1st Grade so far

According to my calendar, we've done 19 days of school so far.  How many pictures are there?  Zero!  But I wanted to blog about it anyway, just so I remember these days.

We started school the Tuesday after Labor Day.  I planned to start the week before, but too much life got in the way :).  Reef didn't complain.

It's been a little hard finding our "groove" this year.  First grade is definitely requiring more commitment from us.  That probably comes from choosing more "real" curriculum instead of just winging it like last year.  Add to that LBC, soccer on Thursdays, Spanish on Tuesdays, and a very busy 16 month old, and you've definitely got a full plate!  Hence, the no pictures...

I do want to jot down our curriculum choices and thoughts so far...
Language Arts: McRuffy 1st grade.  I chose this one because it's an "all-in-one" kind of program.  It covers spelling, reading, phonics, some poetry, and some grammar.  I debated between going up to 2nd grade since Reef reads so well but am glad we stayed with 1st grade.  The review has been good; plus we have learned new things about grammar and spelling.  Reef likes it so far, especially the games and puppets.  I also like that it's pretty scripted and it offers a lot of variety for spelling word review.
We also finished up readingeggs.com.  He loved this program and it really helped jump start us on reading last year.  Jonas has actually started using it too, and I'm seeing good progress there too.  ReadingEggs also includes a new program, ReadingEggspress, but it seems just a bit too advanced for Reef.

Math: Horizons 1st grade.  Most of this has been review so far.  I went with Horizons after we struggled with Saxon last year.  I was hoping the shorter, more colorful lessons would catch Reef's attention better and bring less complaining.  He still says math is his least favorite :(  And he hates the review drills.  But there is less complaining so far.  And, most days if he looks ahead a lesson, he will tell me how excited he is for the next day.  So, I'm calling it a good choice so far!  Again, I like that it is scripted for the teacher.  We do like to jazz it up a bit with some fun games from pinterest.

Science: Apologia Zoology 1.  After receiving a catalog from Apologia before we even started homeschooling, I had their science curriculum picked out.  I didn't really even research other options.  I showed Reef the catalog and let him pick which course to do first.  He chose Zoology 1, which is about flying creatures.  Honestly, the first lesson was a struggle.  Because I didn't do much research, I was surprised (and possibly a bit unprepared) for the immersion approach.  We are now on lesson 2 and loving it a lot more.  He is especially excited to build feeders and start watching birds in the yard.

Bible:  Grapevine Studies Beginner Old Testament.  We are finishing this up from last year and then will move on to the New Testament.  We have really enjoyed it, though we do add a fun craft, maze, or crossword for each lesson.  I can't wait to show you the fish Reef created for the Jonah lesson!

Spanish: Risas y Sonrisas.  Let me tell you, I researched a TON of Spanish curriculums.  This one looked the most fun and fit our price range.  We are so blessed that Ms. Theresa is doing Spanish with Reef again this year.  He LOVES it and his time with her.  We ordered the student workbooks, student book w/ CD and DVD, and flashcards/dominoes.  So far, we are all very pleased, and the customer service is great!

Reef is also taking a soccer skills class with our FEAST, our local homeschool co-op.  It's for an hour and a half on Thursday mornings.  Poppy and I spend that time walking, as I gear up for the Chosen half marathon.  Reef is really enjoying it and improving his confidence and skills.

Whew!  Are you still with me?  Reef and Troy have tried out cub scouts too, but haven't loved the pack we chose.  We will try one other pack this week and then make a decision.  I hope to add in some other stuff too:  art (Reef has requested more crafts), typing, writing letters to our World Vision Kids, emails to grandparents.  I'll try to take some pictures this week too :)