We did it! We survived our first week of school at home. I had a major break through with Lexi on Thursday. While doing her math lesson I could tell she was getting tired of it and starting to not pay attention, so I said, "How 'bout we put this away and get out some art instead." Her eyes got really big and she smiled like she was getting a big present. She was so shocked that I was okay with her switching right in the middle of a subject. They don't let kids do that at her other school. I think this could be part of the reason why her math and reading levels were falling. She wasn't getting the attention she needed, and she was having to wait for the slow kid in class so she was getting bored. Plus she has a hard time sitting through something if it's too long.
Kari is doing really well also. She is so proud to announce to anyone who will listen that she is in second grade history, art, and science. We're still in the process of skipping through the lessons she already knows, but I'm confident that we'll find the right spot pretty soon. Her favorite subject by far is art. She's always been my kid with the crayons and paper in hand wherever she goes.

Cozy History

History lesson while wrapped up in a cozy blanket.. now that's my kind of lesson!

Well today and yesterday went much more smoothly. I've figured out how to get materials ready for the next day more efficiently, and we've learned how to get one girl started on the computer while the other one is doing book work. Kari's teacher also suggested moving her up a grade for history, art, and science so we're only doing one lesson in those subjects instead of me trying to juggle two. The girls have liked it like that so far too because they are pretty competitive. They are paying attention more so they can be the first one to answer if I ask a question.

Today we had an art lesson on portraits and self-portraits. They really liked this one; especially Kari. She's my little artist.

First Day

Well, today was our first official day of school here at the Kelley home and all I have to  say is, "Can I have a do-over?" Things did not run smoothly at all! Let me back up and say that this weekend was extremely busy, stress filled, and emotional.

My eight year old was baptized on Saturday morning. Thank heaven my mom had one of my kids spend the night because we were rushing to get out the door and having one less to get ready was a life-saver. Then my 2nd oldest had a birthday party in the afternoon.

Sunday was my baby's blessing. It wasn't until one in the afternoon, but by then it was time for my toddler's nap. That was interesting. Afterward we went to my in-law's for a dinner and over to the church for the viewing. By the time we were done there, my toddler was beyond exhausted and was ready to go home.

 My mother-in-law passed away last week so the whole family had to help with funeral arrangements. I had to help deliver the life sketch so that was in the planning as well. Her funeral was yesterday.With all of the bustle, my toddler didn't get his nap yesterday either and his internal clock was so off that when we put him to bed at seven, he thought it was nap time. Needless to say, we were up with him until 4 a.m this morning before he finally fell asleep in bed with us.

And then this morning; total chaos.. nursing baby, screaming toddler, two class connect sessions, preschoolers fighting, and two very excited, impatient girls ready for their lessons. I'm just thankful that I've done this learning coach thing before and know that there's always an adjustment period. I think despite all of the craziness, we did rather well. Only the girls' vocabulary and phonics are left for tomorrow.

I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO STARTING OVER TOMORROW! ;)

Because of the funeral on Monday, we decided to start our lessons today so we don't have to play catch-up. My girls were so into their lesson that they didn't even notice that I took a picture. Like the messy hair? They loved not having to rush in the morning. We didn't get hair done until after lunch time. We probably won't do that every day just because my kids need a good routine, but it was nice without the stress today.

Computer

Our K12 issued computer just came today. The kids were pretty excited to see all of the boxes. I took some time to get it all set up (minus the internet connection). Now we're just waiting on our books. YAY! Here are some pictures.

 

 

Adakai also took some time to enjoy our keyboard without the girls trying to take over. 

Darn Cats!

So we had a bit of a mishap with our nice star chart that I just made. Our Christmas stuff is stacked by the closet door so it can be taken back under the house. Well one of the cats decided to climb up there and managed to rip our chart off the door. I know it was a kitty because there are some very incriminating claw marks on the construction paper.. My kids weren't too happy.

Yay! Our calendar and easter eggs arrived from Oriental Trading today. I spent a couple hours after the kids went to bed hanging the calendar and making some fun manipulatives.

Here's our calendar with just enough room for a big map poster that will be next to it:

 And these are our fun easter eggs. There is an alphabet match up for Sarah and Adakai, a cursive match up for my older girls, and some multiplication review eggs. 

The answers are in random order so they will have to twist the bottom of the egg to find the right answer.