2012 - Third Quarter

Wow, we are already in the third quarter!  This school season is passing very quickly and I'm already excited about next year's curriculum.  I need to temper my future thinking a bit and keep to the present while we finish out this year.  So, let's take a quick look at where we've been and where we are heading!

I updated the curriculum page with what we are actually using this year.  I had some lofty plans that just didn't work out for our family.  I completely underestimated how difficult it would be to school two kids while caring for a toddler.  The 3 yo is no problem, but the 1 yo is a master safe cracker.  He figured out all my child locks, insisted upon climbing the table and chairs, is strong enough to push through my tension gates, and rarely nursed quietly during learning time (ah, it was much easier when he was an infant and slept in my arms).  Needless to say, it's been a very tiring exciting school year!

My kindergarten student, Mr. T, is beginning to read but his printing needs more time for refinement.  He does printing exercise, but they tend to frustrate him.  He can sit still for lessons on most days, but since it's just kindergarten, I only *require* that we do a 5-10 minute reading lesson.  If he feels like doing five math pages, great!  If not, I send him off to play with his brothers in the family room.  We also attend bi-weekly library programs where I am requiring him to sit with the other children and at least listen (participation is optional for now).  Even with this loose of a schedule, he is right on target for finishing all his books by summer.

Mini, my second grade student, is progressing nicely with her reading, math, and memorization skills.  Her spelling is horrible, but it is usually large words that have irregular spellings.  I also did not realize how poorly I pronounced my words.  She was spelling everyday words just like I spoke them - gettin', cowner (counter).  Now I am more aware of my speech and enunciate my words!  Another addition to our school this year is music lessons.  Mini takes piano lessons from a really nice home school senior.

We joined the local museum this year, so I plan to spend time there reinforcing things learned at home.  We also have lots of library programs to attend as well as utilizing all the resources at the public library (books, DVDs, Cd's, Playaway View). 

Now that Chomp-chomp is getting older and less hands-on, I hope to carve out some time to devote to my blogs.  So, hope to see you around the blogosphere!