Jump Start

Since we're starting History from the beginning, to correlate, we're starting Science with fossils and learning about dinosaurs. This Friday.. as a cool jump start into our studies.. we're going to see the "Discover the Dinosaurs" exhibit. Both John and I are such nerds that we're super excited about it. 

The Next Taylor Swift? *lol*

Ainsley tells me that she's going to learn to play the guitar and when she grows up, she is going to be a STAR! I took out John's old guitar and she proceeded to carry it around, strum it, and tell John that it was now going to be her guitar. Of course, the thing is bigger than she is.... but how cute is this picture?

On order....

Yay! More curriculum for my collection! Shelves of curriculum make me so happy!
Perhaps I should see someone about this?  ;-)

Anyway, while doing a general search, I ran across another blog where the Mom was using these books. They look AWESOME. They also are cheap. (Which is always lovely.) I haven't planned on using an actual grammar/spelling/writing curriculum but if these are as cool as the samples online make them seem... I may just use the whole series.

http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/

*I'm not sure what level to start Aidan with so I'm just going to order a couple of levels.

In other news....

I've been in contact with a psychotherapist concerning Aidan. It is WONDERFUL to have someone to talk to that knows about profoundly gifted children. She has validated many things and I've learned that I'm doing a lot of things right. I've also learned that I've done one thing WAY WRONG.... trying to hide her intellect, feeling uncomfortable discussing it, etc. I've apparently done damage to Aidan by showing her (albeit subconsciously) that something's "wrong" with her. My fear of not wanting her to be "bigheaded" has been detremental to her psyche. So, from now on, I am to be open and honest about her being smart. I'm to applaud her and talk openly about her abilities so that she feels that its a wonderful thing. For me, however, it's such a switch from mainstream thinking. If you're musically talented, athletic, or a great artist... you're supposed to be applauded. But if you have a superior intellect, then you keep quiet or you'll be considered a braggart. Oh, and for all those schoolyard Moms who give the silent treatment... I'm supposed to openly admit without any qualms about her ability... with a raised brow and a challenging air about myself. LOL! (a little easier said then done)

Of course, it stings to hear that you've unintentionally been hurting your kid and hard to face up to the fact that you have too many personal hang-ups.

Good Bye Summer!

I cannot believe Summer is almost over! August is upon us and there is so much I have to do my head is spinning. Last night I was reviewing the laws and procedures for what I need to do to declare Aidan as a homeschooler. She's FINALLY old enough to be considered school-aged!! Luckily, in my state, the requirements seem simple and fairly hassle- free. However, I'm stuck between deciding to just declare her as a Kindergartner or trying to bump her up from the start. I'm leaning towards just going by her age and saying we're doing Kindergarten and then try to bump her up later on. Although I am NOT sure how that all works. Do they argue when you declare a second grader one year and a six grader the next?

 For the first time, I'm actually trying to plan out the whole year.... dividing up the weeks by the subjects...especially with History. I'm taking the classical approach and starting with Ancients. We've already learned about Ancient Egypt... so we're going to rewind and start with the first humans and move on. I like learning History chronologically. It unclutters my brain.

 I've given up on labeling grade levels with the girls. Aidan is in her 5th/6th year (age of course) and Ainsley, of course, is in her 4th/5th year. I think I could safely call Ainsley a Kindergartner and not a Pre Kindergartner right now since she's doing basic math and is reading but I'll stick with the age levels with her too. Besides, I don't want any issues popping up where Ainsley's feelings are hurt because she's many grade levels behind Aidan. I'm sure the subject of their differences will come up eventually but if I can assuage it for now, I will.

Oh, our school year will start August 20th and end May 31st.