A Good Start to a New Year

I think we've eased into the new school year nicely.

Math:
We've been working on addition skills. We've even started on two digit addition. At first glance, T said there was no way he could do it because it was too hard. I think he surprised himself when he was able to actually do it.

Social Studies:
I briefly discussed 9/11 with him. It is still rather difficult to talk about. I haven't had a chance to view President Obama's speech yet. Once I do, T will get to hear it for himself.

Literacy:
We've been doing quite a bit of reading. I have been negligent and have not finished to 100 books list so we're still working on that. We're almost there. T even read a book, Mr. Gumpy's Outing, on his own with a few assists. I think he was pretty proud of himself.

We are also working on his Thank You cards that he is writing on his own. We're working on spelling, punctuation and spacing.

We've been playing with the Discovery Toys Roll and Play. T, L and Z had fun. This activity reinforced colors and following directions. T also had a chance to practice his reading.

Foreign Language:
T has been reviewing his Chinese words and practicing writing his name. Chinese School started today. So far it is only 2 students with 1 yet to show up. I'm a bit surprised that his old classmates did not continue with Chinese School. However, I think that this will give T even more one on one instruction which will be to his benefit.

Science:
I know we've covered something in science but I can't remember what. We've had minor discussions on ice and how it melts or sticks together. We've looked up green leaf bugs because they seem to be abundant in our backyard.

Reinforcement:
T's been reinforcing math and reading skills on his VSmile and Leapster. I am not a big fan of video games but I have to admit that these are fun ways to reinforce and teach.

I've also taught the boys to play Old Maid. It was a great way to reinforce matching skills - preliteracy - with L.

As always, I have to get organized. I have lots of plans but I need to execute them. I plan on getting membership at a local children's museum and go at least once every 4-6 weeks. We also plan on going to Adventure Aquarium down in Camden, NJ next month during homeschooling week. It's a special offer of $10 per person. That's a substantial savings. D has a convention down in Washington DC coming up. I am going to try to see if we can tag along and I can take the boys to the Smithsonians. Oh, I would love to do that. I think I would look forward to that maybe more than the boys would. Maybe not....