FALL-ing Into Place

Nolan takes a break from Math with a snack  and some YouTube while at his Aunt Linda's

 Past 3 weeks have been about maintaining a schedule.  We have needed to make adjustments and have even decided that we will do a few classes over the weekend so that Nolan goes into the next week with a lighter work load.  

This past week Nolan took a day to work from his Aunt Linda's house.  We also spent some time at the library to get an outline together for a writing assignment. I have identified that writing assignments still need more attention and time.  I have partnered with a friend and mother of another Virginia Virtual Academy student to tag team on this. Will keep you posted!

He had his first field trip today with Virginia Virtual Academy at Jumpology! It was good to get out and see all the grade levels participate.  

We were even able to visit sister Adrianna for lunch last week, which was a good break from the usual day. We try to do this once a week!

Nolan is still working on his art sketch. This had to be put on hold to focus on his other subjects for now. Next week he will pick up where he left off. 

Extracurricular

Last week Nolan took his learning outside the home and into his grandma's back yard.  This 13 foot tent was a huge challenge. After reading the manual and placing what we thought were the right pieces in place, we realize that we were ultimately missing 2 key parts.  It was a good effort for a base and he was rewarded with lunch from grandma! 

This week, we are working on a new schedule suggested by one of his teachers.  Nolan has been pretty independent this week with his studies, and has had lots of outside time this past week riding his bike. 

Renaissance Man

Into the 3rd week, Nolan is learning about Italian Renaissance art and taking a stab at his first sketch drawing. 

We went over how to scale and taking each section one at a a time. The goal is to have all the sketch elements complete by the end of the week. Next week the goal is to add color!

He started out not as confident, but after completing the head and face of his portrait, he felt better about the project. Will share the completed work in a few weeks. 

Thursday Troubleshoot

Nolan taking an early break to enjoy some honey chicken bites.

Well, today's start was interrupted with logon issues, so we have moved on to his first writing/research assignment that we thankfully printed the night before. It's centered around Organisms in a Madagascan environment. 

I thought Nolan would have issues with it, since writing is usually where he tends to get stuck, but he actually comprehended better than I did on what to do. Will check in on him shortly to see how he's coming along. 

Around here on Thursday's the local libraries are closed. Doh! We may travel to Starbucks again if needed. We have our first online class connect session at 1pm! 

Catching Up

To end last week, we made it to the local Library to catch up on more Language Arts. It's definitely a better place for these assignments.

This week, we are back at Language Art; got through a quiz there and on to Math.  Nolan seems to be pretty focused independent working this way.  I'll remind him of his breaks and he'll either take one or want to work through a subject until completion first. 

We are still working about 4 hours a day including catching up so we end the day with some incomplete assignments. The goal is that after this week we will be up to date.

Getting Through Day 2

Changed the scene and went to a nearby Starbucks.  We had a late start because of Wifi issues at home. Nearby libraries are closed on Thursdays. Tried to work on Language Arts but it was too distracting for reading.  

We know now to handle Language Arts, reading or writing assignments at home or a more quiet place. But made a dent in all the other subjects.

Tomorrow and the first of next week will all about catching up with reading and writing. 

About the first day...

The first day was interesting. I will not chronicle every single day, but this one was an important milestone.

I am still in the process of personalizing his work space but for now, clean and clear is the best way to go. I'll share pictures a day next week.

We started around 10am, and fumbled around with a recorded orientation first. Our start date was about a week after the online start date so we had some catching up to do. Then we realized that his books would be needed to complete some assignments, so we set those aside.

After that, Nolan was able to work independently on his own with little guidance from me. We caught up 2 of the 4 overdue assignments and he was able to get through 3 quizzes. 

Aside from the slow start and navigating around, it was a good day. Although we wrapped up 2:30pm, I think now knowing how to get through the subjects it's likely as the days go forward we can wrap up earlier. 

Nolan was pretty engaged and excited to complete assignments as they are automatically checked off when completed.

Great job Nolan! Let's try this again tomorrow. Man! I hope those books come soon.

The Big Day

I won't take all day to write this. I'll get to the point. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY.

My son Nolan (my 7th grader) and I decided to keep a blog about our journey this year with homeschooling. We chose Virginia Virtual Online Academy as we heard great reviews about it. I'll post pictures, some videos and talk about our ups and downs.

I'll even share the backstory of how we got here in another post. I don't have unrealistic expectations about the experience. I know it will be work, and a high level of discipline will required of both of us. I know there are a few that don't agree and think we are taking a huge risk. Then there are more that are for us and extremely supportive. 

I have concluded, sometimes it's the risks that make all the difference in the world.


Nherie
Mom of Nolan, The Cool Kid