Monday, October 15, 2012

First Seven Weeks in Pictures

We began week 8 of school this morning.  It is flying by!  And although most days have quite a few completely chaotic moments, I think that we're all really enjoying it.  We have found our routine.  I'm learning to be flexible when that is what's best for us.   I'm trying not to worry so much about crossing everything off of the list as just enjoying the learning process with my four. (...and I'm not even a list person!)  We are reading and reading and reading around here!  Joshua's favorite part so far is reading and definitely least favorite is writing.  Anna Bell surprisingly enjoys any workbook activities and also art.  And my sweet 3 year old Caleb's only beloved school activity is playing with colored macaroni noodles:)  He really has been a champ.  I wasn't sure how he'd respond to so much school time- but for the most part he stays in the room with us and plays with some manipulatives.  He is learning letter sounds but isn't terribly interested, so I'm not pushing too hard.  We typically save some of our language arts and math for when Caleb and Ezra are resting in the afternoon which seems to help a lot.  And no surprise, Ezra is so easy.  He eats breakfast for the first bit and then plays with cars or balls.  
We begin the morning with calendar time, prayer, Scripture memory and Bible reading.  We then do some order of history/geography, science, literature reading and begin our spelling and phonic.  If we have a hands-on activity or science experiment we usually do those before lunch as well.  We typically save math and writing for the afternoon.  I'm sure our normal will change along the way, but for now it's (not perfectly!) working.  
A rare moment when everyone is happily and busily at work! 
 Practicing letters and numbers
 My big 7 years old loves books about bugs, sea life and pretty much anything written by Dr. Seuss:)
 C's letter review stamping
 Our cactus terrariums
 Ez's favorite spot in the house
 Our ocean in a bottle- a big hit with the whole crew!
 While taking a morning break, they all started playing "earthquake" with blocks and little people...I can log that then, right?!!:)
 Colored icebergs
 Leftover spaghetti noodles for lunch...so we'll practice our letters!

 We have another reader in the house!  Anna Bell read her first book last week!
 I'm trying to find the balance with this guy and writing.  He's pretty good at it.  He's creative.  He's a good speller.  Any wisdom is greatly appreciated.
 In other developmental news, this guy took off walking yesterday!  Wooo whooo!  He is all over the place...and has a whole crowd of people who adore him to cheer him on:)
I'm so very thankful for this season.  It's hard and busy and a process but I wouldn't trade it for anything! 
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