We finished Anya's first grade school year about three weeks ago, with a little popsicle celebration on the porch. We paged through a little book I've kept throughout the year of various projects; skimmed through some math workbook pages; looked at the first short story reader she started with back in September. It was fun to be reminded of where she started, and how much she's learned this year.
I’ll share some photos.
Math: where we started
Math: where we finished up
Handwriting/writing: where we started
Handwriting/writing: where we finished up
(Paragraph mapping)
(Rough draft paragraph)
(Final draft paragraph)
Reading: where we started
(This was review from kindergarten since we switched programs)
Reading: where we finished
Beyond all of these skills, and much more important, I am so pleased and proud about the girl she's becoming. Our family experienced a lot of change this year, as we welcomed and adjusted to another baby, and I believe that the most fruitful part of her first grade year has been becoming a double big sister.
Anya helps me without complaining (much of the time! and this is something she has grown into, with practice)--around the house, with Alina, and with various things for Olivia. I know I can count on her to do her breakfast chores cheerfully, help with lunch dishes, accompany Alina upstairs while she changes her pants, take a trip to the dryer to find Olivia a new pair of pajamas, fill up glasses of milk or water, clear the table, and more. She has been patient and flexible with me as I try to meet everyone's needs, and as our plans for the day "flow" ("let's get ready to go on a walk--hang on, Olivia seems to be hungry again...I guess we need to take a walk later!"). Her ability to work things out with the resident three year old (who likes to scream and stomp) is growing. She is learning to persevere in difficult tasks, whether that's decoding a new and frustrating multi-syllable word or bringing one of her cardboard creations into being when it's not turning out as she imagined. She overcame several new challenges like learning to ride a big new bike with hand brakes and gears, and submerging her head in the water during swim lessons.
She cares deeply about her sisters. She is creative and full of ideas--she is a maker and a planner.
I’m grateful for this year of learning and growing together, thankful that we can homeschool, and excited for next year.
Kirsten, thanks for this summary of Anya’s first grade year. Yes she has made excellent progress in her school work as well as assuming so many helpful responsibilities as big sister in a changing household.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my great joy to have biweekly drives to your farm and to join in the family dynamics. It’s so different from large family events. Both Anya and Alina have been thoroughly invested in my science lessons. We have investigated important topics like the sun, earth, moon system using a dance to learn the relative motions. We added what makes a day, year, and the seasons as well as introducing gravity. The last lesson was about the concept behind the word “related”emphasizing similarities of structure. When I asked the girls about similarities of dogs and cats I heard tails, and ears, but I knew Alina was with me when she added whiskers. The Audubon bird guide I gave Anya was the most instructive as we scanned through the pictures. Yes, this year has seen many amazing advances.