Summer School Recap

We had such a great time with school this summer. Our focus was Geography, German and Art. The geography text was over Jewel's head at times, but we supplemented with Australia to Zimbabwe, Children Around the World. I can't say enough good about this book! The pictures are gorgeous, and Jewel is fascinated with how the kids live. It has led to many a great discussion. We couple it with Google Earth--looking up and marking the countries we study and the ones we have visited. Good fun! German has been amazing. I'd say her vocabulary is about 40 words right now. We practice at the dinner table (colors, foods, what is on the tisch, what we see in the air in fligt, etc.). And we practice the numbers while playing dominoes or yahtzee. A fun way of practicing, and so rewarding to see her pull it all together. Art has been fun to see some of the masters and then have her draw her own version of the theme.

She has continued in swimming lessons as well. We've had a few fun field trips. In Portsmouth we went to the submarine museum and toured a sub, visited two castles and the cathedral, and watched the fishing boats. In Winchester we went to see the *round table* and the cathedral. In London we toured the Tower of London. All great educational spots.

I was pleased with the progress we made during the summer, especially since the schedule was totally relaxed. I hope she is able to continue this for the fall term! :-)