Well week 2 was a bear but we got through it. We got most of math done and got through Art, History, Science, Music, and some reading. I can't imagine how much more hectic the schedule will be like once we get our Language Arts Materials. Since we're technically behind in language, I'm sure that we'll have to play catchup. I really want to "bank" some Math lessons so that we can just focus on Language when the materials arrive.
I suppose I just didn't realize how much work I would be doing. So far I think that the curriculum is great, it's just taking a long time to get through it. Chloe is taking notes, and I know that she wasn't working this hard in regular school. We both get a little frustrated at times, but breaks and outside walks help. This upcoming week we are going to the Coast for our first field trip. That will be really fun.
Sorry if I've been a bad friend, just busy.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Finally doing it!
Well this week was our first official week with Chloe's new at home schooling option. I have really tried to keep my cool; from reminding myself that I'm not dealing with an adult to not having all of our materials here and ready to use. We started Math, History, Science, and Art this week so it's been eventful. I knew that Chloe was struggling with Math, but after being with her this week I wonder what they actually taught her at St. Paul's. Chloe is afraid to ask for help when she doesn't understand. I have really tried to emphasize to her that I am here to help and to give her tools that will facilitate her grasp of the information. It's helping, but I'm afraid we have a long way to go.
Chloe made a self portrait of herself this week and I have to say it's a masterpiece. She really loved Art and was amazed that paint can be made to look so real. This also made me realize that it's been much too long since we've been to a museum, so we're heading to the LA County Art Museum in November. It's going to be LOTS of hard work, but I know that we'll get through it.
Chloe made a self portrait of herself this week and I have to say it's a masterpiece. She really loved Art and was amazed that paint can be made to look so real. This also made me realize that it's been much too long since we've been to a museum, so we're heading to the LA County Art Museum in November. It's going to be LOTS of hard work, but I know that we'll get through it.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rock Band for Wii
Well we bought Rock Band for the Wii the first day it came out, today. It is so much fun! Chloe wouldn't play it at first, but soon got a taste for those drums and away she went. She is very serious about it and says that she will be the only one in the family to play the drums from now on. If you have a Wii, you should invest in it.
Summer is going great. I'll keep you posted on any developments.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Zoo Day
Well, today was our first outing with CAVA (CA. Virtual Academy) and what a horrid experience. Don't get me wrong, the school was fine, but the day and the facilities were truly unpleasant. First, let me start by saying that I've NEVER been to LA without it being disgustingly perfect, however, today was not. It was overcast, raining at times, and cold. A majority of the animals were unavailable for viewing because they were smart enough not to show themselves on such a cold day. Don't get me started on traffic. After living in the SF area you'd think that I would have gotten used to the traffic, but LA is unbelievable. I am just ranting and tired, so forgive my bluntness.
On a happier note, Chloe had fun. We saw most of the animals that she wanted to see and we ate junk food, which is a rare treat for her. All in all, I'm glad to be home with our dogs, my plants, and my family.
On a happier note, Chloe had fun. We saw most of the animals that she wanted to see and we ate junk food, which is a rare treat for her. All in all, I'm glad to be home with our dogs, my plants, and my family.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Test Results
Well we got Chloe's test results back and WOW! We always knew that she was smart, but now we have it on paper. She tested above average in Math and English and could have skipped 3rd grade next year. Ryan and I decided to keep her in 3rd because we don't want her to miss any fundamentals. She could skip through High School stuff where it doesn't matter as much. The teacher is going to see where she is at mid year and we'll also know whether or not the skipping would be good.
We are going to a field trip for CAVA on the 23rd in Los Angeles. We are going to the zoo and botanical gardens, so it should be a fun and educational day. I can't tell you how excited I am about spending more time with Chloe and also taking on more responsibility in regards to her education.
I have purchased some Latin books and the goal this summer is to start Latin and then move onto French later in the year. Chloe really wants to learn French, so I thought Latin would be a good foundation for her, and also give her a grasp of word origins. It's going to be a great summer! I just can't wait.
Well, I'll update when there is more to tell.
We are going to a field trip for CAVA on the 23rd in Los Angeles. We are going to the zoo and botanical gardens, so it should be a fun and educational day. I can't tell you how excited I am about spending more time with Chloe and also taking on more responsibility in regards to her education.
I have purchased some Latin books and the goal this summer is to start Latin and then move onto French later in the year. Chloe really wants to learn French, so I thought Latin would be a good foundation for her, and also give her a grasp of word origins. It's going to be a great summer! I just can't wait.
Well, I'll update when there is more to tell.
Friday, April 18, 2008
At home Schooling
We've taken the unusual step and decided that next year we will be home schooling Chloe. It is not what we ever thought that we'd be doing, but our kid is worth it.
We have loved having Chloe at St. Paul's. She has blossomed and was provided with an excellent academic foundation, but we wanted more for her. Chloe is an exceptional reader but struggles with math. Regardless of the school, no teacher can carve aside time to do one on one tutoring for each kid to excel where they are lacking. So let me explain how we decided that something different would be in Chloe's best interest.
I have been enrolling Chloe in different City programs to try and get her more exposed. She is not one to do sports, but I wanted to find something that she would like. During one of my many visits to the Recreation Center I came across a magazine full of camp ideas for the summer. I ran across an ad for the California Virtual Academy and decided to look some information up about it online. I liked what I saw and shared that with Ryan. We attended an orientation, and the rest is history.
