Back to School

We’re back!  Yeah!  Yeah!  Yeah!

I’m posting today and Friday since there’s so much going on this week.  If I don’t post today, the one on Friday will be 10 pages long.  Just spreading out the love.

I’m not sure who was more excited to get back into school: the kids or me.  We took a month off as Christmas vacation/maternity leave and it was more than enough.  I don’t know how we’ll survive all summer without school, and I’m thinking I may not try.  Of course, the kids will play outside more then.

Yesterday morning started quickly.  I got up at 9am because Solveig had a bad night and Knut had the morning off.  So on my way to get coffee I started telling the kids to get dressed for school.  To my surprise, both Silje and David eagerly got dressed and showed up quickly without any argument to the dining room table to get work.  (I hit the floor running since the day was so late, and didn’t get a chance to change until much,much later.)

David actually sat nicely for the morning devotional, and then asked what he was going to do.

I didn’t have anything really planned for David, but I have work-boxes of things for him that I pulled out.  First I brought out his level 1 (kindergarten) reading program that he zipped through at the beginning of the year.  I had him read all the little books in there, which he did with great enthusiasm.  Next I had him do some Mighty Mind puzzles.

(I know David looks like he’s dressed as a Christmas elf.  I sort of let them pick out their own clothes when we’re just chillin’ at home.  You know, since no one sees us.  Just the people on this blog. 😉 )

Finally, I brought out Uno.  I saw it on clearance at Walmart for only $1, so I bought 2 decks.  I figure it’s a game with colors, numbers, and a few sight words.  Perfect for school!  He was eager, so even though it took him a few minutes to catch on, and he needed a bunch of help, he ended up beating me in the end.

He also did some jigsaw puzzles, practiced writing his name (gasp!  That’s a huge goal for this year!) and he completed a total of 13 pre-handwriting worksheets (dot-to-dots and mazes mostly).  This from a kid who normally hates worksheets and I have to bribe to hold a crayon.

Elias had no interest in playing in the playroom, or watching t.v.  He did so well playing upstairs around us.  I just couldn’t believe what a great start back it was.

Our schoolgirl did well as well.  I’m adding some more handwriting drills to her days this week because I’m convinced she is getting sloppier lately.  So after she had written her memory verse and her spelling words, I gave her another blank handwriting sheet and had her fill the front with capital “A’s” and the back with lowercase.  After the second and third lines of lowercase letters began to look more like the letter “u” I gave her one more sheet to do.  I did get an eye roll for that, but she did it, and much more carefully.

Today we have our homeschool group this afternoon, piano lessons and choir practice.  On Friday, Knut and I are hosting a homeschool group field trip to go cross country skiing.  So far 3 families are signed up so we’re pretty excited about that.  I’m still in my 6 weeks of no exercise, so I won’t be skiing.  I’ll be looking after Solveig and Elias and helping out getting skis on and off at the “lodge.”  It should be fun!