It's Almost That Time!!!

Can you believe it is almost time for school to start back!! My crews starts back part time in July so it is really, really CLOSE for us;-)  I wanted to do a quick post sharing what curriculum we are using and I would love to hear what everyone else is using!!!!

So let's get started!! I have two boys in 4th this year:-)  One is struggling so we decided not to move him forward to 5th.  The wonderful thing about homeschool is that there is no reason to stress him out!!  I'm going to start with what they are going to be using for the big 4th grade year!!!

Math- Teaching Textbooks, Dad's Worksheets (completely free), FREE Math (completely free)

Language Arts- McRuffy Press

Science- The Lab of Mr. Q Life Science (completely free)

Social Studies- Evan-Moor

As always we will supplement with free worksheets we find throughout the year, unit studies, Teacher's File Box, our monthly co-op classes, etc!!

Alright let me hear what you will be using!!!!

Still Surviving School..But We Are BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!

Monday we start Day 22 of school.  I am already ready for Christmas break;-)  We have successfully survived two weeks at co-op and starting back piano lessons. 

This year has been crazy busy, I keep hoping it calms down soon but I don't see it happening.  I won't lie with the boys moving up a grade level getting all their work done is proving to be just as challenging to me as it is them.  They are hanging in there (so am I) but they have no problem letting me know this year is HARD!! We have done some fun things so far like; going inside Norris Dam for a tour, gardening downtown with friends, etc.

We don't usually do school on Friday but they have so far played a super cute math game called math marks the spot and they have begged to do reading eggs and math seeds since they woke up so I finally caved. 

We are also attending a fun field trip later this afternoon:-)  Can't wait to visit the muse for the planetarium show called "Knoxville Skies". 

I hope everyone else is hanging in there and enjoying their year so far!!! I will do better about blogging...maybe...I have my hands full right now lol.

Our 1st Week Back to School 2016-2017

We started back to school last week.  As I type this I just finished printing and prepping our work for our 2nd week.  So that means the good news is.... We SURVIVED the first week back!!! But it was a LONG week.  All in all the boys did a great job.  The easy years are behind us and everyone took a big step up with their curriculum this year.  It is going to be a more intense schedule along with a more intense co-op.  We can do it!! (I think I might be saying that more for my benefit) 

This year for 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade we are using Complete Curriculum a digital downloadable curriculum.  It involves a lot of printing so I am glad I splurged on a printer last year:-)  We don't start co-op until the 2nd week of August but that is going to be here before we know it!! This year they are taking; sign language, geography, art, zoology, lego, and some other fun classes!! They love going to co-op and seeing all their friends.  Typically we do two days a week one week out of the month but this year we are starting a new co-op schedule of one day a week 3 weeks a month.  I am hoping that we have bitten off more then we can chew. 

Our first week involved a lot of review and getting back into the routine of things.  Basically the boys had to come to terms with the fact that they were going to have to suck it up and do school again.  Next week we start off (tomorrow) with a cool, fun glacier demonstration.  I think they are going to love it.

Here is a peek into our first week:-) 

March Co-op Classes for Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

I am going to post the 2016 Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN schedule below.  This way you can go ahead and schedule your days!! Our classes are held at Cumberland Estates Rec Center which is located at 4529 Silverhill Dr. Knoxville, TN 37921. The days and location will not change but classes and class times may vary from month to month:-)



January 5th-7th 2016
February 2nd and 4th and 24th 2016
March 1st and 3rd and 23rd 2016
April 5th and 7th and 27th 2016
May 3rd and 5th and 25th 2016
June 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR SUMMER
July 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR SUMMER
August 2nd and 4th and 24th 2016
September 6th and 8th and 28th 2016
October 4th and 6th and 26th 2016
November 1st and 3rd 2016
December 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR WINTER BREAK



Now before I post the official

class schedule I want to give you a run down of how registration is going to work from here on out (or until I can afford a website which will NOT be this year lol).

STEP ONE- Once you pick which classes you wish to attend you will send an email to aleciajackson@ymail.com (note that my email is ymail NOT gmail so do not change) telling me each student's first and last name, their age/s, and what classes they are interested in taking.  You must include all of the above information.
STEP TWO- I will email you back telling you whether or not there are spaces available.
STEP THREE- At that point you will paypal payment to aleciajackson@ymail.com for ALL Classes..if your paypal account is in a name other then your facebook/email account please let me know so that I know for sure which kids the payment needs to be applied to.  PLEASE remember to click friends and family when sending fees, if you do not then it charges us for the money you send and that is not figured into fees.  Your spot will not be held without payment. 

