Monday, August 13, 2007

First Day of School


Austin (3rd grade), Lindsey (1st grade), and Reece (just turned four last week) had a great first day of school. It started with "Circle Time" where we are studying the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Today's question asked: What is Man's Primary Purpose? All week we will discuss our purpose to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

After Circle Time we went through the typical subjects: Math, English, Spelling, Handwriting, along with copy work and narration.

For History they are studying 1600-1850, the early modern times. In their main History spine today they learned about Charles V and his quest to become the Holy Roman Emperor. Their map work also went along with this part in History. There are nine extra books on reserve, at the Library, to supplement this chapter for the week.

Austin and Lindsey learned the Latin alphabet and vowel sounds. They learned that Oremus means: "Let us pray". They also learned five latin vocabulary words: ambulo, via, Deus, toga, and luna.

All three kids did Music Ace on the computer where they reviewed the bass clef, treble clef and practiced matching pitches.

Chemistry experiments start up next week for Austin and Lindsey. Art classes, gym classes and Awana start up in September as we ease into the school year.

Reece knows all of his letter sounds so is now starting his phonics book and blending letters together. Next week he will start Saxon Kindergarten Math.


Austin and Lindsey did separate Spanish lessons and all three had a stack of read-aloud books until Mommy's voice got too tired.

Since we don't do homework, there is time to do some scripture memory and then outside baseball fun with Daddy.

We feel so blessed to have these kids and look forward to a great school year!

6 comments:

Merri said...

Wow Brian!! I am very impressed with your school setup. I would love to pick your wife's brain! Are you following a curriculum or are you putting it together yourself? It sounds classical which is the direction I think we are going to go in. Helen will be four at the end of the month and we are beginning some phonics and very basic math with her but it is all very low key right now. I would love to read more about your home school as the year progresses. I am still in the research phase myself and very much enjoy seeing how others are doing it.

Unknown said...

Austin and Lindsey,
I'm very proud of you! I'm also very grateful that you have a mother who wants to teach you Latin. If you would like to see granddads recent thoughts about Latin take a look at: http://calvarybiblecares.org/aisi/aisi072907.html
Reece, keep up those vowel sounds...we'll all have a lot to practice and play together when we see you in about a month!
Granddad

Brian Megilligan said...

Merri--I'm so happy that Janet made this post. She has busy days teaching the kids but she does a great job of keeping everyone on task. Of course, come 9:30pm, it's hard to stay awake!

The "Bible" for the classical approach to teaching is the well-trained mind. I'm sure you can get a copy of it where you are. Maybe we can figure out a way for you to relay your mastery of the Thai language to our family through skype or something!

The Hilemans said...

I am SO impressed! What a fantastic school room you have, and I can't get over the curriculum you described! Almost inspires me to keep the kids with me and do a classical education myself... or maybe I could send Kellen, Addie & Ellary to your school! ;)

Merri said...

You just tell Janet she is my hero! I have read the Well Trained Mind and loved it. I also check out this website occasionally: http://www.triviumpursuit.com
PS Got an email from Scott and Christine, thanks for the contact

Sherri said...

Janet, that school room is amazing! You are so organized - your kids are so blessed to have you as their teacher. Hope you'll continue to help us as we set up for school here.