How are they doing it?
the final chapter =)

WELCOME to our home!

Ok, so it is not really "our" home...
it is my parent's home.

But...

they are VERY hospitable!
Come drop by some time,
and you will be encouraged in,
offered the refreshment of the day,
or the choice of coffee or tea.

There will be laughter,
encouragement,
and good conversation.

I just love the way this living room looks every morning!
It smiles at me because I have taken the time to tidy it up every evening...

Stop by
and
visit
any
time,

You
will
be
welcomed
in
by
kind
faces
with
friendly
smiles!

AND
this is what you will see...
...everytime!







The toys store on one side of Big Brother Joe's closet. Although during the day they lay scattered about...ALL of the time!

How are they doing it? part 4

Our Homeschool Style~

* Workboxes for the younger ones.
*Checklists for the older ones.
*Afternoon Activities we do together.

Plans that are simple,
lessons with accountability,
education grasped,
goals accomplished.

...and then

free
time
is
available...

...and out
will

come
the
toys...

??? =)

How are they doing it? part 3


This is our classroom~
dining spot~
sleeping area!

Who knew SO much could fit into a small dining room?

*The small desk in the corner is for Katie-girl.
*The bed is great for comfort while doing our read-alouds.
*On the very right (and not quite seen), a rather large desk. Room for computer stuff and a school work area.
*The table is a great place for the littles to eat, and to also do preschool activities & crafts.

*The whiteboard in the window is our most useful school tool!
*The bed is a great spot for our circle time for preschool. Sissy has been officially assigned as my teacher aid. The sheer joy she displays when one of our lil guys catch on to learning something new...is just priceless!

...stay tuned... for those silly toys....

How are they doing it? part 2


This is our "thougtful spot". It is also my teacher station. It is just a small nook in the wall between a fireplace and sliding glass door.

Arts & Crafts supplies are on the top shelf,
My 'Office' in a binder, Teacher binder, and Personal journal, along w/ our Geo-Safari are on the next shelf.
Next is some 'educational' toys.
The bottom shelf contains;
a World Atlas
,A Big Book of Words,
A Children's Bible,
along w/ a box filled w/ stationery supplies.

Note the stool. I utilize the "thoughtful spot" for meltdowns, not being co-operative, for any behavior correction needed.

This is a place to take quiet time by oneself.
Reading, praying, and writing apology letters are only some of the activities that can take place here.

~where are those toys?...stay tuned...

HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?

*This series is to share w/ friends and family how it is possible to make it work for a season w/ 10 people in a 3 bed-room house.
*This series is also to share w/ other homeschooling bloggers how it is possible to still homeschool during difficult transitions.

Our 1st photo is of the 'bedroom'. We have 3 children sleep in here via the bunkbed w/ a provided trundle.
*note: Grammy & Gramps have their own room, as does oldest (adult) brother Joe.


Our 2nd photo is of our "family closet". Funny enough, Kathi mentioned a desire to have a family closet. Well, let me show you the how to have one w/ the core basics.
Photo:
Left top~ my 5 outfits hung together & TJ's shirts.
Left bottom~ Katie's dresses, jackets, and lil brothers jackets.
Left floor~ dark blue bin (hidden left) is stuffed animals. Red bin is Katie's shoes. Wicker bin is Katie's socks.
Right top~Fred's dress shirts (hidden right). We have 2 sweater holders; the left contains Andrews clothes, the right contains Bryson & Katie's clothes.
Right floor~school files (2 crates) & 4 blankets.
The middle shelves hold: top to bottom;
Pink bin~ my undergarments
Blue bin~ TJ's shorts
Red bin~ TJ's pants
Red bin~ TJ's undergarments
"the diaper station"
Pink bin~ Katie's ballet stuff


Nick & Fred both have a dresser to contain most their clothes, and the turtle hangs out in here too!
Did you notice simplicity?? No pictures on walls, no toys? toys? where are the toys? hmmm...guess you will have to stay tuned to find out...