Monday, February 18, 2019

Grammar Snob

I asked Franz if he was embarassed by my lack of proper grammar. Especially when writing I forget periods, and place commas in the wrong place. My sentence structure leaves something to be desired. I am dyslexic and it has always been a struggle. I am learning with Cyprian, and I pray I do a good job teaching him. Franz says he just wishes I would put punctuation marks in their place. He has never said I am lacking. I just feel my inadaquateness and worry about how it looks to others.

An advantage to homeschooling is that you can become quite proficient in all the subjects you are teaching. I still have plenty of weaknesses, but I am gaining confidence and learning along side the boys.

The start of the school day begins after breakfast is over and cleared away from the table. The boys all sit around the table and we pray the "Angel of God" and offer " My God I give you my heart." Then we say the Holy Spirit prayer. We also call out saints particularly patrons and namesake days with a response, "pray for us." Then the boys line up and face the flag in the livingroom, youngest to oldest and repeat the pledge of the "United States of America." Though most times Cornelius is spinning around and out of line. Back to the table for the older two and sometimes Cletus too. The youngest go into the play room and start playing, or more accurately "messing up."

Religion is a subject that the boys have embraced. Monday and Tuesday we read Schusters "Bible History" then answer the discussion questions afterward. Once we are done with discussion the boys get out their Religion journals and draw pictures dipicting what the days reading was about. Wednesday we try and go to daily mass at St. Peter's Middle Ridge. Both Cyprian and Clement serve mass and we attend as a family. Franz leaves to go to work and we head home, or to the library to commence the school day. Thursday is read about a saint, then draw a picture and write a few facts down. We also do a lesson in the Baltimore Catechism.

Math comes next. I have to say I never thought I would be able to teach math. I am learning with Cyprian who is using Saxon Math 5/4. Clement is using Abeka grade 2. Cyprian and Clement are learning well. They could definitely keep more on task. I know they know the material, but they will take their time if I don't keep at them. Tests go over surprisingly well. Neither boy is fond of writing out problems and showing work. Cletus sometimes does numbers and simple addition and subtraction, and story problems.

Language Arts/Phonics is a love hate relationship. The boys all love reading. Sometimes they are inspired and want to write. Other days they complain and dragout the writing process. I enjoy seeing the creative writings and thoughts of my boys. Cyprian seems to have a natural comprehension of grammer and spelling. He is using "Intermediate Language Lessons." Clement has been using "Sound Beginnings" and has really gotten the phonectic sounds down. I have not been consistent with spelling and we are going to work on incorporating a spelling list to do each week. Reading out loud is something I like. I did not do this as a child and realize how uncomfortable it was for a long time for me to read something out loud. It is one thing to read to one self. Another to be able to read out loud clear and correct in pronunciation, inflection, and pauses.

History is a lot about reading books of historical people, times, and places. Cyprian did "How Our Nation Began" and is already finished. He is working out a timeline. Clement has been working on knowing the 50 states. He has been also making a family tree.

Science for Cyprian is using Abeka "Understanding God's World" and reading many books of interest in science. Clement and Cletus use "Seasons and Living Things" and Usborne "Science with Plants." We are trying to do more projects because all the boys enjoy them. Cyprian is currently growing crystals. All the boys are helping start seeds for our garden. And soon they will be working on projects for the fair and 4H.

Art: Ah, I had grand ideas. The boys are creative and once in awhile we may read a bit or look at famous artist and their artwork. Mostly though, the boys create their own pieces of art. We also like to read Aseops Fables. The boys have journels and they make their own depiction of the fable. Writing in the quote of wisdom.

Music, recently the boys have taken an interest in the piano, recorder, and harmonica. Chyrsogonus for his birthday recently got a play drum set that is fun to tap on. Cornelius got a nice xylophone for Christmas that all love to tap out a tune. I put pieces of tape on the big piano with the keys "letter." Cyprian has learned the basics of how to read music. Keeping tempo and time is in the works. I really haven't done alot. We are looking to find someone to do piano lessons with the three oldest. Listening to classical music is another way we incorporate music into the day. I will be starting to read about Famous composers.

Poetry, the boys have poems they are suppose to memorize. Each has memorized at least one completely. Cyprian's poem is "America for Me." Clement's poem is "The Owl and the Pussy Cat." Cletus has memorized "Rain" and most of "The Cow." Cyprian and Clement are most likely going to recite their poems for the 4H arts and talent show in the beginning of March.

Writing is involved in most subjects by ways of copy work. Cyprian is using the book "The Writing Road to Reading." Clement and Cletus write down things I give them to copy for the day from various subjects, or memorization passages.

The best part of education beside the basics, is living on the farm. The boys hopefully will have a whole set of skills, understanding, and appreciation for the world around them. Some are more willing and eager than others to do chores and tasks. But, each child has something they enjoy and contribute to our little organic family farm.

There you have it, a brief summary of our school day. Though it can vary this sums up what usually is accomplished.
Boys will be boys.

One of my main mess makers.

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