This is our third Home Instruction Quarterly Report for the 2009-2010 academic year that I just emailed to my school district today, just a tad late. On the accompanying email, I advised the school district that I would administer the California Achievement Test later this month.
I could have waited until 5th Grade to start the assessment tests that are required thereafter on alternating years, but I like to use these tests to see how Alex is doing in Math and English. As part of the process, I have him take past year New York State assessments that are found online. Last year, I discovered that Alex needed to review a couple of math subjects. This year, I noticed that he needs to practice writing reviews that include supporting details drawn from the reading sample. Not a big deal, but it is helpful feedback as we move forward with his education.
Home Instruction Quarterly Report, III – March 31, 2010
Alex, 4th Grade, Blog Website: http://leperdy.com
Hours of instruction this quarter: 225
Arithmetic: Alex completed the Singapore 4B Units on Decimals and The Four Operations of Decimals, and he continues to practice math facts. He is making good progress in Math.
English Language Arts:
Alex read several books that he discussed with his book club this quarter, including: Terry Pratchett’s Nation and The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, Allegra Goodman’s The Other Side of the Island, East by Edith Pattou, and Nancy Farmer’s Sea of Trolls trilogy. Additionally, he read various history and science non-fiction sources as part of research projects. Alex’s reading comprehension is progressing nicely, and he reads well above grade level.
Alex continues to write often in his journal, and he completes weekly exercises in Grammar and Spelling. During this quarter, he completed a long-term research project about medieval castles.
Alex is making excellent progress in developing English Language skills.
Social Studies: Much of this quarter was spent on a long-term research project on medieval castles that Alex presented at the Bell Top School Education Fair. Additionally, Alex researched and wrote about Viking history.
Science: Alex attended a few science programs: The Art of Science at CMOST, Engineering Day at RPI, and an introduction to physics lecture by Union College professor, Chad Orzel, who recently published Physics For Dogs. He also read about Charles Darwin, and attended a couple of presentations at the NY State Museum exploring food and evolution.
Music: Alex is reading and listening to A Young Person’s Guide to Music by Neil Ardley with Music by Poul Ruders.
The Arts: After learning about castle architecture and basic engineering use of scale and measurements, Alex built a sugar cube castle. He also continued investigations of interdisciplinary connections between science and art. Alex also attended a couple of theatrical programs: NYSTI’s production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and a simulcast musical production of Nation.
Health Education: Alex completed the Cub Scouts Webelo Fitness badge which required him to learn about healthy eating and avoiding risky behavior such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
Physical Education: Alex is getting daily exercise through hiking, dog walks, and outdoor play. He also made good progress in his weekly riding and fencing lessons
Technology: Alex participated in a video game market research survey where he was able to observe video game production. He continues to develop technical skills on Blogger and Roblox, and Lego Mindstorm programming.
