School- Weeks 3 & 4

Baby Kylie joined us one afternoon

Ian reading to Caleb

Isabelle's haircut

 Week 3 & 4: Sept 9-13 & Sept 16-20

Ian's thrilled to be working on grammar.

We were able to have two weeks of school in one place (Cut Bank.)

Stephen was working in Browning & Great Falls, but the kids and I stayed in Cut Bank.  We still managed to take our school to a few different locations. :)

Recess at the library on a chilly day

Back to School

Our first day of school- dropping paperwork off at the Glacier County Courthouse

At the maze with the Parkers

First night of the Mission's Conference in Kalispell

Doing school at the Orts- French class

We were all sad to see summer come to an end! But it was time to head back to school.

This year Ian is in 8th grade; Isabelle is in 5th grade; and Caleb is in 2nd grade.  We are studying some things together- Bible, American history, and French.  The other subjects are done individually according to grade level.

Week 1: August 26-30
We combined history, science, and language arts this week while we focused on Glacier National Park.  Stephen and Ian had a backpacking/camping trip planned Wednesday and Thursday, but unfortunately a rain storm ruined that plan.

We were still able to go hiking in the park Thursday, including a boat ride across Two Medicine Lake.  We found some moose tracks and followed those along the trail for awhile.  We also learned some things about the trees on the edge of the shore.  The next day, we joined the Parkers at the Amazing Fun Center in West Glacier.  Everyone had a great time!  We continued from there on to Kalispell to visit the Orts.  We spent Labor Day weekend at family camp at Big Sky Bible Camp with Central Bible Church (one of our supporting churches.)

Week 2: September 3-6
After camp was finished, we stayed with the Orts in Kalispell.  When the Ort children went to school in the morning, we set up school at the dining room table. Wednesday evening started the Mission's Conference at Central Bible Church.  It was challenging to do school in a different location with other obligations in the evening. It's a good thing it was only a four day school week!

More school pictures

We had some extra students for school on Tuesday morning.

A Typical Day of School- Part 3

Our lunch break lasts from 12:30-1:30.

At 1:30, I do science with Isabelle, Cherissa, and Caleb.

Ian uses this time to finish any individual work or do corrections from his workbooks.

At 2:00, we start our read aloud book (not pictured here).  We read for about an hour, and then we do an elective.  Right now we are working are way through the "Story of Orchestra."  There is a CD with music samples that makes it come alive.

 Our school day is over at 3:30 pm.

A Typical School Day- Part 2

  

At 10:00 AM, we start our history reading.  We are doing World History this year.  We've just finished talking about the Renaissance and are now learning about the Reformation.

Our history program compares the things going on around the world at the same time.  We've learned about civilizations and events from Africa, Asia and South America.

The "Usbourne Book of World History" is a favorite!

Reading World History.

After we finish History, we have 30 minutes for recess. Then it's back to school for Ian's science and time to finish up Math, Language Arts, and Reading.

A Typical School Day

 We begin our typical school day at 8:00 AM.  We start with Bible time together.  At 8:45, we start on Language Arts and Math.  I do math with each child individually, youngest to oldest.  They have a lesson time, followed by an assignment in their work books.

Ian is hard at work.

During this time, they all work on their various language arts workbooks.  When I m done teaching math, I help with any parts they can't do on their own.

We usually take the table out on the porch, but sometimes work inside.  Isabelle likes to set up her  own workstation, using several chairs or the little tables we have.

We continue this work until 10:00 AM.  As they complete their work, they place each book on my desk.  I try to grade as many as I can during this time, so that we can go over corrections right away.

Out for a walk