Weekly Homeschool Roundup - 3/13/20

These are interesting times, aren’t they?

Because of the Coronavirus, it seems that many people are being thrust into homeschooling for at least two (and I’ve heard of situations going beyond that amount of time) weeks.

I must admit that I sat back and. thanked my lucky stars for the gift of homeschooling more than once this week. Our children’s education continues as normal. We aren’t dependent upon a “school” to educate our children.

In that spirit, today’s roundup will bring you things you can use in your homeschool and also an article or two for your self-education as a homeschooling parent. No Coronavirus updates here, just business as usual.

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My son has been knee-deep in a LEGO Shakespeare project for his Challenge 1 class. He is working with some friends to recreate the balcony scene from Romeo & Juliet. I’ve been so pleased with his enthusiasm, creativity, and joy for this project.

This morning, as I read aloud Rocket Boys (a fabulous book, by the way), he organized more bricks and finalized Minifigure assignments. It brought me back to the “old” days of homeschooling when we would read aloud each morning and he would happily play with his LEGO sets.

As of now, these are the main Minifig characters:

We don’t have to lose the wonder in our homeschool high school years. Sometimes it takes some work to cultivate that wonder, but it is SO worth it.

Ideas & News You Can Use

• Fun and Free Activities for March

  Speaking of LEGO - this blog post contains fun ideas for March 14 (Pi Day) using LEGO bricks. It also contains activities for all ages for the month of March.

• Adding Music To Your Homeschool (Podcast)

  I had the great joy of being a guest on the Homeschool Sisters podcast. Take a listen!

• 10 Reasons You Should Read it Again

  Betsy gives us 10 wonderful reasons to read a book again. I love this article!

• I Don’t “Deserve” Self Care - I Rejoice in God’s Good Gifts Instead.

  I posted this article on my FB page and it generated some controversy. I would love to know what you think. (Let me know in the comments below!)

• The Gift of an Ordinary Day

  This memoir required a box of tissue and a lot of quiet time from me. Oh, it was beautiful. I highly recommend this for all moms to read.

My prayer is peace for your family’s soul as we navigate these unprecedented times. Thank goodness for the gift of homeschool, where we can hold our children close and also have those heart-to-heart talks about their fears.

I’d love to know your plans for the next couple of weeks. Does anything change in your homeschool? How are you approaching this unique time in our world’s history with your children?

Leave me a comment below!

Weekly Homeschool Roundup 2/28/20

Here we are at the end of February.

We made it!

I read (somewhere) today that January and February are the hump days of the school year. That’s very true, isn’t it? I feel like now we are on the home stretch, and I can cope with anything homeschooling throws at me as long as I have sunshine!

Last weekend was my son’s Classical Conversations Protocol event. My husband and I were parent chaperones and we had the best time. After a lovely dinner in midtown Atlanta we went to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Just wow. I had never seen them before and was mesmerized.

What struck me as we were with these young people was the depth of their friendships, the way they handled themselves so beautifully in different situations, and what a gift it is that they are together for homeschooling high school. We have a UNIQUE group of children and parents and are very blessed!

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In these high school years I believe that the “social” aspect of homeschooling has to be one of the biggest benefits. Healthy socialization is so important, and I’m watching deep friendships develop that are having a HUGE impact on my son.

These kids are like a group of siblings - it’s really neat to watch.

And of course I just feel so small compared to my 6’4” son. He’s really turning into quite a wonderful young man.

On to my finds for the week…

• Free Star Wars Inspired Bingo Game for Kids

  This is such a great free printable from Rock Your Homeschool… oh, how I miss the days when my kids were young and loved to play Bingo!

• Women’s History Month — Learn About Teresa Carreño, composer

  Beginning in March we will be learning about women composers in SQUILT LIVE! (as well as in the listening calendar I create monthly). Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan performer, conductor, and composer, is an interesting figure for kids to learn about. She played for President Lincoln at the White House when she was a young girl, and there is a beautiful picture book about it, too. Join us in SQUILT LIVE! to learn about Teresa and other female composers.

• Buy the Swimsuit

  I know it’s not close to summer yet, but this post is close to my heart at any time of year. I wrote it when my mom passed away - almost three years ago now. There are times when I miss her a lot, and this week has been such a time. Cherish your time with the people you love.

• Coarsening is Not Educating

  This article (and letter from a parent to his child’s private school teacher) in World magazine was excellent. I shared it on the blog Facebook page and it got a lot of pushback. Interesting…

• Never Discount the Importance of These Days in the Trenches

  I hope you are familiar with Kara Anderson. I feel like she and I are kindred spirits - this article really spoke to me.

  “We are HERE with our kids. That’s what hard to explain, I guess, to people who don’t understand homeschooling.

  It’s part about school, and part about just life.

  It’s a little about math, and a lot about errands, really.

  Can I tell you a secret, though? My son and I have the best talks while running errands.”

Enjoy the extra day in your year this weekend - and I’ll see you next in March!

Did you have any good things to share this week?

Let me know in the comments below!