Digging this song so much right now. And the video is pretty fun.
Life Right Now #24
As I look outside my window: The storm from last night has moved on (leaving parts of downtown flooded, but clear in my part of the city) but left some clouds and the humidity. It’s still supposed to get in the high 90s. Not a fan.
Right now I am: making (not from scratch, thanks Trader Joe’s) chocolate croissants and quiche (thanks Imperfect Produce) for brunch.
On my bedside table: I’m slowly but steadily reading Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain and Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items by J.W. Ocker. In addition, I have more of Asimov’s Foundation series on tap to dive into.
On my tv this week: In addition to a few movies (Jolt - terrible; The Suicide Squad - stupid but pretty fun), we have been watching two music documentary series: American Epic (origins of American music) and Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson (various aspects of modern music). Both have been really really good! We’ve also been watching S2 of Ted Lasso and Schmigadoon.
Listening to: I’ve fallen behind on many podcasts that I love. I’m going to take some time today to catch up on a few while doing other tasks.
On the menu for this week: My meal plan is a giant mess right now. I guess that will be my task this morning. I do want to do a pantry and freezer inventory/cleanout to get things back into shipshape. Maybe I will tackle that this morning and then make the meal plan using ingredients I’ve cataloged…
On my to do list: I need to make some appointments for everyone (eye and well-check) as well do a check-in with the twins. I’ve got my various projects (retreat, coop, road trip) to continue working on in between. And I really want to organize a bit in my library/craft room.
Happening this week: Trying for a slightly lighter week
Monday - Grocery day
Tuesday - Field trip to OPPD Arboretum for nature exploration
Wednesday - Home day
Thursday - Coop Day!
Friday - Possible Park Morning
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day
What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans and coop plans. I really want to made some kind of book retreat craft this week, but we’ll see how busy I get.
My simple pleasures: Listening to the rain. New friends. Securing our lodgings for the retreat.
Looking around the house: Meh. It is what it is right now. I should probably vacuum today, but it might get put off until Tuesday.
From the camera: I made pudding cups for a first week of school treat.
The Currents of Space by Isaac Asimov
Title: The Currents of Space (Galactic Empire #2)
Author: Isaac Asimov
Publisher:
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 242
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Perpetual
Trantor had extended its rule over half the Galaxy, but the other half defied its authority, defending their corrupt fiefdoms with violence and repression. On the planet Florina, the natives labored as slaves for their arrogant masters on nearby Sark. But now both worlds were hurtling toward a cataclysmic doom, and only one man knew the truth--a slave unaware of the secret knowledge locked inside his own brain.
Rik had once been a prominent scientist until a psychic probe erased all memories of his past. Now he was a humble laborer in the kyrt mills of Florina. Then the memories began to return, bringing with them the terrible truth about the future--a truth that his masters on Sark would kill to keep secret . . . even at the cost of their own survival.
I was concerned after the last book (seriously the point in the giant series so far). I had hoped we would get something with more likable characters and a better pacing. Thankfully, this book delivers. The plot is fast-paced involving a mysterious person and a bunch of politicians and ambassadors. Sounds dull, but in reality it’s like one big action movie. We have to figure out the mystery of who Rik really is and what is means to the ruling parties of Sark/Florina and Trantor. We get some information about the galaxy at large and the specifically the growth of the Trantorian Empire. I loved playing along trying to figure out who all the different parties really worked for or at least what their motivations were. I was in this story right until the very end. Now I have the motivation to dive into the next book and continue to see how Trantor creates a Galactic Empire.
Galactic Empire:
#2 The Currents of Space
#3 Pebble in the Sky
Next up on the TBR pile:
Lumberjanes Vol. 15
Title: Lumberjanes Vol. 15: Birthday Smarty
Author: Shannon Watters; Kat Leyh
Publisher: BOOM! 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 112
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
BIRTHDAYS TO THE MAX!
Jo’s birthday is coming up, and April is determined to pull out all the stops for her best friend! But when her elaborate plans for a huge, over-the-top celebration fall through, April recruits the yetis and some fellow ‘Janes to put on a play for Jo, instead.
Meanwhile, Mal has been tasked with keeping Jo busy to protect the surprise, but she might’ve done TOO good a job. Will the birthday girl make it back in time for her own party? And does she even want to?