You may register for one month of classes at a time or you may register for the remainder of the year.  You can have a 10% discount if you wish to register for the remainder of the year for any or all classes please just note that in your email and be prepared to send appropriate payment.

PAYMENT IS WHAT RESERVES YOUR SPOT.  SIGN-UPS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMENT SO PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SEND PAYMENT WHEN YOU CONTACT ME ABOUT SIGNING UP.  REGISTRATION FOR MARCH CLASSES WILL BE OPEN FROM FEBRUARY 7TH- 25TH, 2016.  Hopefully this gives everyone plenty of time to pick a pay period, etc. that works best for them to pay fees:-)  Please note each class has one scholarship spot...if you are interested please contact me via email.  No one will know who gets the spot except for me and the parent of the child. 

MARCH 2016 CLASS SCHEDULE (Class schedule will remain the same with the exception of Elementary Math which will alternate between K-2nd grades and 3rd-5th grades each month).  ALL CLASSES HAVE A 50% SIBLING DISCOUNT EXCEPT FOR 1st LEGO and 1st SEWING CLASSES (this covers the kits for these classes) SO EACH CHILD REGISTERED AFTER YOUR FIRST CHILD WILL BE HALF OFF THE ORIGINAL FEE.  For example Cooking is $10 so if you are registering 3 students pricing will be as follows; child 1 is $10, child 2 is $5, child 3 is $5.  Classes are for all ages unless it is specified otherwise  Please NOTE that we have 2 cooking classes and 2 sewing classes this month.  The cooking has been divided by ages and sewing has a waiting list so we are trying to make it easier on all the kids to attend:-)

TUESDAY the 1st
Farm 10a.m.-10:30 a.m. $10
Spanish 10:30a.m.- 11:15a.m. $10
Sewing 11:15 a.m.-12:15p.m. $10 for first time students, $5 for returning students
Cooking 12:15 p.m.-1:15p.m. (K-2nd grade) $10
Hands on Science K-2nd grade 1:15p.m.-2p.m. $10
Forensic Science 3rd (ish) and up 1:15p.m.-2p.m. $10
Art Class Part 1 (clay sculpture making and baking) 2p.m.-3p.m. $10
Elementary Math 3rd-5th grade 2p.m.-2:30p.m. $5
Writing Skills 5th grade and up 2p.m.-3p.m. $5

THURSDAY the 3rd
Preschool 12p.m.-12:30p.m. $5
Holiday Art 12:30p.m.-1p.m. $5
Zoology 1p.m.-1:30p.m. $5
Lego 1:30p.m.-2:30p.m. $15 for first time students, $5 for returning students
Cooking 2:30p.m.- 3:30p.m. (3rd grade and up) $10
Art Class Part 2 (clay sculpture painting) 3:30-4:30

Wednesday the 23rd (We tend to add classes to this day as the month goes on so check back)
Health and Wellness 12p.m.-12:30p.m. $5
Book Club 12:30p.m-1p.m. $5
Sewing 1p.m.- 2p.m. $10 for first time students, $5 for returning students
Make-up (if you could not attend a class you wanted to this is your chance to make it up and get a condensed version of all monthly classes for $5 per class, per student (no sibling discount)12p.m.-2:30 p.m.

February Co-Op Classes and Upcoming Events for Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY!!:-)

So we have survived December and January co-op.  This has been our first full year of co-op and I have learned a couple of things.  #1- There will be no co-op in December 2016 or January 2017 there is simply too much going on.  #2= People do NOT handle location change well BUT it was something that could not be avoided so hopefully everyone will settle in for the upcoming year and our attendance numbers will build back up.  I am going to post the 2016 Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN schedule below.  This way you can go ahead and schedule your days!! Our classes are held at Cumberland Estates Rec Center which is located at 4529 Silverhill Dr. Knoxville, TN 37921. The days and location will not change but classes and class times may vary from month to month:-)



January 5th-7th 2016
February 2nd and 4th and 24th 2016
March 1st and 3rd and 23rd 2016
April 5th and 7th and 27th 2016
May 3rd and 5th and 25th 2016
June 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR SUMMER
July 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR SUMMER
August 2nd and 4th and 24th 2016
September 6th and 8th and 28th 2016
October 4th and 6th and 26th 2016
November 1st and 3rd 2016
December 2016- CLASSES OUT FOR WINTER BREAK



Now before I post the official class schedule I want to give you a run down of how registration is going to work from here on out (or until I can afford a website which will NOT be this year lol).

