As everyone knows, last year we started using the CM style of education & it has been working so well with my DC. We have just taken each subject slow & have accomplished so much.

     Math facts are one of those things I was beginning to wonder if they would come, but this year they seem to be doing great in their math. They are doing super with their work, but I want them to train their mind to respond quickly.  I have been using a lot of different types of puzzles hoping to obtain this action. I have noticed them focussing more since we have started using word finds. It seems as if the word finds have made them more alert.

     Also, I have been using puzzles that have their Spelling words scrambled & they have to unscramble them. Using the many types of puzzles has caused them to become more alert in all of their subjects.

     We have started our year with A Beka's United Staes History & Christian Liberty Press's Exploring American History as our Scope & Sequence for our history this year. Of course, we'll pull in many library books along beside it.

     Science I have been using library books, science videos, Magic School Bus books, and some of Considering God's Creation.

We have made it to the 5th grade grade A Beka math book. So far things are running smoothly.

     Our Spelling has consisted of a collection of Spelling words I have chosen and I have used puzzle makers to make up puzzles to go along with them. I purchased Sequential Spelling to try that. We'll start that next week to see if that is an option for our family. My children read a lot so they are pretty good spellers so maybe Sequential Spelling will be all that is necessary for our spelling other than vocabulary.

     I also purchased Rod & Staff Reading so that I could use it for Bible & Reading. We will also begin that next week to see how that will work out. We'll read the scriptures that go with the story & have discussion.

     Raphael is our artist, Mozzart is our musical appreciation person, Daddy has several Library read alouds picked out to read to us, missionary stories, & other biographies are on our list for the year, like the one we just finished "Beatrix Potter". 

     Studying Beatrix Potter and reading her books are a must read. My children has enjoyed studying her so much. We read a book called, "Nothing Is Impossible" The Story of Beatrix Potter by Dorothy Aldis and then my DC drew pictures to narrate each chapter & they have loved it. We read Beatrix's books first, & then read this book. My DC were excited to see how Beatrix's books derived from her childhood.

     We have also purchased spiral bound sketch pads along with some water colors for our nature studies.

     I'll be receiving our Grammar game to go along with our English. My plan is to use the game to drill the English rules in them.

     Our platter is full for the year, but they can handle it. I'm sure of it. The both of them have turned in to book worms & has just let their knowledge grow through books. As long as they continue to do that & let their minds continue to program through great books we are going to be fine with our schooling.

     I'm going to blog around some now after my suppose to be short update on our new year. Bless you all, Traci