(from 2008)
Math and Latin are half of what I call "The Big Four" that make up the core of our studies, at least in the grammar years. The other two subjects are writing skills and reading. I believe that having a firm grasp on these subjects early will make the study of history, science, or whatever subject they choose, much easier later on. These are not the only subjects we study, just the ones we focus on. In the afternoons, the children also do some history and science readings and Rosetta Stone French on the computer, among other things. What we do not "study" as part of "school" is Bible, which we teach and learn as a family during evening Bible Time, and practical arts such as cooking and crafts which we just teach as we live.
So, the second hour of our school day is dedicated to Math. I have chosen Rod and Staff for grades 1 through 3. It lays a good foundation in the basic functions, as well as things like measurement and telling time. In 4th grade, or when the 3rd grade R&S book is finished, the student begins Saxon 5/4. I am not very interested in the grade levels of textbooks. An older child can learn from a lower graded book if it is supplemented correctly. Likewise, a younger student can listen to a much higher level book read aloud and glean a lot of information. One of my students, for whom Math does not come easily, has been in the 5/4 book for 1 1/2 years, taking it slowly. Another of my students is a Math whiz and is zooming through it with no problem. I love home schooling for that; neither student feels "special" or "different," "gifted" or "slow." They just do their work in their own time. Self-esteem is not linked to reading groups or advanced placement.
But I digress. Math lasts one hour. If more time is needed to complete an assignment, the child will use their leisure time to finish it. This rule came about because we had a tremendous amount of dawdling. One hour seems to be sufficient--usually less is required.
After math, and a few minutes to have a snack, we do Latin. I am using Latina Christiana I with the DVDs. We really like this set. I have heard that many people are annoyed by the teacher on the DVDs, but we think she is funny. She blinks A LOT, and constantly touches her hair, but she has a nice voice. On Mondays, we watch the lesson and do the worksheet. Tuesday, we listen to the lesson on the CD and make flashcards. Wednesday and Thursday, we listen to the lesson on the CD and try to write it out by dictation, correcting as we go. Friday's quiz is the dictation, without looking in the book. I also read a little Roman history or Famous Men of Rome aloud on Fridays. I encourage the children to watch the DVD during their free time during the week as well.
Where are the little ones during Math and Latin? During the first half of Math time (roughly), I do preschool activities with them: puzzles, flash cards, sign language, French song tapes, looking at picture books, and playing in the floor. I also do Montessori style activities like walking on a line. I love Montessori style activities and have a lot of them for table activities during other parts of our school day.
When she completes her Math pages, my 5 year old joins us in preschool for calendar time and readings from a history storybook or a Burgess nature book. We also do a lesson from Leading Little Ones to God, and practice something like the Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23 or the Apostle's Creed. For the rest of Math time and all of Latin, the littles may play with whatever toys are out for the day. Sometimes, the 2 year old might do a table activity, like pouring/scooping beans, sewing cards, puzzles, or just coloring. The 5 year old likes to listen to Latin and knows a lot of it, so I allow her to join in as long as she behaves.
To finish our morning, we have a grammar lesson from "Easy Grammar" or we work on "Learn to Write the Novel Way." This takes about a half hour, which brings us to lunch time! We take an hour for lunch, because we earned it!
Tomorrow, I'll share our afternoon with you.
Warm regards,
Shannon
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