While Reo is on break for a healthy lunch followed by an hour-long cooldown period where he gets to play a video game for 30 minutes and then spend 30 minutes outside enjoying a beautiful Florida day that actually isn't raining, I thought I'd submit the outline of our work today.
Mathematics:
Ratios, review quiz 12 problems
He does so ever love doing math first thing. I think this is the only time Reo ever complains about school work. Getting the engine going first thing in the morning is always a pain for us natural nightowls. We covered ratios, where we worked together to define the formula and ran through four sample problems before he demonstrated that he could work ratios without my assistance. I let him complete a quiz sheet of 12 problems downloaded from a homeschool math website. Next time, I'll remember to record links so I can share what I'm using.
Science:
Introduction to Botany
Reo loves gardening. Snapdragons are his favorite flowers. He gets a real sense of accomplishment and enjoys the daily responsibility to caring after plants. I thought this would be a great opportunity to start a year of botany where he can delve into the science of what he enjoys. It will provide him a greater understanding of the world around him and enhance his gardening experience. We reviewed what botany is in the science world and what his upcoming curriculum will be. He is excited that many lab assignments involve gardening and plant identification. I have a considerable amount of support for lesson ideas that work Reo outside the box thanks to my mother, who is an amature botanist and expert landscape artist.
Social Studies:
Introduction to Ancient Greece
Last year, Reo learned about Ancient Egypt in an uniquely planned theme curriculum that immersed him in Ancient Egyptian culture. This year, we will explore Ancient Greece as a people and a culture. Reo will learn much of the same that he learned about Ancient Egypt but not with a full immersion of all subjects. Today we talked about how influential Ancient Greece was on the world, permanently leaving an impression for centuries. We took a brief review of the syllabus. Reo will have weekly quizzes about the weekly lessons and will need to write final essays for each subject in lieu of a dry, boring test.
English:
Assign book, allot reading time
This is part of the afternoon's work so it hasn't happened, yet. I have a list of ten Sunshine State Books. Sunshine State Books is a reading list approved for Florida's public educational system. I have narrowed this list to ten age-appropriate books at his nineth grade reading level and included a brief summary of each so he can better make a decision on which book to read first. By the end of the year, Reo will have read all ten and written book reports for each. He could read more than ten books in a school year, but I'm going to slow his reading pace by engaging in discussion about the book, comparing it to other books he's read, and taking a closer, deeper look at the literature.
History:
Revolutionary era, review quiz
This is part of the afternoon's work so it hasn't happened, yet. We have been in the process of learning about the Revolutionary era of U.S. History. From its colonial uprising through the organization of the nation in its early decades, Reo is engaging in depth about the facts and personalities. When we started these lessons a few weeks ago, I felt bad that I was just now getting him the details and facts in fifth grade since I consider U.S. History and Civics mandatory education to create an informed and engaged electorate and government from children as they grow into adults. However, I have learned that only snippets of what Reo is learning this year is taught in Florida's eighth grade public school curriculum. High school has a bit more but still not what Reo is learning. As a result, my college freshman and my eighth grader will be taking these quizzes and tests. I am using Google Forms, so my friends will also be provided access for their own amusement and edification. Today, we will delve into the first Continental Congress, including dates, location, participants, issues, and decisions. I like to teach U.S. History and Civics with a lot of "Why" answers. Anyone can recite dates and times. An informed voter and a critical thinker understands why things are the way that they are. In the past, we have covered the colonies, The Boston Massacre, the Boston Massacre Trial, John Adams, colonial protest issues, and the British response to colonial protests.
Creative Writing:
Weekly Journal, allot fanfic writing time
This is part of the afternoon's work so it hasn't happened, yet. Reo doesn't like the weekly journal and I don't blame him. Anytime there was a journal assignment in a writing class through my school years, there was always a percentage of the class who groaned at the task. I understand that there is pressure to just write something and how the mind can go blank. As I understood then and still understand now about these journal assignments, the teacher does not care what the subject matter is. The assignment is to freely write, to learn how to process your thoughts into written word. Reo would rather write World of Warcraft fanfic and since he's being creative and enthusiastic about it, I definitely want him to have the time to do what he likes.
While we're not covering it today, there is still an Adventure Class, where we explore the world, apply what we know, and learn more.
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