5th Grade Mid-Year Update

It's the end of our first semester in online school and we finished early.  We will be able to enjoy almost a month off for winter break. We are excited about getting ready for Christmas; making cookies and ornaments, watching our favorite holiday movies, and just relaxing at home for a while.  

So how did the semester go? If her grade book is any indication, it was a screaming success. She finished the semester with straights A's across the board and finished math with an A+. This is a big deal. Last year in her brick-and-mortar school, she started the year scoring 'advanced' in math. By the end of the year, she was on the low end of average. One of my fears with being her learning coach, is that my mathematical limitations would hold her back. I'm so glad to learn that is not the case!

Lil does have a teacher with Connections Academy and she is wonderful. Mrs. Brown is always available for questions or assistance. We've met with her at many school functions and field trips and she is a warm person and so much fun.  Mrs. Brown actually approached us to assist another family that is struggling.  It was wonderful to hear from the teacher that we are “a great family and a great example of how online public school should work”.

Lillian has met some good friends through her online school and it's nice to see her finding kids that she has so much in common with.  She attended a birthday party for her good friend Kylie and they enjoyed the field trips together.

The new semester starts in mid-January and we’re both looking forward to it.  But for now I’ll sit here in my robe and slippers and enjoy my coffee and let Lil sleep in and rest.  We’ve both earned it.

Patience, Grasshopper

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

We are well into the second week of online school and now I can tell you all about the Great Council of the Iroquois, mitochondria, and how to calculate mentally using compatible numbers.  If I work hard I can pass the fifth grade again along with Lil.

The first week was long as we were getting used to the computer program.  But we learned how to navigate the system and complete our lessons.  We also learned early on that it is best to start the day with math when our brains are fresh and we're less likely to lose patience with numbers and each other.

Lillian is sitting on top with an A overall and in her individual subjects.  I am impressed and amazed that she is so engaged in this new method of learning.  So far she has made the transition like a champ.  I see her skills climbing in ways they didn't in a traditional classroom.

She has developed an affinity for Social Studies and government. She wants to spend the most time on this subject and I am willing to oblige. Her fascination with history gives her a eyes a spark that doesn't happen with other subjects. Maybe she'll be headed for a future in public service and government.

The only thing I find frustrating in this venture so far, is that there isn't enough time to go as deeply into these lessons as we'd like. I want to read the whole page in the textbook. Not just skim it for the purpose of the lesson. I've tried teaching it the way we prefer, but then our school day goes longer and we will run out of the energy and attention span needed to focus on lessons later in the day.

Like anything else I suppose it will be a matter of finding a happy balance. I know that once we unlock the right combination of time, material and stamina, there will be no limits to her learning. But for now I must be patient.

It is only the second week after all.

Back to School ... At Home

School starts next week and Lil and I are looking forward to it with a whole new level of anticipation.  We have enrolled in Colorado Connections Academy, a virtual public school.  This means that she'll be learning with the same curriculum, but in the comfort of our own home.  This is a new experience for our family and we're determined to make it a success.

I will be her 'learning coach'.  I will keep her on track and facilitate all her daily classes and assignments. She will still have a public school teacher that provides the lessons and support by phone, live lesson, and email.  There are field trips and parties for social interaction and she'll still be in karate five nights a week.  The school has provided Lillian with a computer, the text books, and some pretty amazing supplies.

This week we are focusing on getting into a morning routine.

I walk the dogs from 6:00-6:30
We do our yoga workout for 'gym' from 6:30-7:00
Breakfast is from 7:00-7:30
Chores are from 7:30-7:45
Getting showered, dressed,and ready 7:45-8:00
We start classes at 8:00 

I'm sure there will be snags and the schedule will ultimately need some adjusting, but routine is important to stay on track. The flexibility is fantastic. It affords us the opportunity to have class at the library, outside when it's nice, or at the park. We can also have it on the couch in our pajamas if we choose.

I anticipate challenges and look forward to solving them with the great support team at CoCA, but knowing that Lillian is learning in a safe environment where she can advance at her own pace is reassuring.

I will be sharing our experience on this blog to let everyone know how we're coming along. Wish us luck!