A Short Note

There's a lot going on right now so I have a lot of things to blog about. But because there's a lot going on, I don't have any time to blog. Recent events involve new students, water leak, a storm and a vacation. More when there's time. . .

More Kindergarten Highlights

Yesterday morning I walked into my classroom and wondered how in the world I would make through the morning. I could barely croak out a whisper. If we were further into the school year, I would have called for a substitute. (A sub for the sub. Pretty sorry!) During the first week of kindergarten, it is critical to establish routines. They have to learn the simple things like how to unpack their backpacks and how to walk in line. I did not want to have someone else come in and confuse the poor kids. So it was with a very hoarse voice that I greeted the students yesterday morning. It seems I've suffered from laryngitis every single year that I've taught. (Maybe I'm allergic to school!) Along the way, I've learned how to manage the classroom with a weak voice. I stretched out things like the morning coloring time, song time (on a CD) and nap time. That helped some. The students are fairly well behaved and listen attentively when I do have to speak. My voice improved somewhat during the day but again, by 2 PM, it was almost gone. I wrote my plans out clearly and had all the materials laid out just in case. I knew if my voice worsened, I would have no choice but to request a substitute. Last night, I rested my voice again and wrote notes to my family instead of speaking. I was also desperate enough to gargle with peroxide.

I still had my croaking voice this morning. It was enough. And after being awake for a few hours, it sounded even better. Not good but better. Here are a few more notes about my class:

• Ray is a well dressed little boy but a slob.
  
• I got a new student today. Jimmy is quiet and loves to cut. I didn't know that you could get so many tiny pieces out of one sheet of paper.
• Dee-Dee wants to bring her school supplies home each day.
  
• We had our first fire drill today. I discussed it beforehand with the children and told them that it was just practice. Most seemed OK with that. Some knew about drills from daycare. Some were concerned about their backpacks and other belongings. What if there was a real fire? Could they bring their backpacks then? Niki was the first one in line when the fire drill bell rang. She did a good job leading the line outside but when I got to her, she was sobbing. All the discussion time and she was still frightened. Perhaps she didn't expect the bell to be so loud or to discover so many students in the hallway at one time. She told me that she didn't want to do any more fire drills. I told her that we had to. She was fine with that as long as I promised to hold her hand.
• When we went back in, I realized that I left my key on my desk and we were locked out of the room. Thankfully, we are just across the hall from the janitors' office.
• I love where my classroom is located. It is close to everything - except the special ed class that I subbed for last year!

The improvement in my voice is gradual. I did spend some time talking to my family this afternoon. I will resort to writing notes again so that I can rest my voice. I'm looking forward to tomorrow - blue jeans and a tee-shirt day! Not to mention the beginning of the weekend. How was your day?

The First Day of Kindergarten

I was a bit anxious about my first day of kindergarten today. Coming down with a cold that threatened laryngitis did not help. The day went well in spite of my fears. Twelve out of thirteen students showed up. They all seemed fairly well behaved on the first day. I am sure that some of them will show their true colors before the week is out. Here are a few highlights:

• "Jay," a potential challenge, has already won my heart. He comes from a sad situation and is now living with grandma. He didn't even know how to sit "Indian style", or "criss-cross applesauce" to use the more politically correct term.
  
• "Jin" is another sweetie. She doesn't know English at all. Her parents did teach her the important words like "teacher" and "pee". I know how she feels to be surrounded by a sea of words that she cannot understand.
  
