OH SO COOOL

Ok this is us all over it! Lego robotics! I really really want the Lego Education Wedo Robotics Homeschool Pack. It is 174.95 plus shipping. It is so COOOOLLLL! My son would LOVE it!

Commitment Time

Ok so I spent a week dealing with curriculum. I surveyed the web for free curriculum. The resources I already own, the Adult Ed section at the main library, and went to a curriculum fair.
Conclusions,

• The only things I really have to purchase at this point would be some basic supplies and lots of ink.
• English reading, I have every thing I need in hand. I can supplement as needed.
• English writing, I have everything I need in hand and can supplement via great resources from the web.
• English, spelling. I think we will just wait on this until mid year.
• Handwriting, I need to relax about it and make it fun! I am thinking we can practice letter formation without pencils and I need to think of fun ways to increase fine motor skills.
• Arabic reading, I need to settle on a curriculum from the web and stick to it, supplementing with the in hand materials.
• Arabic writing, we will approach this much the same way we did for English handwriting and will truly not worry about grammar yet.
• Arabic oral, I need to commit to everyday practice.
• Math, I have everything I need in hand and there are zillions of resources to supplement with on the web.
• Science, I need to settle on a curriculum and gather necessary materials. I should have the text I need on the web already.
• History, we will continue to cover it for the most part informally, naturally as it comes up and cover seerah on a more consistent baisis.
• Geography, I need to settle on curriculum.
• Islamic Studies, I need to fun-up the curriculum I have pulled together.
• Art, I need to make sure we have at least and hour of art projects. I also need to beef up in my knowledge of Islamic Art.
• Quran, mearly need to download more Juz 30 and we will be set.

So overall as far as curriculum goes all I need to do is  settle on the undecided ones, gather materials and fun-up. I will need to formulate a plan and schedule.
When all this is finished I will need to make myself a pacing guide and update the school room.
I also need to review my mission statement.

Highlights from the convention,

Ok so I attended my first HS convention. It was cool. I enjoyed just being around other HSers.
Highlights from the convention,

• Make a mission statement and use it
• Don't be afraid to barter for lessons
• Find mentors for your kids
• Don't over burden yourself with emotional baggage
• Of families that attended the UHEA we appeared to be 1 of 2 non average-white-families there, and apparently the only Muslims, geee what a surprise.
• There is a lot of HS friendly businesses in Orem
• Homeschoolers are polite and don't stare.
• Legos are cool!