First day of school 2010/2011

We have been gearing up for a new school year around here. We have some exciting changes this year. Our school has changed it's name and our enrollment has doubled! Formerly Reed Homeschool, we are now Top Two Academy. Amana has moved into second grade, and our newest student, Anlynn, has entered our kindergarten program. :) Posing for the traditional "First day of school" picture.
Amana at her desk, ready to take on second grade.

Anlynn, all excited about starting kindergarten.

The girls posing for one last picture before we dive into curriculum.

We set up a room in the basement for school this year. Everything you could need for school is in that room! From dry erase boards, to books, to crayons, to rulers, to flashcards, this is a real classroom! The girls were excited to start. There were some activities they did together like calendar time and weather graph. Then they each had lessons and seat work. While one did seat work, I helped the other with their lesson. It really helps that Amana is an efficient reader this year. She was able to read a lot of her directions herself.

I know there can be some concern about socialization when you homeschool. That is a concern for Lige and I as well, so we've done our best to involve the girls in other activities. Both girls are in dance class this year. Amana has rejoined her classmates from the previous two years. Anlynn is doing really well in her class, which we are really happy about...new things can overwhelm her sometimes, but she had no trouble marching happily into class. Amana is taking guitar lessons again this year. We have had someone offer to teach the girls piano, and we are considering it. Tonight AWANA starts again. The girls get to interact with 50-60 other elementary students each week for Bible time, games, and lessons. Please put your hearts at ease. Our girls have friends. They've attended 3 birthday parties in the past 2 weeks alone. They play at friends' houses. We have friends play here. And I don't want to forget the importance of this: they have each other. And most of the time they reallylike each other! It is a relationship I hope they continue to invest in as they get older.

Okay, I'm now stepping off my soapbox as graciously as possible! And now I'm off to teach! By the way, yesterday I was told, "Mommy you're the bestest teacher ever" by Anlynn! I'll grant that the grammar needs improvement, but the sentiment melted my heart. How many mommies get to hear those sweet words? I am so thankful for the privilege and the right to teach my own children. What a joy!