Weekly Wrap-up

Well, the first week of school is finished. Laura did five days of school this week. We did Heart of Dakota from Monday through Thursday, and Friday was just a somewhat easier day. All we did was Math, Grammar, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading and Reading Skills.

This week we covered a lot of ground. It felt like we were very full when we finished.

Math - Laura covered four lessons in Saxon 5/4. She's getting used to the Saxon set up. It's new to her, not being able to write in her book. I think the work is set up differently than Abeka Math too. Add that to the fact that I think she lost her brain this past summer and forgot all she's learned about math and you can guess she's made some errors. We're working on getting her back on track.

Science - Laura is studying the Arctic Tundra in connection with Creation.

Bible - Laura is studying Psalms 1:1-2 plus all that goes with the History part of the curriculum.

History - Creation through Noah was covered this week. We are loving the book Grandpa's Box

Language Arts - We did one spelling list, four pages in Language C from Abeka, two lessons in Reading Skills, and studying Robert Louis Stevenson's The Swing for HOD. In Handwriting, we did one week's worth of lessons in A Reason for Handwriting. As much as she complains, Laura's cursive is making progress. When she takes her time she shows definite potential.

Reading - Laura read The Bears on Hemlock Mountain this week. I've slowed down how much I am having Laura read this year and am focusing on quality literature with good comprehension. I wrote out questions for each chapter for The Bears on Hemlock Mountain and asked her them verbally every day. We are working on narrating things she reads back to me also.

Art - Using Draw and Write Through History is actually awesome. Laura can draw a lot better than me. She begs to do the drawing. I love it! The fact that it corresponds with what she is studying in History is perfect.

This first week with Heart of Dakota's Preparing Hearts for His Glory was a little different than I had expected. This curriculum, while wonderful, is very in depth. We are quite busy with it, and that is a good thing. I think in a couple weeks we'll adjust more. It's a lot more writing than Laura is used to, but I think it will be totally worth all the work. I am also impressed with all the art work that Laura gets to do.