STEP ONE- Once you pick which classes you wish to attend you will send an email to aleciajackson@ymail.com (note that my email is ymail NOT gmail so do not change) telling me each student's first and last name, their age/s, and what classes they are interested in taking.  You must include all of the above information.
STEP TWO- I will email you back telling you whether or not there are spaces available.
STEP THREE- At that point you will paypal payment to aleciajackson@ymail.com for ALL Classes..if your paypal account is in a name other then your facebook/email account please let me know so that I know for sure which kids the payment needs to be applied to.  PLEASE remember to click friends and family when sending fees, if you do not then it charges us for the money you send and that is not figured into fees.  Your spot will not be held without payment. 

You may register for one month of classes at a time or you may register for the remainder of the year.  You can have a 10% discount if you wish to register for the remainder of the year for any or all classes please just note that in your email and be prepared to send appropriate payment.

PAYMENT IS WHAT RESERVES YOUR SPOT.  SIGN-UPS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMENT SO PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SEND PAYMENT WHEN YOU CONTACT ME ABOUT SIGNING UP.  REGISTRATION FOR FEBRUARY CLASSES WILL BE OPEN FROM JANUARY 1-25, 2016.  Hopefully this gives everyone plenty of time to pick a pay period, etc. that works best for them to pay fees:-)  Please note each class has one scholarship spot...if you are interested please contact me via email.  No one will know who gets the spot except for me and the parent of the child. 

FEBRUARY 2016 CLASS SCHEDULE (Class schedule will remain the same with the exception of Elementary Math which will alternate between K-2nd grades and 3rd-5th grades each month).  ALL CLASSES HAVE A 50% SIBLING DISCOUNT EXCEPT FOR 1st LEGO and 1st SEWING CLASSES (this covers the kits for these classes) SO EACH CHILD REGISTERED AFTER YOUR FIRST CHILD WILL BE HALF OFF THE ORIGINAL FEE.  For example Cooking is $10 so if you are registering 3 students pricing will be as follows; child 1 is $10, child 2 is $5, child 3 is $5.  Classes are for all ages unless it is specified otherwise.

TUESDAY the 2nd
Farm 10a.m.-10:30 a.m. $10
Sewing 10:30 a.m.-11a.m. $10 for first time students, $5 for returning students-FULL
Spanish 11a.m.- 12p.m. $10
Cooking 12 p.m.-1p.m. $10- FULL
Hands on Science K-2nd grade 1p.m.-2p.m. $10
Forensic Science 3rd (ish) and up 1p.m.-2p.m. $10
Elementary Math K-2nd grade 2p.m.-3p.m. $5
Writing Skills 5th grade and up 2p.m.-3p.m. $5

THURSDAY the 4th
Multiplication/Division Skills 12p.m.-12:30p.m. $5
Preschool 12p.m.-12:30p.m. $5
Holiday Art 12:30p.m.-1p.m. $5
Zoology 1p.m.-2p.m. $5
Lego 2p.m.-3p.m. $15 for first time students, $5 for returning students

Wednesday the 24th
Health and Wellness 12p.m.-12:30p.m. $5
Book Club 12:30p.m-1p.m. $5
Fairy Houses 1p.m.-2p.m. $10
Make-up (if you could not attend a class you wanted to this is your chance to make it up and get a condensed version of all monthly classes for $5 per class, per student (no sibling discount)12p.m.-2:30 p.m.


I will not be teaching art during the actual co-op times for the remainder of the year.  I am teaching biweekly art lessons at Imagination Forest and homeschoolers are welcome.  The pricing is the same:-)

JANUARY IS ACRYLIC PAINTING (February will be watercolor painting)

Art for Beginners 1
Art for Beginners 2
Art for Beginners 3
Art for Adults

In addition to co-op we have several fun things coming up in group.

First, we are bringing new life into our craft fair/small business project.  Please go like that page if you are interested in details Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN Small Business Project.

Next, we have several events planned in January and February PLUS events that are planned for March and on that have payments due in January:-)

Starfish Dissection
Dead Serious About Life
Sleeping with the Sharks
Homeschool Day at Tennessee Aquarium
Science Fair


Feel free to contact me at aleciajackson@ymail.com if you have any questions about anything in this announcement!!:-)


LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!!!

