Back To School 2014

This morning was a first in this family. Not only did Sam go back to school this morning (3rd grade) but Mommy became a teacher for Elizabeth. There was a time I swore I'd never home school. When will I learn to keep my mouth shut?
Unlike his fearful and anxiety ridden first day of school here in Virginia two months before school ended in May, Sam was jazzed about starting back today. I was truly surprised that not once did he show reservations or nerves. I prayed about it, and just in case I also oiled him up with essential oils.
When he got home, the first thing he said was, "My class. Is Awesome." He had a GREAT first day. I'm so glad we're off to such a good start!

Meanwhile Elizabeth and I got started for her first day around 8:30. One key to success for homeschool is finding the right time of day. 8:30 might not be it. The other two kids, who at this time would normally be playing together quietly, wouldn't. Funny how that works. Like when Mom gets on the phone....
My goal for this morning's class was to do an assessment on Elizabeth to see what she knows and doesn't know. I was so pleased with the results. She didn't know many of the letters that 4-year-old's struggle with, and aced her shapes and colors. It was nice to know exactly what letters and numbers we needed to work on. But my favorite part was how she took over the test from me. I was showing her one row at a time of numbers or letters with the others covered with a blank piece of paper. After about two rows she took the papers from me and revealed them to herself row by row. No words, just took over. I love her common sense!
I ended up stopping half way through because of all the interruptions. I wanted to quit before I got impatient. Maybe I'M finally learning something.
She got a sticker for attendance. I figure that might come in handy on days she doesn't want to start or doesn't want to finish. No show or no completion equals no gold star. :)
I'm thinking of moving to nap time. She doesn't nap, but the other two are out of the way and I can just sit down with her for the first 15 minutes and knock it out. Unfortunately, I've been using this time to get work done for myself. Still figuring it out...

And at the end of the day, Brian will use any excuse to bring home cupcakes. These had little bookworms on them to celebrate the first day of school. Yummy!