What’s New
This week was not a typical week. I am the coordinator for ITBS Test so three days of our week were spent at the testing center. This was my first year as the coordinator. My friend has been the coordinator for several years and decided to step down. Whew what a week! Christopher will still need to take his exam once he finishes his curriculum but next year he will be included with the group. I must say that I am proud of myself. Successfully, I managed to register, order, recruit administrators, monitors and childcare workers, and administer a standardized exam for students from 1-12th grade. This was no easy fare but thanks to my husband and oldest son they kept me together when my nerves got the better of me earlier in the week.
Science
Our caterpillars are changing into chrysalis. You can see the change from earlier this week to today where two of our caterpillars have now changed. The bottom right picture only one had changed but the other was well on its way it has now changed. Which leaves us with two caterpillars and two chrysalis. Soon we will move them into the butterfly garden. I’m a little scared to move them. What if one falls? Oh dear the things we do for our children.
Math
Began adding three digit math problems ex. 3+2+7=12. Of course I was worried that this would be difficult but Christopher said “Mom I already know how to do this.” And he did well with the concept no trouble at all. Again I have to ask myself why do I worry so much. I don’t know man!!!
Reading
Learned what a figure of speech is and how to scan a page looking for key words to answer questions.
History
Read about ancient China and learned about calligraphy. I wanted to do a calligraphy project but being out of the home most of the week it was not possible. Perhaps next week.
LA
Worked more with synonyms this week.
Character Building
We are still working on the orderly characteristic. The boys are learning to wash dishes, load the dishwasher and restock the supply pantry. They did a fantastic job and I look forward to the day when orderliness is a characteristic that defines our family. (REAL TALK!)
Joshua was supposed to be putting things in the trash. He got sidetracked and started eating his findings. He was just so cute I had to take a picture with him.
Preschool
Reading
Emmanuel had his first blending lesson this week. I’m beaming with pride.
This is the method I learned from Ruth Beechick’s book The Three R’s . Simply put this is a chart with vowels on top and consonants on the bottom. When I point to the vowel Emmanuel says the sound of the vowel then I point to the consonant and he says the that sound. Then he puts the two sounds together to form a word. Later we will add another consonant in front of the vowel and then we will start changing the vowel out. Ex. at becomes sat, bat, cat, hot, hop, hut etc. Christopher began reading cvc words with this method. From here I place the vowels an consonants on index cards and scramble them on the floor then I call out a word and have the child put the word together. This progresses to other exercises until the child can read sentences. Then I start a reading curriculum which expands the phonics rules and introduces readers. Needless to say Emmanuel did well and we will continue from here slowly building. I just want to hold this moment in my heart and cherish it because he is at the door of reading. Once he walks through the opening the world will be his book.
Tomorrow I will be at the homeschool book fair. I can’t wait! Sally Clarkson will be speaking and hopefully I can catch a good seat. She is the author of several books that have been very inspirational for me. Two years her conference has come to town and I was unable to attend. So I am over the moon that I will get to see her tomorrow.
Well, that’s it for us, how was your week?
*Don’t worry I did not forget the final segment on planning your homeschool year. I just have not had time to sit down and record it. It’s coming soon.
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