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Friday, July 25, 2014

Lending Library?

Ok, so I was looking over my stock of books and other educational materials, when I had an idea; a homeschool lending library.  I have been collecting a plethora of educational books for multiple grade levels, as well as worksheets and such.  I also love just collecting books in general.  There is a good sized homeschooling group in the area.  Why not start a lending library that caters to local home educators?  
If we could find a place in town, like a church, that would allow us to use one of their classrooms for keeping the books that aren't being used at that moment, we could all pool our resources and share.  The church classroom would be where each family could come and check out a book, curriculum, whatever for their family and return it when they are done.  I know there would be a longer check-out for curriculum and the honor system would really have to work for this.  
See, I am the type of person that doesn't like to write in books.  So, all of the books and tests and workbooks I have acquired so far will, hopefully, have no marks in them at the end of the school year.  I plan on photo copying worksheets and having the boys write their answers on a separate sheet of paper for everything else.  
I think it could work.  So long as there are no legal issues with this venture.  I mean, this would be completely not for profit.  There would be no reselling of materials.  Just donations and borrowing.  Now I just need to find a place to host this and draw in enough interest.  I wonder...

Monday, July 21, 2014

Tying up loose ends

    I have spent the past two months acquiring curriculum for the boys.  So far, I have BJU Reading 1, Heritage Studies 1 and 4, American Republic (8th grade) Space and Earth Science 8, and Pre-Algebra.  For 1st grade Math, I am going to use Kumon workbooks.  4th grade Reading and any other otherwise uncovered subjects will be done through www.allinonehomeschool.com (Easy Peasy).  4th grade science will be Pearson Texas Interactive Science. Athos will be taking Spanish 1 this year.  I have found a few websites that offer free lessons, as well as Spanish Ed books at a local bookstore I am considering.
    Athos and Porthos are attending Drama Camp this month.  Athos has the lead villain and Porthos decided to learn about Lighting and Sound, and in the end was a clown.  In August, we will start out with Shark Week doing a unit study on the topic. I have printed a bunch of worksheets for that and bookmarked several videos on Netflix for it.  Then the following week we will begin our curriculum.  I have my calendar pretty much complete.  Aramis is looking forward to studying art and has agreed to also learn other topics as well. ;)  There is an art museum about 2 hours away, so that will be a day trip for us.
    I am really looking forward to this.  I think the biggest thing I feel is not figured out is bible time.  I am sure it will all come together in time.  I know how blessed we are to be in a state that allows such homeschooling freedom, and how much we have been blessed with curriculum.  I look forward to sharing this journey with you all.