What's In My Teapot?

The first day of August seems a bit early in the season to call a halt to summer vacation and get back to school, but since we're still up in the air with our move, it seemed prudent to start sooner than later. The thought is that if we move, I will need some time off and starting early will give some wiggle room, and if we don't move, well, who minds getting out a little earlier in the spring? I don't feel as prepared for the beginning of school as I would like, but some of that will happen with time as we work out a schedule and learn a few things by trial and error. I am realizing that homeschooling is an ever-changing scene, and that no two years are alike! Yes, you learn things that stand you in good stead from year to year, but other things have to remain flexible. Last year I had a new baby; this year I have a very busy one-year-old, a house on the market, and the possibility of a move in the fall. Last year I had two scholars, this year I have three! He...

Now that we have officially completed our first month of school, and have 20 whole days under our belt, I thought I would give an overview of what first grade looks like at our house! The state of Pennsylvania does not require a child to be registered for school until age 8, so right now I have it easy from the aspect that since Elasa is not registered, we can do a lighter load and skip the affidavits, portfolios and required 180 days until she is in 3rd grade- two years from now. Because of this, I am focusing on 3 main subjects- math, reading & hand-writing- and waiting to do some of the "extra-curricular" subjects until they are needed. Of course we do a lot of reading and also participate in our church's Co-op School, so that helps round out the education! I like to start out our school day by reading aloud to Elasa and I chose the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, which we are both really enjoying! Some of the books are pretty familiar, as we've listened to...