This week we got back to work after our vacation. For the most part, things fell right into place. I say “for the most part” because it appears Turkey and Bunny forgot almost everything they had learned about division over our break. As we are laying the groundwork for long division right now, you can imagine what kind of problem this was! There were a few days where it took close to two hours for them to complete their lessons. This was due in  part to the distraction that is Chickadee, but it was also due to what appeared to be a genuine lack of comprehension on their parts. I worked through a lot of problems with them, so hopefully, next week, we’ll find that math is less of a struggle!

We’re continuing to learn about the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era in history, and we’ve started a new read-aloud to go with that time period: Cheaper by the Dozen. This was a last-minute addition to our curriculum  because I wasn’t excited about the book I had previously chosen to read at this point. For those unfamiliar with the book, it’s nothing like the new Cheaper by the Dozen movie, but very much like the original 1950 production. I really like the book/movie, because it shows what family life was like in the early 1900s, but be warned, there is some language in it.

Science was the one area where I allowed a bit of slacking this week…we watched Magic School Bus videos. I’m so glad that I was able to find the DVDs on sale last year…like Liberty’s Kids, they’re a great resource, and are helpful for supplementing in school, or just watching for fun. I’m always amazed by how much the children pick up and remember from shows like this. I wouldn’t use TV all the time for learning, but it definitely does have its place!

Next week, we’ll be fully back to our regular schedule, including our regular science curriculum. School always feels a little boring after the Thanksgiving/Christmas rush, but it is nice not to have to plan out crafts and other fun activities for a bit!