Grades

This is the first year that we are giving grades, and we only do it for a few subjects. So far, they are:
Math (all 3)
History (Just Christian)
Biology (Just Christian)
Grammar (Alex and Christian)
Geography (Just Christian)
Reading Comp. (Just Alex)

Everything else we just "teach to mastery."

Since the local schools are giving progress reports, I decided that I am going to give the boys theirs. The grades won't be a huge surprise, because they ask every. single. day.

So far:
Christian
Math - 97%
History - 99%
Biology - 97%
Grammar (Review) - 87%
Geography - 92%

Alex
Math (Review) - 96%
Grammar- 80%

Ethan
Math - 97%

Tomorrow Alex has a test in reading comprehension. Then I will have another grade for him. I have a feeling he will do well... if he doesn't, his friend D can't come up on Thursday. He is currently reviewing the book, for the 4th time.

School has been so different here. I don't know if it is because we have more room to spread out, or if it is because we are all just generally *happy* here, or what. When I say "School time!" they grab their books and get started. When they are done with a subject, they move on to the next one. Instead of having 2-3 good (read- no fighting) days a week (like in Detroit) we are lucky to have 1 bad day a month.

We were having a problem with Christian taking hours to do one lesson but that is much better. I finally realized that he was having trouble managing his time, so we started hyper-managing school time for him. It seems to be teaching him how to manage his time better. I am going to give it until the end of the week and then back off a tiny bit, eventually getting to the point that he manages his time on his own.

We had this problem in Detroit and I really thought it was just him being lazy. Once I realized that he just really didn't know how to manage time, we came up with a plan. (Imagine that! My kid doesn't know how to manage time. I was shocked!)

The hyper-managing Christian's time plan

1. Set the expectation at the beginning of each subject.
2. Set the timer. (He gets a set amount of time, depending on the subject.)
3. Christian will write any "homework" on an index card and post it on the bulletin board.
4. Follow up at the end of class.
1. a. What homework needs to be done?
2. b. Did Christian write assignment on index card?
5. Christian will have 1 hour of free time. At the end of free time he will show mom or dad his assignment cards, and begin working on his homework. No computer, PS2, TV or phone privileges until homework is done. Christian can listen to a radio while working on his homework. Christian can only leave his room (or the dining room table) to use the rest room and for dinner until his homework is done.