Home-Schooling in Florida

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about my Wonderfully Sunny State " FLORIDA " !
My daughter really enjoyed learning about the place in which she lives , But for us as home-school parents,We really should know more the just our state Bird,Flag ,Tree ect. ect....We should know about all the Florida resources available to us.
The First thing you Must  learn is your State Laws ,As every state is different.After you have done this I recommend browsing  forums / message boards , Talking to others who are already  home-schooling can offer  valuable support & information ,Giving you the confidence needed to begin your home-school journey.
One area of concern for most parents is teaching them at home ,They are concerned about thier ability & how it may effect their child's education.I can understand this,Remember that children are smart & with your one on one guidence &  a good curriculum   you should be just fine,Also do not forget to locate your local home-school groups ,Finding people in your own community who also share your same  choices can be a blessing,Not only for you but your children as well .
Home-schooling is a great choice in your child's education.I have only touched on a few areas,So with anything do your own  Research,Read the fine print & make the Best choice for you and your family ;)

Back to school

fter This last year End of year evaluation,I have been really pumped up about getting Back to school with the kids. I have always kinda went with the flow and not had any sort of real schedule.


This year , I really want to give my kids that little extra nudge just to see how much they can really accomplish . So I bought a book & I am keeping records of all they are doing (kinda a pain but keeps me thinking and on my tip toes) I have also took a look see ,at their online lesson plans for their grade level to see what needs to be done this year..

The Great thing is ,Is that we school year round ,So we don't have to do as much weekly/daily .So I am doing our "lessons" 3 days a week & allowing the other 2 days for what ever comes to mind ;)

It has been a couple of weeks and so far so good.I have even noticed my daughter is reading more ( although I think this is due to our facebook time/reading arrangement lol )

I still can not believe summer is already over and New school year has begun,Is it just me ore does time fly faster the older we get ?

We haved added something new !

ART......
This very word to me means seeing beauty and interest in any & everything..

I have decided to start adding Art History to our school lessons,So that my children can learn to see & enjoy Art in their lives.
I think that for most when they think of Art they think of paintings.So to begin with I will focus on famous painters,I have chosen the 3 artist below to begin with ,As I felt that they all offered something a bit different in who they were & the type of style of artist they were..

Frida Kahlo  ,A self taught Mexican painter who was best known for her self-portraits.

Pablo Picasso  , demonstrated uncanny artistic talent in his early years, painting in a realistic manner through his childhood and adolescence; during the first decade of the twentieth century his style changed as he experimented with different theories, techniques, and ideas. His revolutionary artistic accomplishments brought him universal renown and immense fortune throughout his life, making him one of the best-known figures in twentieth century art.

Georgia O'Keeffe was an American artist born on November 15, 1887 in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. O'Keeffe is chiefly known for her landscapes and paintings of desert flowers, which are often interpreted as yonic symbols.

Leonardo da Vinci who life work was far more then just the Famous

Mona Lisa

Da vinci as seen in this red chalk self-portrait

My daughter's favorite is the Mona Lisa & she  was  amused at the Picasso's nude lady with necklace.

She is already looking forward to the next series of artist and loves doing the new Online art program & Art games ,That I am using to reinforce my teachings.

Please visit again and be on the look out for the next set of artist we will be learning about .

We passed!!!

Yesterday My daughter went for her end of year evaluation.In Florida we have the option to do this instead of state testing.I really prefer this over testing, because it allows me to really see where my kid is at & to get advice,tips & ideas from a Cert. Teacher.

So at the appointment the teacher looked thru some of my daughters work that she had done thru out the year,She also asked my daughter a few questions & did some seat work ,she even did a few riddle games with her ,My daughter thought they were fun .

Afterwards the teacher and I chatted a bit, she said that my daughter was doing really well,She had made great improvements since last year,& that she was at or above her 3rd grade level !!!! :)

She also said my daughter had pretty good spelling skills .Which I was very please to hear,Since we just really started focusing on spelling for her.

This really helps motivate me as home-school teacher/mom to keep on.That yes I am doing a good job and that this is working for my child ...I am not saying I wont have those moments of self doubt,I think all moms whether home-schooling or not have those ,But having the reassurance sure does help keep me positive and motivated !