Plants!

Devin started a science unit on plants this week.  We spent a few minutes this afternoon planting seeds in hopes that we will be able to watch them grow.  We planted pumpkin seeds in the actual pumpkin (I got the idea off Pinterest.)  We also planted lima beans and apple seeds.  The apple seeds were Devin's idea because he had an apple for lunch and found the seeds!  I don't have much of a green thumb so this could be interesting!  Oh well, we certainly had fun playing in the dirt!  I will keep you posted if these little seeds actually start to grow.

Stay tuned next week because we will be celebrating Johnny Appleseed's birthday by making lapbooks about his life and taking a trip to Curtis Orchard to pick up apples for homemade applesauce in the crockpot!

ROAAAR!

Our bible verse this week is Psalm 4:3, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him."  Today we talked about how Daniel trusted God even if it meant he would be thrown into the lion's den.  I wonder how many of us would actually take a stand for our faith when push comes to shove.  Do I call upon the Lord instead of trying to take matters into my own hands?  Do I trust him fully with my life?  I pray I do, but I know that sometimes I fall short.  Fortunately, my Heavenly Father is merciful and ready to take me by the hand and guide me through this crazy life!  I pray, that as I grow in my faith, I will be an example to my children that trusting in our Heavenly Father in all areas of our life provides us the courage when we stand face to face with the lions!

Insects & Spiders!

On Friday, we went on a field trip to Lake of the Woods for a class on "Insects & Spiders."  We were able to hunt for bugs and put them in cool little bug boxes. The box had a magnifying glass on the top so we could get a better look!  Hannah volunteered to be dressed up as a bee and our friend Griffin volunteered to be dressed up as a spider!  We were also able to see what it is like to have fly eyes!  It was a great morning digging in the mulch with fellow homeschoolers!

Science Experiment: Taste Buds

Wrapping Up Week Two!

Painting while listening to classical music!  We have classical music softly playing during school because we all love it!

Well, we just wrapped up week two and I am impressed with how well they have both adjusted!  Devin loves the Switched on Schoolhouse curriculum and Hannah and I appreciate the familiarity of the A Beka curriculum.  I have already made a few changes by eliminating some things but adding others in order to provide the best experience for all of us!  It has been many years since I was in the classroom teaching preschoolers and I never realized how much I missed teaching until now!  Here are a few pictures of our week.  Hope you enjoy!

Phonics

Making math story problems.

Flashcards for math.

Switched on Schoolhouse

Maybe one day she will play as well as Aunt Holly!

Wii baseball counts as P.E. right???

Devin's little nook!

I Do Declare Week One A Success!!

We did it!  We had a wonderful first week of school at the Jones home!  I could not believe how well we all adjusted.  Mrs. Pinne trained them well and it made our transition much easier!  I know we will have a few struggles along the way, but I think we are off to a good start! 

Melissa

Our New Adventure!

So, today was the first day of homeschooling Devin (3rd grade) and Hannah (1st grade.)  Before the 2011-2012 school year began, the Lord began to prick my heart about homeschooling our children.  I cannot say that I was very eager about homeschooling, but the Lord began to change my heart.  I wrestled with who and when we would begin homeschooling.  My plan was to wait until next year, but God's plan was for me to start this year.  Funny how His plans can be so different from mine!  Anyway,  I am so overjoyed that God has allowed me the opportunity to teach my children at home!  I hardly slept last night because of my anticipation for today!  Our first day went better than expected and Devin and Hannah thought is was GREAT!  I know there will be days that I think, "Why did I decide to homeschool?" However, I know this is God's plan for our family and He will get us through the bad days too!  I will keep you posted on this new adventure!  Oh, and some of you may be wondering about David William.  Well, he will be finishing up his last year at Calvary Baptist Christian Academy as a sixth grader.  They have a 6th grade graduation and he really wanted to graduate with the students he has been with since kindergarten!  We felt that was a reasonable request and one we fully support!  :)