Wednesday, August 09, 2006

So Far, So Good

Even with all the distractions, we have accomplished three days of school. I feel satisfied with our progress and our choices. We talked about our goals for the year a few weeks ago. Pink Panther wanted to work on spelling and handwriting (his weakest areas) and Princess wanted to be able to pick up any book and read it (I'm not ready for that) and to write in cursive. We are focusing on these areas, while still studying other subjects. We are easing into school, starting with some low stress review and a short schedule. This week we have started with these books and resources:
  • Early Human World by Peter Robertshaw and Jill Rubalcaba is the first book in the The World in Ancient Times series. We are reading one chapter a day. Today's chapter was a clarification of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. I liked the Burger Zoo illustrations and so did the children.
  • The Old Testament of the Bible is our first history/literature selection. We are reading one chapter a day. The children are already asking difficult questions.
  • Cursive Handwriting is going better than it ever has because Pink Pan is focused and determined to succeed. We have started with the letters in each of their names. By the end of the week we hope to have correctly formed and legible signatures.
  • Latin Primer is our early Latin resource. We have reviewed almost a quarter of what we learned in years past. If chants and roots are not known, I mark them. Hopefully, the review will be complete in a couple of weeks and we can move forward. This year, I am combining Latin Primer and Ecce Romani. The stories in Ecce Romani will keep the memorization of Latin Primer bearable
  • Science of the week is Botany using Essential Atlas of Botany. We have done drawings of cell structure and microscope work in addition to reading. Next week we will add experiments.
  • Spelling has been painless. Things may change, but I think I got it right this time. We have struggled with Spelling Workout and Spelling Power in the past. We are using AVKO Sequential Spelling and Pink Pan is not balking and actually responds to the patterns and families. Even though Sequential Spelling is designed for people with dyslexia, I feel the word family method is an incredible way to teach spelling to any child. I wish I had thought of it sooner.
  • Princess is reading the Mr. Putter and Tabby series, again. Pink Pan is reading Tom Sawyer, again. When he finishes I feel sure he will read Huckleberry Finn, again. Listening to an unabridged version of Huck Finn two years ago started this madness. He absolutely loves the adventures and pranks (though he doesn't need any encouragement) and has read and had me read these books over and over. I took a turn last night and accidently skipped a few words. He squawked and had me reread that section. I think he has memorized most of the book. He is also reading Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary. I have both the children read aloud to me daily so I can make sure neither develop bad habits. I also spend a great deal of time reading to both of them.
  • Math has consisted of fact practice and some Cuisinare puzzles. We have done calendar and clock review for Princess.
In the next week or two we will add grammar, more math review, and nature study. When all that comes together we will add art and Spanish.

7 comments:

Angela said...

Way to go! I have already had some kinks thrown into our start, namely that Ty is working with my DH for the rest of the week. It is a little difficult for them to school when they aren't here ;) But, I am at least making major headway into organizing a way to log and record hours for the high school diploma program we will be using. High school is a whole different ball game!

eternity said...

I would like to invite u to visit

http://www.newcreation.org.sg/resources/video/videomessage.htm

Anonymous said...

I'm using Ecce Romani too. I used it when I was in school and enjoyed it. My daughter likes it so far because of the story aspect. She doesn't realize all the vocab stuff she is learning.

Frankie said...

What are you going to use for Spanish?

Congrats on starting! I don't think reading in bed is a bad thing at all!

Wisteria said...

When are you starting? We will be doing the Power Glide Junior that I purchased a few years ago and never got around using. We are dedicated to doing it this year. We also have a Guatemalan employee who has been talking to the children in Spanish every day. The children are motivated to learn more since Marco is limited in English and they are curious what he has been saying. I'm curious, too. I probably need to supervise more.

Henry Cate said...

We've been working our way through the Old Testament for about a year. We've gotten up to 1st Kings. It is interesting to hear the questions our daughters have. Sometimes we don't know the answers and we have to dig around a bit.

Wisteria said...

What resources are you using?