1st Day of School

We started school this week.  I took this on Olivia's first day as a Kindergartner.

I don't think she really knew what to expect, but she has done really well.  She is a fast learner and just like I have expected, she has picked up everything I have taught her fast.  And she is even picking up on some of Ella's school faster than Ella. 

Poor Ella, it just takes her a little longer, but she gets it.  Both she and I are learning patience. 

For both of them, I am using Saxon Phonics and Math.  I loved the Math curriculum so much that I looked into their Phonics for Ella.  She is a slow reader.  And in a traditional school, she would get left behind.  We thought about doing 1st grade all over again, but she excels in all the other subjects.  So, she is in 2nd grade, but we are doing 1st grade phonics.  She will fly through this program.  But it is teaching her how to read in a way that makes more sense to her.  I am hoping to be finished with it by Christmas.  I am confident that at the end of the school year she will be reading at a 2nd grade level.

Speaking of school year, JT and I have decided to do school year round.  I can just hear the "UGHs".  I never thought I would do it.  I always loved having a long break during the summer.  But I have set up the school year so the kids are getting a break once a month and still getting a good bit of time off in the summer. 

What made me do this?  Well, the girls do well when we do school.  They obey more, are more respectful of JT and I and each other.  Also, Ella seems to get burned out after days on end of school. 

So, we are giving it a go.  They will still have the same amount of days as everyone else...180, but with breaks at different times of the year.

Ella is very excited about this school year.  Olivia is also.

I do their Math and Phonics with them separately.  They both get one on one time with me, while the other plays with Sutton.  Although, today, Sutton was right there with us.

Then Science and History is done together.  For Ella it is a must, but for Olivia, it is optional.  

For Kindergarten it is a must to read, read, read and play, play, play.

I am sure this year will be better than the last 2.  And I am very thankful that I will only have 2 in school for awhile before the little girls start.  :)