• "Dee-Dee" comes first when going by last name alphabetically. She's completely lost on how to be a line leader. She was overly concerned about going home and asked several times. Her mom did not send any supplies and that made rest time difficult without a mat. She cried when she didn't have a mat and cried more when I suggested that she just lay her head down on the table. I found her something soft and she was actually one of the few to fall asleep.
• Lunch needs to be rethought. I will have a different plan of action tomorrow. Going through the line, making choices, punching in a lunch code and finding the right tables at the other end of the cafeteria were a few of the challenges. "Jin" ended up with only milk but was able to communicate easily enough that she needed a lunch. "Jay" had a bag lunch and a school lunch. John wondered that I only packed myself a half of a sandwich. I wondered why I thought I would have time to eat so much.
• The worst part of the day occurred after all the students had left. An older child came in and asked if I was "Dee-Dee's" teacher. She informed me that "Dee-Dee" wasn't on the bus. Panic time, internally anyway. I went out searching the buses that were still at the school. Discussed the situation with the vice principal and lead kindergarten teacher. The child had a wrist band and a huge piece of tape that clearly stated she was to be put on bus #ABC. Instead she was put on bus #DEF by the Kg. teacher on duty. More panic ensued when the driver of DEF said she wasn't on there. Meanwhile, the mother of the child is on the phone with one secretary. The other secretary is on the phone with transportation. The principal is on the walkie talkie with the vice principal and I'm thinking all kinds of things that might have happened to this poor little girl who so desperately wanted to go home. Thankfully she was on DEF and that driver brought her back to school where her sister and grandfather were waiting. She had a smile hiding behind her tear stained face and a hug for anyone willing to receive one.

All in all, it was a good day. Sorry for such a long entry. I wanted to share my day with my mom and dad and my family here but in the interest of saving my voice, I thought I'd better write it all down. Pray for my voice to make it through the week. "Phoebe" told me at the end of the school day, "Mrs. Woodworm," (her way of pronouncing my name - we are working on that one!) "It sounds like your voice is going away." Yes it certainly was almost gone by 2 PM.

Homeschool Memoirs: Agendas

Last Wednesday's assignment was to share our 2008-09 homeschool agendas and plans. I thought I'd better get it done before this week's assignment comes out.

Holly - 5th Grade:

Math - Abeka Arithmatic

Reading - Bob Jones

Health - Abeka - it's a 9 week study on the different systems of the body: circulatory, digestive and skeletal.

History - Our homeschool group is doing An American Girl club and we will learn about the historical period based on the book for the month. I'm also considering doing some Time Travelers History Studies when I am done with my kindergarten assignment.

Science - In the spring I want to do Apologia Zoology 1 - Flying Creatures of the 5th Day.

I'll throw in some spelling and cursive writing here and there. If we get all of this accomplished in our hectic year, I'll be thrilled.


Gabriel and Hannah - 11th Grade:

Math U See Geometry - So far the kids really like this program. Gabriel has asked for several years now to find a curriculum that introduced a concept and then worked on it for the rest of the week. After several years of looking, I think we've hit the jackpot. He's only in 11th grade. . .

For history and world literature we will be using TRISMS. This is another new one for us and I don't plan to begin until after John and the kids get back from their Florida trip that they'll be taking soon.

We are doing School of Tomorrow (ACE) for biology. I really needed something they could pretty much do on their own. Plus, they will be doing the labs with a friend of mine here in town who is also doing the same thing.

Spanish - I'm a bit undecided here. I've heard friends rave over Rosetta Stone but I'm not sure that it's a good fit for my children. I'm considering El Español Fácil! but I am just going by what I see online. I haven't heard good or bad from anyone. Opinions are greatly appreciated!

One of my favorite verses that applies to homeschooling is Daniel 1:17

"As for these four children [Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah], God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:"

Homeschooling is not about finding the perfect curriculum or having the best schedule but learning to trust God and learning that He is the giver of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Friday Fill-Ins#87 (Week 4 for me)

1. When I'm sick I'm grumpy.

2. When I take a walk, I think about lots of different things.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can purchase a nice big house and a fancy car.

4. Cotton makes me think about beautiful feminine homespun prairie dresses and leather makes me think about bikers.

5. My favorite color these days is blue because. Just because.

6. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out at home, tomorrow my plans include a homeschool picnic and Sunday, I want to relax!

Click here for more Friday Fill-Ins!

Comfort in Sorrow

Verses of comfort as I grieve for a friend. Please pray for Marsha and her family.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." Psalm 61:1-4

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 25, 2008...

Hosted by Peggy @ The Simple Woman

Outside My Window... 90 degrees at 6 PM. It's still summer!

I am thinking... I cannot wait until we have some fall weather.

From the learning rooms. . . We are doing school in stages. Last week, Holly started math. This week she is adding health to that. She was a bit skeptical about it because it deals with blood and guts (digestive system/ circulatory system) but she seemed to enjoy her lesson today. Gabriel and Hannah are doing biology and geometry this week.

