Froggie Went a Courtin

For Ethan- We did our math workbook- focusing on ordinal numbers and story sequences, and the phonics workbook- focusing on the letter Z and an entire alphabet review. We then made a puzzle using a page out of Your Big Backyard magazine. Ethan cut out the pieces, six in all, and put it back together. He also put together a Dr. Seuss puzzle. We also worked on good balance by carrying a 1 cup measuring cup filled to the brim with water over to the counter. It took three tries and he was successful 2 of the three times. He also spooned in the muffin batter and had to make them even amounts. We worked on his reading skills and read 2 short stories from the "Now I'm Reading" level 1 series. From the "Fun with Nature Take-Along Guide" we also read about several frogs and toads that we can find in our area. Ethan and Avery both went on a nature hunt during the rain and reported hearing bats and seeing frogs.

For Avery- She painted in her painting art book using watercolors. She also used stickers to embellish her work. We also danced to a song by Laurie Berkner- Froggie Went A Courtin, and created hand and body gestures to the song.

Yesterday I purchased our Enki Kindergarten curriculum and a subscription to National Geographic Kids. Also, I am starting a homeschool cooperative called Many Paths that will meet twice a month for classes and a third time specifically for socializing. The classes will be in the afternoon or evening and each month one will be a hands-on project for liberal arts/science/math and the other class will be for phy-ed. The group will be run primarily by myself and my friend, Becky Stanton, and will focus on activities guided by the children's interests and the children and parents themselves, and will go beyond the religion being the basis for homeschooling. It will honor the many paths of spirit, education, and lifestyles. Hence the name.

Ryan and I are going to create a mission statement for our homeschool, an overall statement and an individualized one for each child. I will make frequent updates with this information as way to record our experience and progress.

I've been homeschooling Ethan for the past two years, mostly supplemental. I feel completely prepared and extremely excited to go full-time and homeschool throughout his entire educational experience up to college. As for homeschooling all my children- I will go on a per child basis and determine each child's path following pre-school. Avery will begin ECFE in the fall and go once a week for three hours, without us. During that time we will visit the Library and have our story time. Ethan is old enough to make good use of our library.