NEW DESK STATION

 

When the kids were little (and fewer) we enjoyed having desks along with an art table, but as they grew and our family morphed, we gradually ended up using our kitchen table as our primary work space for both. Recently, in an effort to make it work even better while we remain in our current home, we decided a new project was in store for us...our new desk station.

 

 

Our preschoolers are always creating in one of the many art spaces around our home, and now our older kids are ready (again) for their very own sense of space as well. Complete with their desired supplies and wall pockets to catch the daily happenings before they make it to our filing system, in just a few days time, I can see already that this project has met a need.
 

 

Organization is a must in a family of our size. I'm all for flexibility, spontaneity, and a kickback attitude about making messes during creative mode...but...there also must be organization or it just won't work for us. Fortunately, even our most carefree children tend to appreciate such things (probably a product of nurture), so they've especially enjoyed organizing their supplies.

 

(Usually, I'm anti-plastic storage, but these wall organizers from IKEA were super inexpensive and practical to keep the desks free and available for work space, not to mention apparently the kids have "always wanted those!"...so we went with them.)

 

I wanted a space to hang some of the latest projects, so we opted for free twine, nails,

and clothespins since there is always an ample supply of all three around here.

 

 

Aida, Miss Organization, has been particularly excited about her space since she spends so much time and effort on her schoolwork, writing, planning, etc. She is loving getting herself all set up and I'm so happy for her to feel organized and ready for high school! next year. (As a side note, we really don't place much emphasis on "grades" whether that be age grade or letter grades and there's a long story why behind both, but nevertheless, it does keep us ordered to a certain degree to consider age grades, though we don't pigeon hole the kids in terms of schoolwork.) That said, Aida is very eager about her education and though there are days I ask her to "chuck the list" (ha!) I value her structured and dedicated commitment to everything she does and it's a joy to see her at her new freshly-sharpened-matching-pencils type of very Aida work space. :)

And this little one...

 

...is quite the big girl these days.

("Mommy, look at me!" she yells, pencil behind her ear. I love Nova!)

These two...

Always up to something, they have their matching outfits on here for whatever game they were playing just before and I have to stop to enjoy the fact that they are...together. The togetherness is what gets me most with homeschooling. It's such a beautiful gift to be BFFs with siblings...warms my heart every single day and we never take it for granted!

Brodie is always creating. It's a privilege to give him the time to be the artist God designed him to be. Lately, when we're indoors, if he's not playing the piano or building a Lego masterpiece, he's likely to be here, so excited to have his own drawing space!

(Inspired by The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black)

 

 

. . . . . .

 

That's the debrief on the latest in homeschooling for us. There's nothing like refreshment and newness to get everyone invested. Since I started the school year out sicker than sick with sweet baby in my belly this year, then we went into China mode for a month, then adjustment mode with Bea and Beck, we kind of feel like this is our second start to a new year, which is fun!
We do tend to function in a year-round schooling mindset anyway, but still, there is something inspiring about getting
organized and embarking upon more journeys...a great reason to be thankful for our new desk station!

 
. . . . . .
 

*As always, a BIG huge THANK YOU to the men in our life for building us this special new space!*

Your efforts are definitely appreciated, especially as you serve with willing and joyful hearts.

 

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Proverbs 16:3

 

3 IN 1 (OR MORE)

One of our favorite aspects of homeschooling is how often subjects collide, simplifying life...ahhh.

 

 

Although this happens in multiple ways daily, one of our most common 3 in 1 (or more) activities is Reading/Bible/Handwriting.

 

 

I suppose technically there is also art involved when we utilize A Reason For Handwriting, memorization,

character training, discipleship, and various other virtuous lessons learned in this way...indeed more than 3.

 

 

Though it seems obvious, it's really worth our while when striving to make the best use of

our time to realize how many different subjects we cover in singular educational activities.

We love how it streamlines life with minimal technical "curriculum" needed.

 

 

Life is curriculum and curriculum is life. At least that's how we see it.

 

 

It may take more intentionality.

 

 

It may look untraditional.

 

 

It may even seem overly simplistic...but then again...it is.

 

 

All things considered, it works for us to keep things simple, all the while learning.

