There is an end in sight

We are finally nearing the end of the school year. Rookie will finish two more books this week and both he and Babalu are set to finish their math books before the end of the year (there was some question with Babalu but he has been working hard and getting things done). Our science is also finished but we we may begin our summer science this week or next week. History and geography have pretty much finished and over all were still not terribly successful subjects. Each year we homeschool it gets better. Maybe next year it will finally work out to the point I call is successful. My rough planning of next year has many fun activities planned and several fun field trips planned. My boys learn history and geography best through activities.

In terms of planning this year has been a learning experience. I've determined that shopping trips must happen either in the evenings or on weekends (Unless Big Daddy is off work and can take care of the school  work while I'm gone). All planning must happen over the summer and I must keep very detailed records of scheduling. If I don't I will forget things. I also must use the library more, especially for fun reading.

Scouts is also basically finished until the new school year. We still have our ceremony to give the boy's their badges but all den meetings are over so whatever the boys haven't finished is on them. I will be planning our wolf year from start to finish over the summer and presenting our plans to the parents at the first or second den meeting so they know exactly what we are doing and when. Leading the Tigers was mostly a fun experience and I'm looking forward to Big Daddy and I leading the Wolfs next year.

Last week of the 2012-2013 year

This is our last week of school! I'm so excited to have a month of goofing off, trips to cool places and play dates with friends. Also looking forward to turning our junk room into a school room for the boys.


Babalu has a camp this week from 8-12. He has his reading book to finish plus reading his independent books for summer reading. He may not enjoy it but I want him to continue reading a book each week or two (depending on the length) from now until he moves out. Generally he grumbles when it is time for a new books but after a chapter or two is more than happy to lay in bed or on the couch reading. So far his favorite genre is mystery so he is enjoying The Hardy Boys Secret Files books.

Rookie isn't old enough to attend the camp so I have the pleasure of his company. So happy. He has math to finish up plus I want to him to read a books or two this week (and every week) for his summer reading programs (both boys are doing summer reading through the library and the local Barnes and Noble). Today he will start Hop on Pop (my personal favorite Dr. Seuss book).

Snuggle Puppy has no opinions since his routine won't be changing much. He may get more attention since won't be busy with his brothers. He has recently discovered just how awesome Pooh Bear is which thrills me. I adore the 100 Acre wood and all of it's inhabitants so I love sharing that with my boys.

Holidays

I love holidays. Not only do we get a day off of school but also my Honey has a day off of work.

On the subject of summer holidays I have a few thoughts-

Last summer I had planned to do school through the summer, aside from the weeks Babalu and Rookie spent at zoo camp and at their Nonni's house. I wasn't thrilled with the thought of all that knowledge I just spend 9 months helping them learn would stagnate in their little minds. It didn't work out that way and we ended up with most of July off. Contrary to my belief they did both remember the things they had learned and the world didn't end (pretty much how in I envision all things ending!). In retrospect it was better that way and this summer we will take the whole month of July off on purpose. I always hated the summer break when I was a kid because there was nothing to do at home (I lived in the boondocks). Babalu and Rookie love vacations, though. They are able to ride their bikes and play in the backyard (usually jedi games) when ever they want and we take day trips or go to parks. Their lives are far more exciting than mine was at their ages.

The boy's Nonni is a school teacher and we also take holidays when she does. Her school district has a wonderful week off in February called "ski week". Her school is near a ski resort so this gives the students (and faculty!) a change to do snow sports during the week. We take this day off and generally the big boys spend most, of not all, of it with Nonni.