I’ve had a few of you ask about my homeschool plans for this year, and I’m happy to say, we’re off to a good start! This is the first full week we’ll jump into all the classes, although we’re still waiting on a World Geography book to arrive. (Oh, the excitement!). This is a photo of me with both boys last week before Harrison returned to college. We counted this trip up the Mobile Delta as Joseph’s first day of school. Both boys took lots of photos, so I’ll share that with you later. (It was awesome!).
Joseph will be a junior this year, so there’s lots of documentation, which is a little overwhelming for me. I don’t use a pre-packeged curriculum, but instead, search out individual courses that seem right for him. Our fun news is that later this year, our family will be visiting Italy, so I’ve been able to structure the coursework to compliment the trip.
For instance, Joseph will study European history, Italian language, World Geography and Renaissance Painters, so by the time we’re in Italy, he’ll be highly cultured and will speak perfect, fluent Italian! (ha).
I actually found a curriculum that I’ll use bits and pieces of to supplement his history program, which was written by the New Jersey Italian-American Heritage Commission. My husband, who was born in New Jersey before being raised in South Florida, is beyond happy that his Alabama son will be getting a “proper education.” How do you say, “Y’all” in Italian?
We’ll also use a science curriculum written by the US Navy that includes both physics and meteorology. It involves studying the Littoral Combat Ships, which happen to be built right here on Mobile Bay, as well as an intensive review of the Navy Flight program, which is an hour to our east in Pensacola! With such a strategic location, we’ll definitely have some great hands-on field trips.
This is one area that always frustrated me with the public schools. We live in such an incredible location where students need to get out and explore, yet the only field trips they ever seemed to take were to the skating rink or bowling alley. Really? There’s a whole world out there — a lot of it free for the taking! Okay. Had to get that off my chest.
I’ll probably need to find a physics tutor for the more involved sections. Anyone out there a physics professor?
A few years ago, I told you about the week-long National Flight Academy (HERE) both boys attended. It was awesome and a perfect prerequisite for what this new course will involve. These are the flight simulators they used during the week where they felt like they were aboard a real aircraft carrier.
Joseph will continue seeing his math tutor (woo-hoo for the math tutors of the world!) twice a week who handles all of his coursework, homework and testing. By next year, he’ll be able to add a few college classes at the local community college with no problem.
So far, homeschool has been an excellent experience. Joseph told a group of new kids he met that he was the class president.
He failed to mention he’s also the school janitor.
Since you asked, the plural form of you in Italian is “voi”. But if what you’re really after is a translation for “all y’all”, you’d say “tutti”. The next time you’re at the family reunion, instead of saying, “all y’all get something to eat,” feel free to let loose with a hearty, “tutti mangia!”
I knew you’d say this, and by the way, I never say, “all y’all.” Y’all covers it just fine. Thank you dear.
Awesome education Leslie Anne, just wish I had been this smart back in the day. Love your blogs
Thanks Barbara. It’s a much more relaxed style of learning, which makes us all happier.
Will you home school me? Sounds so interesting and FUN!
Come join us any time! We’ll let you be the Principal.
I’m available if you need a tour guide in Italy! I also have so many photos of art, if you need any. I think you should be “teacher of the year” because you choose to educate your children this way. You go girl!
Come on over. The more, the merrier!
If it weren’t for the internet, it would be so much harder. Nowadays, the information you need is just a click away! Join us in Italy!
I Wish! It’s been way to long, hopefully in the next couple of years. I can’t wait to see what you share when you return. Do you plan to text, blog while there? I hope so, but I guess that’s a little selfish on my part!
With three great photographers on the trip, I’m sure I’ll have every moment documented, whether I want it or not! So, I’m sure some of it will find its way here!
Presumably Joseph will also be the class valedictorian? I made this comment to the father of a graduating senior who I knew was being homeschooled; the father replied in all seriousness that he was not. It turns out that his “class” consisted of several graduates in a homeschool association they belonged to (maybe this one: https://www.homeschool-life.com/al/bchea/).
That’s true. They have groups for everything. Debate team, sports, robotics team . . . they even have their own prom!
Leslie Anne, Italy is my favorite of all the countries I have visited! We have been three times, but I could join you as your tour guide!!! Where will you be going, Florence and Rome? Pam @ Everyday Living
This time we are going to mainly Rome and Florence with several side trips. My husband and I have been to Rome and Southern Italy before, but never with the boys.
I am sure you are in need a cook! Where can I enroll?
Yes! Yes! Lunchroom lady! How much fun would we have? Come on down!
I am wasted with Math and Science, but I can help with English, literature, and any kind of history. A good friend of mind was a Physics teacher before she had children and has served as our high school’s substitute in the higher math and science subjects for years. She is my kids’ tutor, but I can ask if she would be willing to do any online/virtual tutoring for your son.
Hope you are having a great summer. Please keep an eye on the Gulf. While I would love to come help out with any effects of mother nature you may have, I would prefer to meet you in another capacity!!
Thanks Lori. I’m not too worried about the tropical storm for us, but it does look like it’s going to soak the Florida Panhandle where I have many dear friends and family!
The school system should hire you to to develop the courses for the kids. I am sure they would all be more interested in learning something! Your trip sounds like a dream and a wonderful opportunity.
Thanks Ellen. It’s going to be at the perfect time before the boys are married and when they’re old enough to remember and enjoy it (we hope!).
Once again I am beyond impressed with your home schooling! And a trip to Italy, wow, that is going to mean so much more to all of you because of the Italian studies corresponding it- Your guys are adorable, and both so smart and talented- I love the class president remark, and of course the school janitor!
I forgot he’s in charge of groundskeeping too!
Thanks Jenna.
Wow!! Sounds like a great curriculum. If I homeschooled my girls they would only be proficient in real housewives and the bachelor. I wouldn’t mind going to your school. Have a great weekend!!
Haha! I think your school sounds pretty fun!
There is no greater education than to get out and explore the world, right? What an exciting trip for the family!
Travel is an amazing tool for understanding many things. We can’t wait!