I am thankful for... the opportunity to work and homeschool.

From the kitchen... Cheesy Chicken & Pasta - one of Gabriel's favorites

I am wearing... denim capris and a light blue school t-shirt.

I am creating... name tags for the students' cubbies.

I am going... to the dollar store to find some deals.

I am reading... Nothing right now (besides the Bible) and probably won't for the next three months.

I am hoping... that I find what I want at the dollar store.

I am hearing... the TV. Hannah and Holly are watching a movie.

Around the house... are lots of things that need to be picked up.

One of my favorite things... Chocolate milk. I'm in the mood for some chocolate right now.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I'll be working every day. This is a pretty easy week - no students just planning with a bunch of meetings thrown in here and there.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hannah and Holly at the park.

Friday Fill-Ins#86 (Week 3 for me)

Yesterday was busy and I forgot about Friday Fill-Ins! Here it is:

1. Dancing to the music while singing makes me look silly.

2. The last time I played Scattergories with the girls I nearly hyperventilated from laughing so hard.

3. When I drive I talk to my family if they are with me or to the Lord if I'm alone.

4. I saw a strange person standing too close to me at the library.

5. Give me strength, give me health, give me peace.

6. Next week I am looking forward to my first week of work - a planning week for the teachers. I'm also really nervous!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight (last night actually) I’m looking forward to highlighting Hannah's hair, tomorrow (today) my plans include making final homeschooling plans (for the fall anyway!) and Sunday, I want to relax!

No Longer Blond

While there are many people in the world who would like to be blond, my son decided that blond would no longer do.


Not even the dark, almost brown, dirty blond. He wanted to go darker.

I'm not sure I like it yet but I do know that there are many, many hairstyles out there that make this rather tame. He had it cut shorter right after this. I'll post a picture of his completed new do later.

Homeschool Memoirs - Week 1

Last week I joined Homeschool Memoirs. The first theme begins today, August 20th, 2008.

ASSIGNMENT:
This week, we want to hear about YOU. The author behind the words. The Momma behind all the homeschooling kiddos. Just write up something about you, your family, and your home.

Who am I? The person behind the blog? That is not an easy task to sum up in one entry. Especially when you consider the fact that I am trying to figure it out myself. A few words that describe my growing up years would be Navy brat, middle child, only girl. I was raised in a Christian home. My mom and dad just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. My biggest complaint about growing up was that we moved around too much. I was determined that I would not marry a man in the military for that reason alone. When John and I married in 1987, I had no idea that we would move 11 times in 21 years.

When I met John, I was a teacher and pretty much anti-homeschooling. I knew one homeschooling family and their children were shy and withdrawn. So I ignorantly assumed that homeschooled children were social misfits. Sometime during my 6 year teaching career I completely changed my mind. I realized that social misfits were in schools as well and that the successful students were the ones whose parents were highly involved in their education. By the time I resigned from teaching in the public schools and before we were expecting our first child, I knew that I would be a homeschool mom.

As I mentioned earlier, John and I have been married for 21 years. We have three children. Gabriel is 17. Hannah is 15 and Holly is 10. They have been homeschooled nearly all their lives. Due to different circumstances, and with regret, they have all three spent some time in the public school system. I am blessed to have them at home now. I cherish my time with them. It seems that we have had interruptions of one sort or another every single year. Sometimes, I am amazed that they have learned anything at all. But that is the glory of homeschooling. I know where they are academically and what they need to work on. One of the things that I remember and dreaded about moving when I was growing up was going to a new school and being totally lost. The other children seemed to know exactly what to do, even at the beginning of the year. I found myself lost in a sea of new routines and I was too timid to ask for help.

In spite of our disrupted, distracted sometimes delayed lifestyle, they have managed to learn and even thrive. This year will not be an exception. I am working full time on a temporary basis. Starting next week, I will be teaching kindergarten in a public school (gasp!). It is a 12 week substitute assignment and will allow us to get out of debt. We are still homeschooling. Our schedule will be a bit erratic but rarely dull. I am excited about the things that the Lord has in store for us this year. I hope you will follow along with us as we continue our journey.