California Virtual Academy is a public online charter school. All of the curriculum is done online with daily chats with a Teacher via phone or email. The program is fully accredited and she has a licensed Teacher at her disposal. We really liked the idea that she would be tested and based on her results would be given appropriate lesson plans. So let's say she is reading at Junior High level, she would be doing that work in the 3rd grade vs being stuck with 3rd grade reading. Or if she is at a High School level in math, then she would be doing that work vs 3rd grade math, etc. We just love the idea of Chloe being challenged at what she is proficient at and fostered with subjects that might not be her strong suit. I don't have to plan any lessons, it is all done in a structured manner, all I do is support. It's great!
Now that Chloe is enrolled and going through the testing process she will be sent all of the books, art supplies, etc that she will need for the year. That's another thing, they offer Art and Music as part of the curriculum. How awesome is that! When other schools have these programs cut, Chloe still has access to them.
I know that some of you are thinking, what about socialization? Well, there are field trips that she can go to. Each Teacher in the program is obligated to provide one field trip a month. The cool thing is that there are 4 Teachers in Visalia, so she could go once a week on an outing. We could also opt to join other Teachers outside of Visalia on their field trips throughout California. So if we wanted to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, then we could. No worries about missing school, she can make up her time over the weekend, without being overwhelmed.
We feel that this is a good thing for our amazing child. I'll let you know what she tests at when we get her results. I am so excited!
We have loved having Chloe at St. Paul's. She has blossomed and was provided with an excellent academic foundation, but we wanted more for her. Chloe is an exceptional reader but struggles with math. Regardless of the school, no teacher can carve aside time to do one on one tutoring for each kid to excel where they are lacking. So let me explain how we decided that something different would be in Chloe's best interest.
I have been enrolling Chloe in different City programs to try and get her more exposed. She is not one to do sports, but I wanted to find something that she would like. During one of my many visits to the Recreation Center I came across a magazine full of camp ideas for the summer. I ran across an ad for the California Virtual Academy and decided to look some information up about it online. I liked what I saw and shared that with Ryan. We attended an orientation, and the rest is history.
California Virtual Academy is a public online charter school. All of the curriculum is done online with daily chats with a Teacher via phone or email. The program is fully accredited and she has a licensed Teacher at her disposal. We really liked the idea that she would be tested and based on her results would be given appropriate lesson plans. So let's say she is reading at Junior High level, she would be doing that work in the 3rd grade vs being stuck with 3rd grade reading. Or if she is at a High School level in math, then she would be doing that work vs 3rd grade math, etc. We just love the idea of Chloe being challenged at what she is proficient at and fostered with subjects that might not be her strong suit. I don't have to plan any lessons, it is all done in a structured manner, all I do is support. It's great!
Now that Chloe is enrolled and going through the testing process she will be sent all of the books, art supplies, etc that she will need for the year. That's another thing, they offer Art and Music as part of the curriculum. How awesome is that! When other schools have these programs cut, Chloe still has access to them.
I know that some of you are thinking, what about socialization? Well, there are field trips that she can go to. Each Teacher in the program is obligated to provide one field trip a month. The cool thing is that there are 4 Teachers in Visalia, so she could go once a week on an outing. We could also opt to join other Teachers outside of Visalia on their field trips throughout California. So if we wanted to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, then we could. No worries about missing school, she can make up her time over the weekend, without being overwhelmed.
We feel that this is a good thing for our amazing child. I'll let you know what she tests at when we get her results. I am so excited!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Update Again!
Well, lots has been happening in our little family, and it's about time that we let you know all about it.
Ryan left TAG on April 15 and beginning June 11 will be working for cash edge as their IT Manager for US operations. The exciting thing about this company is that they are in expansion. They are also INC's 101 ranked privately owned company and they will go public next year. There is also room for him to climb the corporate latter, and he will more than likely be Director again in a year or so, we guess. We are all happy and excited for him.
I officially was diagnosed with a partially collapsed left lung and with asthma. I go to Stanford in July to either have my lung re-inflated or to be told that it did it on its' own. I have been feeling better since I've been exercising, but some days are completely unbearable. At least I know what I have and that really does help. I should be back and around to normal activity soon.
Chloe is almost out of school, and on her last day we are going to take her to the Montecito Resort for a couple of days. It's a surprise so we're looking forward to astonishing her. I'll update our blog when we get back. Ciao.
Ryan left TAG on April 15 and beginning June 11 will be working for cash edge as their IT Manager for US operations. The exciting thing about this company is that they are in expansion. They are also INC's 101 ranked privately owned company and they will go public next year. There is also room for him to climb the corporate latter, and he will more than likely be Director again in a year or so, we guess. We are all happy and excited for him.
I officially was diagnosed with a partially collapsed left lung and with asthma. I go to Stanford in July to either have my lung re-inflated or to be told that it did it on its' own. I have been feeling better since I've been exercising, but some days are completely unbearable. At least I know what I have and that really does help. I should be back and around to normal activity soon.
Chloe is almost out of school, and on her last day we are going to take her to the Montecito Resort for a couple of days. It's a surprise so we're looking forward to astonishing her. I'll update our blog when we get back. Ciao.
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