End of week 2

The 2nd week of homeschooling has ended!  The kids woke up this morning and asked, "What day is it?".  When I replied, "Saturday" both jumped up and said, "YES! NO SCHOOLWORK!".  

I must be doing something right.

I have been pushing them really hard with their school work and chores.  Mondays are the most difficult days for all as they really do have a lot to do.  I give them a spreadsheet with their assignments for the day and they have a list at myjobchart.com (which is the coolest website!  I highly recommend checking it out!).  Here's their daily work:

• Spanish 20 minutes via the DuoLingo app.
• My nephew Peter uses this app to keep up on his Spanish.  When the kids started it this week they were a bit overwhelmed and confused but by the end of the week they made DRASTIC improvement.
• Math for 30 minutes
• We're using Kahn Academy and I can't say enough good things about it.  The Academy starts at 3rd grade math and even though Perrin is a 2nd grader, she is able to watch the videos and do the practice problems that follow.  She's already on her times tables.  Sam is moving through division at great speed and my guess is will be doing simple algebra soon. He asked me Wednesday if he could do the computer programming videos and practice when he was done with his math and I said absolutely.  He watched and 3 hours later was programming.  Pretty cool.
• Writing
• They are doing a variety of things from Book Reports weekly to writing/typing letters.
• Reading
• I am having them read 60 minutes a day (which is for them the hardest thing to do) and then they have a reading comprehension work they're working through.
• Typing
• It's an essential skill, so they have to spend 10 minutes a day working on their typing. 
• Spelling
• Every week they get 20 words that they have to know how to spell, know the meanings and put into sentences.
• Grammar
• Simple worksheets.  Sometimes the best way to learn something is to practice it.
• Music
• With our schedule so erratic, the kids are doing music/piano via the Hoffman Academy on line.  It's a great introduction to the piano and the kids seem to be really enjoying it.  They have to do a lesson 2x/week and practice 5 minutes a day.
• Science
• Currently we're studying the solar system, which is pretty cool.  We're using a variety of worksheets & movies to introduce the concepts and with a field trip planned to Flagstaff to the conservatory to check out the stars and to the giant meteor crater near Flag.  Balin has really stepped up to the plate on the Science component and is really looking forward to teaching the kids scientific concepts. 
• P.E
• We're having the kids do a Crossfit style workout 3 times a week, more if we can get to it. They are working on rowing, pull-ups, pushups, squats etc.  It's great for them and it helps them get to sleep.  We've also been going down the street to the school field and playing soccer a couple of times a week, which has been a blast.  Of course next week we'll be sledding and skiing so they'll get much of their exercise done then.
• Bible Study
• I bought a inductive study guide for the kids and we're going through it twice a week.  It's a great tool and it's becoming a very special bonding time for all of us.  It usually happens after a workout.  We tell the kids go get ready for bed and then we have tea, a fire and go through a chapter together.  It's good for all of us.

Yup, the above list is why they say, "Woohoo! It's Saturday!"

The comment that I hear over and over from people about homeschooling is, "What about their social interaction with other kids?"  Good question.  Maybe for some parents it's a struggle, but social engagements are not an issue in the Strickler household.  We have had multiple play dates this week and as I write the kids are at friends' houses spending the night.  The question that should be asked more often is, "Do your kids get along when they're together all day, everyday."  That is a question that needs some serious answers. 

Perrin and Winslow hanging out while we played soccer down at Lincoln Elementary.

Sam and I went bowling in Phoenix on Tuesday while Perrin and my mom went shopping.  We met in Anthem and had lunch with Grandma.  The kids had gotten their homework done and were looking forward to some special time.

Perrin at the piano as she watches the lesson online.