Week 12: October 26-30

Really? Twelve weeks already? Wow.

I look a look at my weekly schedule (that I haven't looked at since week 8, I think) to see how we're doing. We have fallen into the *just do the next thing* kind of schedule and I like it, but I also like to see how we are doing vs the schedule I made up this summer.

So here is where we sit:

*We are behind about 2 weeks in history. I am more than ok with this! It has been hit and miss lately with all the activities so I am just happy to be where we are. We will definitely get caught up in the coming weeks.

*We are right on schedule in science which is shocking. I really thought we were behind. To be honest, we aren't doing any of the experiments in the book. We haven't had time and really it hasn't been necessary. They love astronomy and between the book and You Tube videos, they are learning so much.

*Kaleb is ahead in ETC. He is farther ahead in OPG than ETC so I just let him work as many pages as he wants in ETC. Somedays it is a lot and others its just a few. At this rate, he will be in Book 2 before Thanksgiving. I have learned, however, that he needs a more formal writing program so I will be looking into that soon.

*Nathan's R&S English is going much better than before and I am happy to report that we are not far behind the schedule. We are probably about two weeks behind. English is not something I want rush with Nathan so we will continue on at the same pace.

*Both boys are behind in math, but again it isn't something I want to rush. I will say that Saxon has been the best choice for our family though, and they are doing great. MEP fell to the side because of the teacher intensiveness. We just haven't had enough time in the day to fit it in anywhere these last few weeks. When Nathan passed through the section on fractions, I didn't feel he still had a firm grasp on them so I ordered the fractions sections of Math Mammoth. He is enjoying the worksheets and I think it will really firm up those fraction skills. Even though both are behind in my schedule, they will still finish their current books before summer and be back on track then.

*ABC I Believe has been put on hold until all these fall activities come to an end. It felt like we were just cramming it in to get it done and not enjoying it at all.

We are doing great on everything else. I didn't even have OPG when I made the schedule but we are back to doing a lesson a day, breaking up the longer lessons into two days. Kaleb is making great progress and FINALLY considers himself a *reader*. Time to break out those Pizza Hut incentives! Nathan is doing well with WW and Spelling. I'm not overly concerned with either of those subjects. He does well with both.

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As for this week:

We got in a few fall crafts. Fun! You can see pictures HERE. We also built a replica of the Temple of Rames III. It was a little weird but still fun. You can read about it and see pictures HERE.

Nathan has been reading The Golden Goblet and Robinson Crusoe this week along with his choices of library books. He is doing well in math and English. We had a long talk over the English books one day this week because his attitude wasn't the greatest. I understand he doesn't like it, but he needed to understand why we have to do it...and why this particular book. R&S is the best choice for him. He is learning! I think it's important for him to learn that not everything he needs to do will be fun. We talked about approaching those type situations with a determined positive attitude....so it can get done and put away for the day. It was really a hard day for him but he is coming to the table with a better attitude about it. As I said before, Math Mammoth has been wonderful! He loves the colors and the pie charts. He is a very visual person! I had considered adding Singapore as a supplement for him, but we'll stick with MM and see how it goes.

Kaleb is doing very well in phonics! He is tackling ending and beginning blends, and doing very well! He enjoys reading. He also loves his math! Saxon has been a huge hit all the way around. I think it does go a little slow for him, especially since a lot of what we are covering is stuff he already knows. He needs the writing practice though, and truthfully I don't want to get him further ahead than he already is. When we reach the halfway point in Saxon 1, we'll add Singapore as a supplement.

Our last co-op class is today and presentation is tonight. All three boys have LOVED co-op this year! It has been a lot of fun and a HUGE blessing! We all are looking forward to the spring co-op next year.

I'm looking forward to a bit more time for crafts and fun until then!!