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Sunday, August 15, 2010

Because the World Is Our Classroom

Leif K4

Leif, Mr. Exuberant/Emphatic, is the youngest official student at Mt. Hope Academy. He is turning 4 (on Wednesday!) so it's K4 for him! He is determined, competitive, and eager.... always keeping up with his older brothers. He is also rambunctious, loud (a non-stop talker), and often disruptive. But he is so cute, he is always forgiven.

He is a whiz at reading, writing, and math. He will be in class at Classical Conversations this year, working through his own handwriting workbook, having fun with numbers, and reading, reading, reading aloud and independently. Leif will join in on other lessons with his big brothers as much as possible. His teacher is hopeful that he will work on his ability to be quiet while she is reading and talking.


Luke 1st Grade


Luke, Mr. Earnest, turned 6 just a few months ago and is now starting 1st grade. He is a natural with math and is a fabulous reader. He loves projects, games, and one-on-one attention.

This year he will work on perfecting his handwriting, breeze through math, spend time reading independently, and continue piano lessons. He will participate in Classical Conversations, Bible, Latin, grammar, science, geography, art, music, and poetry (in varying degrees). Luke will also join his older brother for history and literature, increasing and applying (his teacher hopes) what little attention span he has. His teacher also plans to keep him very, very busy so that he stays out of Curious George trouble.


Levi 3rd Grade


Levi, Mr. Effervescent, is 8 1/2 going on either 2 or 20 (depends on what minute you ask his teacher). He is officially a 3rd grader, though he reads on an 8th+ grade level and math (sigh)... Well, maybe we won't talk about math. He is sure he knows everything, and sometimes one almost believes it. Almost. He is constantly talking or humming, which must help his head stay clear, but doesn't have the same effect on those around him. He excells in any subject with words, such as debate.

This year he will begin Classical Conversations and continue with math, cursive handwriting, spelling, grammar, Latin, Bible, science (chemistry then physics), history (Early Modern), literature (tied in with history), geography, piano review (taking a break from lessons), music, poetry, and art. He will read hundreds of books in his free time. His teacher hopes that he will develop an ability to work independently on occasion without getting distracted in the first three seconds, as well as develop a pleasant attitude toward work, instruction, and those in authority.




Russ and Heidi


Heidi, Mrs. Expectant (Exhausted? Enormous?) (pictured with the newest student, Miss Enchanting), will be teaching her children this year, in between baby feedings and naps. Occasionally, baby will BE the lesson.

Russ, Mr. Enduring, will work long hours to support his family. He will overlook a disasterous house. He will bring home pizza for dinner so the boys don't starve. He will love us like crazy.


Boy, oh boy (pun intended), the student-teacher ratio is getting a little overwhelming...



Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich,
for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.

~Epictetus



Our theme for this year:

Shoreline of Wonder



I've linked this post over at Heart of the Matter's (Not) Back to School Blog Hop.
Come join the fun!

24 comments:

Susan said...

Oh Heidi, those are delightful! You are beautiful. I love the baby bump. Now I'm wondering what kind of props to use for my girls for school. We have a co=op this year for the first time, so the girls may just get their own lunch boxes...that might be something to use.

Patty Thompson said...

I loved the way you have introduced your family. I'm going to have to get a bit more creative when I update the pictures on my page! You have inspired me to get out of our box! ;)

Jessica @ Mother of Action said...

Super awseome post/photos!! :) Love it. Happy Homeschooling

Mirjam said...

Yeah!
Thanks for the happy-belly-picture!! :))

renee @ FIMBY said...

very, very sweet.

renee @ FIMBY

Dana said...

Wonderfully creative photos. You have good looking boys. Good luck when the baby comes. Have a good school year!

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

WOW!! Now those are school photos. Very creative. Have a great year.

Carrie said...

Love this post, Heidi!!

You are so cute to post you and Hubs, too! You're glowing, BTW!! ;)

Hope you have a wonderful year!! Happy Homeschooling!

Blue Yonder said...

Gorgeous school photos... and delicious boys! What a treat it is to see you and your husband as well. You two are so sweet.

