I never expect much on the first day of school. The boys are devastated that they are no longer allowed to screw around all day. But, all in all, the day didn’t suck. There were even some rainbows after the showers (of tears). You would think we have been on sabbatical for the last year, rather than the 3 weeks we actually took off. The idea of sitting down and doing work was just so foreign to the boys. I stood firm and we finished about three hours worth of work in just over five.
Sawyer has been having some rough days lately, possibly because things have been so relaxed around here. So, I worked with him and eased him in. We changed a few things up with his studies- and he did great!! I’m really proud of him. I don’t ask or expect much from a 5 year old- in all honestly, I don’t believe 5 or even 6 year olds belong in school at all, other than to play. But I also don’t want my kids at a disadvantage. I have come up with some super fun ways for Sawyer to learn and he is rocking it!! We mostly read together, do a short reading lesson, a bit of math (which he actually loves), and some writing projects. His writing is mostly verbal at this point- telling stories back to me, playing story cubes, making up stories- but I do have him practice writing or coloring for a bit each day.
This is what our days look like:
-Relaxation Time. I start each day this way. It opens our minds, calms us down, and gets us ready to start our day. We either color or draw, play a card or board game, talk about something that is important to us or needs to be addressed. It’s just a way to sit, relax, and connect (or disconnect, if needed:).
-Story Time. I am using Pathway Readers this year. These are good, old fashioned, stories with lessons, morals, and values. We all love them!! Most of these stories make for good conversation, and often give us something to write about.
-Writing. Writing can be different each day. For Sawyer, it is mostly working on the fundamentals- pencil grip, formation, and such- some times it is even just practicing drawing or staying in the lines. For Chase, it is practicing cursive and writing about something or following a writing prompt.
-Another Story. This is usually a fun story someone picked out or a chapter book that we are all reading together. We just like story time.
-Math. Yep. Math. Luckily, both boys love math. Chase is doing his program online now. Chase is already half way through Teaching Textbooks 4- he will start level 5 before this school year is over. I am working with Sawyer using the same curriculums that Chase had success with in the past. Abeka and Math U See.
-Reading. Chase reads independently. I work with Sawyer on his reading lessons. Then we just talk about books and look at words we think are interesting.
The list above is our core- reading, writing, math.
The rest of the time (when there is time, between lessons, playing, and Edmond Heights) we work on World Studies, Latin (which is new this year- we’ll see), Piano, Nature, Field Trips, Plays, Music, and Interest Lead Learning. It’s going to be a great year!!
Pics From the first day:
My favorite thing about homeschooling. It’s not the work I plan, but what the boys do on their own. This is why it works. Another Harry Potter Lego. Chase is creating these without the sets. He is pulling his resources and building all of the sets he can’t afford to buy. he has made some amazing creations. Super proud of him- he doesn’t complain about what he doesn’t have, he finds a way. Today he told me, “even if I don’t have it, I can make it”. I love him!!!
