~ September 7, 2010 ~
First Day of School for the Lahlum Family
We’ve started our family rosary again … finally. Eric and I decided that morning is better, and it’s just easier to pray the whole rosary in the morning. So, we all meet around the fireplace at 7:40am (at least that’s the goal – it’s usually attainable). The goal is to start schoolwork by 8am, but on the first day we were a little slower. It just takes time to get organized, you know?? I managed (11pm the night before – Labor Day was fun, but also a day of labour!) to construct and fill the Schultutes for each of the four older kids. The kids had a blast, but I asked that the the posterboard cones, which are the base of the Schultutes, be preserved for next year. That’s my attempt at thrift …
Dash is an 8th grade student this year and Angelina is in 5th grade. Zeke is in 2nd and Graham started Pre-School. Louis is into just about everything he can reach and has discovered that he is strong enough to push our school chairs around.
Dash and I were a little concerned about Latin, as he started Henle Latin I for credit this year. The first day was challenging to say the least, but I think we could both agree that it’s manageable and we’ve figured out the rhythm. I honestly thought he’d have to learn a lot more to understand the exercises.
Turns out the only rules we hadn’t touched on before were those concerning placement macrons. Don’t ask me to explain it! He’s been working really hard and has been doing great so far. He has surprised me by still being able to get done by Noon on most days. I did not expect that, nor did I plan/schedule that for his day. I was hoping to be done by 2:30pm! I’m sure we’ll have those days. Anyway, if this attitude keeps up, I will be able to say ‘we have turned a corner and are on a brighter and happier path.’
Angelina loves to work independently. She only asks for help with recitation & memory work (necessary) or with Latin when needed. I switched her to First Form Latin from Memoria Press (instead of Latina Chrisiana II – also from Memoria Press) and we both LOVE it! Granted the first lesson was fairly easy for her because it was a bit of review, but I really appreciate how this program is laid out. There is a paperback text and student workbook. The quizzes are in a separate book – thank you Memoria Press! – so no more copying from the TM. We are still using the DVD to teach the lesson, but I also sit down with her on the first day of the lesson to go through rules and grammar/vocabulary. She’s expressed interest in learning about ‘old’ things, so I added Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons from IEW for her and Dash. So far, it seems less intense than SICC-A, but will be a great review of everything they’ve learned thus far.
Zeke is at the awkward stage where he knows how to read quite a bit, but not enough to figure out directions. So, he still needs me for … well, pretty much everything. Even math. Because he’s worked ahead in math, his book is at a higher reading level. By the end of the year things will be quite different for my 7yo, but right now I struggle to split myself between Graham and him (and Dash, who seems to need me more … then let’s not forget Baby Louis!!).
Graham is so excited to be in school this year. The first two days, I asked him to wait until 10am so the older kids could be started. It was a sacrifice for the little guy, but he was sooo good. Finally on the third day, Graham asked if he could be first. I couldn’t refuse him. He is such a treat because he already has a great memory for facts. He remembers letter sounds from the day before (unusual for my boys!) and he’s so enthusiastic about everything. Graham has started to memorize (and is almost ready for recitation) the first poem I’ve taught all the kids, “Singing Time” by Rose Fyleman. His expressions are adorably cute. The first two days, his dad asked what he learned, he said “I learned to listen” and “I learned to be good.” I think he knows what we want to hear!
And then, there’s Baby Louis. Not to be outdone, he’s been working on the ‘toddle’. Yes, he is starting to walk. A full two months earlier than all the other kids, but how else is he supposed to be fast enough to keep up?? He has a goofy grin with four teeth, but they aren’t in the center like you’d expect. He naps around 10am, which is perfect. It gives me time to answer questions and finish up with the two younger boys. If it’s a good nap day, I’ll have time to start lunch … if it’s not, Angelina helps out.
Summary:
While the first day was a bit crazy and hair was on the verge of being pulled out at points … it was, but I didn’t … all ended on a really high note. Flexibility is the key. If a planned activity doesn’t work into the day, let it go on tomorrow’s lesson plan.
Computer time, for me, will be more limited. A few years ago, I made a rule for myself that I wouldn’t be on the computer – doing my stuff – during school hours. The rule has since been amended because I cannot just sit on a chair in the schoolroom waiting for questions from the older two! It’s boring & it’s too noisy to read a book (are your schoolrooms quiet?? If yes, how do you do THAT??). So, my goal will be to check before our family prayer, and then not return until after 10am … or after the two youngest are done working. We’ll see how this works.
Dash didn’t like all the noise during the first couple days, so I offered to let him do work in his room. Where do you suppose he works?? Why of course he’s still here in the middle of the noise. Go figure! I knew he wouldn’t be moving … this is my socialite … it really does pain him to be alone in a room. Angelina asked the first day if she could work at the roll-top desk located in a basement corner. It’s quiet and she works quickly without being bothered. She’s even offered to help her younger siblings. Zeke and Graham share a smaller table in the schoolroom. So, unlike last year where we did a lot of work at the kitchen table, I am firmly planted in our schoolroom this year. It is good.
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