Day 2 (178 to go)

Our second day of school was our first day of a full schedule. Since we are currently down a student computer, we are trying to find a new rhythm with 3 students and 1 computer. For now, the plan is 1 hour rotating slots. So while one child is on the computer, one will work with me at the table doing spelling tests, reading aloud, or other activities that demand my one on one instruction, and the third will work independently. I already see a couple of problems with this plan. We have a baby that needs my attention, and a 3 year old that stands in front of me and demands that he "go to school" too. Also, since Landon is not reading independently yet, he requires more attention when not doing his computer work.

We are trying to accomplish this school year with limited purchase of new materials. We have several book shelves full of materials to choose from and have found some fantastic resources on line for free. One of these is the Khan Academy. The boys have been given the option to use this for part of their math instruction. So far they are really liking it, and Landon is excelling. On his first day, he mastered simple addition and subtraction and moved on to multiplication. Remember he is just beginning first grade. The site is full of educational videos, and a math practice area that works a bit like a video game as far as my boys are concerned. The other website we are excited about is Book Adventure. At this site, they are able to create book lists, and then take quizzes on the books they read to earn points. Jayson wasted no time cataloging his personal library and taking some quizzes of the books he has already read.

I proved that we homeschool moms have to stay on our toes, when Jayson came to me in the afternoon asking for help finding the inverse of f(X)=X3-7. What is a mom to do? Why post on facebook for help of course! (after which I went and looked a video up on Khan Academy so I could actually help my son)

September 07, 2011