Weekly Wrap Up–Return to Reality

I knew it was too good to last.  For several weeks in a row I posted things like “no major issues”, “no learning blocks” and “smooth sailing”.  So we now return to our regularly scheduled homeschooling, already in progress.   Ahem.

Math was the culprit.   I’m partially to blame, I admit that.  See, back when Olivia was in 2nd grade we hit a major road block with math.  The issue being that the program we were using (Abeka) rather quickly introduces the concepts of quarter after, quarter till, quarters (coin), 1/4 inch and dividing groups of things into quarters.  All of these thing use the term “quarter”, but all have a different numeric value (25 cents is a quarter, but quarter after is only 15 minutes…etc.)   I truly thought maybe it was just Olivia being, well, “Olivia” that caused the issues.  Yeah…not so.  Earlier this week Lindsey was in tears trying to figure out which “quarter” she is supposed to be doing. (You’d think I’d have learned the first time to do it differently, but nooooooooo.) 

My saving grace back then, and now, is Math Mammoth.  Thankfully I’d got these in eBook form and was able to print off a new copy for Lindsey.  So for now, Abeka math is at a dead standstill and we’re using Math Mammoth Books By Topic. We’re working through the Clock (grades 1-3) and the Money (grades 1-3) books, but we’ll finish Clock BEFORE starting Money.  After the first day I could see the confusion clearing up and the excitement of understanding begin to return. 

Olivia picked up a little cold, which always seems to get her wires crossed in her brain.  I’m serious, when she gets ill she doesn’t process well.  Unfortunately that coincided with her first quarter exam in language arts.  Yeah, not the best score there, but she passed it and I verbally quizzed her further and she knows the work.  But fuzzy brain syndrome can be pretty ugly.

In all honesty, I don’t feel well this week either.  I’m having horrible sharp pains shooting through my right jaw up into my cheek.  It’s not a bad tooth, as hot/cold/sweet don’t bother it a bit.  I’m guessing it’s sinuses, but if feels like someone is shoving an ice pick up through my teeth.   Nice image, huh? 

Choir, Awana, ballet, tap and co-op have all been going smoothly. Choir and dance are gearing up for the winter concert and Nutcracker productions. Awana and co-op are moving along nicely and the girls are really enjoying making new friends this year.

We had our monthly Activity Day on Thursday.  We toured France and worked on some impressionist era paintings.  Be sure to check it out.

I think that’s about all of the news for the week.  I’m going to grab a cup of tea and a warm compress for my face and vegetate in front of the tv now.  Be sure to visit the Weekly Wrap Up!