1st Day of School

Another school year has begun here in Zambia. Austin started Grade 8 (or 7th grade in the States) at International School of Lusaka (ISL). We just walked right next door and he was off to find his homeroom. He came home the first day talking non-stop about how much fun he had. He has 19 students in his class, and his subjects include English, Music, Spanish, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Drama, and Information Technology. He begins at 7:05am and comes home for lunch at 1:15pm. He will begin after-school activities in a few weeks.
Coby & Kelsey are continuing to home school using the Abeka DVD Program. Coby began 4th grade while Kelsey "splashed" into 2nd grade. This year's theme for 2nd grade is a pond and we use all kind of pond animals in our learning. I enjoyed decorating her classroom (I mean, bedroom) with all kinds of posters and motivational signs. Currently, we are waiting for our DVD players to arrive from the States, so she is doing her school in the living room. Coby is currently using a laptop in his room. Both seem to be enjoying this new DVD program (it's better than Mrs. Brain!!!).

Our first day turned out to be a flexible one. Our power went off at 6:30am just as I was putting grits in the microwave. So, Austin had potato chips for breakfast! We began our home schooling on time using the laptops, but about 2 hours into the lessons, the batteries gave out. So, we had recess until the power came back on at 9:30am. Once Austin got home at 1:15pm he was STARVING. We gave him money to buy snacks at school, but he decided to play soccer during his break instead. Of course, Austin didn't want any pictures of him going to school. But Matilda noticed him playing on the soccer field, which we can see from our back door, so Coby, Kelsey, and I yelled and waved at him. He was so embarrassed! He told me when he got home to please not do that again!!!