Sometimes I find it hard to spin all the plates at once.....my balance comes close to being off-center but then I realize that I need to walk away and do something to clear the thoughts and keep myself from getting overwhelmed. Over the years I have learned the warning signs and this week I was close to the tipping point.
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| Mr. B balances his school day with a little basketball break. |
I wanted to write a quick wrap-up post to share, especially since I didn't write one last week. Here are some highlights and some photos.
Literature and writing: We finished the Iliad! This is the last time I have to cover the Iliad in my homeschooling career and I am breathing a sigh of relief. Three times through is enough for anyone in my opinion...this time was probably the most thorough coverage with Mr. B, partly because I have read it so many times but also because Mr. B loves this epic and did a great job with his notes and narration. We have two essays going right now and they are both going to be very interesting reads. Mr. A is writing about the development of the hydrogen bomb (chemistry *and* history) and Mr. B is writing about ancient Assyria and their battle tactics (idea from TOG history/writing).
Chemistry: We have hit our stride! It only took us until week 21 of the school year to find our rhythm for chemistry. Viewing this subject from the perspective of a living, breathing thing....we found ways to capture interest, develop some good questions, and then be able to write about what was learned. (Maybe we will end the year with a feeling of success after all.)
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| Baking: Mr. B made zucchini bread and dinner rolls for us. |
Both boys have been working at odd jobs this week, saving up money for car insurance. Mr. A's welding class took a field trip to an engineering business this week and he is all jazzed to learn some computer-related design for metal fabrication. Lucky for him his older brother has some expertise in this area and I will be encouraging some further investigation into what it will take to get him some skills in this area. It is great to see some sparks of enthusiasm as he explores the real world out there.
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| Look at all that great stuff! |
Here is where I have had my nose all week...deep into planning and writing new plans for Harmony Fine Arts Grade 2. Although it is hard work, it is also very exciting to find wonderful new resources to be used in interesting ways as part of the new plans. I am really looking forward to launching this new ebook/print version of Grade 2 which covers Gothic, Medieval, and Renaissance art.
I am off for a little hike with the family. I saw a field of mustard blooming when we were out and about this week and I want to go take some photos to share. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
7 comments:
Hi Barb! Congrats on finishing The Iliad (I can feel your relief!) and hitting your stride in chemistry! The zucchini bread looks tasty, too. And the 2nd grade curriculum sounds delightful. I know what you mean about spinning plates; I'm sure that some days it's painful to watch me attempt to keep it all going. The hikes of life help keep everything in perspective.
This is why I love blogging and the Weekly Wrap-ups! Saw the word "Middle Ages" stand out of those pics of books. Since we just started our Middle Ages study, I thought I might see if that book is at our local library and it is!! I've got it requested!
The essays sound interesting and I am glad that Chemistry seems to be working out now. Your Art sounds wonderful. When do you expect to have it completed?
Phyllis,
I am really pushing to get it done by 3/1/11. I want to have it up and running for people to use to plan for next year.
My ultimate goal is to get second, third, and eighth grades redone before the end of the school year.
Spinning all the plates is hard for all of us at times. You are so wise to recognize when you're tipping point is on the horizon and to be pro-active!
I am so grateful that you share weekly wrap-ups...your homeschool journey in general. I've learned so much and gotten so many great ideas from you...and I know I will continue to!
Thank you!
Checking in to see what you guys are doing--it's always interesting! Love the welding--real world is always a nice "break". And a big High Five for finishing the Iliad! Once is enough for me!!! I will be posting an update on our "school" situation, hopefully, by the end of the week. It looks like we may be back on track..... Thanks for the tip on IEW--my son started the Grammar of Poetry today on his own [yes, same kid!] and is thrilled with it!!!. QUESTION: Have you bought anything from "The Great Courses"??
Hopewell,
Yes, I have actually been working on a whole post about all the Great Courses we have used over the years.
I will try to get that up for you in the next week or so.
Nice to hear from you!
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