Final exam

Here we are, the last couple weeks before school starts. Sara has simply been amazing this summer. We have had lessons twice a day 5 days a week for this whole summer. We started from the beginning of 1st grade math went through most (if not all) of the 2nd grade math curriculum and have even morphed into spelling/phonics and reading; I’ve dubbed this summer “The Summer of Math..or whatever.”

If anyone asks me what my favorite part summer was, I can say without hesitation, my favorite part was the time I spent with Sara in our lessons. The confidence she gained, the confidence I gained, how we worked out any obstacles or “opportunities” together, and the time getting to know and better understand Sara has been priceless.

As we wind up our contract for summer math, Sara has decided on the cash option vs. the new, fully accessorized build-a-bear. But before we complete the contract, we are going to do a final exam for second grade math.

At the beginning of this project I defined the goals (Step 2: Goals). Our final exam will be on all of the items I defined. Of all the points, the first one was the most work and is our biggest accomplishment; addition / subtraction up to 20.

This week we have been doing an addition intensive, mostly learning to carry numbers.

(side note rant)

If anyone can tell me why in the world kids have to learn to do math horizontally, I would love to know. What is the value of solving the an equation laid out like this: 17 + 19 vs. vertically? Before this summer, the last time I remember solving a problem like that (horizontally) was in second grade!

(end of rant)

Next week we are going to do an intensive on subtraction and borrowing. We’ll spend a couple days in final exam preparation then have a final exam. My plan is for the preparation to be intensive and the exam to be “encouraging.”

Proverbs 24:27: Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.