O.D.E. to Joy

Other than my kids loving the new "Friday" song by Rebecca Black, they love Friday because of O.D.E. (One Day Enrichment).  That is why I call it Ode to Joy.  It brings them JOY.  Seriously, it is one day a week where, as they like to call it, they go to school.  Yep.  I am not school.  O.D.E. is school.  It is a day where the kids have the classes that are harder to do at home, and are a lot more fun in a group.  This includes Science, History, Art, P.E. and Unit Study...and of course Lunch Period.  My husband is the gym teacher at O.D.E. and he took these pictures during a few classes that he has.  I mean, I would want to go instead of being with mom AGAIN...wouldn't you? 

 I like that they have this opportunity to go and learn from other teachers and learn in a different way than I might teach them.  They love their classes and have a chance to get a taste of "real school".  I do have to say that I am glad that I don't have to pack school lunches every day.  Once a week is enough for me. **Smile** 

I am thankful to Mr. Jones, the science teacher, this year.  He has made John realize that he loves science and now he wants to become a scientist when he grows up (or an artist).  Kiley has realized that she LOVES art.  I am excited to see where that goes.  Karli has learned to make a new friend this year, which has been a big thing for our shy one.  Next Friday will be the last one for the year.  I don't know what the kids will do without it for the summer...oh I know...more time with me!!!  I bet they can't wait!! 

Little Big Boss Man

My kids go here once a week for enrichment classes. They love it. Well, the elective hour they have three different options: boys' club, girls' club or Student Council. Last session my son decided on Boys' Club, but changed his mind this session and went with Student Council. Coming home today I asked him what he did. They had elections for the Little Big Boss. Last week they did, but I guess the group decided that it was going to be a two person job instead of one so they had a re-vote today. John and his friend Magnus won the election! How fun. I asked him what their job was going to be he replied, "Our job is to make sure that the girls stop stealing the scooters during lunch."

Apparently, the girls (wait he clarified ONLY the 3rd-4th grade girls) have been stealing the scooters to sit on during lunch, and they are not suppose to. I asked if he was suppose to stand up to them and inform them that they are breaking the rules. "Yes, mom that is my job!" I wish I could be there to see Little Big Boss in action, but will wait in anticipation to hear about it after school. But, I have been given the order, I am NOT allowed to ever, ever, ever, ever call him Little Big Boss. EVER...because "Mom, everyone will think you are sooooo weird!" "Don't they already?" was my reply. Even if I can't call him it out in public, he will definitely be Little Big Boss(man) to me. 8-)

Homeschooling Schedule...what's yours?

So school is starting and I am in the preparation stages of getting our school together for the year. We are going to start on September 8th, just like the rest of the schools around here. Thankfully, it gives me a little extra time. Last year I actually started in August, there is no way I would have been ready yet! Anyway, I really need a better schedule for this year. I am going to have a 2nd, (2) 1st graders and a kindergartener. I have different learning styles with each one. So, here is the question, what makes your homeschool schedule work? I would love to know yours. When I get mine together I will put it on here. But, in the meantime, I love learning from what works for others. So, please share your thoughts!

They have been promoted!

Here are a few pictures from out graduation/promotion ceremony with TEACH, our homeschool group! I am so proud of the kids they worked so hard!

Our promoted kids! (above)

Below are our high school (dark blue) and 8th grade gradutes (light blue)

Our Valentine Party with our homeschool group

Today was great, celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday and having a Valentine Party! It was good, oh and The Office and Survivor starts tonight, but that is just cherry on the top! Anyway, back to our party. Our homeschool group TEACH organized a party for all the kids so they could have games and exchange valentines, so they wouldn't miss out. John was hesitant to go, but as we were leaving said, "Mom, this was so much fun!" See, don't not do something because the kids groan about doing it. In the end they will see that trying new things, usually, is a lot of fun! Here are some pictures of our time.
Here are a couple of pictures of them making their Valentine bags to keep all the treats in.

Then they played games and made some more crafts. And even got their face painted.

We had lunch after the games. Pizza, carrots and grapes.
Then our leader at TEACH talked to the kids about how you can show love in so many different ways, and asked the kids to tell how they feel loved by their parents. Emily said she felt love when she sucked on her lollipop. Ok, not in the mood to share, oh well. There were a lot of different answers and it was great to hear their answers. Then she went on to explain the greatest demonstration of love, which is Jesus voluntarily dying for each one of us. There is not a better picture of such love! After clean up, we all headed into different age groups to hand out Valentines. The three girls were all in the Pre-K and Kindergarten group and then John was with the early elementary group.

They had so much fun getting Valentines from all the kids. The girls kept holding up each one to show me and feeling so special that the other kids thought of them. It was a great experience for them, and I am so glad that we were able to make it. Then we headed home and sat and poured out all of the Valentines and candy. We read all the different ones.
It is nice to be part of a homeschool group where you can do something like this and then you know they aren't missing out on the fun things that go on in school too. It was a great day! John is now excited to hand out Incredible Hulk Valentines at One Day Enrichment tomorrow! Fun times!