Today we finished MTMM (with the exception of a science experiment that N. has to still do with his dad). I have to say this may be my favorite guide next to Preparing, but it seems I say that every year. I was worried about studying modern history that it would be too depressing, but this guide is a nice blend of the realism of man's sin and depravity and God's hope and promises. This update will cover highlights from the last few weeks.
Our last storytime book was about Mother Theresa. It was a very good book and offered opportunity for some good discussion about reaching out to who the world sees as the "least of these".
In history we covered some of the events that I remember very clearly such as the Challenger disaster and 9/11. As we watched videos from 9/11 I could see for the first time it really click with N. what actually occurred on that day. He was visibly disturbed by it, but what I love is that today he watched a speech by Billy Graham that he gave in response to 9/11. In it Billy talked about yes there is evil in the world, but God is still in control. Always a good reminder to hear.
In science the genetic study couldn't have come at a better time as N. just had some genetic testing done, so he has heard lots about DNA and chromosomes. He built this model of DNA.
He says his favorite science book that he has done in all 5 years of HOD has been "Evolution the Grand Experiment". He feels like he has learned so much and can actually pose a good argument against evolution.
One thing he has loved this year is the hymn study and I love hearing him sing hymns first thing in the morning.
Here he is on the last day of school, still waking up, but singing his hymn for the week.
His last drawing in his nature study was a very cool pen and ink drawing of the view out our window. Looking back through his journal I am very impressed with everything he drew.
He finished up the state study and did well on his final test. This study was a nice easier part of the day, but yet we discussed some topics that I am not sure we had discussed before.
Overall it has been a successful year. He still has to finish up his Algebra 1 so we will work on that through the summer and start Geometry at some point next year. He will be required to do some free reading or listen to an audio book each day of the summer and we are going to use Word Build by Dynamic Literacy for some short sweet vocabulary lessons. I have found with him that it is important to keep his brain engaged as well as he has to keep writing a little bit during the summer or he really has a tough time in the fall.
