Friday, August 26, 2011

First Week of School

We made it through the first week of school! The kids are already learning so much and having lots of fun! This week of course was review and more review. The activities we completed helped the review seem challenging and fun though. Brandt's first grade phonics curriculum focuses on studying the Bible (particularly the Old Testament) and learning how to apply the verses to our own lives.

Brandt learned what a scroll is by is creating his own scroll of the alphabet so he can see how the Bible was originally written. He copies upper and lowercase letters and then colors a coordinating picture. I will post the finished results of his scroll next week. Below is a sample page.


We also learned that in Bible times the scrolls were kept in pottery jars to protect them. Of course we had to pull out the clay and make our own


Breann had to get in on the action


The end result complete with a construction paper scroll



In our Bible lesson, while reviewing the calender months and seasons we also made a Jewish calendar and learned that their new year started in the month of Nisan, in the Spring. Why? Because in Exodus 12 God told His people to begin the year with the month of Abib (Nisan). This reminded them that Passover was their new beginning as a nation when God save them out of Egypt.   Here he is with his Jewish calendar.




We also studied ants, worms, snails, moles, root systems, soil, and toad stools using the Usborne book Things Outdoors. We LOVE using encyclopedias for added study in areas such as these. Being in a camper though creates a problem because we obviously can't bring our set of encyclopedias with us! I decided to subscribe to Britannica for kids online and we LOVE it!! Brandt is studying here and also learning how to navigate around a website and use a computer mouse



The joy of homeschooling and completing our school work outside at our picnic table
 on a cool morning

I can't finish this post without including some of the adventures of my youngest learners



It was a fun filled, exciting week!





Monday, August 22, 2011

First Day of School!!

Well today was THE  day.  It was our first day back at school! The first day is so exciting for them and for me. Besides Brandt starting first grade, Breann has her own Preschool work to complete this year.  Of course I also had Bryce a book to make sure that he felt included and that hopefully helps keep him busy while the others are completing their work. Below are a few pictures of our day that also offers an example of what a typical school morning is like in the Archer home.

Learning to pray before the start of their day


The Pledge of Allegiance

The kids with their new school books



Digging into their work







IT WAS A GREAT DAY!!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

My Kindergarten Graduate!

Tomorrow is the first day of Brandt's 1st grade year. I can't believe my sweet boy is old enough for this. He is  very excited to start and so am I. Before we begin this new adventure I just have to post pictures of Brandt and his Kindergarten diploma.




I pray this new school year brings us many exciting adventures, lots of days covered in paint and glue to our eyeballs, and tons of snuggling on the couch with our books. I am thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to be able to be at home with my babies, and for the important one-on-one learning that is achieved at our dining room table. WE ARE BLESSED!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hey Boo Boo! How About a Yummy Pic-a-nic Basket??

I have to say I have stayed in several RV parks throughout the country but by far the best so far has to be Jellystone Park in Nashville, TN. So many activities were planned to help parents deal with the most dreaded words....MOM, I'M BORED!!!! putt putt golf, swimming, hey, hey heyride with Yogi and friends, playground, arcade room, and an arts and crafts hour. A few of my favorite photos from our stay are below.


Eating breakfast before the start of a busy day....gotta have their energy of course

Arts and Crafts time!!

Say Cheese!!




Hey Boo Boo!!

A little Putt Putt!



Hey, hey, heyride!

Raise that flag! Check out Yogi saluting the flag...love it!!

 
Goodbye Yogi....we had a blast!!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Why a Blog?

I actually considered blogging last year as I sat in El Paso, TX. Somewhere in between caring for my three kiddos, cooking, and homeschooling I let the idea go. Fast forward to August 8, 2011. We were in Nashville, TN at the Jellystone Park and while riding on the Hey, Hey, Heyride with my children and Yogi Bear I met a fellow homeschool mom and her two young children. She and her family also traveled around the country working and knew the challenges I faced on the road with little ones. She spoke of how she blogs for their family to keep up with their many adventures. There it was again...the spark within me to sit and blog about our own personal journey. I also thought about how hard it is to find the time to sit and scrapbook every single place we visit. So here it is,  an online scrapbook for me and a journal of our travels and general day in and day out adventures with three kids for our family to see. So come along with me and take a peek inside our world!