Starting October

We've been homeschooling for about a month ago.  Our calendar says we've had 12 days of school, but counting field trips we are up to 20ish...so a month.  All in all it has gone well.  That said, there are days, like today, when I wonder what I'm doing and wouldn't he be better off with someone who wasn't just on the verge of loosing her patience!  Some days we seem to get so much done in such a short time, and some days it feels like we've been doing school forever and have yet to finish 2 subjects.  I feel tied to curriculum that I've chosen and that I like, but I feel like I'm not leaving enough time for the "fun" stuff...the history and science projects that I'd like to do.  Rigel makes it harder too because I'll have a great project planned (mummifying a chicken anyone?) and Rigel will say he doesn't want to do it because it will take time away from what he wants to do.  He wants time to play with dad and make things and I want that too!  And it's not like we are doing so much school that there isn't time for this, he has lots of free time!  It's just a balancing act that I have yet to master!

I am supposed to be taking an online class to go with Lori Pickert's "Project-based homeschooling" book, but frankly I've barely read the assignment.  It is supposed to be about improving our journaling of our children's learning and how they do it best.  Her example has lovely post it notes and pictures of their daily activities...I can't manage to update this blog more than once a week.  I guess I need to step back and work on just noticing more what works and what doesn't work so well in my homeschooling with Rigel. Ultimately I'd like to do a lot more Rigel-driven projects, I really do.  I don't want to just try to pour knowledge into his mind, I want to ignite a love of learning!  That's one of the main reasons he is home this year.  That said, the other main reason is because I want to help him develop his basic skills, primarily reading, to a much more independent level so that when he returns to school he can handle working more independently.  I really do think we are going to get there, but I think a large part of how we are going to do it is using the curriculum that I've purchased.  It's good stuff in there and so I want to do it... It just all takes time and somehow the "academic" stuff seems to take too long and the self-driven stuff doesn't seem to fit in.  I'll work on it!

This past week has had some high points though including climbing Mt. Kearsarge, Rigel finally getting to make his own bow thanks to Darik's help, playing soccer on the rec team, and starting percussion and lego classes.  Mom came to visit too and we had a really special time going to the Boston Science museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls.


OK, now onto the pictures...


Rigel is beginning to read more to himself in bed....now to get him to go to sleep!

He LOVED this kit.

Mom's mom made mom this dress when she was a little girl.  While my Grandma has passed away, I'm sure she would have loved to see this special moment.

Climbing Mt. Kearsarge

Learning the concept of "squaring" a number pyramid style!

Rigel with his handmade bow...

And River with hers.  She is not Katniss yet!

Rigel at his soccer practice tonight.  He's had 5 practices with this group this year and it has been great!  I doubt high level soccer is in his future, but he plays with heart and compassion and that is more than good enough for me!

Meanwhile on the sidelines....

Back in the game!

Mommy, take a picture of me doing this!

Rigel's team photo.