So now that we've finished the first two weeks of school, what better time to recap how things are working. And what's not working. Overall, school has been going great. We're still trying to find the right timing to differing classes, but the second week went much smoother. Minus having to switch the desks around for the third time. They're a chatty duo that loves to giggle. At the wrong times of course. We're doing 4 day weeks and not focused on any particular days. I have our schedule listed as Day 1, 2, 3, and 4. That way, if we have appointments on a Monday and can't get school in, nothing will be off schedule. We'll just start our week on day 1 and keep moving on.
Day 1
School started at 10 am
Sterling is in 2nd grade. Xander is in 3rd grade.
This year we added in typing lessons. We're using typing.com and Xander is loving it.
I also wanted to alternate their math and grammar subjects so i could teach each of them without the distraction of the other asking for help on theirs. I had Sterling working her core subjects first, and then Xander's were at the end of the day. So while Xander worked on typing, Sterling started with math.
She worked on odd and even groups
Once Xander finished typing, he quietly worked on STEM activities.
Around 11:30, we take a lunch and recess break.
After lunch Sterling worked on Grammar
while Xander was reading
Brain break time
Sterling's core subjects are done so now she's working independently while Xander starts his core.
Grammar up first for him. We're really liking this curriculum for him this year. Sterling's excited to start it next year. Although, I've been tempted to buy her a workbook and then they'd both be in the same class.
Sterling worked on phonics articulation
Xander began with place value in math. He loves place value and is excited to be working with higher numbers. (yes, he has a couple wrong in the picture, but he fixed them)
School's done for day one and they played outside until the neighbor kids got home from school.
Day 2
We had to switch up the desks because the little white board I use to write out math problems didn't align with their desks very well.
Sterling also voiced a concern on this day that it wasn't fair that Xander "played" all day the day before. So, I revisited the schedule and I moved classes around.
Day 3
Having our classes restructured has been working well. They are basically alternating. When Sterling is done with math, Xander starts with math. When not working on math, their are either doing typing lessons or practicing piano. Depending on the day.
In spelling this year, we are not taking tests. Instead, I'm having them use their words in different ways every day. On this day, they had to create a sentence using their word. They also both have 16 words. Last year Sterling only had 8. We're loving not having tests.
Day 4
Recess was outside on the driveway while I made lunch. It was a hot day, but Xander wanted to sit in the sun. Until Sterling convinced him to move under the shade on the front porch.
One of the reason's I'm loving Xander's grammar lessons is because he's writing much neater. The dotted lines help slow him down.
This board and magnetic letters are one of Sterling's favorites for spelling.
After school, we found a tree frog on the side of our house.
Our third desk arrangement setup. Let's hope this will last longer than two days.
We all felt pretty exhausted after a full week of intentional brain use.
Have a great weekend!
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