Tuesday, October 14, 2008
First Day of Kindergarten
Monday I began Grace's first day of kindergarten. I hadn't planned on doing kindergarten with Grace this year. She doesn't turn five until the middle of December and I thought she could work on some preschool stuff. But as we began school, she started writing and recognizing her numbers and letters at a quicker pace than I had planned. So we prayerfully decided to begin her kindergarten year. Initially I had planned to do the exact same thing I did with Elizabeth for kindergarten. But Grace is different than Elizabeth, Grace has better writing skills and is quickly picking up how to write all of the letters well. Grace also desires to have the same book read over and over again to her. Elizabeth dislike having the same book read over and over. So I couldn't do FIAR with Elizabeth, Grace's next two years will be heavy in FIAR. But Elizabeth has a great memory and I think re-reading a book seemed odd to her.
Part of the reason for an extended blog break was for me to develop a schedule of our days to include more time for Grace. I have been using it for the last two days, and it is going pretty well. The nice thing is Elizabeth is a trooper, if she needs some help with lessons she will continue working until 4 pm. Even though her sisters are done and playing. I'm also trying to prevent Jennifer from wasting a lot of my time. She will start talking about other things totally unrelated to school work. It is hard for me to cut her off, one of the greatest things about homeschooling is the relationship building that goes on with your children. But sometimes we must focus on our studies, and not allow time to be wasted with idle chit-chat. This has been good character training for Jennifer. I try to come back in the evening and restart the conversations with her.
Grace's Kindergarten Curriculum
Bible
Leading Littles Ones to God
Awana Cubbies
100 Easy Reading Lessons
Math U See- Primer
I don't blog a lot about Math U See, but I love it! I need to do a blog entry on my thoughts about it.
A Beka K
(these I got cheap off of ebay)
Letters and Sounds
Writing with Phonics
Number K
Kindergarten Writing Tablet
Social Studies K
Explode the Code
Go for the Code
FIAR Volume 1
Last week we row'd The Story of Ping. I will try to load pictures of her lapbook.
Grace will get plenty of arts and crafts with her sisters. And she participates each week in a Preschool Co-op that I lead.
Here is a picture of her on her first day of kindergarten. She went out after lunch to dance in the rain!
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~~Each new milestone reminds me more, that every day is precious and to be grateful for each moment that we have. I am blessed beyond measure!
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Thursday, October 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Majormom
Your statement about idle chit chat reminded me that it was difficult to find a balance in listening and shutting them down without hurting feelings. I wanted them to know that I was interested in listening to them but I wanted to teach them that other people might not be and that they must learn when to hush up. I'm not sure I was very successful in this area...sigh
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Thursday, October 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Homeschooling6
Happy First Week of Kindergarten Grace!!!!
In Him,
Linda<><
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Friday, October 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by socalval
Hurray! You started!!! This is great news. Grace looks so happy... what a great photo!
Valerie
PS: Be sure to nominate your favorite blogs for HSB Awards. Eac blog needs 3 nominations. The web address is at the top of my blog if you're interested.
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Friday, October 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Linda H.
Linda,
What joy it is to see how God is leading you in your homeschool journey. It warms my heart to no end!
Your girls are growing so quickly. They are beautiful, just like you.
Much love and blessings to you, sweet friend!
Love in Christ,
Linda H.
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Monday, October 20, 2008 - Hi Friend!
Posted by sonshine4u
I have been taking a long break of on again off again blogging with no consistency. I just started being more consistent again because we have almost zero outside activities...which has been such a blessing for all of us! Stop by sometime and say hi!
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
I recognize those rain boots! :)
What a blessing homeschooling is that we have such flexibility! :)
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - Grace Is A Big Girl Now!!!!
Posted by daybydaygrace
Glad to hear Grace is enjoying her school so much. I know what you mean when you say everything doesn't seem to be going quite like it should, no time for blogging. I am in the same place you are. I am just catching a few blogs when I can. Hope you all are enjoying your camping, if you've gone already. Blessings, Traci
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Thursday, October 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Homeschooling6
Hi Linda,
I wanted to come by and say thanks for suggesting the Spectrum workbooks I had purchased earlier.
I'm so ready to jump and buy that I didn't even think about them. They would actually serve very well as a reading program for Joshua
How is kindergarten going? Today Ethan read four words. It was so exciting.
Thanks for all your encouragement.
Blessings,
Linda<><
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Monday, October 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy
I am using Before FIAR with my two little ones. Beverly may have been ready for a more formal curriculum if I could teach it in Creole. But my Creole has only advanced enough to say, "Stop, stay with mom, come, don't hit (pinch, push, scratch, etc.), go to the table and eat, don't move." I learned don't move especially for Beverly's blood draws.
Still, Beverly and I worked on her letters while David napped. She seemed to be doing well and loving the novelty of the whole thing. She can write about half her letters and, all of a sudden, she is not at all interested.
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