So...my after bedtime goal this week is some blog updates. My computer, the keeper of my pictures, has been on the fritz so I will add pictures once I figure that out, but I dont want my memories to fade in the meantime! I will add many of them later. A few I have on my phone. I have a bunch of random, mostly insignificant, updates to write about, but tonight I start with our first official week of school! I am pumped. So excited. So confused...and learning as we go!
Last Monday was our official inaugural start date for Pre-k for LJ. This is a year of learning for everyone in this house! We started early this year. The public schools start August 1, and we started July 11...why? Because we can! Knowing that a big move is likely this year, it is our first year learning the ropes, and LJ was desperate to start "Mommy School", it seemed natural. If we need an extra break at some point, or if we just need more time, we have it!
This year I got a complete curriculum. One 60 lb box of fun. If you aren't familiar with homeschooling curriculum, there are a million choices. You can get complete kits, you can pick and choose different things for different subjects, you can totally wing it using whatever you want. Since pre-k is new to me, I got a kit for this year (and I am already making notes as to what I like, don't like, and will change for next year and for Kaycie and Eli). We are doing Math, Reading, Spelling, Handwriting, Science, Social Studies, Critical Thinking, Bible, Art. LJ is a model student.
LJ is eager. He has always been, and I cannot give him enough information. I actually got a kindergarten curriculum knowing that we will technically have 2 years to complete it. I am learning, just as much as he is, where he excels and where he struggles. It is pretty amazing getting to know my little squirt in new ways. He loves math...numbers, shapes, patterns. He loves social studies and science and critical thinking activities. He is not as fond of handwriting...not surprising given his age. He does it, and he actually does ok with it, but he doesn't love it.
We have a lot of hands on activities that Kaycie has been able to jump in on (I also got her some of her own activities to keep her busy while LJ is working). We have been doing anatomy puzzles, learning about the energy from the sun using energy bracelets. We did some geography puzzles to learn the states and continents. We hopped, skipped, and jumped our way through learning what a time line is. We used manipulatives to count numbers. He has been using early readers to learn to read "like cousin Sam does." We have a bunch of critical thinking manipulatives that don't just teach him facts but how to think. He has been learning about patterns in art. We have been reading fables for literature. He is asking for more. I am sure there will come a day when it isn't so exciting, but we are going with the flow right know!
We also spent some time this week in the kitchen. LJ and Kaycie have been learning how to make sandwiches for lunch. Kaycie has had her apron on. She terrifies me with her lack of fear of anything, so I was worried about her being around hot things. This week she helped make waffles and spaghetti sauce. I had to take a deep breath and find some trust, and she did really well. We are learning about hot and cold things. They are finding their way around the kitchen, and it is so much fun!
My biggest concern so far has been scheduling. Between doctors appointments, gym time (socialization for the kids, and a moment of me time), nap times, and in general 3 small kids, it has started a little chaotic, but just like anything, we will find a rhythm. We got it done in week one. We will get it.
I have to share a secret. I know that many people are suspect about homeschooling. Is it worth it? Will they get the "socialization" they need? Will you be able to teach them everything they need to know? I was just as concerned. I know my family and friends are/were. Trust me. I know. I see the looks. It is worth it today.
We have a bible study starting in August...for me and the kids. LJ is enrolled in t-ball again (at his request), Kaycie has just been signed up for ballet again (she doesn't get excited often, but mention ballet, and she starts twirling with her hands over her head in excitement), and I am considering a gymnastics class for Eli. There are co-ops, the list is endless. The socialization part is not a concern.
To share a quick story...I was so proud of him last night. My parents came over for dinner. LJ asked my mom to read with him, and then he pulled out a National Geographic geography book. He was flipping through telling her about Mexico and Canada, and pointing to where we live and where Texas is, and about how the mountains (Appalachian) we right above us. Then he flipped to a map of Europe, and said, "This is Europe. It sort of sounds like threw up." No, I did not teach him that fancy little rhyme. I was simply impressed he remembered Europe. I taught 6th graders who couldn't remember Europe. He then pointed to Antarctica and said it was too cold there. The kid is soaking it up! Even Eli counted to 5 yesterday! Kaycie walked around all afternoon today rubbing her belly and saying, "Mommy! I have testines!" (intestines)
