The great outdoors as our classroom

We checked on some fishing traps at the nature center and got to learn about different animal tracks. We love days like this. It's great how science can seem like life.

Adult socialization

I read a lot about people thinking homeschoolers lack socialization. If done right this is not the case. There are many opportunities to get children involved in sports, music, co-ops, and clubs. However, it was easier to get chores and errands done when X was in public school. I had some free/alone time. I do find it harder to get out because I'm now in the position that my husband was in before. He would work then come home and never have downtime for himself. I know that self-care is essential but I wish I didn't feel so guilty about it. 

Milestone

I started this blog 1 year ago! I posted 52 entries and made my goal. I'm not the best writer but I followed through with this and didn't lose interest. I plan to continue weekly postings.

Warriors

We've given ourselves a mascot. We are the WARRIORS!

The wilson reading program

Back in April, we had X tested for dyslexia. Our suspicions were confirmed. He also has dysgraphia and HFA. After we received the report back I sent copies to the CSE hoping they could restart his speech and OT services. We were able to start privately over the summer but the insurance burned up quickly. The CSE had us bring him in for reevaluations. The OT is recommending the use of graph paper, text to speech and speech to text. The speech results came back as average and that his issues are with phonetic awareness, not speech. They have a reading specialist but it's a gen ed service so it's not available to homeschoolers. He has made great gains with his writing and motor skills since becoming homeschooled. At least we were able to update his IEP to include the use of google doc's reader. I remember when his OT teacher had told me that his handwriting would never improve (his a's looked like q's). Well, I proved her wrong! Gladly X receives services through a local non-profit organization that was able to get him approved for the WRS. The WRS is a system specifically for dyslexics. I'm considering becoming a certified tutor in this program.

Death

I haven't posted because we had a death in the family. I'll be back next week...

Evacuation

Our local middle school had a bomb threat and had to evacuate the premises. Since X is homeschooled he was able to avoid that situation. Homeschooling is the life for us <3 Sadly not everyone is that lucky.

Love of learning

X has now been pointing things out to me for school. His favorite subject is science. He has been talking about wanting to become a pharmacist tech when he is older.

Cheetah presentation

X and I went to an endangered cheetah presentation. Counts as science. We even stayed afterward and chatted with the owner of the studio. I also ran into a former art teacher from middle school.

Turtles

We went on a field trip for a turtle presentation. X is hilarious. He calls C a turtle because of how long he takes in the bathroom when going #2 lol. So he told him we were going to see some of his relatives. While being told their names we just said hi daddy.

Trying something new

X and I tried yoga! He didn't really care for it but I found it relaxing. Here's to trying something new <3

It's officially been a year

Phew! We started homeschool last October and have now surpassed the one year mark! We've had so many opportunities to see things we would have never had the chance to do otherwise. What's holding you back?

Rocks

There is a new fad with rock hunting and painting. X has found a few around town and seems to enjoy it. So I decided to have him paint one of his own. And it counts towards art.

Woods walk

We went on a woods walk at the nature center. The guide Joel explained the trees in the area. X said it was the best walk ever and gave it a 10! He is excited to continue going for this weekly event. Science, history, health and PE check.   

Open mic

I found a local gallery that has a monthly open mic night. We checked it out and really enjoyed ourselves. This can be used towards music. We have a field trip Tuesday with other homeschoolers to the Wilder farm.