January Co-op Classes for Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

Welcome to our January co-op sign ups!!  I hope everyone enjoys their Holiday season!!!
In this post you will find a link to each day of classes (there are 3 days total) and a link to our group.  You must me a member of the group to access the co-op classes.  You do not have to take all the classes or attend all days, our co-op allows you to pick and choose which classes you wish to take:-)

Join the group here ADVENTURE HOMESCHOOLERS OF EAST TN

-THEN-

Go here to join classes

TUESDAY CLASSES AT CUMBERLAND ESTATES REC CENTER

WEDNESDAY CO-OP CLASSES AT MRS. ALECIA'S

THURSDAY CLASSES AT CUMBERLAND ESTATES REC CENTER


We also have a some upcoming EVENTS AND CLASSES:-)

ICE AT OPREYLAND HOTEL- THE NUTCRACKER
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CLASS
SCIENCE FAIR
SLEEPING WITH THE SHARKS
WINTERY TREE ART CLASS
Starfish Dissection Class

Feel free to email me at aleciajackson@ymail.com with questions!!:-)

November and December Giving Project for Adventure Homeschoolers of East Tn

For the months of November and December we are doing a giving project within our group.  In January we will get together to give each child a a chance to do a presentation sharing with the group who they donated to during this time.  Participation in the presentation is NOT required but it is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to work on speaking skills.

Below I am going to list all of the project options we have up in group.  There are two options on donating items.  You can bring all of your donations to the December co-op and we will get them to the appropriate places for you or you may deliver your donations individually at anytime during November and December.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Toiletry and Activity Bags for Local Shelters
Donations for Local Animal Shelters
Send a Care Package to a Soldier
Fish Hospitality Pantries
Auction for Asa
Tiny Trees for ETCH


Here is the event for when we will get together and present our Charitable Giving Report.  Keep in mind your child can participate in any giving project they choose not just the ones we have listed.   I will keep adding more as the month goes on.

Giving Project Presentation

October Co-op Classes for Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

October classes will be on October 6th, 7th and 8th, 2015.

Yes you read that correctly we have added a third day.  Co-op will still only be once a month but we are hoping this will make the days shorter and easier on the kiddos (and us parents) :-) We have tried to keep as many classes as we could on the same day BUT some of them have moved...we did the best we could.

PLEASE REMEMBER TUESDAY'S AND THURSDAY'S CLASSES WILL NOW BE HELD AT CUMBERLAND ESTATES REC CENTER STARTING THIS MONTH, WEDNESDAY'S CLASSES WILL STILL BE HELD AT IMAGINATION FOREST.  I will post what classes we have and how many slots are open.  Then you will need to email me at aleciajackson@ymail.com in order to add your child to the class list.  You will send payment to each individual teacher instead of to me.  Registration for October co-op will close on September 28th, 2015.   After this date no other sign-ups will be allowed, also if you have not paid your child's fees by then they will be removed from the rooster.

NOTES- ART AND COOKING ARE GOING TO BE SPLIT UP BY AGE GROUPS ON TUESDAY ONLY JUST TO MAKE THINGS EASIER. Remember Art Across the Nations is a 2 part class.  The 2nd part will be on Thursday for all ages:-)

ALL PAYMENTS FOR OCTOBER CO-OP MUST BE PAID BY 9/28/15 unless you contact me directly to make other arrangements OR YOU WILL FORFEIT YOU SPOT IN CLASS.  PLEASE INCLUDE CHILDREN'S NAME AND GRADE ON THE NOTES FOR PAYPAL SO THE TEACHERS CAN KEEP TRACK OF WHO HAS PAID:-) TEACHER PAYMENTS GO TO THE TEACHER OF EACH CLASS (Their names are written out from the class info) HERE IS THEIR PAYPAL INFO:

Alecia Jackson- paypal to aleciajackson@ymail.com
Theresa West- paypal to  happybadger08@yahoo.com
Jodie Moore- paypal to  Jodie@saferforyourhome.com or pay her cash the day of class
Christina Carbajo- paypal to cmcarbajo@gmail.com
Elizabeth Cowen- paypal to Elizabeth@westhavenbc.com
Bethany Sikorski- paypal to skislady@hotmail.com
Angela Taylor Thompson- paypal to angela.thompson711@comcast.net
Laura Smith- paypal to TNamom9801@gmail.com


TUESDAY CLASSES- CUMBERLAND ESTATES REC CENTER 12P.M.-3P.M.

