Kindergarten!!!

We are in the gearing up mode to start K with Zachary and some prek with Sadie.  I might try working on her handwriting this year, but I don't know for sure.  We'll just see how the semester progresses and go from there.  She loves being included when Zachary and I are "doing school"; especially if there are counting M&M's involved.........HAHAHAHA!!!!

For Zachary, we are going to be doing My Father's World.  I'm so excited about it and can't wait to get started!!

For Sadie, we are going to be doing some of the Sonlight 4/5.  My mom ordered me a book the other day that will be used.  I'm excited to get it and start reading through it figuring out what all she'll be covering this year.  We're going to have a blast - I am praying!

Zachary can now write all of his alphabet, he recognizes all of his alphabet now, he can write his name, he can do simple addition and subtraction, etc.  The list goes on and on of what all he learned this year.  It was a great year with a few days that were less than enjoyable.  The bad does come, but the good definitely out weigh the bad.  He has really come a long way this semester and I'm so proud of him and of me...HA!

I never even considered homeschooling until I heard a sermon from our associate pastor several years ago.  It pricked a piece of my heart that night and changed my view forever.  People always ask me about how long we're planning on homeschooling our kids.  My answer is," we're just going to take it year by year and see where the Lord leads us."  

Good luck to everyone this year and I will try to update and let you all know how K is going for us (and prek).

1st Unofficial Day of Pre-K

Yesterday, August 26th, we had our first unofficial day of school for Zachary.  This is how our time went:

* Devotion/Bible Story
* Read a few books they wanted to read
* Went and had donuts to celebrate the 1st day!
* Then went to the new splash pad for PE - can't beat that!  :)
* Went home had lunch
* Worked on writing/tracing for Zachary
* Then read some more stories last night before bed.

He had a great day and everything went really smoothly for his 1st unofficial day of school.

After we get back from Chicago; then we'll actually have our REAL 1st day of school; as if life in general doesn't promote learning every single day!  Even we're not actively engaged in homeschooling; there is still so much learning going on.  It's amazing how much they soak up!!!

Zachary & Sadie; I love you both so much.  I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to homeschool you both.  Thank you, Lord for this opportunity.  I give our days all to You!

Pre-K - Course of Study

Course of Study for Pre-K:

Colors/Shapes:

Recognizes and names primary colors

Recognizes circles

Recognizes rectangles

Matches shapes or objects based on shape

Copies shapes

Listening & Sequencing:

Follows simple directions.

Listens to a short story.

Listens carefully.

Recognizes common sounds.

Repeats a sequence of sounds.

Motor Skills:

Is able to run.

Is able to walk a straight line.

Is able to jump.

Is able to hop.

Is able to alternate feet walking down stairs.

Is able to march.

Is able to stand on one foot for 5-10 seconds.

Is able to walk backwards for five feet.

Is able to throw a ball.

Pastes objects.

Claps hands.

Matches simple objects.

Cuts simple shapes.

Handles scissors well.

Able to copy simple shapes

Touches fingers.

Able to button a garment.

Builds with blocks.

Completes simple puzzles (5 pieces or less).

Draws and colors beyond a simple scribble.

Able to zip a zipper.

Controls pencil and crayon well.

Cuts simple shapes.

Numbers:

Counts orally through 10.

Counts objects in one-to-one correspondence.

Understands empty and full.

Understands more and less.

Position & Direction:

Understands up and down.

Understands in and out.

Understands front and back.

Understands over (on) and under.

Understands top, bottom, middle.

Understands beside and next to.

Understands hot and cold.

Understands fast and slow.

Reading & Readiness:

Remembers objects from a given picture.

Knows what a letter is.

Has been read to frequently.

Has been read to daily.

Looks at books and magazines.

Recognizes some nursery rhymes.

Identifies parts of the body.

Identifies objects that have a functional use.

Knows common farm and zoo animals.

Pronounces own first name.

Pronounces own last name.

Expresses self verbally.

Identifies other children by name

Tells the meaning of simple words.

Repeats a sentence of 6-8 words.

Completes incomplete sentence with proper word.

Has own books.

Understands that print carries a message.

Pretends to read.

Uses left-to-right progression.

Answers questions about a short story.

Tells the meaning of words heard in story.

Looks at pictures and tells a story.

Identifies own first name in manuscript.

Prints own first name.

Size:

Understands big and little.

Understands long and short.

Matches shapes or objects based on size.

Social & Emotional Development:

Can be away from parents or primary care givers for 2-3 hours without being upset.

Takes care of toilet needs independently.

Feels good about self.

Is not afraid to go to school.

Cares for own belongings.

Knows full name.

Dresses self.

Knows how to use handkerchief or tissue.

Knows own sex.

Brushes teeth.

Crosses residential street safely.

Asks to go to school.

Knows parents' names.

Knows home address.

Knows home phone number.

Enters into casual conversation.

Carries a plate of food.

Maintains self-control.

Gets along well with other children.

Plays with other children.

Recognizes authority.

Shares with others.

Talks easily.

Likes teachers.

Meets visitors without shyness.

Puts away toys.

Able to stay on task.

Able to work independently.

Helps family with chores

Time:

Understands day and night.

Knows age and birthday.

**I did not come up with this; this is from the resource http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/learning/p/coursep.htm

This blog was created for myself and to keep helpful resources somewhere I can find them quickly.

If anyone reads this, then I hope that you enjoy what you find. 

Enjoy!!!!!!!