Summer, here we come!

Today was the last day of school!!!!

Wahoo!!!

            In truth, we finished our CC work several weeks ago but had a few weeks of math and spelling to finish. We (a.k.a. Lillie) worked hard and doubled up on a few lessons and finished today. 

She only missed one question on her final comprehensive math exam so I am extremely proud of her progress this year. When we started in August, math lessons produced copious amounts of tears and anguish of soul. Now, she flies through it with the confidence and ease of a season veteran. 

When I look back at our first year of home school, I am glad we made the choice to change. It was wonderful to all of us here at home during the day. We had flexibility to go and come as we needed to for our schedule. We had sun days instead of snow days off and met up other home school families for park play dates. It was a blessing sorely needed for our family. 

And now, so flashback photos for your viewing pleasure. 

King Hilary and the Beggarman

This a passage from King Hilary and the Beggarman by A.A. Milne. We read it today in school and I had Lillie copy it into her notebook. It is a wonderful example of Milne's mastery of the English language. 

And very fun to read out loud. 

Good King Hilary
Looked at the beggarman,
       And laughed him three times three;
And he turned that beggarman round about:
"Your thews are strong, and your arm is stout;
Come, throw me a Lord High Chancellor out,
      And take his place," quoth he.

Of Hilary the Good and Great
Old wives at Christmas time relate
This tale, which points, at any rate,
      Two morals on the way.

The first: "Whatever Fortune brings, 
Don't be afraid of doing things."
(Especially, of course, for Kings.)
      It also seems to say
(But not so wisely): "He who begs
With one red stocking on his legs
Will be, as sure as eggs are eggs, 
      A Chancellor some day."

I found this vintage print by E.H. Shepard for sale on Etsy.

American History Stories

We have started to home school this year and have joined a group called Classical Conversations. I will write more about that later but I don't have time tonight, to be blunt.

For part of Lillie's history curriculum, she will be listening to the audio book of American History Stories by Mara L. Pratt. I think this will be a wonderful addition to the other parts of our history studies. But I was concerned about how much Lillie would retain since she is a very visual/tactile learner. Audio books can be hard for her at times. I googled and found an online PDF of the book so she can read along with the audio book and look at the illustrations. I hope that will help with her retention.

Here are the free links:

American History Stories by Mara L. Pratt audio book

American History Stories by Mara L. Pratt pdf