Cute story focused on Jo and April. I was very excited to to see the story focus on some of the other Lumberjanes. We get appearances by some many fun previous characters I can see that the series is starting to build to an ending and I’m not ready for it to be over. But it’s been a super fun ride so far.
Lumberjanes Vol. 14
Title: Lumberjanes Vol. 14: X Marks the Spot
Author: Kat Leyh
Publisher: BOOM! 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 112
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
X MARKS THE SPOT...FOR TROUBLE!
Ripley found a treasure map! The Roanoke scouts are eager to hunt down what they hope might be some kind of mystical hoard of gems and jewels, rad dinosaur bones, or maybe even more treasure maps (that you have to piece together to find an EVEN BIGGER prize, obviously)! What they end up finding is scattered pieces of an ancient Greek statue of a woman, who, when assembled, comes back to life as a vindictive ex-goddess!n. And she's looking to satisfy her hunger after thousands of years frozen in stone by draining any nearby magical resource...starting with the ‘Janes!
So much fun! We get an adventure involving a treasure map and a mysterious statue. I loved the callbacks to the Diane and Apollo storyline as well as the time Ripley was a god and created so many cats! Seriously, Marigold is the best kitty. I love picking up a Lumebrjanes volume for some strange fun involving a great group of friends.
Odds and Ends
Here's my randomness for the week:
Our first STEAM coop is today! I’m so excited, but a little worried. Hope everything goes well.
After one night of beautiful, cool, open window weather, we are back to very warm temperatures. I’m not loving this at all.
I need to bake more, but the heat is really impeding my motivation…
Joined a literary society and it’s been lovely talking books with other like-minded folks every few weeks.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid
Title: Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City #7)
Author: Penny Reid
Publisher: Cipher-Naught 2018
Genre: Romance
Pages: 498
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson):
1) She’s determined to make good decisions,
2) She must get married ASAP, and
3) She knows how to knit.
Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy. Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece. Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought?
I absolutely love Dan! He is hands-down the absolute best character in this entire series. I have been waiting many many books to see more of Dan and get his love story. Finally we get there. Overall, I absolute loved his story. But I really don’t love Kat as a separate character. Some of her choices really made me angry. Thankfully. Dan really saved this story for me. Plus it was a nice wrap-up to the entire series. Now I have to contemplate reading Reid’s other series…
Knitting in the City
#4 Beauty and the Mustache
#4.75 Ninja at First Sight
#6 Dating-ish
#7 Marriage of Inconvenience
Next up on the TBR pile:
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
Title: Dating-ish (Knitting in the City #6)
Author: Penny Reid
Publisher: Cipher-Naught 2017
Genre: Romance
Pages: 356
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris:
1) She’s fed up with online dating,
2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and
3) She knows how to knit.
After the most bizarre first date in the history of dating, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities: Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation! Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services? But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different—and crazier—solution to her dilemma...
Not my absolute favorite, but I really did enjoy Marie and Matt’s love story. I really loved the sorta “meet-cute” they experience and ensuing reveal. Seriously made me laugh out loud. Once the story really gets going, I was a bit impatient for them to actually get together. Thankfully we get a good story and actually see two characters connect and explore their relationship. And then we get to the sexy times and they were surprisingly dirty. These sexy scenes were much better written than previous ones in the series. Lots of fun! And I loved the little glimpses into the other Knitting Circle’s members.
Knitting in the City
#4 Beauty and the Mustache
#4.75 Ninja at First Sight
#6 Dating-ish
#7 Marriage of Inconvenience
#8 Neanderthal Seeks Extra Yarns
Next up on the TBR pile:
Music Monday - Beartooth "The Past is Dead"
Very very hard rock for today’s song.
August 2021 Life Goals
Let’s check in on July’s goals and my progress.
Read 15 Books ✓
Plan August Homeschooling Lessons and Coop ✓
Stick to My Time Blocking ✓
Weekly Field Trips ✓
Cross Off 7 Items on Our Summer Bucket List - Eh. Close, but not quite.
Get My Email Inbox to 0 ✓
August’s Goals:
Read 15 books
Kick off our 2nd year of homeschooling!
Kick off our STEAM coop
Make 3-4 desserts for our food project
Next up on the TBR pile:
July 2021 Wrap-up
July TBR Pile (17/19):
Book of the Month Club: ???
Formerly Girly Book Club now Bookworms: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid ✓
Friend Book Club: Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue ✓
Friend Book Club: Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy ✓
Nonfiction: Wintering by Katherine May ✓
Fantasy: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo ✓
Fantasy: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo ✓
Science Fiction: Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
Romance: Friends without Benefits by Penny Reid ✓
Kid Read Aloud: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis ✓
Kid Read Aloud: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis ✓
Added: Love Hacked by Penny Reid ✓
Added: Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid ✓
Added: The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley ✓
Added: Folklords ✓
1,000,000 Page Goal:
Monthly Total: 5836 pages
Pages Remaining: 463,161 pages
Current Read - Dating-ish by Penny Reid
Books I Gave Up On (0)
Books Bought/Received (0)
UnRead Shelf Progress
Starting Number: 283
Books Read: 0
Books Acquired: 0
Books Unshelved: 0
Finishing Number: 283
August TBR Pile: Again, I’m changing up my TBR for this month. The new television series based on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation world is dropping at the end of September. I’ve been reading the main 15 book series for awhile, but I still have 9 books to go. I’m committing to reading those 9 books this month in preparation. I fully expect that one or two books will bleed into September, but I really want to knock out most of them. Beyond those books, I have some library books lying around and a few ebooks that should be coming up off hold soon.
Book of the Month Club: TBD
Bookworms: Already read August’s selection
Friend Book Club: TBD
MMD RC: TBD
Kid Read Aloud: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Foundation: The Currents of Space by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Pebble in the Sky by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov
Foundation: Foundation and Earth by Isaac Asimov
Movies watched
America: The Motion Picture - Wow, that was wild…
School’s Out Forever - We were expecting a comedy filled apocalypse movie. Instead we got a very serious apocalypse move.
The Tomorrow War - Oooff… that was not good at all. So many logical inconsistencies.
Black Widow - Good movie, however, I think it was about 5 years too late. Felt like an afterthought and that’s disappointing.
Inside - Bo Burnham’s passion project during quarantine. Fascinating.
Werewolves Within - Fun horror comedy. We do so love our horror comedies.
Gunpowder Milkshake - Fun action film, even if it will ultimately be pretty forgettable.
Faith-Based - Quirky little comedy
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard - Silly, but good fun. We definitely watch for the banter between Ryan Reynolds and Sam Jackson.
Woodstock 99: Peace, Love and Rage - Even though I very much remember the event, the documentary gave me so much information I didn’t know. Depressing but good. Also, the film makers really needed to press the two organizers more about their lack of planning.
TV Shows watched
Loki S1 - I am gutted. So good.
Schmigadoon S1 - Delightful little show full of Broadway stars!
Making It S3 - Our current reality competition full-good show.
Holey Moley S3 - Rob and Joe are delightful. Plus, Double Dutch en Fuego is my favorite!
Star Trek: Voyager S4 - Slowly making our way through.
Hustle S5 - We’re flying through this series.
Comments - July was a rough month. The temperatures have been very high here which has caused all kinds of lethargy. My reading was robust, but I feel strangely detached from my reading right now. August will be bringing up back to a normal routine and I’m hoping everything settles.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Wintering by Katherine May
Title: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Author: Katherine May
Publisher: Riverhead Books 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: 255
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR
Sometimes you slip through the cracks: unforeseen circumstances like an abrupt illness, the death of a loved one, a break up, or a job loss can derail a life. These periods of dislocation can be lonely and unexpected. For May, her husband fell ill, her son stopped attending school, and her own medical issues led her to leave a demanding job. Wintering explores how she not only endured this painful time, but embraced the singular opportunities it offered.
A moving personal narrative shot through with lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, May's story offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat. Illumination emerges from many sources: solstice celebrations and dormice hibernation, C.S. Lewis and Sylvia Plath, swimming in icy waters and sailing arctic seas.
Ultimately Wintering invites us to change how we relate to our own fallow times. May models an active acceptance of sadness and finds nourishment in deep retreat, joy in the hushed beauty of winter, and encouragement in understanding life as cyclical, not linear. A secular mystic, May forms a guiding philosophy for transforming the hardships that arise before the ushering in of a new season.
