Posted in Home Schooling
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Our first day of this school year was today, and it went very well. I actually got up on time and started the day with a prayer. Camille got up soon afterwards, which is actually unusual, so our school day started on schedule. I know we'll probably not do that much in the future, so I'm glad the first day was "on time". We discussed Bible while eating breakfast. This week, we're talking about confidence, and we had a pretty good talk. I expect that to get better as the week progresses though. Here's the way our day went after that:
Rachel is being given more independence this year. I gave her a sheet with all I want her to complete this week in L/A and Math. It is up to her to divi-up her time in order to finish L/A section by Friday. She did a good job of it today (with a little guidance from me). I didn't check to make sure she understood her vocabulary words, but emphasized to her the importance of knowing how to use the words in the right context, and not moving on if she is unsure of any of the words. She assured me she knew the words and understood then, and was ready to move on. It's so hard for me to trust that, but I did. I figure, she'll learn the hard way of having to do work over if she's lying. But, man, that would sure mess up my lesson plans - have her do work over at the end of the week!
Sarah started a book that's actually written for 5th grade. It's by Christian Liberty Press, and it's Spelling, but it takes those spelling words and applies them to real life - using maps, occupational handbooks, grammar rules, etc. It's really an awesome concept. This week, her spelling words are many of the countries of the Western Hemisphere. She studies the pronounciation and spelling of the words indepth today, and tomorrow, she'll locate them on the map and write the form of the words that refer to the people who live in those countries (ex. Paraguayan, for Paraguay; Chilean, for Chile, etc.). On Thursday, she'll write the capitals of each of her words, then test on Friday. The first 6 units are on foreign countries, so I'm not sure how well she'll do. The words are very long and hard, but I think she's gonna surprise me. After Unit 6, we'll get into the fifty states, then Astronomy, Birds, Sports, Foods, Pets, etc. I think the other units will be easier and more interesting to her.
Math went well. Sarah started Delta today with a review of factors, products, and solving for unknowns. She breezed through that, so we tested. She scored 100%, so we're on to Lesson 2 tomorrow. Rachel is working through Zeta (decimals and percentages), and I'm unsure how she's doing with it. Rachel will nod with understanding, then be lost when I ask her a question. I never know if she understands or not. I'll have to grade her work daily to see if she's really getting it. This level should be more of a review for her, but I'm not sure how much of it she really grasped in PS. Oh well, the important thing is that she gets it now...behind grade level or not.
Science was introductory. We talked about creation and God's amazing wisdom and craftsmanship in creating the world. The more I'm reminded of creation, the more I'm in awe of His awesome power and wisdom. I just hope my excitement will rub off on them. I want them to appreciate the rain that falls and the grass that grows. I want them to gasp in awe of mountain ranges and the oceans. I know lots of that will come with age and wisdom, but man... it's such a joy teaching this to my kids.
History was also introductory, as we discussed the Principle of Individuality. This is another awesome reminder of God's wisdom and love. No two people, places, living things are exactly alike. Now how much more special can we feel knowing that!! We began our study of Leif Ericson, so we're heading West this year!!
Good day... I'll take it. |
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