Man Cub Academy Update
The 1st Quarter of our school year is over! I am happy to say we met our goals for this quarter. There were a few adjustments I made to our schedule. We changed from Monday-Friday to Tuesday-Saturday for class work. Generally Saturday is an activity day, so it isn't like we're going all out with tests and whatnot. I need at least one day for paying bills, running errands, and making phone calls as necessary. That's far easier to do without attempting to teach a lesson while talking on the phone. True story.
Reading fully clicked for Isaac around mid September. We struggled some last year due to inconsistencies of my own, and difficulty grasping the part of our curriculum that taught reading. I hated it. So did Isaac. After I purchased "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" he took off reading. I intend to use the book for each man cub. It's a perfect supplement even if your child isn't struggling to read. Besides, Isaac turned 6 in August. My philosophy is that every child learns at his own pace. To be reading this young is an amazing feat.
He is doing well in the addition lessons. Unifix cubes are a great hands on math tool. Isaac and I have been working on flash cards to use next quarter as well. Allowing him to make some of his learning tools has been a good experience for him. It makes him more keen to want to use them when it comes time. Reverse psychology. Hehehe
Isaac is also doing well in AWANA. He has it a little harder than the other kids in AWANA this year. He has 1 1/2 books to go through memorizing verses to get his awards at the end of the school year. Part of that is my fault. The other is simply leaders not doing their jobs and keeping me in the loop. I've had to begin micromanaging some of his AWANA time to ensure he stays on schedule to finish the book from last year and the one he's supposed to be using this year.
As for MMA, he should be belt testing for a yellow belt at the end of this month. He has to earn one more stripe to get testing permission. I'm confident he'll pass with flying colors.
Nolan has amazed me at every turn. The child I thought wasn't learning anything I'd taught to Isaac at his age, surprised me by proving he was listening all along. We've learned through observation, that Nolan suffers from anxiety. That explains A LOT. Knowing that, we've been diligent in giving more praise, being more specific in giving instructions, and informing adults in his extracurricular activities how to address any anxiety that may arise. We have also made proper parties aware of bullying incidents, as that contributes to some of the issue. I cannot stress the importance of paying attention and truly trying to understand your child. It has made night and day difference in everything concerning Nolan.
AWANA for Nolan has been a blessing and a curse. He has finally adjusted to being a Spark instead of a Cubbie. He is doing well with verse memorization as well. I always knew he had a great memory, but I never have required him to learn in such a way to memorize phrases or verses. He's surprised me yet again.
In his MMA lessons, he should be moving up to Isaac's class early (according to Sr. Master Kruger). And he should be earning a new belt by the end of this month. He's come a long way since May when we started this program. We are exceedingly proud of Nolan.
Ethan is not getting "official" paperwork lessons just yet. We concentrate mostly on arts and crafts, songs, dancing, and activities he can participate alongside his brothers. He has done exceedingly well so far. I've noticed anything song related helps keep him on task. A boy after my own heart. More music it is! Although we haven't begun anything official with Ethan, he does know nearly the entire Alphabet song, can count to 16, and knows a few letter sounds. He speaks so clearly too. That punk is my mini me in a male body. He's just as witty as he is intelligent. I have a daily run for my money on my hands with this kid.
I intend to begin piano lessons for Isaac and Nolan. We began lessons over the summer and our schedule went crazy so we stopped. I need to freshen up my skills as well. Part of the beauty of home schooling is learning things with my kids. I'm not just teaching them things they need to know, they're teaching me lessons most would take for granted. Not to mention, when they learn a new skill, so do I. We learn together.
Also on our second quarter list, is to add more hands on science projects. I feel there is a mild lack of hands on science projects. As much as I love to read (I LOVE TO READ), it's important to experience science as well. The downside to some of the projects in our curriculum, is our location. You can't check a rain gauge if it ain't the rainy season in Southern California, ya know. We have to get a little more creative with some things. Thankfully, we have dogs and chickens. We caught an opossum recently that the man cubs were enthralled over. And the zoo is an hour away. We did make a trip to the zoo in September.
And the last thing to add to our curriculum are more thorough History lessons. Not that it's totally necessary at the moment, but I came across some age appropriate historical figures lessons a few months ago that will align with the Level 2 BOB books Isaac will be reading soon. A little planning and coloring pages ought to do the trick. And, if I can find the Legends movie with Paul Bunyan, Casey Jones, Johnny Appleseed, and John Henry that'll add to the Folklore section I was excited to do with the man cubs.
Anyway, the 1st quarter has had it's challenges, but we have overcome! Isaac and Nolan are improving in everything I've given them. And I'm learning to be a little less....overbearing in meeting what's on the schedule versus taking for granted that personal growth is more important than keeping a boring schedule.
Home schooling for our family has changed the dynamic for the better. Being spontaneous is more fun. And fulfilling. We've learned to be more patient, and I believe we've become prouder of one another because we've witnessed the hurdles that have been overcome to achieve each milestone.