Well since I haven't posted since May 24 I decided to give a brief overview of what we learned this summer. After last year's catastrophe (remember, the students were bad so the teacher quit after the first week?) I decided to go about it with a little less fervor this year. Still have some things to do to keep them off the TV/computer, but not totally bored and picking on each other to death. Of course, for the record, with at least $1000 worth of toys in this house I can hardly see how anyone would be bored, but that is beside the point.
In between the many trips we took this summer, our main goal was to learn the 50 state capitals (since TCAP is apparently not concerned about that!) and read as many books as possible and complete book bingos. By reading books they earned popsicle sticks which would equal screen time. Also, Leah got started on her Bible Drill verses for the fall.
I'm happy to report that Leah and Katie both mastered the state capitals with lots of practice. We learned about 5-6 each week, reviewing as we went. They found them on the US map, learned the capital, and we made a treat from one of the states each week. Some recipes bombed, some were "the" bomb. We tried homemade ice cream (Missouri), Caramel Corn (Nebraska), Dragon Cookies (California), Pumpkin Chunkin' Cheesecake (somewhere northeast) and the TOTAL bomb was learning to make funnel cakes (PA). Oh my gracious stars those tasted JUST like the fair!!! And so easy to make!
On to the Book Bingo and reading. I don't think anyone actually completed their sheets just yet, although Leah and Katie have only one book left. We had fun again reading all kinds of new books we never read before and award winners. It is getting difficult, however, to find Caldecotts we haven't read yet. I might need to take it off the list for next year. The rule is you can't count on your bingo sheet a book you have read before. Rebecca did not finish hers either, but she took on Harry Potter this summer and conquered! That girl is NUTS! She would read one of the first ones in a day and a half!!! The total pages read for the summer were:
Katie - 2066
Leah - 2224
Rebecca - 5476 (HP, remember?)
So I'd still count it a successful summer over all. Not sure what I may have up my sleeve for next year, but there is a chance its going to have to do with out west or US Presidents. I'm sure knowing all the US Presidents is not TCAP worthy either.
In other "educational" news, check out my new blog, "The Year of the Great Homework Project" to see what is shaking at our house this school year!
O:)
Melissa