11 February 2012

Week 2 in Review

We made it through our second week of homeschooling with great success. Will continues to amaze me with his memory of facts and terms but his math skills are of concern. The concept of even and odd numbers is so difficult for him. We spent several days reviewing and practicing only to have him seem to completely forget the next day.  Fortunately, though significantly at much lower levels, his other areas show great potential.
Graham's biggest areas of focus are handwriting, speech and reading. He's really working hard but the handwriting is just so exhausting for him. And since much of his folder work is written, by lunch he is spent. Both boys usually voluntarily nap every afternoon.  I've started them with rather easy language and phonics work for three reasons: 1) I wasn't completely certain where each boy would be, 2) I wanted them to have great success and not be overwhelmed early on, and 3) since Graham is struggling with his handwriting, these easier lessons require less writing while reviewing many things he's likely already done. We're pretty much finished by noon each day. That's about the most amount of work Will can manage mentally and Graham can manage physically. Plus, with my attention divided between only 2 children, it doesn't take as long as it would in a classroom of 25+ students.
The boys still seem to be enjoying homeschool. I need to research some fun, yet educational activities for them to play in the afternoons. Will especially has a hard time coming up with something to do on his own. Graham would happily play legos or trains all day but I like to find some actives that they enjoy yet have an educational value. And it would be an additional plus if it was things they can do independent of my assistance to give me a chance to do some housekeeping, etc.

Overall, I am very pleased with how homeschooling is going. And, quite honestly, I'm surprised at how well I'm managing and coping. I was talking to my Mom the other day about how it's all going and I was telling her that even just 6 months ago, I was not equipped to do this. While I do have some regret for not having started homeschooling the boys years ago, I don't think I could have until now. I truly feel like God has made changes in me that enables me to take on homeschooling. All glory to Him! It's not me!

And I'm thankful that God has also blessed me with my new horse Joe! I'm going out this afternoon to ride him for the first time since he arrived. CAN'T WAIT!!!

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