learning period 4 of 2018-2019

I share a little about our homeschool every couple of months when I write about the learning period that has just ended. We just wrapped up learning period 4, February and March. I wrote about learning period 3 here (with links to learning periods 1 and 2).

This learning period was calmer, smoother, more rhythmic, and quite productive. We are still in a state of uncertainty about next year and whether or not we will homeschool our current 8th grader for high school. My word for the year is present, and I admit, despite being more rhythmic and even connected, I am having a difficult time really being mindful of the present in the way in which I would like. 

Social studies: We continued with our American Girl history project and our study of the 1930s and the Great Depression coincided with historical anniversaries that relate so much and there were so many connections. Both kids were part of a Shakespeare class and performance this learning period, which included quite a few assignments for history and writing, including a final project for each student. Much was learned here about books and book making in Shakespeare's time and about the Globe Theatre and performing in the late 1500s and early 1600s. In addition, we went to a Monet art exhibit and that sparked a lot of learning and interest in art history for a bit.

Language arts and Writing: So much writing came out of the kids' Shakespeare class and for Brown Mouse, from his science class on physiology. Lala Bug is getting weekly support from a teacher at our charter school and Brown Mouse is still working through a reading and spelling support program called REWARDS, which he is having success with.

Math: Teaching Textbooks for Brown Mouse, Khan Academy for Lala Bug, games, and Key To... series workbooks for both kids. We are more consistent with math this year, but it still seems to be slow going.

Science: During this learning period, we continued our nature exploration, although more of it has happened from home, with 4-H, or as a family on the weekends, rather than our planned, dedicated nature study time on Mondays. There is so much change to witness in late winter and early spring (!), e participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count and have had a great time with experiments. We also covered some more chemistry and some physics. Brown Mouse also took an Exercise Physiology class through our charter school.

 

What have you been up to? I cannot believe we are now headed into learning period 5, the final chunk of the school year!