Oct. 9, 2009 - Quarter evaluattion
We are just over a quater of the way done with this year, and it is time to re-evaluate as see what is working and what isn't.
First, for Caleb - math is slow plodding, but I think he is getting it. we have added addition and subraction flash cards to try to get the speed up (and not counting on fingers). Multiplication seems to come easier to him though and we can add those flashcards soon.
History/Science - we are using WP S&S and it is wonderful! He loves the readings, books, and activities. This is really an awesome program!
LA - this is not going so well. His handwriting is not great and he struggles with a lot of writing. This is where we are re-vamping. I re-read The Well Trained Mind and I think we need to go back to square one - copywork. He sturggles with it so much - there is no point in going on to a writing program until he is physically able to write that much. So I pulled out the Draw Write Now books and am going to have him to a page a day, all the way through the series. Then I have a Memoria Press copybook as well for him to work through, and then we will try dictation this spring and hopefully will be able to continue on to a writing program like IEW next fall. We will continue on with sequential spelling and Wordly Wise as well.
Jess - is complaining math is too hard. She is already in the second book for grade 1, so I think we will take a break and work on som flashcards and math games.
She is loving WP Animal Worlds, and is doing great with their LA as well. She is really reading well for a first grader - no sounding out words anymore.
I want to add more arts and crafts and have already started making my lists for next year on what we will be using... will post that soon :)
