What did we do this week?

There is so much I want to write about, so many things that I have been thinking/reading about that have recently begun to influence my thinking in regards to education. However, my time today is limited. I will try this week to blog a little more about the methodology shift we are currently experiencing. Until then, here's a little glimpse into what we were up to this week.

Math - John and Madi continued to work on math facts and both did well on their math exams.

Spelling - We are loving our new spelling! The Spelling Workout Books have been much more enjoyable for the children.

Writing - John began his first week of Writing with Ease Level 2, while Madi continued her second week of Writing with Ease Level 1. Their writing consisted of narration, copy work, and in John's case - dictation.

Grammar - Madi continued differentiating between proper and common nouns, John continued differentiation between helping verbs and action verbs as well as looking at a sentence and identifying nouns, verbs and adjectives.

Reading - Madi finished up Ninjas at Night (Magic Tree House) and worked in her vocab journal. John is thoroughly enjoying A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh and drew a picture of what he would do if he were stuck in a hole waiting to get thin again.

Recitation - Madi and John both continued the poems they are memorizing.

History - We studied Shamshi-Adad and the Assyrians as well as Mohenjo-Daro and the early cities along the Indus River.

American History - We studied Coronado and his search for the Seven Cities of Gold as well as John Smith and his influence in the establishment of Jamestown.

Science - John completed his report on Gabriel Fahrenheit that was assigned in his Super Friday science class. Madi chose to do her next science report on penguins.

Art - We made Jack O' Lantern luminaries.

Music - We sang seasonal music along with our two hour class on Mozart. And there is, of course, the daily piano practicing.

We also started Caddie Woodlawn, celebrated Madi's doll's birthday, had a picnic at the park, visited the library, and made delicious Halloween cookies. It was a nice, quiet week.