The Homeschool Journal- Week 1

I really love this idea for doing weekly updates. I sporadically used it last year, but plan on keeping with it this year. In my life this week...
I've been really focusing on starting this homeschool year off right. As I've blogged in previous posts, I have been getting up before the girls and having my quiet time. This really improves my day.

In our homeschool this week...
First grade is officially under way! This week has been a lot of review, especially in Math and Phonics. We've started spelling this year and had our first spelling test yesterday. I'm so impressed at how well the girls' handwriting has improved since mid-kindergarten. In science we've begun learning about the scientific method and did our first experiment. Will popping corn and feed corn both pop when heated? The conclusion- popping corn will pop but feed corn will not pop when heated. The girls enjoyed the project and we only overheated one microwave in the process. ;) In Social Studies we've begun our year-long unit on the study of people/countries/cultures/religions. We started out by learning the 7 continents (see video below) and then jumped straight into our first country: the U.S.A. We've had a lot of fun and are so excited about this year!

Places we're going and people we're seeing...
This week we made a trip to Myrtle Beach for family photos on the beach. They turned out awesome! We also found out yesterday that my mom and grandmother will be coming down today to spend a few days with us! Surprises are so much fun! My favorite thing this week was...
Getting back into the swing of school! I love love love teaching my children at home. It fills me with so much joy!

I'm reading...
Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and Joy by Sally Clarkson

I'm grateful for...
a brief reprieve from the heat wave that we've been having. Thank you God for mid-eighties and low humidity.

I'm praying for...
for my fellow homeschool families who have started back to school this week. May we all open our eyes and hearts to the paths God has chosen for us.

A photo/video/link to share...