Homeschool update – 2007 October

October was a very good month for us in homeschool. It was a little bit disorganized because I have continued to stay very busy at work and so we have had to do some correction and make-up teaching on the weekends. Still, we have made progress and have only had to make minor adjustments in our schedule for one special event that turned into a great learning experience for the kids. One of our good friends teaches Dental Hygiene classes at a community college several hours from here. Her kids had a day off so their whole family came down to visit us for the day. During the visit, our friend Terrie, gave the kids a stellar class on the human skull. She brought a model of a skull, they did worksheets, and all the kids, hers and ours, learned a TON. We appreciated her efforts in this very much. Now on to our update…

Math
Kelly: In her second week of Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II) this week.
Christian: Starting his third week of Elementary Algebra (Algebra I) this week.

English Grammar, Vocabulary, and Writing
Kelly: Teaching Terrific Writing is a great learning tool for Kelly. She is about half way done now. She continues to work in Wordly Wise 6.
Christian: Three-quarters of the way through the last book of the Easy Grammar series. Started Wordly Wise 6.
Future: We are still planning to start in on WriteShop when Kelly finishes Teaching Terrific Writing and when Christian finishes the last Easy Grammar book.

History and Literature
Kelly: Continues the first year of Sonlight’s two year survey of American history (with accompanying literature).
Christian: Continues the first year of Sonlight’s two year survey of World history (with accompanying literature).
Note: Because of my work load, Kelly and Christian are moving forward on the history book reading together. Kelly reads the history books while Christian draws in the time line book.

Science
Kelly: Physical Science: Jay L. Wiles’ physical science book.
Christian: General Science: This is first year in Jay L. Wiles stellar science education series.
Both: Lyrical Life Science II
Notes: We are continually astounded with how good these books are. We have decided that Kelly will keep going on Science during the summer to do three years in two. The science is the only thing she would have left to complete high school after her sophomore year. We do not want her to be stuck in homeschool a whole extra year just for one subject, so we are going to push ahead in that area.

Bible memorization
Kelly: Will continue memorizing Matthew 5 & 6 through Christmas.
Christian: Will continue memorizing Matthew 5 through Christmas.
Note: We have decided to give them a little more time in this area.

Handwriting
Christian: A Reason for Handwriting F

Computer programming
Christian: C# Game Programming

Spanish
Both the kids are on course to finish the first year of Rosetta Stone Spanish and start the second year by Christmas. We have bumped this up a little so the kids are doing 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes per day. We would really like to get them through this and on to a third language.

Music
Kelly: Kelly is doing quite well with her new teacher. Her personality can be a little bit of a challenge, but all-in-all she is learning a lot, both with playing the piano and dealing with voluble people.
Christian: Guitar goes well. Christian is growing so much, the teacher thinks he will need a full size guitar soon.