I am a bit speechless about this book. I expected to zip through it and write it off as another memoir/self-help style book that I did not enjoy. Instead, I read the introduction and was absolutely floored by how much I was connecting with the author’s philosophy of life. But I also didn’t want to speed through it. I ended a chapter every few days to allow myself to really sit with the messages. At about the fourth chapter or so, I declared that I needed to own this book. As a 39 year old woman, I feel like I’m hitting of lot of the rough patches in life that May dealt with. I can definitely place myself in her shoes and contemplate how to move forward. I’m definitely experiencing a wintering season in my own life. The book may have been written pre-pandemic, but it’s exactly right for right now. The copy I read is from the library’s and will be returned this week. But I will be ordering my own copy and soon. I want to read the sections along with the calendar. As the book really starts in September, I have a few weeks to acquire my own copy. This is a contender for my Top 10 books of the year.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Is It August Yet? Videos
Two years old, and yet I just found this. It is perfection!
The Kingdoms Natasha Pulley
Title: The Kingdoms
Author: Natasha Pulley
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing 2021
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 437
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Modern Mrs. Day Summer Reading; Seasonal TBR
Joe Tournier has a bad case of amnesia. His first memory is of stepping off a train in the nineteenth-century French colony of England. The only clue Joe has about his identity is a century-old postcard of a Scottish lighthouse that arrives in London the same month he does. Written in illegal English-instead of French-the postcard is signed only with the letter “M,” but Joe is certain whoever wrote it knows him far better than he currently knows himself, and he's determined to find the writer. The search for M, though, will drive Joe from French-ruled London to rebel-owned Scotland and finally onto the battle ships of a lost empire's Royal Navy. In the process, Joe will remake history, and himself.
This is one of those books that I really loved, but I won’t be recommending to most people I know. This story meanders through the plot both past and present and keeps you slightly confused and in the dark about the characters. I really enjoyed the world setup and see the alternate history play out. I really enjoyed the time at the lighthouse and the interactions between characters there. Once Joe passes through the pillars, the action speeds up a bit and we finally start learning what’s going on. Early on I totally called Joe’s identity in the other timeline, but it was nice to question my own suspicions right along with Joe. I didn’t power through this book, but took it slowly and let myself really sit with the prose. I put it in the same category of books as Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell or The Night Circus. Books full of mystery, atmosphere, and slow moving plots are apparently my jam.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Folklords by Matt Kindt and Matt Smith
Title: Folklords
Author: Matt Kindt, Matt Smith
Publisher: BOOM! Studios 2020
Genre: Comics
Pages: 144
Rating: 3/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
In a world of magic and monsters, Ansel is an outsider haunted by visions of our world - and will risk everything to find the mysterious Folklords who can reveal the truth about his existence!
WHERE DO YOU BELONG?
In a world of magic and monsters, Ansel is an outsider haunted by visions of well-pressed suits and modern technology. When it comes time for him to declare his Quest, Ansel decides to seek out the mysterious Folklords, hoping they can explain his visions...but looking for the Folklords is strictly forbidden, punishable by death. How much is Ansel willing to risk to find out about the world he has never truly belonged in?
This very short trade started out strongly, but ended very abruptly and confusingly, but yet very predictable also. I love fairy tale riffs in literature and so I had pick this one up. I loved Ansel’s entire “fish out of water” character and wanted to see how he would find his place. The first issues have him begin his quest and acquire companions. Pretty standard. But there are cryptic messages and the beginning and ending of each issue and I wasn’t really loving those. And then Ansel finds the Folklord and everyone is very confused. He escapes and then…. what exactly? I was very annoyed at the ending. it doesn’t look like there is another set of comics ordered, so that’s it I guess.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Music Monday - Robert DeLong feat. Lights "I Did It to Myself"
Oh goodness. This is a great new song!
Life Right Now #23
As I look outside my window: It’s very overcast and humid today. Still going to be hot, but right now it’s kind of nice outside.
Right now I am: Heading out to read my book on the deck.
On my bedside table: Dating-ish by Penny Reid; lots of Isaac Asimov
On my tv this week: Continuing with Hustle and Voyager and the Marvel movies with the kids (we just watched Guardians of the Galaxy).
