I’ve missed a few weeks of homeschool updates because we’ve had so much going on with getting ready for overnight visits with our newest kids! No, it’s still not definite, but we’re moving right along and praying for the Lord’s will. We’ve spent this week putting together a bunk bed in Kathryn’s room, cleaning out closets, and changing the purple teen girl bedroom into a little boy bedroom (since Lindsey moved upstairs a few months ago). There’s still a lot to do, but we at least have a place for them to sleep when they stay here this weekend! {My most recent update on this foster-adoption.}
One more non-school-related thing that’s always a big deal in our house: the annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s dance at church! This is the fourth year Ken has taken the girls; Lindsey says she’s going even when she’s 30. 
The girls reminded Ken that next year he may have another daughter to take to the dance!
It’s a little mind-blowing to think that next year I’ll probably have a preschooler and a first grader in our homeschool. For now, though, I have a sixth-grader and a high school senior, and today I’m sharing a little on what our typical week looks like.
A typical week for my middle-schooler:
Each week, Kathryn has one day of enrichment classes. Her favorite is LEGO class, and in the past few weeks, she has made a working pendulum clock, a magnet powered circus trick (these projects have accompanying stories), and a flywheel-powered car. In addition to learning kicks in Choi Kwang Do, she’s also been learning more about the history and discipline of it, which includes quite a few Korean words. She also assists in in art class for younger kids.
Since she doesn’t get to keep the LEGO projects, she takes photos of each one.
Three days of the week, Kathryn works independently (with me nearby for questions) to do her math, writing assignments, and any history or science assignments. I read science and history lessons aloud — not because she can’t read them on her own, but because we both enjoy it and we both learn better that way. Just like she’s done since she was little, she sits nearby so she can read along; it’s how she learned to read. Often, she knits while I read. Unless we have a weird/busy morning, she finishes tablework by lunchtime. That leaves afternoons for household projects, errands, flute practice, and what I’m trying to make into “one more thing” (after seeing how well that works for the Hodgepodge!).
We try to do a creative project every week. Sometimes that’s art, sometimes a handiwork project of some sort. Her most recent creation was a nightgown for her sock doll; she did every bit of it herself, including coming up with the idea.
Fridays are very light days with afternoons off. It’s a catch-up day if needed, and we head to band class right after lunch.
Currently, Kathryn has school on Saturdays as well, in the form of mitzvah classes at her dad’s messianic synagogue. She learns a great deal of Bible history, as well as how to read, write, and speak Hebrew.
A typical week for my high school senior:
Lindsey schedule varies a bit more from week to week due to her ever-changing work schedule. However, like Kathryn, she has one set day of enrichment classes. She’s taking a Bible class, Choi Kwang Do (with Kathryn), and a home design class. The design class is her favorite; this week she won a prize for the best project, where she designed a dream bedroom for me!
Some weeks, she’ll spread out her schoolwork over 4 or 5 days, but some weeks, she crams it into just a couple of days if she has daytime shifts at work. Occasionally, since she usually has flexibility during typical school hours, she’ll babysit during the week in addition to her regular job at Chick-fil-a. (That extra cash is important for a teen beginning to pay some of her own bills!) She did that one day this week and took her schoolwork with her. Lindsey takes Fridays off from school as well since she almost always works that day.
Last week, Lindsey started an online Essay Rock Star writing course. She likes to write, and I believe that’s a hugely important skill, but Lindsey and I have both realized she’s super-sensitive to any negative feedback from me, so we are both excited about this.
Sometimes LacyDog likes to help with schoolwork, too!
I’m linking up with these lovely ladies:
- Homeschool Mother’s Journal at iHomeschool Network
- Weekly Wrap-Up at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
- No Fear Homeschool High School at The Daisy Head
- Collage Friday hostess Mary at Home Grown Learners
Such lovely father-daughter memories!
Zephyr Hill recently posted..Dear Dad
What beautiful daughters you have, Jamie!
We have a kindergarten student and a middle schooler here this year and it did take some big adjustments since it was 7 years since we’d had that mix previously. Overall, it’s been great, though, and I’m sure you’ll all have a great time next fall.
Erin – The Usual Mayhem recently posted..Creating an Art Nook
I am impressed by how much you get done in a week! I hope your adoptions go without a hitch!
Phyllis at All Things Beautiful recently posted..Introducing: LEGO Challenges and Challenge #1: Two Dimensional Design
Legos are everywhere this week! It’s definitely the newest, popular ‘homeschool curriculum’!! I’m a wee bit jealous of the father and daughter dance. My girls would just LOVE that! I really hope they had a wonderful time. Tell Lindsay her room design is great! Have a lovely weekend.
Claire recently posted..A Love Shown
I love the picture of the dog helping.
I also love that Valentine’s dance picture with the girls. That sounds like a fun evening!
Rebecca recently posted..Our Homeschool Week: February 14, 2013
Wow! How exciting about the adoption! And such great Dad-Daughter photos! Lovely! Those are MY COLORS in Lindsey’s bedroom design project! LOL Tans and greens! Wonderful! Funny dog! LOL
Jessy at Our Side of the Mountain recently posted..A Peak at Our Week: Session 3 Week 7 – And We’re Off on Vacation!
Love the enrichment classes, sounds like both girls are really enjoying them. The girls looked so beautiful for their special night too!
Christy recently posted..And… More Sick Days.
Looks like a very busy and productive week, despite all the pending changes and extra activities that are going on. All the best for your adoption process. It looks like you’re going to have a very full and busy household soon!
Hwee recently posted..Priorities: Choose LOVE
Oh I love the natural flow of homeschool days…school work independently with you close by for questions, reading aloud on the couch and more projects… and we’re so excited for you with your new little ones joining you soon! Thanks for the mention with the ‘one more thing’ – it’s such a good reminder for my mama brain
Glad Lacy dog makes things fun!
Tricia @ Hodgepodge recently posted..Turn Negatives into Positives
I’m thinking of you all this weekend – I hope it goes great with Scout and Jem. Also praying for you re the judge order.
And I love Kathryn’s lego creations – they make ME want to go dig into our lego!
Lula B recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up – The One Where We Finally Made Elephant Toothpaste
I love the picture of your dog “helping”! That is great. Thanks for sharing your girls typical weeks.
blessings, Dawn
I love the dream bedroom project – what an awesome class!
Twitter: jen4ever4always
says:
You’re daughters are beautiful! Excited to see this adoption is unfolding for your family. Love your bedroom
Jen recently posted..Weekly Photo Collage :: 2/15/2013 ~ Valentine’s & Ashes
Great week, love the dream bedroom project.
All My Baby Birds recently posted..Corduroy {BFIAR}
I love the Dad/Daughter pictures. Even when you’re 30 these are still the best!
Twitter: embarski
says:
Hi Jamie! I enjoyed reading about your typical weeks. You all are very busy! Congratulations to Lindsey on the fabulous bedroom project; Miss Priss would *adore* that class. And I still read aloud to my girls, too! We all love it.
Ellen, the Bluestocking Belle recently posted..New Bird Sighting! Hermit Thrush
You all had a busy week. Thanks for sharing. Your daughter’s dream bedroom board reminded me of my college days. I majored in Interior Design and we had to do project boards just like that. She has great taste! Have a blessed rest of this week.
Robin recently posted..I Needed These 2 Verses (100 Verses ~ Week 8)