Secular illusion

We can't afford all kinds of fancy curriculum or to buy something just to find out it doesn't fit our family. I've been using a free online program for science and history although it is christian based so I just skip all the bible talk. It makes me sick that this is actually being taught to many kids as fact. We are NOT one of those households. At least I tell my son what I believe is my opinion and allow him to ask questions.
I can't help to think anyone who finds out we homeschool that doesn't know my views thinks I have this outlook and I feel like its a stench I can't wash off. We have to travel an hour away for any co-op functions or group field trips because our local one is LEAH and they make you sign a statement of faith. Which I'm not ok with.
I made a mistake in this particular curriculums group for my state asking if anyone was in my county. I wanted someone to hang out with this summer. I have a hard time making friends. And now with homeschooling its just another obstacle I have to not relate with others. The only person to respond said they're in the next county over and immediately asked if I was interested in joining the Christian Fellowship Academy enrichment program on Fridays. (Really?! Can we not have anything else in common?)That they offer art, music, gym, character class, and biblical apologetics for the older students. They also help with quarterly reports and IHIPS. And that she could get me some info on putting in an application. I told her I'd keep it in mind. I feel like a fraud in the homeschool groups I've joined.
Since we are continuing our journey I will keep searching for secular history and science options. Unschooling comes to mind. Now that I've bared myself. I realized I don't implement any religious materials into my instruction so illusion does not apply.

Free science DVD's

https://www.hhmi.org/order-materials Includes shipping. No catch! I personally ordered these myself.

Sorry, these are no longer available.

3 subjects in 1

We covered 3 subjects with HIV/AIDS. Health with prevention (this included use of condoms GASP lol), history with a timeline from the CDC, and science with treatment. I love our open discussions.

Netflix can be educational

For science, we've watched Bill Nye saves the world, a documentary about Koko the gorilla, penguins spy in the huddle and pandas the journey home. I love our discussions that come up and how he is learning without it looking like school.  

Horseback riding as PE

X was willing to try horseback riding. He was very apprehensive at first but once he got the feel for it he really enjoyed himself. I told him he will be a pro in no time.

Science fair

We went to a science fair. My favorite experiments were the self-inflating balloon, the painless band-aid removal, the self-made lava lamp, and the laser demonstration. 

No looking back

Last month the local 5th graders went to the middle school for orientations. I asked X if he was interested in checking it out. He wasn't even interested in entertaining the idea lol. We are content.

You might be a homeschool family if...

1. You use nature walks for PE
2. Home depot workshops go towards art
3. Baking counts as math
4. Pandora radio for music
5. The principal kisses the teacher without being a scandal

Post yours below

Wildlife refuge trip

Our last field trip of the year. Everyone was inviting and informative. I wasn't expecting anything overly exciting but we stayed for 2 hours! There were wolves, bald eagles, a silver fox, bobcat, many breeds of owls, an adorable and friendly porcupine, a couple rabbits, even a duck. We wandered down the trails and found a peaceful setting with a bench overlooking a beautiful view. A wonderful experience.

End of year bash

X's final year of elementary will be done next month. He will be graduating and we plan to celebrate his advancement to middle school.  

Like a sponge

X sucks everything up like a sponge. We're learning about communism in China and now he is more aware of what is made in the USA. He saw made in China and said, "Look at these dirty words!" Then he pointed out something made in the USA saying "That's what I like to see." 

Note: We talked about the difference between patriotism and nationalism.

Another quarterly report finished

We're in the home stretch! Just two more months to go. I'd love to hear what my readers would like me to write about. Drop it in the comments below.

Stern center for the arts

X has taken a textured slab mug class and a try it on the wheel course. They were $35 each and we had to travel an hour away but he really likes his accomplishments. They have a melted crayon art coming up in June. 

Our first group field trip

It went great. The other parents were very inviting. We took a fire safety class where fireman Don geared up and showed us how he would call out and crawl on the floor while trying to rescue anyone inside a burning building. Then we took a tour of the station. There was the very first motorized fire truck, a hovercraft and smokey the dalmatian. All the kids got a chance to sit upfront in their #1 fire truck.

Helping the local community

Yet another benefit homeschooling has allowed us to do. X was a volunteer yesterday for Autism Law Enforcement Response Training AKA ALERT. I'm so proud of him. He did such a great job. He stood up in front of everyone and answered all their questions. Hand flapping and all Autism Acceptance is what I ask for!