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Friday, September 11, 2009

Meet the Students...

...of Mt. Hope Academy!

Leif ~ Sept 2009 ~ Age 3

Leif, Mr. Exuberant, is the youngest student at barely 3 years old. He is a pre-schooler this year, but don't let that fool you. He is determined, competitive, and eager. He is also rambunctious, loud, and often disruptive. But he is so cute, he is always forgiven.

He knows his letters and letter sounds, his numbers, colors, continents, and oceans. In the coming months, he will be working on shapes, blending letter sounds, and listening to and looking at many picture books. He will listen in on Latin, Bible memory, poetry, geography songs, and more since he doesn't play well independently and is often stuck in a car seat while fascinating CDs (songs, stories, poetry) are being played. His teacher is hopeful that he will work on his ability to be quiet while the teacher is reading and talking.

Luke ~ Sept 2009 ~ Age 5

Luke, Mr. Earnest, turned 5 just a few months ago and is now starting Kindergarten. Luckily that is a loose description at this school, since he is a whiz at math and reads at a 2nd grade level. He loves projects, games, and one-on-one attention.

This year he will work on perfecting his handwriting (focusing on lowercase letters), breeze through math, and spend time reading aloud as well as independently. He will begin piano lessons. He will participate in Bible, Latin, grammar, memory work, geography, art, music, and science (in varying degrees). He will join in history and literature, increasing and applying (hist teacher hopes) what little attention span he has for those subjects.


Levi ~ Sept 2009 ~ 7 1/2

Levi, Mr. Effervescent, is 7 1/2 going on either 2 or 20 (depends on what minute you ask his teacher). He is officially a second grader, though he reads on an 8th+ grade level and math (sigh)... Well, maybe we won't talk about math. He is sure he knows everything, and sometimes one almost believes it. Almost. He is constantly talking or humming, which must help his head stay clear, but doesn't have the same effect on those around him. He excells in any subject with words, such as debate.

This year he will continue with math, grammar, Latin, Bible, memory work, science (earth and space), geography, history (Medieval/Early Renaissance), literature (tied in with history), piano lessons, music history, and art. He will begin cursive handwriting and a new spelling program. He will read hundreds of books in his free time. His teacher hopes that he will develop an ability to work independently on occasion without getting distracted in the first three seconds, as well as develop a pleasant attitude toward work, instruction, and those in authority.


Boy, oh boy (pun intended),
am I glad there is only a 3:1 student-teacher ratio
here at Mt. Hope Academy.

25 comments:

aspiritofsimplicity said...

You certainly do have good looking class this year! They look like they will be keeping you very busy.

Heather said...

Heidi, I noticed the new portraits in your sidebar yesterday--they are wonderful!! And lovely, too~ (of course your mighty men may not appreciate such terminology; I know mine don't care for those words when used in reference to themselves :)

Anyhoo... what an amazing crew you have! So many blessings, so many gifts! Cherish each and every one... and have a fabulous weekend~

Kathy said...

Heidi - you have three gorgeous boys! I wish you many blessings in your school year!
Kathy

Jennifer said...

Beautiful photos of the boys!

carole said...

What amazingly handsome students you have! The portraits are stunning. And I can completely understand your gratefulness for the 3:1 student teacher ratio. lol
I think I'm going to have to go back and re-read your 'how to teach reading' post(s). I'm struggling with wondering if something's up with my teaching approach/style when it comes to phonics instruction. (I know, I know, no comparing allowed ... Just wanting to see some success here!)

Also, I love your lovely photo collage. It's gorgeous! I am so inspired. Maybe I'll actually make something, too.

Unknown said...

Love the descriptions of your boys! And their photos are so handsome!

Have a lovely day!

Tracey said...

This was such a great blog! You have a class full of adorable kids!

jodi said...

leif looks way too grown up! he was just a wee little one when i first started reading your blog... my youngest turned 4 on wednesday, so i know how sad (and yet good, too) it is.

great pics as always heidi!
have a great weekend-
jodi

Carrie said...

What a handsome group!!! Hope you guys have a great year!! :)

Mon Cheri said...

What great new *school photos*! Bet you'r glad you get to take them yourself! I may be a little prejudiced but WOW, CUTE!

Sarah said...

A handsome AND smart crew! Sounds like you'll have a busy and fun school year...

Mrs. E. said...

Love the yearly school photos. Wish I would've kept up on that. I guess it's never too late to start, huh?
I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your book recommendations for the kids. As a combo traditional/classic homeschooler I refer back to you often throughout the year.
Blessings,
Heather

Heidi said...

Carole~ I just got lucky. :) We can compare math progress if you want to feel better...

Jodi~ Leif was 6 months old when I started this blog, and Luke wasn't even 3 yet. Sigh. Some days seem sooooooooo long, yet time flies. Unfair.

Julia said...

wow. heidi, those 3 boys of yours are absolutely gorgeous (second to my 3, of course, but i will say that yours are the most attractive blond/blue-eyed ones i've ever seen--mine are the best brown-haired/brown-eyed. :) ). and i can't believe how much leif already knows. i guess that comes with being the youngest?

good luck with the school year!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Such handsome students you have and fantastic pictures (as usual)! :)

Have a fun school year!

Tammy

Anonymous said...

Great descriptions of your "students" you sure hit the nail on the head with each of them! Can't wait to catch up with you soon. ~Tera

Holly said...

I thought you were describing Ilex under the picture of Levi (just put in 13 1/2 and everything else is the same).

Precision Quality Laser said...

Your boys are so handsome! Have a wonderful school year.

Love the new up to date photos!

Renee said...

Darling! Wish I were a fly on the wall. :)

Shannon said...

HOLY. SMOKES. THOSE BOYS ARE CUTE!
Glad they are 'mine'. I'm so happy that we are going to see them more often!

Aunt Shan

Mon Cheri said...

Hey, just noticed that you won
5'th place at iheartfaces with the picture of the three!!! Way to go again!
Mom

Jodi P. said...

Heidi, you are such an amazing Mom! Your boys are incredible- these photos are perfect. Even though I don't homeschool, I love your recommendations, tips, etc...they have been very helpful. Now if I could just muster up the courage to take it on with my girls! I admire you for presenting your boys with such a priceless gift of education. Happy Learning! :-)

Unknown said...

Your students are are adorable! And I know that you are a great teacher too : )

Laurel said...

Gorgeous pics of your handsome boys! Can my kids come out to your school:)?

Cathy said...

Your boys all look so much older than they are. It's fun to hear what they are good at and challenged at.