We just finished our first eight weeks of second grade! They have been crazy weeks as we balance interruptions and real-life learning and try to reclaim our school routine! Despite doing school at random hours of the day, we have tagged along on the explorations of Eric the Red & Leif the Lucky, built our own Viking ship, prayed for various countries in the 10/40 window and watched portions of "The Jesus Film" in various languages in order to see why missionaries and Bible translators are so important (and we discovered countries who don't have the Bible or Jesus Film in their own language--this totally builds on "From Akebu to Zaptoec--A Book of Bibleless Peoples" from last year). And, we've actually discovered that grammar is fun thanks to "Easy Grammar" which breaks it down into daily chunks! It's been amazing to watch NoNut's comprehension of grammatical concepts grow! We get overly excited about correct comma placement and correct capitalized words.
So far, NoNut has read Genesis through 2 Kings in "The Beginner's Bible". His reading (and confidence) has taken off since he got glasses! We've been building on math concepts and entered the world of carrying and thousands place value. Plus, we found cheesy but memorable skip counting songs on youtube that we often dance, sing and count with in order to help us learn how to skip count by 3s, 6s, 9s!
Handwriting is still handwriting, but we get a little formal practice in every day and I try to sneak in extra handwriting practice by having NoNut write shopping lists, directions or writing notes to friends and family. After choosing not to do spelling last year since NoNut couldn't read the spelling words yet, we picked it up this year based on his readiness. Waiting paid off big time! I'm soooo glad we didn't push it last year because he is more capable and ready to learn how to spell, and it's one subject he rarely complains about. I firmly believe in All About Spelling's method and am thankful that there is another way (and a hands-on way) to teach spelling rather than give a child a list of 10-20 words to memorize each week.
We are moving forward in our Bible class and learning a new hymn and chorus each month. God has timed our Bible curriculum to coincide with what we are learning in our Sunday School class so it's been fun to have the lessons reinforced with church so that I can better teach NoNut the Word and give him extra insight rather than just stick with what is in his book! We launching into a study of Moses for the rest of the year. Watching the production of "Moses" at Sight & Sound in Lancaster, PA was such a great intro for our school year! We have fallen behind with our character training curriculum and decided to set it aside for awhile while we work on a study on truth and integrity (which is the foundation for good character anyway).
This year, I am thankful that we now have our science from a Biblical perspective. Being able to relate science back to God as Creator and Originator of all adds a new layer of depth that we did not have with Sonlight Science. That Biblical perspective is cultivating a deeper awareness of God at work behind the scenes in NoNut's eyes. I so wish I did not compromise with a non-Christian curriculum in K and 1st, but God is redeeming that time in His way! At times, I feel like our new science is too advanced, but NoNut can't get enough and catches on quickly to concepts. Am learning a lot about his strengths this year and trying to find ways to build on those.
We also discovered Ranger Rick on top of God's World News (now WORLDKids) and both of these publications further fuel NoNut's love for learning! Between these magazines along with many great living books, this year has already been filled with some rich reading moments, laughs and adventures. Bonding with your child over a story is priceless! We can't wait until it gets colder so we can snuggle up in our pjs with homemade hot cocoa and read the afternoon away because it's too cold to do anything else!
I love how God continues to put the right resources and people into our path and how He is so detailed when it comes to NoNut's education! I am continually amazed at how real life and education are intertwined and how God weaves everything together just so into one incredible learning opportunity that reinforces everything!
This year is the first year that we have a Bible verse that defines our mission and purpose of our homeschool. It is a verse that reminds us of the "why" behind homeschool. This verse helps me prioritize my day and to be more available for teachable moments that occur outside of our lesson plans. It's hard to give up those plans at times, but when we know our purpose, we are better able to follow God's plan. Our school verse is Proverbs 1:7a--"Start with God--the first step in learning is bowing down to God." (Message). If I can teach (and show) my child how to cultivate a relationship with God and learn to listen and submit to Him, the rest of life and learning will flow out of that relationship. This verse has been every bit of a personal challenge to me as I learn this lesson and make it a priority in my life as well. God's way of doing things (including education, family and serving Him) looks a lot different than mine. While the sacrifices and ridicule that come with homeschool are sometimes great, they pale in comparison to the blessings that God pours out on our family when we seek Him and bow to Him above all else!
Skip Counting Youtube Video Links:
Skip Counting by 3's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWxPKnLtnus
Skip Counting by 4's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSn2O4mTYD4
Skip Counting by 6's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSn2O4mTYD4
Skip Counting by 9's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOpl1FwPlh0
