Why Would You Do That to an Innocent Penguin?

I finally ordered a copy of Deconstructing Penguins. I checked it out from the library and read it a few years ago, but for whatever reason nothing stuck with me. Sometimes I wonder about myself.

But anyway, I ordered a copy from Amazon a few days ago (thank you Amazon Prime) and started reading it again. This time I decided to take notes on what I was reading and actually think of ways to apply it to my (our) homeschooling. As I read I started thinking about books I wanted the kids to read and how I would love to spend some time with them having discussions about them. We've discussed books before, but usually in a "Child, narrate to me what you read in this chapter" way. Or I've had them read books for lessons and had a specific reason for it, like the reading that goes along with their history work.

So last night as I lay in bed thinking about how I wanted to read these books with the kids it dawned on me that I could, in fact, read these books with the kids. We're going to start a Family Book Club. Or at least a Boys and Mom book club. I'd like to hold it while Annika and Emma aren't around so we can have some uninterrupted time. That may be wishful thinking but if it's only once a month, I think we can swing it.

My plan right now is to hold the book club the last week of the month and introduce the book the first week. The boys will have to read the books on their own but I will remind them and help them as much as I need to. My biggest problem won't be that they can't finish the book in time, but that they read it too fast and didn't get anything out of it. That's something Harry really struggles with and doesn't realize it's not a good thing to just read super fast to say you've finished something.

We'll have snacks, I'm hoping to rotate that amongst us as the boys really like the idea of cooking. I'm looking for the Book Club to last about an hour, but I have no real time table for it. I just don't want the kids to look at me like a deer in headlights for an hour.

We'll start in September, I'll let you know if they survived.

Hi Again

So...it's summer time and we're hanging out at the beach and pool. Don't worry, all four of you, I'll be back soon. We're scheduled to start late August. Until then I'm planning, planning, planning. Oh my is 5th grade scary. And really having a 1st, 3rd, and 5th grader at the same time as a crazy 3yo? Stuff of nightmares.

I'm determined to start the year off right and get rid of the boogeyman in my closet (spellcheck actually has a preferred spelling for "boogeyman, btw) I'm organizing every little thing I can. I feel like I'm about halfway there right now--enough so that I can feel like we won't be sitting around staring at the ceiling, but not enough that I feel like I know what I'm doing.

As soon as I come out on the other side, I'll post some plans and ideas for the coming school year. Until then, enjoy the break!