Months of planning, agonizing over what curriculum to use, what books to read, and the hours poured into lesson plans finally came to fruition today, and I can't say it was amazing......
Today was not horrible, but it was not stellar. I had everything planned and that part was great. Lilliana's enthusiasm for today was wonderful. Last night before bed she said I am SOOO EXCITED for tomorrow. Mind you she really doesn't do a lot. She sits and listens to everything Eli does though and learns. Eli on the other hand was not good. I came to the decision we will have to take away his Legos until his attitude changes about everything. Over the summer he has become a bit obsessed with Legos. This has proved to begin a problem. He does not want to be interrupted from Legos to do anything. Today was no exception. It didn't matter that I had fun games planned, a craft, and some drawing. Also, he had a list of books he wanted from the library. None of that mattered. All he cared about was getting back to his Legos. So, unfortunately they will be put away until his attitude changes regarding everything.
He did do well focusing and actually listening. He narrated several stories for me with no prompting so for that I am thrilled as that is our goal. He also spelled words so well. I predict will be reading by December. He also had a blast making his craft. I know he likes doing school.
Surprisingly Ari did well. I gave him a number matching game and some paper to color on. He was happy and kept himself contained. Through all the craziness of the week we are also potty training Ari. He is beyond ready. So, I washed my last load of diapers today and it felt good. 5 years of that and I am thrilled to be done. He only had 1 accident today so we are doing well. He also goes in public restrooms no problem.
I took some quick photos this morning. The mosquitoes were bad so it was quick. I am borrowing a lens from and friend while she has my main lens and am loving it. I still need to calibrate it, but it has been fun to use.
This year we are doing something a little different with the school room. It was wonderful and I am glad we had that space. It wasn't working for us though. In the winter it was way too cold so many times we ended up downstairs. Also, Ari was a bit of a pill and him just being in the room playing wasn't working. He was into everything and just all around distracting. So, we decided to move out my craft cupboard and move the school things to that. We also found cheap desks and they now have desks. They sit there for crafts and as much as they want to. Today Eli wanted to sit there the entire time. I would have been content on the couch for our read a louds, but he likes the desk. It works for now. Each year, I learn something knew. These desks are perfect size and there is no tipping of chairs.
So, for a first day it wasn't horrible, but it could have been better. I can't wait to finish off the week strong.
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