Day 79

Yea! Thanksgiving break!!

We started school way back in August. We have been chugging along for almost four months, so I thought I would post our progress. This post is really for me, so be prepared for boredom.

I keep the girls together for most subjects. It makes it easier for me! The assignments that go along with the lessons are obviously less for Rosie than for Rachel.

History- We are studying ancient Egypt using My Father's World. I am really impressed with the History notebooks the girls are keeping and their recollection of facts in discussions.

Science- We are using a book called Genesis for Kids. I like it, but don't love it. I have been supplementing with library books and giving Rachel a few short, science writing assignments. I try to relax about science and let my kids develop their curiosity at this age, but since Rachel is just a few short months from middle school (insert panic here) I sometimes wonder if she needs more.

Bible- One thing I love about My Father's World (MFW) is the unit study approach. We are actually basing all of our history studies around what we are studying in the Bible. So, we have been digging deep into Genesis and Exodus. We celebrated the Jewish fall feast and reenacted the plagues. I have to admit, sometimes I just need me some Jesus. I get a little bored in the OT, but I am glad I am being challenged to learn so much and I am glad that my girls just look at it like fun learning.

Art- We are using God and the History of Art. We do about 2 lessons per week, and that is about as much as I can handle from the book. It correlates to our history studies and helps kids learn the fundamentals of art, but the writing style of the author can be a little annoying.

Music- I discovered a fun collection of cd's called Classical Kids. I used Vivaldi and the Ring of Mystery as a launching point on a study of The Four Seasons.

Read Alouds: All of a Kind Family, Star of Light, Trumpet of the Swan, Tanglewood's Secrets


Rachel:
Math-We are using Saxon 6/5 and for the most part Rachel is working independently. She is still doing well in Math and has an A average on tests.

Language Arts- For the most part we are using Learning Language Arts through Literature, purple book. (LLATL) I freaked out at the beginning of the year that it was too light. She likes the book and works well through it, but the lessons are short and the writing assignments are few and far between. With a little hand holding from veteran homeschoolers, I think I made it past that bump. My friend Jenni gave me great advice about creating a rubric for writing assignments, and that helped.

The thing about LLATL is that Rachel is learning, it just takes a bit longer to get there. We have tried other curriculum, and this is really the most successful for her learning style. I have been supplementing some spelling, and adding more writing during science. At some point I know I need to add even more writing, but every time I research the options, I am overwhelmed.


Rosie:
Math- Since I already have all the Saxon books I thought I would go ahead and try Saxon 2nd for Rosie. I thought she may not breeze through it like Rachel, and I was right. She did not breeze through it like Rachel. She went about a million miles faster! I had to test her ahead, and we ended up pretty far in the book. She still gets bored sometimes and will actually shut down if I try to teach her something she already knows, so I have to stay on my toes and keep it creative. Math and candy are a perfect combination in my house!

Language Arts- For grammar we are using Primary Language Lessons. It's an easy open and go book. Sometimes I make Rosie write the lessons out, and sometimes we do it orally. For spelling she is using Spelling by Sound and Structure. She also uses Handwriting Without Tears.

Asher loves doing school. He wants to sit at the table and learn just like his sisters. Right now I am teaching him his numbers.