Monday, September 8, 2008

Today was the first day of our 2008-2009 school year. Yes, we are starting a little late, but because of our trip to China, we didn't finish our 2007-2008 year until August 8th. We all needed a break, and I needed the month to order books and prepare for the new year. For the last few weeks, I've been staying up W.A.Y. too late organizing and planning. We are beginning Tapestry of Grace's Year 2 Redesigned which looks amazing, but it is also one of Tapestry's most rigorous years. I love the classical education philosophy, but planning for each new year is always a little frightening as I can never imagine how in the world we are going to fit everything in to our days. Thankfully, it all seems to fall in place, and today we had a very successful first day!

We always start each new school year with a scavenger hunt for the kids' new "Study Buddy" :o). When we began this tradition, Brittany and Brant's Study Buddy was usually a new Beanie Baby. My, how things have changed! This year, Brittany got a backpack for her new laptop (which is actually her real sophmore year Study Buddy). Last week, Brant announced that he was too old for a Study Buddy. Thank goodness, because for the life of me, I couldn't think of anything for him. So, he got a 4-pack of Monster energy drink and some gum to assist him in his studying :0< !

As you can imagine, Brielle was SUPER excited about starting school! The last few weeks, as I was preparing for school, she kept asking, "You be teacher to me and Ji Hao?" And when I replied in the affirmative, she squealed at the top of her lungs! Brock Ji Hao went along with her excitement, but I'm sure he didn't quite understand what all the loud squeals were about.

(viewer caution: over the years, my Back-to-School Banners have become much less ornate and much more crooked...please don't look too closely)

My Students...


The most eager of students with their Study Buddies!
(yes...as you can tell, there was a very last minute run to Walmart)




Brock Ji Hao doing his "Get Ready for the Code" phonics book...yea!
I didn't realize how much fun it would be to do Kindergarten again!

2 comments:

Waitingfaithfully said...

Tracy,

I always enjoy your updates. I hope that you all have a great school year. It looks as though you are off to a wonderful start.

Your students are all precious, especially your NEW student. What a sweet B he is! God is good, I just loving seeing Brock's smiling face and knowing he is HOME!

Blessings ~

Tina

P.S. Brielle's close-up is too cute!

Jean said...

Have you always used Tapestry of Grace? I have heard of it but I don't know anything about it. We are in our 4th year of homeschooling and I am ALWAYS on the hunt for some great curriculums! What a neat idea ~ the study buddy.

Jean