Back to School

"Do not fear for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will uphold,

Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

This is my favorite promise of God.  That He is with me, strengthening and helping and upholding.  And, do I need this now!  Four little ones with way too much energy.  Sea duty.  Loneliness.  Routine mundaneness (is that a word?).  Potty training (adding this one because it is stressing me out a little).  Burn-out. Attitudes.  And, the start of a new school year just around the corner. 

I have found it helpful to read other blogs of ordinary women to gather ideas from what they are using for homeschool.  So, if you find that helpful....keep reading.  If not, quickly exit out and I will post some sure-to-be-cute pictures largely-because-of-a-talented-photographer of our first day which you might enjoy.

The Bible, Jesus Storybook Bible, and The Child's Story Bible:  Not all at once, of course.  But, simple readings for .... you guessed it... Bible...gasp!  We sing hymns, too.

Sonlight:  I have come into contact with many women who are using this curriculum and really enjoy it.  We are just using the core curriculum which includes age-appropriate readers, history, and literature.  All the lessons are planned out.  Thank you, and yes!  This is the spine of our school year. 

Apologia:  Biblical worldview look at science.  I chose the Exploring Astronomy book for this year.

Spell to Write and Read:  SWR teaches the phonemes and rules of the English language along with spelling lists.  Also includes grammar exercises for beginning grammar.

Math U See:  Includes a short ten minute video lesson along with worksheets to reinforce what was taught from the video.

Reason for Handwriting:  Printing and cursive practice using Scripture for Emily.

Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading:  Systematic, simple reading lessons for learning to read for Elizabeth (age 5).

Handwriting without Tears:  Letters and simple words for beginning printing for Elizabeth.

And, for my two preschoolers....letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and read alouds...using simple, boy-friendly ideas....that might be another blog.