Proud Momma

I recently purchased a Singapore Math word problem book to supplement our math.  We don't do it everyday but I thought that it would be great practice and B sometimes struggles with logic and word problems.  We are doing Singapore Math 5B and I ordered the level 5 word problem book not realizing that it is for 6th grade.  The word problems are difficult for him but we do them together.

Today the word problem was best done with a little Algebra.  I started to explain to B how to do it with an easy Algebra equation.  At first he was confused but when he got it .... he got it!  He actually said "that is fun can we do another one?"   I wanted to jump up and do a little dance while cheering but I didn't want to spook him.  So I  calmly said, "Sure."  and wrote 5 easy algebra equations on the whiteboard for him which he excitedly did quickly and correctly!!  I love that I get to share these moments with my son! :-)

Algebra was a favorite subject of mine so I am such a proud momma!! 

Mathematics is the language which God has written the universe. 
- Galileo Galilei

Constitution 101

I am so excited to be taking a class of my own for the next 10 weeks!  Hillsdale College is offering Constitution 101 "The Meaning and History of the Constitution" free of charge (although they do suggest a donation to cover costs).  The class is online and started yesterday.  Each lecture is about 40 minutes and is taught by professors that teach the course at the college.  It is a course that Hillsdale College students are required to take.  I have wanted to teach B about the Constitution and now I will be much more confident when I do!  What a perfect time to get a refresher course!  :-)

If you haven't heard about Hillsdale College ...  It is a small, independent (they do not accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies for any of their operations - yes, it can be done!)  college in southern Michigan.  I did not go there, nor did anyone that I know.  We receive their free monthly newsletter called Imprimis and that is how I found out about the course.

If you are interested, it is not too late to sign up for the course! 
Check out the website:
http://constitution.hillsdale.edu/

National Civil War Museum

We've finally gotten over the winter illnesses and we got to take our first field trip!  What better way to spend a cold February morning.  We are learning about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln and we happen to have a great Civil War museum 20 minutes away.  B is really interested in history and especially the Civil War, Revolutionary War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam War ... ok, so he is interested in anything military. 

The National Civil War museum was nice.  The building is beautiful and it was really easy to find our way around.  It was not crowded on a Thursday morning and it only took us about 1 1/2 hours to walk through the entire museum.  I loved all of the old artifacts.  There is something really cool about seeing Robert E. Lee's Bible and Abraham Lincoln's hat box.  Not to mention the weapons, medical kits, uniforms and other paraphernalia used by men in the war.  B loved all of the dioramas of the different battles.  It was right up his alley.  We are hoping to make it to Gettysburg and Valley Forge when it gets a little nicer out.  This is one of the benefits of living in PA.  Lots of local history to explore!

B also completely a project on the Vietnam War last week.  I let him choose the subject matter and  also what type of project he wanted to do.  My only input was the paper.  I wanted him to write a paper (outline, first copy, rewrite, final draft) and he chose to do a clay diorama and poster board.  I am really proud of the work that he put into this project! 

All in all a fun start to February!  I just calculated that we are on day 111 of school today.  In PA we have to account for 180 days per school year.  We are on pace to finish the school year (hopefully) at the end of May.  We'll see what happens!

Hope that everyone had a happy Valentine's Day! (-: