Weekly Musing - Back to School

Tuesday, 8:00 AM-ish...school began. We all survived, with no melt downs or drama. I really hoped, that this would be a trend for the week, and it was! OK, so one day we almost had a bit of a melt down, but I saved the moment, and pulled everyone back from the brink of disaster. ( Mind you...I didn't want to talk to anyone that night)  OK...and also, I had to scrap some of the science experiments/labs because we didn't have the supplies ( Seriously, you'd think after all these years I'd have Slinky, and some PH paper lying around somewhere! )

So despite a few technical difficulties, we jumped in both feet this week, not after holidays like I originally thought we would .  I switched things around this year, and decided to take the plunge and do traditional homeschooling (not blended as we have been for the last 8 years)  I might have been a little nervous about that, and held back for the week, for that reason too. Who knows?  Nevertheless, I'm glad I waited an extra week. Forget the kids for a moment, but I wasn't ready myself to get back to the grind.  We were all more relaxed, and there was no whining from any of us about getting back to it.

I officially have 2 in junior high - Devin in grade 9 and Christian in grade 7. This year...so far...I've seen some maturity toward their studies. ( now...it's only week 1 and I'm being optimistic) They have their schedules, and they are pretty determined to stick to it. Devin surprised himself Wednesday, when he announced in complete shock that he was done everything at 1:00 in the afternoon. That, my dear readers has not happened in...well...years?
Christian, too, whom I always say, has sunshine in his head, seems more focused, and less distracted.
Both are enjoying the curriculum I chose this year, which is slightly different from the years before. There is more independent learning emphasised, which I know Devin loves, and Christian needs to get used to. Maybe that has something to do with it, and learning is fun again? 

Sophie started grade 5, and Emilie is in grade 3. Where has time gone? I'm still trying to tweak things with them, so things will run more smoothly. ( I'm not tweaking the girls, just their curriculum and schedules)  Both girls just want to get 'er done. But I'm trying to teach them to savour the moments....not likely...not gonna happen...not with Sophie...yet, and Emilie...well...

I've pulled the plug on Irish dancing for the girls, and choir for everyone. The only activity that we had to ease into this week was, piano. I say ease, because all %*()!! will break loose in a few months with Devin, Christian and Sophie writing theory and practical exams during Christmas.  All our other "stuff" starts this coming week. Thank goodness we have about a 3 week reprieve before hockey season starts for everyone!

Friday, was also enjoyable, as we kicked off our 1st book club meeting, with our friends. But more to come on that later in a different post. I'm so excited to tell everyone about this new endeavor.
I think, as well, that the weather has been fabulous; so we have been doing much of our studies outside on the patio. How cool is that for the 1st week of school?

Week 1, and so far we're on track. Dave just laughs, because he knows by November, I'll be pulling my hair out,  and my postings might get ugly ;)  Sheesh, am I THAT predictable dear?

Here's a few shots of the official 2011/2012 class. Enjoy the pics :)

Emilie Grade 3

Sophie Grade 5

Christian Grade 7

Devin Grade 9