Busy Day!

I love a day when I get a lot accomplished and today was one of those. It started out with a homeschool planning "retreat". Some of the moms in our homeschool group met this morning. We had a short devotional time and then had three hours of uninterrupted planning time. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Later I took Hannah and Holly to the park for a while and then on to get my hair cut. I was desperate for a haircut and almost took the scissors to it myself. That would have been disastrous! Hannah had fun snapping pictures at both places.
We went from there to the mall where I bought myself a couple of outfits for school. There was a nice sale going on - added bonus! Hannah found a nice skirt and top for herself. We were in an area of town where gas was cheaper so I filled up the tank! Came home and ate a late dinner and threw in a load of laundry. Then it was time to pick Gabriel up from work. Whew! Time to relax . . .

How was your day?

Friday Fill-Ins #2

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was Chili con queso at a nearby Mexican place.

2. Being late is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon will be out tomorrow night.

4. __________ is one of my favorite local expressions. I'm drawing a blank on this one. This is my native land and everything sounds normal to me.

5. Sometimes it's best to keep your mouth shut.

6. Pride and Prejudice is the best movie I've seen so far this year! (It's August. I can't think back all the way to January)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a quiet night at home, probably watching the Olympics we've recorded, tomorrow my plans include going to our homeschool group's planning retreat and Sunday, I want to relax!

For more Friday Fill-Ins click here.

A Short Note

A short note while I have a moment. Yesterday we spent the entire day organizing and cleaning. We were able to accomplish a lot and this time, I didn't end up shoving a bunch of things in our bedroom. It still needs work, especially the new homeschool materials. But I won't die of humiliation if someone opens my door. I am getting more organized, one baby step at a time.

John's brother and family arrived last night. We have had a leisurely morning. Later the adults are going out to eat while the kids stay at home and have some frozen pizza. This afternoon we are planning on swimming.

Would someone please tell me what happened to the summer? It's not my favorite season but I didn't want it to go by that quickly. I begin my substitute job in less than 2 weeks! There are so many things left to do. I promised Holly that we would do some paper mâché and I want to do some more cooking with her. And that's just the beginning of what I haven't done yet! What are you hoping to do before the summer is gone?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 11, 2008...

Hosted by Peggy @ The Simple Woman

Outside My Window... The sun is shining and it is only supposed to be around 80. Maybe fall is coming soon!

I am thinking... My substitute job starts two weeks from today! I have so much to do between now and then

I am thankful for... the great homeschool group that I am a part of.

From the kitchen... Completely unknown at this moment. I need to make a weekly menu.

I am wearing... denim capris and a navy top.

I am creating... homeschool plans and a list of things that need to be done today!

I am going... back to the dentist. After the numbness and soreness wore off, I discovered the bite is not quite right. I really don't have time for this. . .

I am reading... The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck I finally finished Where the Willows Grow.

I am hoping... That I won't be long at the dentist office.

I am hearing... Music that someone is playing. The rest of the house is very quiet. The children are enjoying the summer schedule of sleeping late.

Around the house... Everyone has to clean! I have a list of things that I want done before school starts and we have company coming tonight. John's brother and family will be with us for about a day and a half.

One of my favorite things... Cereal for breakfast. I love the variety that we have here in the States.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Wednesday morning I'm going to help the regular teacher set up the classroom. Thursday I have a meeting with the ladies of my church. Saturday is a homeschool "retreat" planning day for the moms.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The boys won a contest at VBS so Gabriel got to smash a pie (crust and whipped cream) into this poor girl's face. Gabriel didn't know that the winners got pied too.

Friday Fill-Ins #1

1. You know you're old when you tell a young child that you were at his grandfather's wedding.

2. My heart is divided between Romania and the USA.

3. A chocolate milkshake is what I need RIGHT NOW!

4. I have felt the presence of God, I have known the depths of His love.

5. Gah, won't these people leave a comment?

6.Comment as soon as you can!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching the Olympics, tomorrow my plans include cleaning house and Sunday, I want to go out to eat but we probably won't!

For more Friday Fill-Ins click here.