More notes...

So far I have done the ELF program with Ricky and Michael. We are adjusting to this whole home school idea. I am very glad I started just one subject right now. It is helping is get comfortable to a type of routine. I am getting a feel for how the kids learn. It is amazing how different Ricky and Michael learn. Ricky is more of a get it done and hurry. Michael is more of a take your time so that you get everything right. He gets really upset if he makes a mistake. I think at Michael's age, Ricky was the same way. I just keep reassuring him that we are a home school environment and it doesn't matter if you make a mistake. I tell him that we all have to make mistakes in order to learn. Hopefully we can continue to work on that.

In regards to the ELF program...Michael is being challenged at the Level 1 so far. Ricky is not. I am going to move him up to Level 2 and try it out. He may need to move up to level 3, but I just don't want him to miss anything. He really is further along than I thought he would be. I am impressed. He actually has been learning something at school except bad habits and behaviors! J/K

I have been reading up on a program called: Shurley English. I REALLY want to get it. I have a friend that has a copy of one of the levels that I think I may ask to borrow and see if I really like it as much as I think I do. I am not going to get anything right now, but I know I want it for Michael sometime. Maybe after Christmas I can buy it. I don't want to over spend right now.

I am also going to just get the Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) books for the boys. I wasn't going to, but they can really use it. It looks like a great way to teach Michael cursive and have Ricky review and perfect his cursive. I am going to get "Cursive Handwriting" for Michael and "Can-Do Cursive" for Ricky.

Needless to say I need to buy still:

TT3 and TT7
HWT books for both

Not too bad. The boys have been enjoying it so far. I am getting nervous adding in more, but on the other side I am VERY excited about all of this. I am looking forward to spending the time with them at home and also on our trips away from home. Wish us luck!!