Polly's Home School Blog

Its stopped raining!!!

2008-03-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we did a little jig this morning when we found it was going to be a nice day. This meant we could go to the Botanical Gardens as planned for an Out With Joy activity. The kids had a great time despite the VERY light attendance. We walked around the gardens, discovered the cactus house, conservatory, fuschia house, veggie patch and japanese gardens. The kids were amazed that the gardens were to big!
After the gardens was a trip to the library to exchange the huge amount of books. Both the boys have a library card and can get out 15 books each. There are times I have to tell them to stop picking as there will be no room left on their cards!! They love being read to, especially Leo. My arm muscles will be huge with all the book carrying if Im not careful. They also pick a movie each to bring home, and are currently watching Treasure Island. A classic!
Tomorrow is Saturday and we have NO PLANS!! A rare treat. Although, lucky me, Im having a girls night out!! Cant wait.

Hidden Pictures, Painting and Road Rules!

2008-03-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

Well today Isaiah had a lovely time using a hidden picture CD ROM. Helps him with his computer skills, map plotting, following instructions and concentration. A winner all round I think. The boys had a lovely time doing paintings. Made a wonderful mess!!!! Leo wrote his name for the first time. He has been forming the letters but always has trouble getting them in the right order. Today he did it, clever cookie!!
They also did the 5 minute walk to my parents house alone today. Isaiah holding Leo's hand as they crossed the road. Very cute! Isaiah is really good on the roads, knows his road rules and is aware of the damage cars can do. It took me a while to get it through his head. The break through came when he saw a seagull that had been run over. He couldn't believe that it used to be a bird and a car had done that! A good lesson for a little boy to learn.

ha ha ha ha ha

2008-03-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I completely forgot I'd set this up!! Not surprising really, I'm computer illiterate most days.
We have had Isaiah's sixth birthday this week. A trip to the pool and McDonalds for lunch. He had a lovely time but its got me thinking I should teach them to swim before next summer. Everyone recommends swimming lessons but i figure i can teach them myself. After all, i can swim!!
Isaiah is learning to read, its an exhausting task!! He knows his letter, can write them all individually. Can tell me what sound each letter makes but getting him to run them together to make a word...That is another matter entirely!!
Leo is doing really well, can recognise all the letters and is learning to write them. Funny he seems to be wanting to read before writing and Isaiah is the opposite!!
I guess thats the benefit of homeschooling, each child gets an individualised program.

My grandfather (a very old fashioned, very grumpy old man) thinks that homeschooling is criminal and i will regret it later. My response to that "Well, you'll never know will you..." He is 81 after all.

ooooo...this is new!!

2008-03-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought a blog would be an interesting way to keep track of my days as a homeschooler and maybe enlighten some of you about the realities.
So here I am.
Im only new to this blog thing so give me time.

We are currently learning to play checkers. Isaiah is obsessed with it!! I figure its good for him in that it includes waiting your turn, spacial abilities, strategies and being a good winner or loser. Anyway, Im being called for a game right now,
Ciao