Back into the swing of things

The first week of our new school year went well. We learned to work around Bip by sitting on the floor to read as much as we can while he climbs all around us. Boo likes having an assignment sheet and working on some of his subjects on his own. This is something new for us this year as he starts moving towards working independantly. When it is time for me to put Bip down for a nap, I can leave Boo to work on his assignment sheet. He is usually done by the time I return. I figured out to do the teaching portion of math first, then take care of Bip. Then Boo is free to do his worksheets without needing to wait for me to return and explain his math. I guess that’s kind of a no-brainer, but it was just one of many little things we needed to work out. In the past, math was the last subject of the day.

Our first official nature walk got rained out by Tropical Storm Ernesto. We attempted to walk anyway, but the wind was too strong for Pumpkin Girl. We did get a chance to walk last week, though. We identified a pin oak tree and made some guesses about the gulls flying overhead. We need a closer look at the gulls to be sure. While we got the mail today, Pumpkin and I spotted a bunny in our neighbor’s yard. We’re not sure if it’s the same bunny that lives in our yard. We also collected a leaf and two seed pods from what I suspect is a maple tree.

We also picked up on our knitting lessons again, did some mind bender puzzles (logic) and started our home economics course. As I was explaining what the home ec book was about, Boo was making a face. I said that even though the picture on the cover was of a little girl, it’s important for boys to know how to care for their home, too. I reminded him that Daddy had made dinner the night before, and he always helps with the dishes and does all the vacuuming. Then Boo said, “well, I hope we start with learning to cook.” Fortunately, our lessons do start in the kitchen, nutrition specifically. The children are keeping a chart of the foods they eat all week and which food group they belong to. We’ll get into food prep next week.

I had wanted to report back on what I am using for the children’s readers. I borrowed a Catholic third grade reader from my next door neighbor. Both Pumpkin and Boo could read it, which further confirms the reading test results from a few weeks ago. I was looking for books for them to read that will improve their skills but have age appropriate subject matter. These books, first published in the 1890’s, are certainly not objectionable. The only problem is, they are boring! The exact word that comes to mind is esoteric. yawn. I gave Boo my copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends, which seems to be more to his liking. I am unsure at this point if I will keep pursuing actual “readers” for them or just let them read whatever they feel like it, within reason. Pumpkin Girl seems interested in the Little House series, but even those books will be beyond her level of maturity at some point. I believe there is a similar “boys” series that Boo might like, too.

So there’s our week. Nothing too outstanding, but I didn’t want you all to think that I dropped off the face of the earth or anything.