1st day of school!!!

Today was WILLIAM'S FIRST DAY OF PRE-K!!!  I specifically remember thanking God a few years ago that William was still little and we wouldn't have to think about school for him for a while.  And now, this day is FINALLY here!  Where has the time gone?!

Part of the reason why I haven't been posting a whole lot is because I've been busy researching and preparing for this school year.  The Lord has been so faithful to provide the wisdom we needed to get started on homeschooling this year and see where it goes.  And I know He will continue to provide what we need at the exact time that we need it.  =)

William already seems to have a really good grasp on reading and math.  So I'm starting a kindergarten math curriculum with him.  He also seems to be reading somewhere on a 1st grade level, so we plan on doing some guided reading and getting independent reading established.  We'll also be covering correct letter formation in writing, some phonics, Scripture memory, and chores.

Gratefully, William was very excited to start doing school, as was I.  I intentionally kept this week light so that I could ease him into things.  We started out with  learning how to use a dustpan and broom.  =)  I did a pre-assessment of his letter writing to see which letters he could write.  He didn't know how to write most of them, but it was cute watching him try.  He really did his best and was patient as we went through each letter.  Then we tried some independent reading for 5 minutes. He did well with it, but I realized that he really needs some guidance with the books he's reading.  So I think I'm going to try and squeeze in some guided reading in addition to his independent reading.  We'll see how that goes.  Math will start next week.

All in all, God was gracious to give us a great start.  Josiah hung in there as well, sometimes playing on his own, and other times climbing onto my lap wanting to do what Ge-ge was doing.  So I'd just give him some paper and a pencil and he'd be fine.  Josiah has been picking up a lot of what William is doing and says the funniest things now!  But that's for another post.  =)

It is super exciting being able to witness first-hand William's learning.  So grateful to the Lord to be able to do this.  I am anticipating the more challenging days to come, but you need those days as well to keep you humble and remember your dependence on Him.  I am incredibly eager and enthused to see what this year will bring!