Cooking class and Art Across the Nations Parents- Thanks for your patience as we figure out this new schedule and increased numbers! This is our last update on how we'll do sign ups for these two classes-
For Art and Cooking (Tues from 12-12:45 and 1-1:45) -. When you get to the co-op we will be dividing the kids into even class numbers to make the classes easier. Half will go with Theresa, half with Alecia and then after the hour is up- they will switch. So if your child needs to be in a particular class time - please let us know. (If you are only taking one of these classes and need a particular time- please tell us)

COOKING CLASS (SESSION 1)- Theresa West - 12p.m.- 12:45p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount. 
COOKING CLASS (SESSION 2)- Theresa West- 1p.m.-1:45p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount.
7 SLOTS OPEN TOTAL 

ART ACROSS THE NATIONS (SESSION 1 )- Alecia Jackson/Katie Eslinger- 12p.m.-12:45p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount. 

ART ACROSS THE NATIONS (SESSION 2)- Alecia Jackson/Katie Eslinger- 1p.m.-1:45p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount.
5 SLOTS OPEN TOTAL

ANATOMY CLASS (GRADES 3rd AND UP)- Angela Thompson- 1p.m.-2p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount. 24 SLOTS OPEN 

ZOOLOGY (GRADES K-12TH)- Theresa West- 2p.m.-3p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount.  10 SLOTS OPEN



WEDNESDAY CLASSES- IMAGINATION FOREST 11A.M.-4P.M. (PACK A LUNCH FOR THE DAY REMEMBER NO PEANUT PRODUCTS PLEASE)

SPANISH CLASS (ALL GRADES- TWO CLASS TIMES)- Christina Carbajo
11a.m.-11:45 a.m. GRADES K-6th 6 SLOTS OPEN,
11:45 a.m.- 12:30p.m. GRADES 7th-12th 15 SLOTS OPEN

This class will be $10 per child...we must have a minimum of 10 children to hold these classes

 FORENSIC SCIENCE (GRADES 7TH AND UP)- Laura Smith 11:00a.m.-11:45p.m.  $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount.  15 SLOTS OPEN 

 HOLIDAY ART (ALL GRADES)- Elizabeth Cowen 12:30p.m.- 1p.m. $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount. 5SLOTS OPEN

LUNCH 1P.M.-1:15P.M.

FARM CLASS (ALL GRADES)- Jodie Moore 1:15p.m.-2p.m. $10 per child with a 50% discount 5 SLOTS OPEN

LEGO CLASS (GRADES K-12TH)- Elizabeth Cowen- 2p.m.-3p.m.  $5 per RETURNING STUDENT.  IF YOUR CHILD HAS NOT ATTENDED THIS CLASS BEFORE THE FEE WILL BE $15.  CLASS IS FULL

PRESCHOOL CLASS- (AGES3-6)- Bethany Sikorski 2p.m.- 2:30p.m. $5 per child. 10 SLOTS OPEN  


THURSDAY CLASSES AT CUMBERLAND ESTATES REC CENTER 11:00A.M. - 3P.M.

ART ACROSS THE NATIONS (GRADES K-12TH)- Alecia Jackson 12:00p.m.- 12:45p.m. 2ND PART OF TUESDAY'S CLASS

HEALTH (ALL GRADES)- Alecia Jackson 1:00p.m.- 1:45p.m. $5 per child with a 50% sibling discount.  13 SLOTS OPEN

ASTRONOMY (GRADES K-12TH)- Theresa West 11:00a.m.- 11:45a.m. $5 per child with a 50% sibling discount 13 SLOTS OPEN

LEGO CLASS (2ND TIME SLOT)(GRADES K-12TH)- Elizabeth Cowen- 2p.m.-3p.m.  $5 per RETURNING STUDENT.  IF YOUR CHILD HAS NOT ATTENDED THIS CLASS BEFORE THE FEE WILL BE $15.
20 SLOTS OPEN
























 

Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

Just a little information about our group and the coinciding co-op. 

We have grown in numbers recently and that is a great thing.  After receiving a few emails and messages asking certain questions I felt like it would just be easier to make a general post and answer them all:-)

1. Who is in charge?  Well I guess that would be me, Alecia, I also have two admins Theresa and Candice.  The three of us do the majority of the field trip planning, etc BUT anyone is welcome to plan a trip.  Just create an event in group and have at it.

