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.