Funny, your oldest sounds so like mine.... he knows everything too! I don't know how I ever did a thing without him to tell me how it ought to be done. :-) And yes, "develop a pleasant attitude toward work, instruction and those in authority" - those sound like perfect goals for his school year as well!

Rebecca said...

1) I loved this post.

2) I *REALLY* loved this post.

I am due in about 2 weeks and a wee bit panicky about the coming school year---which is to officially start in 3 weeks!?!?

I have a question for you if you have a moment. I have an almost 7 year old girlie who is going into 2nd grade and is reading really well.

My son, age 4, says he WANTS to do school and wants to read but I worry he isn't ready for it. He is great with manipulatives and puzzles and building things-that seems to be his forte and I have read all sorts of things about how boys are later readers and perhaps one should wait a bit to start teaching reading (for the sanity of both teacher and student) and yet-here you are, with three boys who are already reading well and loving it and I am wondering what your thoughts are on the matter. What is your "secret"?

My Andrew has expressed the desire to want to read-so I would like to utilize that, but I don't want to frustrate him either. Right now, he doesn't even know the letter sounds.

I'd love to hear your input.

Thanks!

3) You do not look third trimester pregnant, lady! Seriously. You look amazing.

4)Love the idea of a motto (and the one you chose!)

Have a great day!

Heasleye said...

Awww...I LOVED this post, Heidi! SO sweet! Your whole family is so adorable. Your school plans are wonderful. Your nicknames are perfection. Your photos are filled with personality. Love it. Love you!

E

Ariana Sullivan said...

I can't even tell you how much I love this idea!! What great pictures!

You guys are all so gorgeous. I had no idea you're pregnant, you look freaking fantastic! When are you due? I'm due October 5th :-)

Sarah said...

Awesome, wonderful, gorgeous, fantastic! Well I simply can't decide which adjective works best. What wonderful & gorgeous photos & what a wonderful plan you have. It will be just great - I know you will enjoy this year, along with learning things you could never plan for. Have a wonderful & blessed time! Thanks for sharing, I always live your site refreshed some how - you have a real gift!

April said...

How do I love this post? Let me count the ways! First, let me also tell you how incredible you look. And what fabulous ideas for the NBTS photos! I am so wowed by your creativity and talent. That's why I keep on comin' back! I think your baby is due on my first daughter's birthday.

Catherine Anne said...

Love it here! Have to follow!
Blessings to a wonderful year. Catherine Anne

Karen said...

What adorable boys! Seriously adorable!
And a little girl on the way. Can we say 'spoiled much'? :)
Loved meeting your family. I hope this is a wonderful year full of joy!

Jen Rouse said...

Holy cow, lady! You barely even look pregnant. Love the pictures.

carole said...

Yay! A pregnancy photo! You look so wonderful! Beautiful! I am so happy for you. What an adventure you're on. :)

Renee said...

How fun! Love these pics. You look GREAT and I love the floral. I dressed in bright, vibrant colors with my pregnancies, too. Maternity clothes are so fun now!

Aja Jenise said...

YEAH!!! Its Heidi!! ... oh and Russ too. Oh anyhoo... it is soooo good to see you. And you look AAAMAZING!! I am so tickled to read this post... I may have to come back to it a few times... WOO HOO!!

Thanks for the PEEKS... for sure!!

Skeller said...

Wow. wow. WOW!!!!!
I've been meaning all week to leave a gushing comment about the amazingness and wonderfulness of these images!!!! I L.O.V.E. them - the colors, the props, the boys' expressions, your delightful belly! What a fabulous way to celebrate the beginning of another year.

Me? I'm not so much celebrating as I'm still deep in the land of denial - "oh no, school is NOT happening in 2 weeks ..." :-} I guess I need to get over that soon! Maybe tomorrow. Or the day after .... or ???

Jennifer Urbin Photography said...

I haven't been by in awhile and all I have to say is Oh my word...your work is beautiful! Love your clean processing and the theme of this session is adorable! Just thought you should know ;)

Beth @ Pages of Our Life said...

Love!!!!

Kristie said...

I love, love, love the pics!