We are roughly two weeks into our January homeschool here at Hodgepodge. And it has been a long time since (um, November!) I have shared a Collage Friday update!
We had the most splendid Christmas and New Year celebrations with family. Our times stretched out for days. We were blessed with good health. And though I didn’t share specifics here on the blog, I did share photos of special times via Instagram.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gotten this notice from the library #homeschoolprobs #planning #newsemester
As far as the January homeschool goes, I always find myself dragging my feet a bit. It’s hard to get back on track. I’ve shared a bit about that in the past:
- Return of the Routine (free ebook full of tips)
- The Sidetracks of Homeschool
- Mid-Term Homeschool Assessment
- Clean Slate: Planning and Dreaming for the New Year
We sort of slow step it into a routine. Making sure we get the basics done, our teeth brushed 🙂
Loving the laughter of Apples to Apples #1000gifts #capturinglifelaughterlove #homeschool
And we keep some of the holiday fun going. Games, movies and such. But I’ve also gotten a bit nostalgic this week. Here’s why: Y’all, I only have the rest of this year and then my eldest will be a senior. A senior. Did you hear that? The emphasis was on senior. In just four and a half months. Not only that but I will also have a junior. That means that little message at the bottom of this post – the one with my picture next to it? It’s true. So very, very true. And folks, the time is short.
Moments from – back to homeschool after Christmas break. Second half of 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th and 11th grades. On to a few more things after lunch. Currently Visual Latin by Compass Classroom followed by ice cream and hot chocolate!
So our chats with my high schoolers these days are about SAT, ACT, driving, this college, that course. What are we lacking? And affirming that, yes, we have done well in that area. And though I am nostalgic about it all – I also pause and so very grateful. Grateful for these high school years with my children. Oh! Though they may have been an unknown and a challenge at times – I am so very, very thankful for homeschooling high school.
My middle girl is using up her middle school years as well. Next year will be 8th grade for her. And then high school. My third high schooler? Yes!
Not only that but my little ones are growing up too. I just never tire of this scene. Even with gray skies, the light is just right in this window. (Though I fear that not-so-littlest girl is about to outgrow her desk.) These youngest two are about finished with the basics for today. He is doing A Reason for Handwriting and she is reading Shel Silverstein’s Falling Up.
What we’ve accomplished:
- Back to Math – I feel like if we can get that routine going first then it is all downhill.
Homeschool happiness is the first round of reserved books from the library #TapestryofGrace
- Driver’s Education
- SAT Prep Course work
- Back to all extracurricular – piano, keyboarding lessons, the cast list for Aladdin in drama troupe (after a wonderful production of The Little Drummer Boy in December), regular church activities (choir, handbells, missions, youth group) – after our piano gals played at the mall in early December.
- Science experiments – a whole slew of them this afternoon with Hodgepodgedad.
- Field trip – to High Museum coming up! (Lots for local homeschoolers and other winter family fun)
- Georgia State Capitol field trip (photos here and here)
Homeschool Happiness is our new WallPops world map! Dry erase AND sticks to the wall. Wonderful gift from my aunt. And great for that map work for Apologia Exploring Creation with Land Animals. #geography
We watched:
- Visual Latin
- Constitutional Literacy
- Fantasia
- Leap Frog Learn to Read shows
- Cheaper by the Dozen
Our homeschool will be in session close to the toasty fire today! Currently 10 degrees near Atlanta (burr!)
Also with the January homeschool comes several comforts. Like moving math up close to the fire. Fuzzy socks and soft sweaters, blankets. It’s just so suitable for reading. And since we are indoors, it is of course, a perfect time for ART!
Calling all artists! (And that means YOU because you ARE an artist!) New, refreshing lemon chalk pastel art. With a preview of those awesome pan pastels! Even an option for how to draw a lemon with a purple painterly effect. Such fun!
Chalkboard chalk art – we have been enjoying chalkboard chalk art ourselves! In fact, we have found that it is not only a creative outlet but a wonderful tool for learning Bible verses. For keeping The Word within Sight!
We also secured chalkpastel.com so you can type in that OR southernhodgepodge.com and find all our art curriculum books!
In other news:
Because I have received so many questions, I created a How to Get Your Start in Essential Oils page which lists all my posts and information on how the oils have blessed us. We’ve been blessed with Young Living essential oils since last July. I have seen the interest in them grow immensely. I have talked to many friends, family members, blog friends, church members and I think that folks are simply sick and tired of being sick and tired! I have personally taught one Benefits of Essential Oils class and have another one coming up next week.
Did you miss it?
We published an American Landmarks ebook of art for all ages late last year. Perfect for American studies and field trip follow up. Or simply for the sheer love of beautiful spots in the United States.
In December I shared four 100+ posts:
Friends and bloggers who just might, one day, go to #CostaRica – we can dream, right? What a great time with Mary Prather, Jamie Worley and Amy Matkovich at Starbucks a couple Saturdays ago.
January Homeschool In Summary
We are back to basics and are keeping it simple. Adding in the extras and ramping up as we feel we are ready. Always with a little art and creativity in our days. And topped off, mixed in and covered in lots of prayer.
Also, because our days are so very busy and full – from elementary up to high school, I think (though I leave room to change my mind), that I will be sharing our Collage Friday homeschool wrap up posts every other Friday rather than weekly.
Many thanks to these kind hostesses (I’m linking up!):
How about you? Have you rested, reflected and started with a clean slate for 2015?
Thanks for sharing all those links, Tricia! I thought I’d caught up with your blog but I spotted a few I’ve missed on your list.
Tricia — you are so encouraging and helpful. I love your wisdom and insight into the high school years. It’s very hard for me to believe we are almost there — and I cannot imagine the emotions as you face having a senior. Good job, mama. 🙂
Mary- thank you! I now have the years behind us to say what I have always heard – you can homeschool high school. And they are truly, truly some of the most rewarding and wonderful ones of your homeschooling. That is not to say there aren’t challenges and bumps in the road. But I am so very grateful for it. You are almost there!
I am so glad you posted this. Your wrap-up posts are always so encouraging to me. I am going through the same thing, with two seniors next year.
Phyllis!! I feel like I have been standing beside you all along in this. It is hard to believe! Thank you for your sweet comment.
Your posts are always so fun. And seriously, I am so OVER winter, but your fireside photo does look cozy. 🙂
I hear you! Only seven weeks til daylight savings! Each day there is more and more sunlight. Squee!!!
I love your school area! And my goodness, how tall are those windows?!
Looks like you guys had a great week and a cozy time. And again, I’m so excited about doing some of your tutorials with chalk pastels. Hmmm, let’s see..today is Art day.
I think I just decided something! Lol.
Have a great weekend Tricia!
Thanks Lindsey! The angle I took that picture does make those windows look super tall. And HOORAY, hooray for art day!!! Can’t wait to see what you do. Have fun! 🙂
Thanks for the January encouragement…I needed that! Love the pic of too many library books on hold!
Lovely January post. My 2 oldest are now at universities and my 3rd will be a senior this fall. My youngest is 12. So I definitely know how short our time is with our children at home before they grow up and leave our nests. I am thankful for homeschooling because of the time it gives me with my children. Precious, valuable time! Enjoy your cozy fires. We are having a humid summer here in Peru so we are just grateful when a breeze blows through our apartment.