Okay, I am counting... but really we are having fun. In fact, the "exercise" of counting down the days is perspective building. School days can sometimes seem tricky (to say it mildly.) But the reality is that the years sift through our fingers like sand on the beach.
I am sobered most perhaps because here I am beginning the fifth year with my son (including kindergarten.) Where did those years go? I am voraciously tilling in the garden of the mind to lift out any weeds that could be lingering from the experience of the early years of education. And... passionately seeking God's hand of grace and redemption. There were blooms that emerged but no doubt motherhood and childhood education regularly grapple with the demand of cultivating and removing the weeds of our own sinful flesh.
In the mean time, a record of my second "period" follows. Last week, I referred to our first period of each day. Second period is the Math hour. Both my fourth grade son and my first grade daughter are having same subjects at same time. The first 15 minutes includes a Fact test for each at their own level. His first 15 minutes involves taking, grading, & recording the test. He is executing all three tasks.
Her first 15 minutes, this week, is aiming for completing each line within 3 minutes so that all five lines are completed within 15 min. The analogy we are using is that of a swimmer... diving into a lane (each line) and reaching the end of the line within three minutes. After reaching the goal (end of the line,) we come up for a breath before we dive in and swim down another lane. Prior to each line we take a moment of review simply pointing out i.e. -0's, -1's, -2's, a number - itself, doubles - its half; and then a "strategy" for figuring out each. When we come up for a breath, she is offered the opportunity to stand and stretch. As long as she is not overly wiggly then she can keep going. Otherwise, I explain that she is developing her ability to focus so it is wise to take a pause, a deep breath, a stretch, a "diversion" so that can we dive again with stamina or energy and swim to our next goal.
Our second 15 minutes of Math includes ds completing his independent mixed practice in the "study nook" (a desk outside of the schoolroom) while I meet with dd on her reinforcements and new concept.
Our third 15 minutes is where I meet with ds on his mental math and a lesson while dd has "center" time.
Finally, he grades, corrects, and records his mixed practice from the previous day while I direct her mixed practice.
The actual period takes about 75 minutes to allow for transitions and/or diversions.
Wow, when I write it out it seems so tranquil, peaceful. Don't let me fool you! :-)
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