We started back on Tuesday after taking two weeks off for Christmas vacation. As much as I love the post-Christmas, “what day is it again?” lazy days, I’m also happy to be back into some sort of routine.
The biggest (and most unfortunate) story since my last school update is about my laptop. A few days after Christmas, TJ spilled hot cocoa behind my computer and it seeped into the back. I watched in horror as the screen literally faded to black. We tried all the tricks but the damage was done. All of my lesson plans, photographs, links and tabs….gone in an instant. You don’t realize how dependent you are on a piece of technology until it’s gone! So this shortened school week was a weird mix of getting back into the groove and trying to remember what was on the schedule. Note to self: find that external hard-drive and actually use it!
NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS
+ We started reading about the Arctic Tundra in the little one’s science book, which seemed appropriate with our frigid temperatures here! Animals of the week: the musk ox and snow goose
+ D is starting multiplication, so I broke out my secret weapon: Schoolhouse Rock songs. I did the same for M when he was in third grade, and while they both think they’re lame and corny, they get the job done. I love when I can hear him quietly humming the tune. #missionaccomplished
These are the songs we’ve practiced so far:
- 3 is a Magic Number
- The Four-Legged Zoo (this one wasn’t as good – this one was better for memorizing)
Poetry Teatime Treat: Homemade Bread and Jam
MOTHER CULTURE & SELF-CARE
+ Fun: I pulled out an old half-finished cross-stitch and have been adding a few stitches here and there when I get a few minutes. I’d forgotten how calming it can be! I also have been working on making my blog’s Facebook page a positive, inspiring place to be. I just started a weekly series (fingers crossed!) of “rooting” for/cheering on small businesses or bloggers I find. Here’s the first one.
We use DuoLingo in our homeschool too. I actually have a teacher account so I can see what lessons all the kids have completed, and since I can preview the content for each lesson I can create some memory work using vocab the kids have already touched on. We also watch some lessons on YouTube since the Duo pronunciations can be a bit robotic.
I didn't realize that a teacher account was a possibility! I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the tip.
Oh Ashley! I felt sick reading about you losing your laptop! Kids are so hard on stuff!
I'm sorry!
It was one of those slow motion moments where you just can't process what's happening, hah! It truly was an accident, but yikes. Wasn't expecting THAT purchase right after Christmas.
I keep meaning to check out DuoLingo. Your post combined with Kelly's comment was the push I needed. Off to check it out!
Can't wait to hear what language you choose!