2.  What are the fees?  The only fees we have are the costs of field trips and co-op classes.  No one gets paid for setting up or hosting field trips.  The amount they charge is the amount the trip costs.  As for co-op classes we do charge for those but believe me when I say that we try very hard to keep it affordable.  The fee barely covers supplies and location rental for each class.  What is left goes to thank the teacher for his/her time teaching. 

3.  What are the qualifications of the people teaching the co-op?  While our experience varies the main qualification is that most of us homeschool our own kids, love kids in general, and are capable of  keeping everyone alive.  That is pretty much it;-)  We are parents not teachers and we are doing the co-op for our kids and your kids to get a different experience.  Any parent is welcome to teach a class if I have room on the schedule.  Also parents are welcome and encouraged to help out in classes but it is not required.

4.  What is the group like in general?  DIVERSE...we have secular and religious families and so far we have had 0 problems between the two.  On top of that we have many different types of people (some of us could be considered odd) and we have kids with all different abilities.  Everyone is welcome and we always have a great time even when things don't go as planned.  The main rule for our group is NO DRAMA.....Everyone is expected to be NICE and RESPECTFUL to everyone regardless of their differences.  I am not a mediator and if I do have to mediate I promise you won't like the way I do;-)

You can always contact me via email at aleciajackson@ymail.com, and also by tagging myself of the other admins on the group page.  Please keep in mind although we are really good about getting back to people ASAP sometimes things happen that prevent us from doing so.  We will respond back to you just as soon as we get a chance:-)

School Started Back....What We Are Doing in 2015-2016!!!

Tomorrow starts our 3rd week of school and we have survived!! Not only did we survive our first week of school but we also survived our first monthly co-op. The kids were so excited to see their friends and I was so excited to see my fellow Moms:-)  Our co-op has tripled in size since last year and it is so fun!! The kids are great!!

This year my Sis has joined us on our homeschooling adventure and she is teaching Kindergarten to my adorable niece.  Being next door neighbors means it is super easy for us to do school together.  It is nice to have a back up for my off days:-)  For our at home work we are using MobyMax as our supplemental computer curriculum for all four littles.  The main part of Kindergarten for the two newbies is Little House Curriculum an almost completely FREE curriculum that we love so far, it includes all subjects!!  The other two are using Institute of Excellence in Writing....Primary Arts of Language Reading and Writing Program, Math 2 curriculum, timeline unit study for History and as always hands on science. 

So far everything is going with only one hitch.  Bad dreams...my boys are being plagued by bad dreams so sleeping in their beds has turned into an impossibility.  Tonight we read the story of the dreamcatcher and colored pictures of our own.  Tomorrow we are going to make actual ones.  So far so good; one hour later and everyone is still in their bed and there have been no tears. 

The oldest started highschool last week and so far he loves it!! ( He is in Public school) I am really enjoying hearing him talk about all of his classes and new experiences.  I know he will do great this year!!

We wrapped up our Sunday night with a huge family supper before Dad went to work and then hung out at the table doing homework and coloring.  It feels good to be getting back into our normal routine:-)

Art Across the Nations

This is where I will post monthly updates on our Art Across the Nations co-op class:-)  Reading this isn't required for class I just thought it would be a neat way to look back at our class come May.

We met for the class session this week.  I wanted to keep it simple and sort of ease the students into the course.  We started by learning about negative and positive space and we made a paper mache globe.  The students were split in half about whether the activity was cool or just gross.  I am proud to say they all hung in there though and made some awesome looking globes.  I can't wait to see how they look after they are painted!!!  We also worked on learning on continents and oceans.

September Co-op Classes for Adventure Homeschoolers of East TN

September classes will be on September 1st and 2nd, 2015.

We are doing sign ups a little bit different this month.  I will post what classes we have and how many slots are open.  Then you will need to email me at aleciajackson@ymail.com in order to add your child to the class list.  You will send payment to each individual teacher instead of to me.  So I will post their emails out beside the class they are teaching.  Registration for September co-op will close on August 25th, 2015.   After this date no other sign-ups will be allowed, also if you have not paid your child's fees by then they will be removed from the rooster.  I am hoping this method will be easier and less confusing for everyone since the facebook document caused some issues:-)

