I went to my writer's group with nothing. I've been so immersed in school I just can't get anything decent down on paper.
We're surviving this first week. The summer is such a relaxed time that it is difficult to get back into the classroom rhythm. My mother used to joke that you should never let your students see you smile until Christmas. Well, I'm my students mother, so I can't get away with that one, but classroom discipline is certainly much tighter than it is at the end of the year.
Our schedule is tough this year. Other years I've worked it out so that I had an hour or two where the kids were responsible for their education while I did other things that I needed to do. This year we have too many players for me to get a break.
We start with Mass, though getting the youngest to behave has been challenging. I'm determined to stick with it as I can't think of a better way for them to get their Bible time in and learn how to behave in public. Then we move on to a daily writing exercise and math drills.
Quiet school this year is pretty involved. 3 and 4 have worksheets to do and read aloud time. 2 is doing SOS. 1 is doing the Omnibus program and Saxon 8/7. I try to squeeze in a little time to work with 5 on shapes, letters and numbers, but it isn't easy.
Loud school is equally packed with Geology and Astronomy followed by Spelling Power. Shurley English is now being done on two levels. Then we're working through The Story of the World history curriculum. We are quite delighted with history and science this year, but then we always are. ;)
I'm also shoe-horning in Music, Art and Latin, but we don't get nearly as much time with them as I'd like.
The general reaction of the children has been one of delight. The new cottage bear decor was a tremendous hit. As was the large stuffed bear I found for story corner. He's been christened Snuggly Bear and he does do a lot of snuggling. 1 says her brain feels like its going to explode, so I think we're on track. If I can get through this week, it'll be a good year
