We are officially moved into the new house. This week I'll be working on perfecting the placement of everything. Originally, we were to make the spare bedroom their playroom/schoolroom but I realized quickly it wasn't big enough so their schoolroom is now located in the corner of the kitchen and a large, double closet will hold all the supplies and materials.
The girls are thrilled to be here with all their stuff. It's been a long time since they've seen their things all together.
I'm thrilled because we can finally get back to our regularly scheduled program.
AnyWay....
I've been checking with both girls to see how they're doing and what we'll need to start with for school.
Ainsley's math skills have grown and they're quite impressive. She adds and "takes away" up to 10 in her head without using any props, etc. She also apparently knows and understands fractions. (I just discovered this) She has, however, regressed a little with reading. I suppose I've unintentionally done an experiment on her. She hasn't had anyone reading to her for over a year now (
should I even admit this neglect?) and so has forgotten much of what she knew since it was never reinforced. I have proven right all the "experts" who say to read to your kids. In keeping with the whole experimenting thing... I'm really curious to see how she does when I start reading to her every day and practising with her. She is almost 4. I know she's more than ready. As for writing, Ainsley seems to have the same incredible control Aidan had. Because she's left handed and early writers are rare, I thought she would take a lot longer, but I guess not.
Aidan's reading skills are, of course, high. Just as an amusement, I'll pick up a book and try to find a word to stump her on but I'm not overly successfull. She's currently reading the Little House series. She had read some a while ago but started over and is now reading them all in order. She also has about another 4-6 books going at the same time (
how does she do that?) and of course, picks up storybooks wherever and whenever. As for math... she can still do anything her youngest cousin brings home. (3rd grade) Like always, I'm a little uncertain about what to do about math... just keep reviewing everything all the time until she's older or move on and on?? As for writing, she stopped doing it. What she does output now is messy and preschoolish looking.
(talk about regression!) Once, after she wrote this scribbly, messy card to someone, I asked her about it. She answered that the cousins told her she wasn't "supposed" to write nicely at her age. Aye yi yi. Obviously, we'll have to work on this.
It will be awhile before they have a full schedule of schooling. We'll be concentrating on the main 3 things... reading, writing, and math. I'm going to give us a full month of getting used to our new life, new schedule. Besides, baseball will be starting soon and Aidan is now starting to take gymnastics 2 days a week. Also, Ainsley is actually in a drama class now and I'm thinking of her taking an art class as well. So, we need an adjustment period.
Hopefully, the next post will be about us actually schooling!