Listening to: Nothing that exciting
On the menu for this week:
Monday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos
Tuesday - Fish of some kind
Wednesday - Vietnamese Crab and Asparagus Soup
Thursday - Jamaican Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry
Friday - Fiesta Chicken
Saturday - Fish and Chips
Sunday - Leftovers
On my to do list: So many things probably. I’m almost finishing with road trip planning and getting close to finish August’s lesson plans for homeschooling. I should definitely update my brain dump list.
Happening this week:
Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Lincoln Adventure Day: Zoo and Ice Cream!
Wednesday - Errand Day; Music Bingo Night
Thursday - Park Playdate and Splashpad
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Bookworms Book Club
Sunday - Home day
What I am creating: Mostly lesson plans. I really hope that the fall season allows more time for my personal crafting. But for right now, I’m just working on curriculum for the next homeschool year.
My simple pleasures: A good cup of coffee and listening to nature sounds on the back deck.
Looking around the house: Decent, but I should really make one day a chores day to maintain things around here.
From the camera: Loving my Sunday morning ritual of coffee and a book on the back deck.
Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Reid
Title: Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City #4)
Author: Penny Reid
Publisher: Cipher-Naught 2014
Genre: Romance
Pages: 438
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
There are three things you need to know about Ashley Winston:
1) She has six brothers and they all have beards,
2) She is a reader, and
3) She knows how to knit.
Former beauty queen, Ashley Winston’s preferred coping strategy is escapism. She escaped her Tennessee small town, loathsome father, and six brothers eight years ago. Now she escapes life daily via her one-click addiction. However, when a family tragedy forces her to return home, Ashley can’t escape the notice of Drew Runous—local Game Warden, bear wrestler, philosopher, and everyone’s favorite guy. Drew’s irksome philosophizing in particular makes Ashley want to run for the skyscrapers, especially since he can’t seem to keep his exasperating opinions— or his soulful poetry, steadfast support, and delightful hands— to himself. Pretty soon the girl who wanted nothing more than the escape of the big city finds she’s lost her heart in small town Tennessee.
Thank goodness! We’re back to a very enjoyable, sufficiently steamy romance. I immediately fell for Ashely, her family, and Drew. I loved their back and forth between all the characters. I loved that we moved the setting to Ashley’s hometown in Tennessee. As much as I enjoy the various members of the knitting group, it was a good change of pace. As for the romance itself, these two characters are perfectly suited to each other. I was rooting for them from page one. So good! And we do get some great teases into Reid’s other romance series, Winston Brothers, detailing the adventures of Ashley’s brothers. As much as I dislike some of the names (seriously, Cletus?), I will probably end up reading that series also.
Knitting in the City
#4 Beauty and the Mustache
#4.75 Ninja at First Sight
#6 Dating-ish
#7 Marriage of Inconvenience
#8 Neanderthal Seeks Extra Yarns
Next up on the TBR pile:
We're Homeschooling - Year 2! Planning and Schedule
Our Schedule
So now I have the supplies, it’s time to start planning and gathering everything I want to do. I’m a Type A planner that always feels better with a good plan going in. I’m always up for flexibility and change in the spur of the moment, but I need a plan to reference when things change. I started with making a simple list of of the various curriculum we will be using.
I’m a big fan of time blocking, but we have the added complications of Quentin’s preschool curriculum, our new STEAM coop, and our weekly field trips. My first pass at scheduling our day began with these three items. From there, I came up with this basic schedule:
From there, I broke the week schedule down into days to better see if everything would fit:
My next step was to create an overview calendar with our big themes. I used index cards cut into smaller pieces laid out on my desk so I could see everything at once and move things around. Very low tech solution, but sometimes paper really is better.
I’ve been experimenting with the idea of loop scheduling to help Arthur stay on task while I work with Quentin. I made a very long and detailed week loop (on the left) for myself and a much simpler daily/weekly loop (on the right) for Arthur to check off. We’ll try this out and see how it goes for the first few weeks.
From here, I pulled out my trusty cheap paper planner and started jotting down basic plans for the week. I love to make things easy to see at a glance, so I color coded all the different subjects. in case you are wondering:
Pink is ELA
Purple is math
Orange is history
Light green is Quentin’s preschool
Light blue is music/art (not on this spread)
Dark blue is coop/science
Red is field trips/games/crafts.
