Having an age range to love and teach offers me big blessings, plenty of challenges plus the benefit of sleep coming easily at night. This week we packed in the projects. From high school biology lab to many hands on geography activities. The littlest ones stepped up to help. The eldest ones worked into the evening on math problems. We painted 13 colonies, made the earth in paper mache form, were intrigued by Vermeer and his delicate use of light in paintings. We stirred up cookies, stacked up borrowed books from the library. Stayed up late learning about elections. Read the latest Five in a Row selection.
It was a very satisfyingly full week of learning. We accomplished quite a bit. From getting frustrated with finding math answers to totally enjoying ourselves. So, how do you sleep well at night? All you need to do is…
Do hard things. Work and learn hard. Diligence. I’m so proud of my two eldest children. Sticking with it and working hard on many math lessons. Getting used to the language of Pilgrim’s Progress.
Get Dad involved. Biology science lab with Hodgepodgedad and the microscope end up being for the whole family.
Say yes often! Yes you can mop the floor. Yes you can wear a ‘thinking cap’ for school. Yes, pick out as many books as you like at the library and then pile up on the couch. Yes, enjoy Draw Write Now just for fun – tractors and sharks. Yes, build, build, build!
Focus on the pure delight of afternoon cookie making.
Notice nature. Rainy days – the kind you can stand on the front step – just to feel the drops. Plus nature study on the front door wreath.
Produce project after project after project. Projects that build the kind of days that Mama asks it’s already 3 in the afternoon? I’ll be sharing more about our geography projects soon!
Feed them all until the dishes are piled in the sink.
Get lots of help.
Read until we fall asleep.
Count the gifts of the day. “A leaf for you Mama!”
Many thanks to our Friday hostesses!
- Homeschool Mother’s Journal at iHomeschool Network
- Collage Friday hostess Mary at Home Grown Learners
- Jamerrill at Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling
- Weekly Wrap-Up hostess Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
- No Fear Homeschool High School at The Daisy Head
Does homeschooling an age range help you…zzzzzzzz?
Mary says
August 31, 2012 at 8:19 AMI love it. You know I agree.
Do hard things.
Say yes often.
I think you knocked it out of the park this week, friend!
Phyllis at All Things Beautiful says
August 31, 2012 at 8:47 AMOh, my, I LOVE this post!! What joy! Oh, may our first week is as full of goodness as this one.
Hodgepodgemom says
August 31, 2012 at 10:23 AMPhyllis – you are the one inspiring me with all your hands on projects! I always love reading about your weeks. Thank you. You are sweet!
Jamie {See Jamie blog} says
August 31, 2012 at 8:52 AMOf course I always love your wrap-ups but I also adore those little “sweetie” plates! And you have me craving homemade cookies, so we may have to do something about that soon!
Hodgepodgemom says
August 31, 2012 at 10:25 AMJamie – those sweetie plates are fun. Nana got them for us on sale after Valentine’s Day one year. They came from Pottery Barn Kids about, oh, 8 years ago? The others say Best Friends, I Love You and Hugs & Kisses. Fun to use every day!
Jessy at Our Side of the Mountain says
August 31, 2012 at 9:47 AMWhat a WONDERFUL week! Love it! I’m impressed with your kiddos who’re reading Pilgrim’s Progress. I have started that book many times and simply.can.not.get.through.it. ::ick::
Hodgepodgemom says
August 31, 2012 at 10:27 AMWell, I won’t say it’s been easy but it has definitely led to many discussions. We found a movie version on Netflix and thought we’d give it a try. Don’t know if it is any good. Also, there’s a unit study guide link on the Tapestry of Grace site we’re going to explore more…
Carrie says
August 31, 2012 at 10:29 AMI love this! You’re so inspirational. I’d love to spend the day at your house and get a feel for your routine (and fun). Where did you find your microscopes? I haven’t invested in one yet so I’d love your recommendation. Thanks for sharing your week!
Hodgepodgemom says
August 31, 2012 at 10:00 PMCarrie – we were blessed to get the package of Apologia Biology along with the microscope from a fellow homeschool family for a great deal! I do know that Barb-Harmony Art Mom reviewed a wonderful microscope from Sonlight over at The Curriculum Choice: https://www.thecurriculumchoice.com/2012/04/sonlight-ultra-microscope-investing-in-high-school-science/
Stephanie @ Harrington Harmonies says
August 31, 2012 at 1:22 PMThis inspires me for next week! It will be an interesting next week with Brian getting promoted (Yeah) and our first week back to it! I hope ours turns out as lovely as this;)
Dawn says
August 31, 2012 at 9:36 PMLOVE THIS! What a wonderful example you are giving your children.
Blessings, Dawn
Robin says
August 31, 2012 at 10:46 PMWhat an encouragement this was. I really enjoyed reading this. I need to catch your enthusiasm. And I love your photos!!
Melissa says
August 31, 2012 at 11:46 PMI have to say that I found your blog today and where I just wonder where I have been, I am enjoying the reading this evening.
The White Lily flower has me a little homesick but I will survive.
Hodgepodgemom says
September 1, 2012 at 10:47 PMLove me some White Lily! My mother would ship it to me when I lived out west. Thanks so much for your sweet comment Melissa.
Maureen says
September 2, 2012 at 1:43 PMThe Pilgrim’sProgress is on our reading list for this year too. Looks like you had a packed but fun week!
Daniele @ Domestic Serenity says
September 3, 2012 at 9:04 AMLOVE this Tricia – this is the kind of fullness we need in our lives, true? Saying yes. Doing hard things.
inspiring!
Hodgepodgemom says
September 3, 2012 at 10:12 AMMaureen and Daniele – Thank you so much, fellow friends of an age range!
Nana says
September 10, 2012 at 1:22 PMMy question is this: May I borrow the thinking cap?
Forever,
Nana