I'm loving it

I don't know if it is the new method (using the CM reading lists), the fact this is our fourth year homeschooling or the somewhat longer break over the summer - but I am feeling so good over this year so far. I think it is a little bit of all of that plus some maturity and growth (by myself and the kids). I'm not feeling all stressed out by trying to make huge lessons plans and lists - that I always know we never end up getting to all of. This coming week we begin some outside activities and I am not second guessing myself about how they will 'mess up' our schedule.

I KNOW we will get everything done, eventually. I KNOW that even when it doesn't appear that the girls are doing anything, they are learning.

This afternoon I came home from lunch with the in-laws (DH is in Texas and the older girls were spending the afternoon with their aunt) put the little ones down for their nap and sat down to make our list for this coming week. Less than an hour later I had the list made and had printed out the chapters I need and a copy of the 100's chart for Katie. Done, and not a lot of hassle.

I was able to spend some time with my feet up, reading - in the afternoon. It felt decadent. Yeah, I know I could have been doing housework. Did I mention I am really enjoying the quiet reading time every afternoon?

What are we doing this week?

Our reading list. Some are for Katie and some are for Mary, but really anyone who wants to listen, can.

- The Little House
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- The Little Red Hen
- The Nonsense Alphabet
- The House that Jack Built
- Fifty Famous Stories Retold - "The Sword of Democles"
- Burgess's Bird Book - "Jenny Wren Arrives"
- Aesop's Fables - "The Eagle and the Jackdaw"
- Among the Forest People - "The Night Moth with a Crooked Feeler"
- Make Way for Ducklings
- Richard Scarry's Best Counting Book Ever
- The Prince and the Pauper (Finish)
- Charlotte's Web (Begin)

In addition, Mary has her math workbook, copywork (I have a couple Proverbs picked out), finish Chapter 2 in her Chemistry book and perform an 'experiment', reading text (basal reader), phonics review worksheets. On Friday we will work on our Geography unit (Italy).

Katie is working on counting to 100 and the more than/less than concept. She will do some reading with her pre-primer and I am going to begin copywork with her using Mother Goose Rhymes. She also has some Phonics worksheets to complete.

Since DH is gone most of the day tomorrow we will probably do a half-day and then on Friday DH is off for his birthday so we will do a half-day then also. We will only have three full-days this week.

Yesterday, I let Mary the demo for Read, Write and Type and she loved it. The few games included in the demo she played over and over. When I downloaded the demo the company also sent me a coupon code to receive 30% off when we ordered the two programs as a package (which I was already planning to do), so I went ahead and ordered the program. We are supposed to receive it around the 11th. I think I am going to have to limit her time on the program. I can see her burning herself out the first couple of days and then not using it anymore.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend

Peace,

Amy