Friday, February 12

Valentine exchange



This morning we went to the Valentine party for our homeschooling group. About 47 kids were expected, and a good 35 or so showed with decorated boxes in tow. This group meets every Monday for an activity of some sort- usually the mom hosting just ends up bringing lots of sugar and all the kids run around like crazy people. We have had a couple of well-planned activities, though- so we keep going, hoping it will be a good one.

Today was another running screaming sugar-fest, but Mia had a fun time matching names on Valentines to the names on creatively decorated boxes. I recognized the monster boxes featured in Disney's Family Fun magazine- they turned out cute! Mia's was a cereal box wrapped in Christmas gift-wrap with the gift wrap cardboard center stuck through it like a mail box post. That was enough creativity for me- we just bought Valentines for the twins that included boxes. I'm wondering if this isn't kind of a micro-example of my future parenting...
It was a fun time over-all. Despite the chaos and inconsistency of our homeschooling group, lately I’m more assured than ever that my decision to have Mia do Kindergarten at home was the right one. I found K12's reading placement test online and had Mia take it a couple of days ago. She thought the first grade test was a fun game, and aced it. She slowed down on the second grade test because she didn't know the meaning of some of the words she was reading. If I told her what a word meant, she could answer correctly. She's nowhere near that advanced on her handwriting, and in math she's probably barely first grade level. What would a public Kindergarten do with her? I'm just glad we're living in a free country and I don't have to find out the answer to that. I really have no idea whether or not we'll keep going after Kindergarten.

5 comments:

Duncan said...

Glad it is working for you. I am glad we found a private school that teaches in levels. Little Guy goes to 3rd grade for math and English, but spends the rest of his time where he should be, in 1st grade (as the tiniest one there). Girly and Oldest both read two grade levels above and are at least one math grade level above. I love it that they can be on different levels but still be with kids their own age too. If you decide to send Mia to out-of-the-home school, I hope you find one like ours. Otherwise, best of luck to you and your very lucky kids!

Summer said...

See now- I need to talk to you. My biggest worry is- how on earth do you pay for that?!

Rhonda said...

What I like about you is that you make a decision and the reserve the right to change it if the situation requires. Now THAT is some good parenting! School is one of those things that every parent should continually look at and decide if it is the right placement for NOW. Things change so frequently in the schools and in a child, and in the home.

Anyway, super cute vday boxes!

Amandean said...

Tell me some more about home schooling. And Duncan, whoever you are, that sounds like a great idea.

The Garber Family said...

DARLING Valentine's outfits!