Because there was too much to shove onto the small lines of my paper planner, I pulled out Quentin’s curriculum onto a separate paper planner sheet. This has helped me wrap my brain around all the different activities that I’m hoping to accomplish during one-on-one time with Q.
My last big planning step is to create very detailed lesson plans including videos, books, and details. Last year, I started in August with just a simple Pages document. Sometime in the late fall, J downloaded and started using a special note talking app called Roam. He really loved it and turned me onto using the system. I’ve been actively using Roam since January to collect all my notes, lesson plans, scheduling, and other miscellaneous items. (Also, you can see from the sidebar that I use Roam for a wide range of projects, not just homeschooling.) I’m still exploring the various tools on Roam and I’m sure that my planning with get more advanced and efficient as this year goes on.
And that’s it! My planning and scheduling process seems very complicate but most of it is prep work before the year begins. Once we start, I mainly use the paper planner as reference and work inside Roam for the day-to-day planning. As usual, I tweak the process as I go along but this is my starting place.
We’re officially starting our homeschool adventure the first week of August. Starting August 9th, I’ll post a weekly wrap-up. I hope to do weekly updates highlighting our highs and lows on this journey.
Next up on the TBR pile:
We're Homeschooling - Year 2! Our Curriculum 2nd Grade and PreK
We did it! We made it through our first year of homeschooling! Right now we are taking a “break” and doing a pirate unit full of fun, games, crafts, and books. We have planned to start our next year’s curriculum the first week of August along with our STEAM coop. In the meantime, I’ve been deep into planning our this coming year. We are entering new territory as I am officially adding in Quentin to the mix. That means we will have a child in 2nd grade and a child in PreK. Quentin’s PreK curriculum will be much lighter than Arthur’s 2nd grade curriculum, but I want to make sure that I have resources for both.
As a reminder, we are a pretty eclectic household with a strong literature base. My criteria when looking for curriculum:
secular
rigorous
wide world perspective
not necessarily all-in-one
at least some physical items, not all online
cheap (not necessarily the cheapest, but not expensive)
Let’s take a look at what I’ve bought for curriculum for next year!
Arthur - 2nd Grade
Math
We will be continuing with Singapore Math Common Core Edition as our base curriculum. Arthur will be starting with 3A and will probably push through 3B, 4A, and 4B by the end of the school year. Beyond the basic text, we will be supplementing with Khan Academy, lots of math games, and random workbooks and packets. I’m really excited to dive into Primarily Logic and Logic Countdown.
Target dollar spot workbooks
Language Arts
I bought Blossom & Root’s 2nd Grade Language Arts curriculum for our base. The theme is Fantastic Journeys and Perilous Quests. I was very excited about the read aloud list, but we did make a few substitutions. We have read a few of the selections, and I added some more to our big list.
Sarah Journey’s West by Nikki Shannon Smith (this is actually a book we won from the library and will use for our U.S. History curriculum)
In addition to our big read alouds and projects,
Visual Guide to Second Guide (grabbed at Half Price Books)
10 Minutes a Day Spelling Grade 2 (grabbed at Half Price Books)
Journeys Grade 2 (grabbed at Half Price Books)
Social Studies
It’s not pictured as it’s in ebook form, but we are using Pandia Press’s History Quest Middle Times as our base. I really enjoyed their Ancient Times and thankfully the Middle Times volume was just released this summer. Hopefully, Blossom & Root’s A River of Voices Volume 2 will release soon. We’ll fit that in sometime later this fall or winter. The above books (except DK History, that’s new) were all ones that we bought last year and will continue to use.
I also grabbed this collection of Map Skills books to work through. Arthur will start on Grade 1 and just work through the first couple. I imagine Quentin will also get into the Grade 1 book at some point this year.
Science
Our science will be a collection of unit studies correlated to our coop themes. Some of these texts are carry overs from last year. And some I ended up buying new this year.
Primarily Quentin will be using Blossom & Root’s Early Years Vol. 2 curriculum. This includes early literacy and math, art and music exposure, and kitchen and nature explorations. We will be adding a ton of activity books I had laying around and a few new titles.
Scissor Skills
Lots of back issues of High Five magazine
BrainQuest K (we are also using BrainQuest PreK but I didn’t include it in the photo)