It's almost that time!

While unschooling is definitely what we mostly do, this year I've decided to take a slightly different approach.  I bought a subscription to ABCteach and have been printing out worksheets like a woman possessed.  I'm actually about to run out of paper!

Why are we doing this?  Well, I worry that with all their creative activities that the kids are missing out on a few core subjects, like social studies and science.  They definitely show interest in these areas, but have yet to really dig in.  I've ordered some books from Ebay that should be here by the time our year starts.  I'm gonna give it a go, and see if it works!

Our school year officially begins the day after Labor Day.  I feel sorry for kids who have to start nearly a month earlier, when it is still too hot to think properly.  It seems like their summer gets cut shorter with every passing year, at least in this area.  Mine went swimming today, instead of being stuck in a classroom!

I need to get out and buy more folders and whatnot to put all these papers in.  One nice thing about this time of year--cheap school supplies!

Yes, I should be sleeping!

I'm printing out worksheets.  Sometimes I get bitten by that bug, and I just can't help myself.  We will be working on creative writing this week!

Waiting for the season to end

Our initial enthusiasm for getting started this year waned with the solid month of scorching heat.  I'm sure we aren't the only family affected this way!  Our energy was sapped, so we've mostly just been laying around in the air conditioning, longing for the days of crunchy leaves and chilly winds.

The kids have still been working on their animations and other creations, though, so it hasn't been a total bust.  I picked up a part-time job this week, and we had cable installed at our house.  Direct TV was annoying, and Comcast has HD included.  Our DSL was slow as molasses, and switching to cable has been like going from dial-up to broadband for the first time.  So, we've had a nice few days, regardless of the weather.

Here's hoping the heat goes away soon so that we can get back to doing what we do!