Karen's Clan

So...this is it...the end....

Sonlight's Core A - done and dusted!

 ... of our first official year of homeschooling, King Arthur's Grade 1 year!  And the last few weeks have been busy!

King Arthur competed in a gymnastics competition in which he came third, which was just so lovely for him, as he had tried really hard to earn a trophy this season.

a little nervous being up there on his own...

proud!

King Arthur and I did our own evaluation of the year, looking through his file of work and talking through all the things we've covered. Then I scribed his own evaluation of the year, which was so insightful. We identified problem areas, and talked through possible solutions. Try this with your kids - just keep asking them leading questions. I was thrilled with the insight Elijah had as to how to make next year work better for him, and we talked through some of the ideas I have already had. (It might help also to show them photos of the things you've done together during the year, or perhaps to even make a collage?)



Maths is his biggest challenge, and not because he finds it difficult, but because, in his own words, it's just so boring". When asked what he thought a solution could be he replied, "Not do any?". It's got to make you smile hey?! Needless to say after a little more brainstorming we decided that we'd do less of it every day, and I'd try to create some appropriate games for him. And it leaves me the same question that has haunted me all year. There's a fine line between frustration with a subject that actually has a character issue at the heart of it (does the child need to learn perseverance?), and whether the chosen method unnecessarily frustrates the child (should I be using a more visual/kinasethic program?). I'm glad I've got the holidays to think this through a little more.

Interestingly enough his highlights of each day were the Read Alouds (his favorite was Dolphin Treasure, and least liked was Mary on Horseback - when asked why he commented that everyone seemed to be sick/die in it!) and Art.

To celebrate the end of his year, we decided to join the CHE prize giving which was held at the Giraffe House this year.... I didn't realize I would be awarding my own certificate, and my emotions got the better of me and I was unable to say anything coherent at all!!!

Having grown up with real wildlife practically on my doorstep I was a little sad their first exposure to 'wild' animals was through fences....

me blubbering away :) King Arthur just grinned at me, bemused!

 And now...onto holiday fun!

Happy Holidays!