And the Results Are ...

So I got B's PIAT-r test results back today.  I think he did well?  I'm not really sure?  Our evaluator sent a detailed explanation of the results I just can't seem to wrap my head around them!  It says that B did better than 70% of kids his age that took the test.  That seems OK.  Maybe I am expecting too much?  I guess I wanted him to do better than 90% of kids his age...  Too much?   :-)

It also says that his scores were consistent with the scores of someone who was 11-10 (11 years and 10 months old) or grade 6.5.  He is 11.  Well, he will be in 2 days.  :-)  And we are about 3/4 of our way through 5th grade.  Does that mean that 30% of the kids do better than this?  I guess that makes sense.

Does anyone out there have experience with the PIAT-r standardized test?  I guess that next year it will be easier because I will have prior tests to compare scores with.  All I have from the past year are PSSAs. 

Standardized Test ... done!

Yep, B took his standardized test this morning.  I don't have the results yet.  Am I wondering how he did?  Of course.  But I keep reminding myself that it really doesn't matter.  He isn't the best test taker.  I don't feel that the PSSA's ever showed his ability.  Why would this be any different?  In fourth grade he was kept out of the top math group because of his PSSA score ... even though he had the grades (all A's) and prior teacher recommendation.  Why a PSSA score whould matter that much is beyond me ...  but that is a whole other story.

We were lucky enough that our evaluator administers this test and actually came to our house for him to take it.  I wasn't sure what it would be like but B didn't seem to mind it at all.  He didn't even need a pencil.  It was a series of questions that he answered verbally and was mostly multiple choice.  At least that is what I could tell.  I tried to stay out of the room (but of course listened at the top of the stairs - I'm only human!)  B is shy and I was a little nervous about him taking a verbal test but he seemed comfortable and spoke clearly.  I could even hear him at the top of the stairs where I was cleaning the spindles of the railing.  Don't judge me ... they needed cleaning! 

While our evaluator was here, we scheduled our evaluation day.  Now I can start putting a portfolio together over the next two months.  Thankfully, the evaluator seemed really nice and B seemed comfortable with her.  This is the first time that we all have met face to face.  Next obstacle ... portfolio.

Schoolwork Helper

Our dog, Trooper, was helping B do his Grammar work today. 

B was impressed that Trooper was pointing to the correct answer.  He is thinking about using his help for his next test.  :-)

... and more hockey

I am starting to get so excited for next year!  All of my kids will be home with me and I am starting to look into curriculum and wondering how much more difficult it will be with three at home.  Is it exponential or only a minor adjustment?  I am guessing that it will be exponential ... Especially since I have been spoiled with my oldest (10 years old).  He can do a lot on his own and I realize that that probably won't be the case for my 7 and 9 year old.  Has anyone used My Fathers World?  I am looking into their curriculum and I really like that I could use it with all the kids. 

I can't wait until next year!!  I am really looking forward to the flexibility.  The boys had a playoff game last Friday at 5:00pm (2 hours away) so I had to take C and E out of school early.  We have the same situation this Friday at 4:00pm and it is even farther away.  I always feel a little guilty pulling them out of school.  I know that I shouldn't.  They are my kids, right?  But I can't help feeling like I am getting judged or looked down on for having my kids miss school.  Ah ... next year ...

As I mentioned, we are deep in playoffs for hockey right now.  Last weekend we went into the playoffs in third place and finished in first place.  The boys did so well!!  Although, they kept the games way too close for my comfort, winning both in overtime.  We now will be going to the finals next weekend where we play another team (the team rank first in the league) three times to see who will be the league champions.  I don't know if my heart can take many more nail biting games!!  At least then the season will be over ... then lacrosse starts ... then hockey tournaments start ... It never really ends does it! :-)

I am so proud of these boys!  :-)

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! (-: