Discovering the New World with John Smith and the New World after BinLaden

Bible

The name Jesus means, "the Lord saves", so we talked about what it means for Jesus to save us and what it means to live like Jesus.  Our Grapevine studies tied in once again guiding us through the gospel's teaching about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus and Jesus's baptism by his cousin.

Memory verse:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind."  Matthew 22:37

Math

JR learned about the terms "same and different" as well as "more and fewer".

EM finished a chapter in her math book about addition and fact families.  It's my goal to find something to challenge her with next week!

History

I thought EM was old enough this year to learn about September 11th and what the date means to our country.  We flipped through a few children's books on the topic, mostly looking at the pictures while I told her in words I thought appropriate what they were about.  Many topics came up that were new to her including terrorism, suicide, war, and homeland security (a phrase I don't think I ever heard as a six year old).

She never ceases to amaze me with her understanding and wisdom beyond her years.  As I was explaining to her what "suicide bomber" meant and how the men thought they were doing what God wanted them to do, a concerned look came across her face.  Of course we were discussing many things that were concerning, but I wasn't prepared for the depth of connection her mind made.  She proceeded to tell me, "You shouldn't really sacrifice yourself cause Jesus took the sacrifice instead of you."

The books were read were:
The 9/11 Terror Attacks and September 11, 2001

In MFW we learned about the first American settlement of Jamestown, as well as John Smith.    On EM's notebook page she wrote, "Jamestown had wooden fences to protect them.  The people started to get sick in the summer.  The men hunted and the women grew gardens.  John Smith said whoever did not work could not eat."

Language Arts

JR worked with the captial letters G and H this week.  We played games with rhyming words and read lots of  great books.  I'm making an effort to introduce the kids to books I consider to be "classics".  Some favorites we enjoyed together were:  The Little Engine That Could, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and One More Acorn.

EM and her All About Spelling board

EM is doing so well with her Phonics and Spelling program!  She worked through two more steps in her book this week and easily read the readers that go along.  It's been great for her confidence to read something that isn't a big struggle and she is discovering the joy of reading.  

Spelling list 1

Science

I was disappointed again this week with the simplicity of our Science lessons which discussed air, so next week I will be including extra science studies with our first FIAR book.