1st day of school!

Today, August 29, was our first day of school!

Ella (4) started pre-school, while Nathan (6) started first grade.  We were pretty laid back today, much to the kids' disappointment. I needed a day to judge how much time things will take (since a couple of interruptions on any given day are a given)....verdict: I think it will take more time than I thought!  But, still doing actual school will be about 2-2 1/2 hours of our morning.

For Ella I bought a pre-school book of worksheets at Barnes & Nobles.  These will mainly be things to keep her busy while I work with Nathan (and she likes to do them).  She'll also be doing some Saxon Math K, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, Letters of the week, hands-on science experiments, a story of the week, and of course play time and nature study. We'll also be looking at classic paintings and poetry as a whole "class".

This year Nathan is doing Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory by Heart of Dakota.  I'm excited as it goes through American History (one of Nathan's interests) while applying writing, Bible study, science, and social studies.  I also purchased their reading program to do with Nathan this year.  It is for second and third grade, but I want to encourage Nathan's love of reading, and he's easily reading at this level (and you can choose whatever books you want to use with the curriculum).  He is also finishing up Saxon Math 1.  He did most of the first half of the book last school year.

As for my other pupils, Addie did great today.  My goal is to set up stations for her to work at when she gets bored.  Today she kept herself occupied making a bead necklace.  I plan to also set out blocks, the chalkboard, puzzles, coloring books, etc.

Evelyn did take a nap during school, though I need to try to convince her to sleep for two hours instead of one:)

Finally, here are some token first day of school pictures!