Yes, we did it. Licensed ourselves in the state of Kansas. I had to pick a name and DebCB everything gets a little old so I called our school the Prima Donna academy. Made Rosie and all her friends squeal with delight.
Now, to be clear, I didn’t call it that because I think Rosie’s a Prima Donna. It was the first thing that popped into my head, probably because we’ve been dealing with so much teenage girl drama and I was on the spot needing a name for the application. My sense of humor got the best of me and the name got the approval of all four teenage girls in the room. I like it when I get the teenage thumbs up.
So, today’s the first day. Here’s the thing. I have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve read just enough to be dangerous and I’ve reached out to a handful of friends to answer questions and get some help. Here’s the cool thing about homeschooling. I get to call the shots and because I have a fourteen year-old who’s responsible, she gets to help me figure out what she’ll learn about every week. I’m going tonight to peek at a good friends books for Social Studies and Science to see what’s coming up for the rest of the year so Rosie’s not behind if she still wants to go to high school in the Fall, but for the most part we’ll be playing it by ear. We got lucky and found some great books at the used bookstore yesterday to get us started.
Here’s what’s on our agenda for the week:
- The Diary of Anne Frank-This classic is already in the 8th grade curriculum and Rosie’s excited to get to read it as it’s on the frequently banned book list. We’re going to follow it up with research into the Holocaust and then a trip to the Truman Museum to further the discussion of the state of Israel. School subjects covered: Language Arts, Social Studies/History
- Learning about the human body– Rosie wants to learn more about the inner-workings of the body and she was dying for a copy of Gray’s Anatomy. She and I will come up with a clever project this week so she’s learning about a topic and then integrating some research and project skills as well. School subjects covered: Science, Language Arts
- Greek and Latin Roots– Boring but super important to pass college entrance exams. Going to come up with a list of 10 to learn every week. School subjects covered: Language Arts (Vocabulary, Grammar)
- Algebra– We were placed in Math 8 because we missed the end of the year, but it was easy for Rosie. We got lucky and found an Algebra book with all the answers in the back, however math is not my strong suit. Checking out Khan Academy and a couple of other sites to try. School subjects covered: Math
- Sculpture Research Project– I took a photo of a sculpture yesterday when I was at the Nelson Atkins Museum. Going to have Rosie research the piece, the artist and write a paper. Subjects covered: Art, Language Arts, History
- Creative writing assignment– We gave Rosie a list of six random words. She needs to come up with a short story that incorporates all of them. Should be interesting. Subject covered: Language Arts
- Charcoal drawings– This one is new for us as Rosie’s never used charcoal. We bought a set yesterday and she’s already started to sketch. Subject covered: Art
- Dance– How nice will it be to make it to a full week of dance? Subject covered: PE
We’re also talking about cooking (meets and elective and if we bake, it’s science) but haven’t decided what to make. I think we came up with a great list to start. What do you think? Have any great ideas for us?
Kendra says
Good luck on this adventure! Looks like she will have a great rest of the school year coming up with curriculum that works for both of you!
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Cassie says
Haha! I love your school name! I’m hoping to homeschool one day so I’ll be saving all your homeschool posts for when that happens!
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kendall says
Good luck momma! Can’t wait to see how this works out for you – I just know you guys are going to rock it!
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amber.m says
I still think you’re a very brave soul for homeschooling.
Also, I just tried to spell, “soul” “soal”. Ha! i need a nap.
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Kari B. says
You are definitely a brave woman! In 8th Grade, I read a book during a Holocaust unit called “Night” by Elie Wiesel. I am saddened by the fact that it is not required reading anymore. That book made a tremendous impact on me and I read it several times on my own after that. I wish you all the best of luck on this new adventure!!
Ange says
I’d totally go back to school if it could be named this! You go lady, you both have this!
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ashley says
Your post reminded me why I hope to homeschool our kids! I wish my schooling was more like this. Maybe I Wouldn’t have hated it so much!
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Laura says
Good luck with this! Hope it works well!
Chelsea says
What an adventure you’re on! I absolutely love following along! You’re doing great, mama!
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