Ian tries fencing

The fencing center had an "open" day so family and friends could "try" fencing.  Ian decided to give it a try.  He ultimately didn't "like" fencing because:

"There are too many things to remember...for example you can't hit the legs and I'm not good with the sword and I don't like to get sweaty...."

But it was fun to play.  

Private swim coaching

Ian is doing very well.  To help bring his "swim game" to the next level, Coach Marcus is doing private 1 on 1 lessons with Ian to refine his stroke technique, entry, turns, and finish.  

Equestrians - fun with horses

Dog days of Summer - Waterpark

100 degrees in Texas in late July.  PERFECT time to visit a waterpark. 

Personality is important to consider as we motivate our child(ren)

Orchestra Audition for Hana and Ian

Both Ian and Hana made the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Junior String ensemble and they are the youngest bassist, and the youngest violist in the program!  Congratulations!!  

Summer Strings Concert

Ian did a fantastic job at Summer Strings which culminated in a fantastic concert.  He was engaged, looked great, and had fun.  Congratulations to Ian on a job very well done!! 

VIDEO shorts of Ian zoom-in.

Playdates and Mommy & Me afternoon

As the older children do their "academic enhancements" and what-not, its not quite so structured for the baby.  Hana enjoys playdates, Mommy & Me afternoons in Town Square, and lounging around the house after a math worksheet and viola practice.  Summer fun for this 2nd grader.

 Playdate with Jack and Jill friend

Girls day out - fun times one-on-one time with my girl. 

Ian does speech camp

The Artist

He calls the first piece "Flowers for Mommy" - watercolor and crayon
The second piece is entitled "Owl" - chalk on construction paper

Both pieces by Ian

Happy Fourth of July 2015

End of year exam with CTY

Water polo tournament

Unity camp

Week long Church Camp was a great time.  

This camp was developed by the Rasur Foundation to equip participants with skills to connect with others and communicate effectively.  The children had the opportunity to build social and emotional intelligence by learning to connect with themselves and each other.  

Ian in third grade

In third grade we focused on learning to LOVE learning.  As Ian expressed interest in certain subject, I incorporated that subject into our curriculum.  And at 9 years old, there were a ton of "adjustments."  One thing that has re-surfaced is the love of all things animals.  Also he is fascinated with astronomy (and therefore, as a natural extension, spirituality).

Academically *required* foci include math and reading.  Math is the metronome for the cadence of education.  We focus on math - regardless of the desired ultimate field of study.  Additionally, being able to read well is the foundation of being able to "self-teach."  Ultimately, "self-teaching" is how all teaching is done.  Instead of JUST reading, we focused on vocabulary development, spelling, handwriting, and an introduction to actual writing.


This is what we did for the 2014-15 academic year:

• Handwriting - A Reason for Handwriting
• Spelling - A Reason for Spelling; and Spelling U See
• History - Story of the World The Middle Ages Volume 2; plus activity book
• Math - pre-algebra readiness (long divisions/multiplication; fractions, decimals)
• Science - Astronomy
• Reading - E.B White books + electives
• Language Arts - First Language Lessons (parts of speech, sentence diagramming)
• Vocabulary - SAT Barron's Picture These SAT words in a flash

Extracurriculars

• Upright bass
• Guitar
• Choir
• Water polo
• Swimming
• Jack and Jill (volunteer, social education)

Summer plan

• Bass - bass camp
• Guitar lessons - continue
• Swimming
• Water polo
• Spiritual - church camp
• Fencing - trying out camp
• Pre-algebra (may do this for 2 years as necessary)
• Writing:  Writing With Skill
• Speech/debate:  Jr. speech camp
• Scat prep and exam

Activities to date (up until 2014)

First Grade

In 1st grade we focused on the fundamentals:  reading, writing, arithmetic.  Hana makes great progress, but learning all of this stuff isn't easy.  So time has been taken to make sure she fully understands how to add and subtract.  How to write her letters well.  Phonics for spelling.  And reading practice with comprehension.

At this stage, the schooling is very straight-forward.  Individual preferences aren't as highly regarded because there's still so much to learn on a basic level.  Also, much of the curriculum repeats (spiral method) so there's plenty of time to re-hash trouble spots (with a larger context later on).  


This is what we did for the 2014-15 academic year:

• Handwriting - A Reason for Handwriting (print version)
• Spelling - A Reason for Spelling
• Phonics - Explode the Code
• Language - First Language Lessons
• Reading - comprehension workbooks (various)
• Math - Math Mammoth (multiple digit addition, subtraction, and intro to memorization of multiplication)
• History - American Pioneers and Patriots
• Science - Various (seasons, animals)

Extracurriculars

• Gymnastics (semester 1)
• Basketball (winter)
• Viola
• Choir
• Jack and Jill (volunteer, social education)

Summer plan

• Viola lessons - continue
• Swimming lessons
• Spiritual - church camp
• Fencing - trying out camp
• Math - practice worksheets (Hana likes worksheets)
• Writing:  Writing With Skill

Activities from the past (until 2014)

Riverside Park - Manhattan

With old friends at the park.

This is where the local hang out.  Venice Beach inspired, and a little taste of "home."