Disclaimer---I have lost my camera battery charger---I distinctly remember putting it somewhere--when I figure out where that is I will be back with pictures!
With three short days, this week was a perfect way to slide back into the school schedule. We've made our way through everything planned for the week. And so far this year I seem to have more down time--I guess that means I won't have an excuse for not cleaning! I am ex-specially proud that we were able to get up at 5 everyday except for one day.
The kids put together their schedules last week and for the most part they worked. Some things they realized they had scheduled for way too long. E realized he hadn't scheduled LA at all on Friday! All realized more independent time is going to be needed.
Math--E worked with negative numbers this week. He is working towards finishing his pre-algebra textbook and soon will start algebra with ALEKS online. E-R and I-E continued on in Singapore Math working on mental math and word problems. I-E was quite frustrated working on mental math. I've discovered her method actually takes longer than writing out the problem. So I worked on taking her step through step through each problem. Child melt-down ensued. And then mother melt-down ensued! I should have replied to her declaration of I'M NO GOOD AT THIS with a that's okay---we all have things we're better at and things we need to work on. And that's why we're working on this. You will get better with practice. But--sigh--I didn't. There is next week!
English--Everyone began a new Rod and Staff English book. Subjects and Predicates began the books. And the first writing assignments --- a short story.
History--Found us finishing up the Ancient Greeks with Alexander the Great and moving on to the founding of Rome. E-R and I-E began a lap book on the Greeks. This year, E will be researching two history topics each week and then picking one to write a paper on. I'm slowly easing him into the process by starting out with filling in his research sheets. This week he choose to study Alexander the Great.
Spelling---some of our words: fiendish, Spanish, Danish, British, tongues, accomplishments, decompress, kiss, dismiss, truss
Art---We started art off with a cool interview of Joyce Scott. Her bead work (scroll down to see an awesome beaded teapot) was a favorite. She also works in paper which inspired us to pull out our papermill kit. Unfortunately our blender needs a new part to work, so we couldn't get to work right away. BUT, I finally ordered that $4 blender part that I've needed for about 5 months! Hopefully, next week we will make some paper. For now, the kids made some collages with pasta. I was wondering what the burning smell was wafting from the dining room. They got creative and used candles to burn their pasta so it be a different color! The finished creations ranged from cat faces to car races.
Memory---scriptures, poetry, seven times tables, and cells.
I made it through the week! The kids made it through the week! Now off for a long four day weekend!
With three short days, this week was a perfect way to slide back into the school schedule. We've made our way through everything planned for the week. And so far this year I seem to have more down time--I guess that means I won't have an excuse for not cleaning! I am ex-specially proud that we were able to get up at 5 everyday except for one day.
The kids put together their schedules last week and for the most part they worked. Some things they realized they had scheduled for way too long. E realized he hadn't scheduled LA at all on Friday! All realized more independent time is going to be needed.
Math--E worked with negative numbers this week. He is working towards finishing his pre-algebra textbook and soon will start algebra with ALEKS online. E-R and I-E continued on in Singapore Math working on mental math and word problems. I-E was quite frustrated working on mental math. I've discovered her method actually takes longer than writing out the problem. So I worked on taking her step through step through each problem. Child melt-down ensued. And then mother melt-down ensued! I should have replied to her declaration of I'M NO GOOD AT THIS with a that's okay---we all have things we're better at and things we need to work on. And that's why we're working on this. You will get better with practice. But--sigh--I didn't. There is next week!
English--Everyone began a new Rod and Staff English book. Subjects and Predicates began the books. And the first writing assignments --- a short story.
History--Found us finishing up the Ancient Greeks with Alexander the Great and moving on to the founding of Rome. E-R and I-E began a lap book on the Greeks. This year, E will be researching two history topics each week and then picking one to write a paper on. I'm slowly easing him into the process by starting out with filling in his research sheets. This week he choose to study Alexander the Great.
Spelling---some of our words: fiendish, Spanish, Danish, British, tongues, accomplishments, decompress, kiss, dismiss, truss
Art---We started art off with a cool interview of Joyce Scott. Her bead work (scroll down to see an awesome beaded teapot) was a favorite. She also works in paper which inspired us to pull out our papermill kit. Unfortunately our blender needs a new part to work, so we couldn't get to work right away. BUT, I finally ordered that $4 blender part that I've needed for about 5 months! Hopefully, next week we will make some paper. For now, the kids made some collages with pasta. I was wondering what the burning smell was wafting from the dining room. They got creative and used candles to burn their pasta so it be a different color! The finished creations ranged from cat faces to car races.
Memory---scriptures, poetry, seven times tables, and cells.
I made it through the week! The kids made it through the week! Now off for a long four day weekend!
Thanks for mentioning the mother meltdown. Nice to know I'm not the only one who has those. :-p
ReplyDeleteMy son loved Alexander the Great. I think he would have stayed in that period of history forever.
Awesome about getting up at 5am. I'm impressed!
Wow, you get everyone up at 5? I struggle to get everyone moving by 9am! (I on the other hand am a morning person...). Hugs with the meltdown... we all have them! Lots of people making paper! We're going to in the next month as well.
ReplyDeleteI had a 'mother melt-down' this week too! Must be something going around ;-) Looks like you all had a good week!
ReplyDelete5am- yuck. If the sun isn't up, neither are we. My dh would be pretty irritated if we were up at that hour!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the math meltdown. My youngest also had a difficult math week. It is draining.
Sounds like you had an excellent week - meltdowns happen. I just apologize and try to move on after a break.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like things are going well, especially with working out the schedules they made. Short weeks are always good! :)
ReplyDeleteI love it that you mentioned both meltdowns as well...that's life, right? Just 'cuz we're adults doesn't mean we're not done learning!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your year is off to a great start, yay you!