Monday, September 28, 2015

Little Barn Academy {First Grade}

We started our ninth week of first grade today. 
This year we have embraced the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education in our home. 
I discovered who Charlotte Mason was and her philosophy of education late into our kindergarten year, but after reading and researching, I fell in love. 
I am generally following the Ambleside Online Year 1 with a few tweaks here and there for our family. We use Singapore Math, Apologia Science, and add in Story of the World for history.  
 
 We spend our days reading lots and lots.
We study nature and journal about it.
 We study artists, composers, and sing hymns.
 We play games often
and sometimes take school on the road.
 
  
We go to the library at least once a week (sometimes twice) and we've gotten in the habit of stopping by our favorite local coffee shop to read a few of the books we checked out.
 
 Our days are gentle and peaceful (for the most part).
It seems so weird to even share that, but it's true. 
It's the total opposite of my public school teaching days. 
I wouldn't trade Little Barn Academy for those days for anything.








Monday, September 21, 2015

Seth is 6!!!

Seth is 6!
 
He requested a celebration at the creek just like his brother
So that's how we celebrated his birthday, Saturday. 
We searched for shells, skipped rocks, and enjoyed time with family and friends.
Happy Birthday, my boy!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

{Gratitude} Lately

Lately, I've been grateful for...
a little lamb (with worms) that never gives up
the words of Martin Luther during our hymn study
 a boy that can tie his own shoes
lovely stamps
 
 first roller coaster rides
 a farmer friend that shares cabbage transplants 
and the best pear preserves on the planet
 holding a hummingbird
 and for games of checkers with my little one while
 my big one masters the monkey bars
 

{Gratitude can transform common days
 into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy,
 and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.}
William Arthur Ward