have been a writer and editor for 10 plus years but I do NOT like English... Go figure... We are excited to try this program out this year and will keep you posted on how it works for us.

American History

We are using the NotGrass US History program this year. We started it a few years ago and did part of it. We really enjoyed it so we're going to finish it up and do a review for it this year. It is a great program that encompasses maps, quizzes, fun projects to reiterate what we've learned and so much more! 

Music

Boo Bear takes guitar weekly and plays on the youth worship band. This will be one of our extracurriculars through the year as well. 

We will also be making our regular frequent trips to the library for reading materials and research. He will be writing in a journal daily as well. Our field trips look different now that he is older. They are fewer and far between but mainly because he isn't as interested in those as he used to be. That's another sad fact of them growing up. The things that you USED to love aren't as appealing anymore and it's a hard pill to swallow. 

Okay, enough of me gushing over memory lane. This is going to be an exciting year ahead and there will be many adventures, I'm sure! 

What does your homeschool year look like? 

Welcome Back to School! 5th grade Here We Come!

Wow!!! Did I really just say that? 5th grade? Can it be? Yep!! This kiddo is in 5th grade this year.

We started our new school year last week so this is kind of a late first week wrap-up. But hey, better late than not at all, right? So here's what our year looks like this year.

Science:
Apologia Physics and Chemistry - this one is really exciting for me. I've always loved Apologia but this new set is even more fun. It's two different topics that I've generally enjoyed in my past science experience. And who doesn't love lots of experiments? If you do then Apologia has them all for you too. This is a fun new book that we are super excited to dive in.

Math:
Singapore math -5A and 5B. This is kind of a change for us. We have been doing Math Mammoth for the past few years and enjoyed it. I was kind of looking for an actual textbook in our hand type of deal this year though. We are changing up some of the way we do things and so this just fits in with us better for now.

Reading:
We are reading all sorts of things so this will be something new every time.

Grammar/Spelling:
We are working on a couple of workbooks to get our spelling and grammar in this year.

Other classes:
We are of course keeping up with drama/theater this fall. We also have science classes going on starting back up next month at our local science center. These are two that Boo Bear looks forward to every semester.

We also have added in a co-op of sorts. My parents have since relocated nearer to us and so they have volunteered to do a science/math/reading co-op deal for us and a few of our homeschool friends. We had our first meeting this past week and the kiddos were well worn out and had a great time.

We've also already hit our first field trip this year to the local science museum. They always have a free day for homeschoolers and we love visiting. I also opted this year to get the yearly pass, not sure why I haven't before but this year is a totally new year. There will be lots of museums on our field trip list this year.

So we've had a successful, busy couple of weeks getting back into our school routine. Have you started yet or do you have a plan to start soon? What is your week looking like?

Happy New School Year!!

First Day ... Done.. :) We Made It!

Well yesterday was Boo Bear's first day at the school. First day that we were not together schooling and that Mommy had a ton of running around to do. :) For him, he was all excited until we pulled into car line. Then the nerves started showing up. He held it together and didn't cry although he looked as if he truly wanted to. He was so adorable and ready to start the day but nervous at the same time.

Mommy on the other hand was not ready for her emotions after dropping him off. I was all excited and upbeat for him and as soon as I left him I started boohooing! I really honestly was not expecting that. I have had little moments over the summer that I cried or got emotional but yesterday I wasn't expecting it. LOL I am so excited for him and we had nothing but great reports from him yesterday. He had a blast and I think he is going to love it. I just have to get mommy in order now ;)

Thanks for your continued prayers throughout this year. Lots of things are changing here in our home and it's an exciting new adventure!

A letter to my son...

Dear Boo Bear,

Wow! Time has flown by! Today is our last day before you start a new adventure in school. We have been richly blessed to have homeschooled the last two years and I feel God has great things in store for you. We are all embarking on this journey together and I wanted to say a few things to you first.

Be yourself! Don't ever feel you have to follow others. You are an awesome, amazing, smart, handsome funny guy and people will love you for who you are. Show your light and sweet smile whenever possible.

Listen to your teachers. You are very well behaved and we expect that to continue. God has blessed us with a child that is compassionate and caring. You keep those traits all your life and God will work through you. Your teachers are there to help you, guide you and protect you while you are away from us. You will learn to trust them and know they are there for you too!

Learn lots! I have a feeling you will do this anyway but remember to keep learning every day.

Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask a question if there's something you don't know. No question is a stupid question. Your teachers are there to assist you and help you find those answers.

Be nice to others. It might not always be easy but be nice to others around you. For those younger than you you are setting an example. Remember someone's watching you whether you know it or not.

Have fun! Remember to always have a great time when you are learning.

Work hard! Do your best at all times. That's all we ask of you. Do your best! Work hard to finish your work and be successful. You can do this kiddo!

Slow down...

It doesn't seem like that long ago you were here....

And now you are here....

Your daddy and I love you a lot and we wish you only the best. We know you can do anything you set your mind too! You are going to have such a great year and we can't wait to see what the next adventure has in store for you!!! 

Love you,

Daddy and Mommy