 

 

Recently, someone asked the kids about our "Bible curriculum". It's odd to us to consider that we would need a formal curriculum of sorts to learn more of God's Word when it is living and active, completely sufficient, and direct instruction from the Author Himself, but that seems to be typical protocol for most homeschoolers...which is by no means wrong! It just tends to be more fuss for us than what works best in our family. (True, it took us years to figure this out.) But anyway, when it comes to Bible, we keep it simple and constant. It is definitely not a subject we cross off a To Do list in our homeschooling day. We're always doing Bible.

 

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

 

For us, Bible study doesn't require expensive online orders, lesson plans, or requirements,

but rather it is an all day everyday ongoing activity that seeps into all of our learning and life.

 

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

 

We read it, break it down, sing it, study it, research it, write it, memorize it, and talk about it continually.

 

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,

and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Deuteronomy 6:7

 

There are also times when we look to other sources such as books, videos, or worksheets, etc., but for the most part our Bible
subject boils down to being readers and doers of the Word, sufficient to illuminate our hearts and minds in and of itself.

 

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Ephesians 6:4

 

For us, it's really that simple.

We want our children to grow to hunger and thirst for the Word, to crave it and desire to know it without regiment.
We pray that our approach makes the Bible approachable and not dutiful...because that's who God is.

 

 
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
1 John 5:3
 

And so, Bible included, we look for multiple subjects within the context of education at all times and in creative ways each day.

We cover Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and such in multiple and varying methods. We're always on the look out, intent to be intentional. And, we're ever grateful for homeschool and the flexibility it allows extensively, consistently...3 in 1 (or more).

 

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time."

Ephesians 5:15-16

CATCH OF THE DAY - OCTOPUS

 

We always love when nature offers us something new to learn about.

 

 

Some of our best finds come from the beach.

 

 

Everyone was excited about our latest catch of the day...an OCTOPUS!

 

 

We saw him ink, cover himself with a shell, and even jump out of the water to snap and let us know that he was

happier in the ocean...to which he was quickly returned...though it was exciting to observe him for a little while.

 

The kids' imaginations and curiosity are always perked when they've experienced something new first hand.

 

(The Ocean Book, The Wonders of Creation Series, Answers in Genesis)

 

Typically, an onslaught of creativity follows.

 

 

 

 The kids express their interest in so many different ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our preschoolers always love the crafts!

 

 

The wonders of God's creation are consistently amazing!

What will we get to learn about next??

 

 

"So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves,

with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds...and God saw that it was good."
Genesis 1:21

HEART-FELT-HOMESCHOOL

One of the most important aspects of homeschooling for us is to teach our children

in a Titus 2 sort of way to be prepared for adult life beyond simply academics.

 

 

The spiritual emphasis and training at home matters to us just as much as any other type of knowledge...in fact, even more!

 

That said, taking time to teach resourcefulness, be creative, model homemaking skills, and even play pretend in the things that will one day be our grown children's vocations are always on our radar. The boys spend lots of time with Dad learning how to become godly young men while the girls and I invest equally in matters of the heart and home, prayerfully to the glory of God.

 

(A Reason For Handwriting...still on regular rotation.)

 

*I love the freedom that homeschooling allows our family to spend Quantity Time at home putting into practice such things!*

 

"Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."

Titus 2:2-8

 

Lately, the girls and I have been sewing felt foods for kitchen play (for a fraction of the cost to buy the same) and today the little girls got in on the making. Considering felt costs 25 cents or less per square and the sewing doesn't fray, it's an ideal project for little helpers. Plus, when children help with the creating, they're always more invested in the play and care of their new things. 

 

Win, win.

 

Here's to documenting our little keepers at home today,

making felt eggs and serving their guests with hospitality:

 

First, we drew a rough egg shape on the felt.

 

 

Then, Nova cut them out.

 

 

We sewed the yolk on one egg white first.

 

 

Then sewed the two whites together.

 

 

 

After just about a 5 minute project, Bea was making eggs...

 

 

...and calling her "friends!!" to breakfast.

 

 

Of course, her friends insisted on praying before eating.

 

(Still invited in spite of their undesirable "decorations" on the girls' table...such a gracious hostess. :))

 

It was a fun project for Bea, Nova, and Mommy today among a myriad of other goings on over here.

I am ever so grateful for homeschool and the wonderful experiences it allows us all to have in a day...together.

 

"Having a reputation for good works...she has brought up children, has shown hospitality,

has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work."

1 Timothy 5:10