Carr's Classroom

     Kindergarten has proven to be fun indeed!   I don't know if Micah's even noticed the change, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it :)  Every homeschool is different.  Having a two year old and a (now) seven month old has definitely shaped our homeschool day, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love having these three kids every day and teaching each one at his/her own level (although you might think I usually look like I'm on the edge of mental breakdown if you walk into my house at any given moment..haha).  

Happy 7 months to Rachel today!

So here's what is going on with us...

     Each morning after breakfast, we gather around the easel and have "Circle time" talking about the day of the week, weather, and our memory verse.  Then we go to the piano and sing a few little songs together.  In case this is starting to seem like the perfect morning to you, let me add a few things to your mind.  This time usually includes a wet diaper, a stubborn two year old, and usually some type of whining.  This morning it also included a loud noise outside and a goat and dog running INTO the house :)

     Alright back on track.  Next Micah writes in his Thankful Journal one thing that he is thankful for.  The other day he said, "How do you spell Elizabeth?  Oh wait.  Nevermind, how do you spell Ice cream?"  The Thankful Journal is an idea from Ann Voscamp www.aholyexperience.com.

     For Kindergarten math, we are doing Right Start Math and love it!  We both look forward to math every day.  Elizabeth usually sits with us at the table and somehow participates as well.  She has learned her shapes, colors, and counting to 15.  She is now working on recognizing numbers. 

Micah entering numbers on the abacus.

     For History, I have decided to work on a visual timeline of the Bible.  Once we finish this, we will read "The Story of the World". 

Elizabeth keeps us entertained!

     Micah also likes handwriting which is from a simple book that I bought at Walmart.  We are slowing finishing  "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons", however Micah has taught himself how to read.  This child LOVES books!  When I wake up, he is sitting in the chair reading.  Any moment that he has, he is reading a book.  He doesn't usually ask me for help anymore.  It's sweet to see his love rub off on Elizabeth who now will also snuggle up in a chair with 2 or 3 books and say "Leave me alone, I'm reading!".  haha.

We're all learning!

     I had planned on doing more memory work this year, but so far we've done a few Bible verses.  I hope for Micah to learn the Ten Commandments and most of the books of the Bible this year.  

We like to do art on Saturdays!

     One thing that we like about homeschooling is that is does not have a time constraint.  We like to go out a few days per week for activities.  Though these are not structured "learning" times, the kids learn so many useful things.  They enjoy cooking with Grannie and visiting the elderly with Poppy, and these things are just as important as learning "facts".  

Ready to cook!

     Some days I worry that I'm not doing enough, but then I remember the quote that I've read "If you're stressed out with homeschooling, then you're probably trying to do too much."  We do what we can and we have fun doing it!  

Science with Daddy!

Watering the baby tomato plants.

     Through all of the teaching and learning, my prayer is not that my children will be smart or talented.  My greatest prayer is for my children to know God and to follow Him closely.  Many days this may mean putting the workbooks aside and focusing on a heart issue such as selfishness or disobedience and teaching my children His Word.  This is why I do what I do.