Friday, September 17, 2010

Weekly Wrap-up: The homework edition

This was the week our "real" classes started up. You know, the ones that don't happen at the kitchen table or even at home; the ones with a real teacher.

And real homework.

On Wednesday it was art, taught by a teacher set free when a local private school shut down.  It was fabulous. And, the kids each got a sketchbook and some homework:  draw your favorite shoe.  It's a ballet flat for the girl, a hiking boot for the boy.  Love it.


The hiking boot drawing isn't ready for publication.  It's not due till next Wednesday, after all. 

Wednesday afternoon piano lessons started up again, with a new teacher in a new location.  "I like her style the best of all the teachers I've had."  Love that too.  Also more homework, or at least more specific homework, than any other teacher.

Thursday was beginning composition.  [Cue ominous music here.]  This is a class for older beginning writers.  I think that means kids whose moms thought they would learn to write naturally and finally had to admit that that wasn't going to happen so a class was needed. Or maybe that's just what it means for me.  This class utilizes the methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing; the teacher came highly recommended.  The moms are invited to stay so we can learn the techniques, too, so we can help our kids (and maybe ourselves).  So far, so good. 

The homework for this class is to outline and rewrite a short article.  It's due Monday, but the kids get extra points for early submission.   Mine didn't exactly fight over the computer to get theirs typed up yesterday afternoon, but almost.

Throw in some orthodontist appointments for both kids, a back xray for my girlie to check on her scoliosis, startups of both Boy Scouts and robotics club, and there's a full week.

This was also the week of The Lord of the Rings. The boy has been disappearing as much as possible to read.  We knew he'd love it.

Like most weeks, it was a mix of good times and bad.  We didn't get as much done as I would have liked.  We never do.  I've decided that I overplan, and will continue to do so on the chance that we'll have an easy week and get everything done.  It could happen!

More weekly wrap-ups at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers!

7 comments:

Mary Prather said...

I just discovered your blog through the Weekly Wrap-Up -- I look forward to following your adventures. I, too, have a two kid schoolhouse. :-)

Kerri said...

Love the shoe! Is the teacher using "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"? I ask because in one of my high-school classes the 1st assignment was a shoe and that was what the teacher was using. It was a good class. I learned a lot that year. And it really changed the way I saw things that year, like everything was heightened, a potential painting, more colorful. I hope your kids love it. :)

Unknown said...

You're not the only one. I thought my daughter would learn to write "naturally" and so far it hasn't happened. I guess some poetry and short stories are in order -

Sherry

Laurie said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog. Don't outside classes put a different twist on things?- it makes me realize how relaxed (maybe too much so) I am in our homeschool. Love the shoe drawing! :)

Leslie said...

What a great slipper drawing! I can't wait to see the hiking boot (and you made me LOL when you said it wasn't ready yet -- totally relate to that).

IEW is really fabulous and I think it is great that you get to stay. I teach this at our co-op and I wish more parents could be involved, but the nature of our co-op is such that everyone is busy most of the time. We did have a workshop the first week and many moms are assisting in these classes (mine is one of four this year).

Sounds like you had a great week!

wdworkman said...

Sounds like your going to be busy this year with classes & clubs. It all sounds like fun though.
Janet W
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/wdworkman/

Amber@ClassicHousewife said...

I've been thinking the same thing, we never get as much done as I'd like, I'm beginning to suspect I overplan. ;)
I'm still convinced we could get it all in if we managed our time better so I haven't given up on it yet. =)