ALL PAYMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER CO-OP MUST BE PAID BY 8/25/15 unless you contsct me directly to make other arrangements OR YOU WILL FORFEIT YOU SPOT IN CLASS.  PLEASE INCLUDE CHILDREN'S NAME AND GRADE ON THE NOTES FOR PAYPAL SO THE TEACHERS CAN KEEP TRACK OF WHO HAS PAID:-) TEACHER PAYMENTS GO TO THE TEACHER OF EACH CLASS (Their names are written out from the class info) HERE IS THEIR PAYPAL INFO:
Alecia Jackson- paypal to aleciajackson@ymail.com
Candice Heinz- paypal to Candiceheinz@live.com
Theresa West- paypal to  happybadger08@yahoo.com
Jodie Moore- paypal to  Jodie@saferforyourhome.com or pay her cash the day of class
Christina Carbajo- paypal to cmcarbajo@gmail.com
Elizabeth Cowen- paypal to Elizabeth@westhavenbc.com
Bethany Sikorski- paypal to skislady@hotmail.com
 

Cooking Class- Instructor Theresa West- CLOSED

Tuesday from 11a.m-12p.m Grades K-12

This class will be $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount

Astronomy Class- Instructor Candice Heinz- CLOSED

Tuesday from 12p.m-1p.m Grades K-12

This class will be $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount

Health Class- Instructor Candice Heinz- CLOSED

Tuesday from 1p.m-1:30p.m Grades K-12

This class will be $5 per child with siblings FREE

Preschool Class- Instructor Bethany Sikorski- CLOSED

Tuesday from 1:30p.m-2p.m Ages 3-6

This class will be $5 per child

US Constitution Class- Instructor Theresa West- CLOSED

Tuesday from 1:30p.m-2p.m Ages 10 and up

This class is $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount

US States and Capitols Class- Instructor Alecia Jackson- CLOSED

Tuesday from 2p.m-3p.m Grades K-12

This class will be $10 per child with a 50% discount

Art Across the Nations- Instructor Alecia Jackson- CLOSED

Tuesday from 3p.m-4p.m Grades K-12
Class Syllabus

This class will be $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount and will cover tuition for both Tuesday and Wednesday class session. 

August- The World…. We will complete two art projects; a chalk drawing of Earth from Space, and a paper Mache globe.  I will also give further instructions for the sketch journal.

September- Africa….We will complete four art projects; a version of Butterfly Wing Art, Hieroglyphics, a paper version of a Moroccan rug, and a Carved Orthostat.  Our sketch journal assignment will be; zebra, cat, Pyramids of Giza, giraffe, and a lion.
October- Asia…. We will complete three art projects; Hmong Story Cloth, Fish Printing, and Sumi-e Ink Painting.  Our sketch journal will consist of; pagoda, Great Wall of China, dragon, elephant and reindeer.
November (there will possibly be a substitute teacher) - Australia….We will complete three art projects; Aboriginal Dot Painting, Aboriginal Bark Painting, and a boomerang.  Our sketch journal assignment will be a kangaroo and Sydney Opera House.
December- Christmas Around the World….We will make a few different Christmas ornaments and decorations from around the World.

Drama Class- Instructor will vary- CLOSED

Tuesday from 4p.m-4:30p.m All ages

FREE

Beginners Spanish Class- Instructor Cristina Carbajo

Wednesday from 11a.m-12:30 p.m.

11a.m-11:45a.m  slot will be for grades K-6- CLOSED
11:45a.m-12:30p.m slot will be for grades 7-12- CLOSED

This class will be $10 per child...we must have a minimum of 10 children to hold these classes 

Class Syllabus

September

1)     Letters and Numbers

2)     Shapes and Colors

 October

1)     Animals and Pets

2)     Foods

 November

1)     School words

2)     Parts of the Body

 December

1)     Opposite words

2)     Christmas traditions in Hispanic Countries

 January

1)     Seasons

2)     Weather

 February

1)     My house

2)     Transportation

 March

1)     The Zoo

2)     The Farm

 April

1)     The Ocean

2)     The Solar System

 May

1)     Music

2)     Cinco de mayo Party

Farm Class- Instructor Jodie Moore- CLOSED

Wednesday from 12:30p.m-1:30p.m All Ages

This class will be $10 with a sibling discount of 50%

Lunch Break-Please pack a lunch to eat during class time (NO PEANUTS)

Lego Class- Instructor Elizabeth Cowen- CLOSED

Wednesday from 1:30p.m-2:30p.m Grades K-12

This class will be $15 for the first class per child (your child will get his/her Lego kit) after that first class the class fee will drop.

