Snapshots: Back to School

We've been in school mode for a few weeks now, and it feels like we're finally finding our stride for another new year. 

We kicked the year off with our traditional pancake breakfast...

...and first day of school "happies." 
I pick a few things to wrap just for the fun of it.

Beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, here are snapshots of a few of our other pursuits:

Bible

Last year we studied Genesis through Joshua, and we're picking right back up with Judges and Kings this year. 

 Memorizing books of the Bible for 2nd grade

History

Again picking up from last year's study of Ancient Egypt and the Old Testament, we are moving on to New Testament, Greece, and Rome. 

Caleb got a new Merriam-Webster Elementary Dictionary that is coming in handy for his vocabulary! It's a great dictionary for lower elementary with its clean lay out, easy to read text, and inclusion of word roots, word history, synonyms, and excellent pictures.  

Nature Journal

After some research this summer, I've added periodic nature journaling to our afternoon loop as a great foundation for science. Nature journaling hones observation skills which are the starting place of all scientific discoveries. By duplicating the details of what they see, they are fine tuning their observation abilities. Bonus discovery: I'm seeing a growing affection for the beauty of creation.  

Art
All my boys enjoy art, but I have one who really has tremendous affinity and ability. I wanted to make sure I found something to scratch that itch, develop sprouting God given talent, and required as little as possible from me. Introducing HomeArtStudio dvds. So far so good! 
Lesson 1: What are primary colors? What are secondary colors?

Poetry

After listening to Julie Bogart talk about poetry teatime, I was completely inspired. My boys may be all boy, but that doesn't mean they can't have culture and etiquette! An appreciation and enjoyment of poetry nurtures great writers and readers, and by starting them young and associating poetry with yummy treats, hopefully their souls are acquiring a taste for beautiful language. 

The one time mama's china is not off limits. Cookies are essential. Several children's poetry books spread across the table.

I'm convinced England's tea is better! Add plenty of milk and sugar...yum! 

How to Make the Perfect Pot of Tea

Everyone picks out a poem to read or for me to read while we enjoy our yummies.

Zero the Hero

Every 10 days of school Zero the Hero hides a special 0 shaped treat to mark our countdown to 100 days of school. The boys have to ask yes/no questions to find the treat. Day 10: Donuts!

Thankful for these teachers who invest in my kids once a week and offer support, wisdom, and experience on this homeschool journey.