Today was a very good school day. The time change yesterday put us back on track. The children seem to naturally rise around 8 am every day, which, of course, was 7 today, much better for getting all our work done. I do not like to wake the kids, as I would rather start later than deal with a child who is sleep-deprived. We managed to get all our group work done, as well as individual subjects.
The older twin will be preparing for her test on Chapter 2 in Rod & Staff Mathematics 7. She started the year in MUS Epsilon, but we hit a roadblock when I did not know how to help her with fractions using the methods she had been learning in that course. It made me realize how important it is to keep up with each of the kids even when they are following an independent program like the video instruction of MUS. I tried just supplementing with the R & S text, but soon realized that I would rather start from the beginning of that text. It is a bit advanced (she is only ten, and technically in 5th grade), but she was able to handle the opening lessons, and did very well on her first test. I plan on taking it at her pace. I really am impressed with all the Rod & Staff materials I have used. The teacher manuals are always helpful, and, believe me, I am not a big fan of TMs. I often fantasize about going with a complete R & S grade level for the younger twin and Little Bear, but that would take away from my facination with all things related to curriculum planning. Grammar (our second year for the twins) and spelling, a recent addition to our week, are here to stay, I believe. The twins already know a great deal of grammar, and I really see the benefit of the gentle introduction to the writing process.
I am facing the difficult decision of when to start the history cycle with Little Bear. She is so ready, asking repeatedly for the map work that her older siblings do. I already own Tapestry of Grace, Year 1 Redesigned. I worked through it last year with the Eldest Prince. I am so torn about starting in January, with just Little Bear, or doing it with the twins and Little Bear. I am contemplating condensing SL Core 4, so that we can begin the cycle together. I can let the twins complete their Presidents' LapBook independently, as they have been working on it on their own since the second term began. They are doing very well with their independent research. I am pleased at the pace they have kept, as well as their retention of the material. They love rattling off the presidents in order, and trying to stump one another with little known facts. This year has been enjoyable, despite my concerns about the subject matter. But we have not yet reached the 20th century.
Beginning the cycle again will streamline my day. And I think the twins will enjoy revisiting topics they studied when they were only 5 & 6 years old. Rocky is still too young to reap any benefit from formal academics. But he will listen to the lesson, and any read-alouds. I have to give this much thought.
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