Zoology- Instructor Theresa West- CLOSED

Wednesday from 2:30p.m-3:30p.m Grades K-12

This class is $10 per child with a 50% sibling discount

Art Across the Nations- Instructor Alecia Jackson

Wednesday from 3:30 p.m-4:30p.m Grades K-12

This is part 2 of Tuesday's class 

 

 

 

 

SmartKidz Media Review

SmartKidz Media is a really neat website.  I was super excited to get to review their SmartKidz Media Library for Homeschoolers.  The program is a huge digital resource library for homeschoolers that includes songs, videos, and study guides.  You can choose from sections such as; Family Media- which includes World of Discovery and Music and Fine Arts or Reading and Learning Center- which includes ebooks, baby sign language lessons, animal families, study guides, special needs learning, life skills, songs and a fun zone.  I have never seen anything like this website and I have spent many years exploring homeschool options.  I was and still am very impressed with the content available on their website.  I have enjoyed it just as much as my kids have.

Most of their activities are given in video format but you also have access to some great study guides.  The favorite part for my kiddos was of course all the great animal videos and information.  We are animal obsessed here and this website gives you an unbelievable amount of animal lessons that you can choose from.  I think we watched all the animal videos, and read the animal ebooks in the first few days of exploring the program.  That is all they wanted to do.  I loved the baby sign language section and plan on using it with our new little bundle of joy arriving in Fall.  We used this program several times a week and plan on continuing to use it.

As a homeschooling Mom with a large family I was super relieved to find out that you do not have to have membership for each child.  You pay one fee and get access to a family membership and the best part is that the fee is affordable!! You have the option to pay monthly for only $10 or save some money by purchasing a yearly membership for $99.  The material they provide is well worth the prices and on top of learning my kids were entertained.  There was only one con in my opinion and this isn't a con for most people but we live in a rural area was the amount of Internet you use.  Where we live we do not have access to unlimited data so watching the video definitely impacted our date plan but it is worth it.  As long as I use in conservatively I don't anticipate it being a problem.  But due to this I do wish more of their information was available in printable study guide format.

 Above is a view of one of the awesome study guides......

 This screen shot shows just a a few of the many video lessons available....

 This is one of the bright, fun ebooks offered.....



You can view their catalog and sign up for a membership on their website.  And make sure you check out SmartKidz Media on FACEBOOK and TWITTER. 

Building Blocks PE Class

Building Blocks PE is a wonderful class that my kids absolutely love.  For just $5 per kid per class the wonderful PE skills they learn are a steal.  Check them out on their FACEBOOK page for more details about upcoming classes and locations:-)  The schedule has changed up a bit for summer but will be back to normal in the fall.  You can also follow their class schedule on our Facebook page for TAG Families- Knoxville.  This class will be part of our Monday co-op at Deane Hill Rec Center starting in the Fall.  I am going to post some pictures below from the class and then include a bio about the class's instructor Laban Propst.  This class is great for all children including children with special needs. 

Laban Propst is a pediatric exercise physiologist who earned a Master’s of Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  He is the creator of the Building Blocks program and has over 15 years of experience working with children.  While pursuing his Master’s degree, Laban uniquely focused on how exercise and motor development activities could be used to improve children’s development and overall health status.  He has also earned two Bachelor degrees, one in Physical Education and another in Exercise and Sport Science. 

Laban has developed and implemented programs for children at all developmental levels.  In collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Psychology department, he implemented his Building Blocks program for children on the Autism Spectrum as part of their widely recognized DREAM Camp.  He has also developed training programs and activity guidelines for teachers and childcare providers.  Most recently, Laban designed developmentally appropriate activities for Cherokee Health Systems’ Project Diabetes grant in Knoxville, TN. Laban’s passion is working with any child who can benefit from his experience and expertise. 

Laban continues to develop his Building Blocks program and has expanded its services to the field of therapy.  Where traditional therapy methods may fail, Laban uses exercise (exercise therapy) and motor development activities to help children with disabilities.  While in NC he implemented Building Blocks for children with severe cognitive, physical, and/or medical disabilities at Gateway Education Center.  Often children who participated in the Building Blocks program improved much quicker and improved skills or function at a higher level than expected from traditional therapy.

Laban’s mission in life is to improve the health and development of children and implement a new and exciting way to provide therapeutic services for disabled children.  From providing a superior physical education program to helping a disabled child improve development across multiple domains, Laban continues to help children every day.