Homeschool: week 4

This has been a very busy week for us! A whole lot of new things and a very messed up schedule because of it.

History and Science have gone to the wayside this week. It's kind of unfortunate because we were supposed to start studying the Pilgrim's voyage. We are covering that in our Read-a-loud book, Almost Home so it's not too big of a deal. Plus, we will just pick it up next week, when I hope to have a better grip on our schedule again.

Math: Ryan is learning his 4 multiplication tables. Sean is reviewing factors, prime and composite numbers.

Language: Sean is writing a book report on Squanto plus continuing creative writing in his journal. He's learning a great deal on how to be descriptive and make his writing entertaining. I have already seen some great improvements. Ryan is still working on his capitalization rules and cursive.

We started Spelling words last week. Both boys are doing great with their spelling. I'm especially impressed with Sean! When we started homeschooling, 2 years ago, he was no where near able to do the grade level spelling words that Abeka offered. Abeka's words tend to be much more difficult than standard public school words anyway. This year he is RIGHT on level with his grade (6th grade). I have to work closely with him and make sure we stay disciplined in studying the words but WOW! he is blowing me away with how much he has grown!

Both boys their reading and comprehension have grown so much!! Especially for Sean, where that has always been such a weak spot for him. I'm very proud of them!

The reason why our schedule has been turned upside down this week, we have added a few "extra-curricular" activities to the batch. While we lived in Germany, it was so easy to make friends. Everyone lived near each other and just about all of us at church were in the same "boat", military living far from home so there was that camaraderie and ability to relate. Now, being back in the States, everyone is spread far and wide, busy with their own families, activities, etc. It's been harder to meet people or make friends unless you get involved in something. Church has been one good way, unfortunately we dont get to see very many of them outside of church.

This week started the PWOC on base (Protestant Women of the Chapel). We are neither Protestant nor do we go to the chapel but, hey, I'm a woman! LOL I decided to go and try and see what it was all about, maybe meet a few people. At least I was hoping to find some other Christian women to fellowship with. They have a nursery for the little ones AND a homeschooling room for homeschooled kids - that part THRILLED me! The boys just brought their school work with them and studied while I got some "adult" time. It also gives them a chance to relate with some other kids that are homeschooled as well. Impressively, they got a lot of their work done!

Then, today (Friday) was the start of the Homeschool Co-op on base. This is something I was excited about for the boys. They would get to meet some other kids, and get to participate in things like a computer class and P.E. Sean was a little intimidated at first because his class was the 6th grade and up. Most of the boys in his class looked at least high school age (he looked so tiny next to them, lol, I was nervous for him). But his first class was PE and when we left, he couldnt stop talking about how much fun he had. Ryan had a great time too, though he's at that age where it's hard to get details about what he got to do. I know he had a good time!! Elizabeth even got to participate in the PreK class. She did SOOO good, I was really impressed. She followed the rules and got to play. She had a great time! I'm not sure how long it will last that she will be able to go into that class, technically she is supposed to be in a toddler room. There was already talk about taking the toddlers into a separate class. :(

That's our week in a nutshell. Busy, full, but good week!


... this post is linked to Homeschool Highlights in MFW at Discover Their Gifts or 2 ladybugs and a lizard