The Spiers' Delightful Journey: August 2020

I planned on starting to homeschool early in the summer to try to establish some kind of rhythm with my kids. I only planned a morning basket time, math, and language arts. I am so glad that I had this time to kind of learn what would and would not work with my kids. We trialed out an online math with both of the older kids and although I was hopeful, I wasn't surprised when it didn't work out for Nolan. Thankfully, the trial was free and I was able to order another math curriculum. I also realized that as much as I wanted to implement a morning basket time, it just isn't what works for my family right now. The two littles wake up early, Nolan is just really not ready to jump into learning time, and Alivia sleeps in {something we plan to work on}. My goal is to try it again after Christmas break. We tried about 3 different rhythms before we landed on one that mostly works. I also didn't start pre-k/preschool work with Ellie and Graysen until month 2 because I was just wanting to focus on getting the older kids used to the idea of homeschooling. I am thankful that I didn't place my expectations too high or I would have been a bit disappointing with a few areas. What we are struggling with is exactly what I thought we would face, and I am just trying to be creative and find ways to work through and around those struggles. Both kids asked to do the other things I had planned for the school year and so even though I planned to start the other subjects at the 6 weeks mark, we started them our 2nd month instead. We have had a mix of really beautiful moments and some challenging moments (which will probably be what our year looks like), but overall a very nice start to this new journey of ours!

First day of school pancakes! P-Preschool Ellie, K- Pre-K Graysen, 3-Nolan, 5- Alivia

We found these really beautiful definitions of character qualities at https://www.rachaelcarman.com/character-qualities/ and we are trying to memorize them together as a family. She also includes adorable and free coloring pages.

Ellie really enjoys coloring and is starting to color in the line really well.

A cute 5th grader helping put the groceries away and get snack ready.

Nolan enjoying one of his logic games.

I bought this shirt for him for Kindergarten and it was HUGE + he said he would never wear it. Well 3 years later, it fits and he is wearing it during one of our homeschool days.

Outside art!

Our cat Chase enjoying outside art time too.

The kids are really enjoying the extra time to create.

Nolan taking some time to draw on his own with his new sketch book and lap desk.

Recess in the rain!

One of our curriculum follows Laura Ingalls Wilder's books so we thought for the first month we would get to know her more before we jumped into the books she wrote. My kids really, really adored this book and it created such a wonderful foundation for our Playful Pioneers curriculum.