update!

So I'm not good at keeping a blog updated. But I suppose actually getting school work done is more important than writing about it. LOL

We are almost halfway through our school year. Jacob is already looking forward to summer break. The year is going well though and I'm pleased with our overall progress.

Jacob is finally getting into some harder math stuff. He picks it up really easy though so he's easy to teach. He hates to practice writing, but still needs it. He's written his own letters, addressed envelopes and mailed them all by himself. Lots of fun for him! He'll be starting a journal soon and that should be interesting. He's made it through phonics so now we're just focusing on language rules, reading faster, and spelling. Nothing too formal for science or history, just learning as we go. He's participating in the Museum of Science and Industry's Homeschool Science Fair this year. We're working on the project and he'll present it next Thursday, Feb 12th, at the Fair.

Joshua is doing well with math. He is adding and subtracting mostly without help. He still writes some of the numbers backwards and is iffy on counting. He's learned his short and long vowel sounds and is doing well with reading. Mostly short words and phonics blends from the phonics handbook, but also some very short books. Handwriting is his downfall, mostly due to lack of motivation. I'm taking it real show with him, one letter a day. I imagine he'll go through a few more ABC workbooks before the end of the year. Bouncing on the trampoline has definitely helped him get out some of his energy and be able to concentrate better.

Leanna is doing her own little preschool thing. He is getting very good at cutting and pasting, although she holds the scissors backwards. She likes to trace letters, but most of the time doesn't care for trying to write them herself. She still hasn't got counting down so the extent of her math skills is counting to 5. LOL She definitely has a creative side and tends to be perfectionist. And she loves working which is half the battle.