Hurry Up and Wait.

Not much new to report. We continue to be very busy with preparations, but still no word on our LOA. This is to be expected, as we are on day 24, with projections at 90-120 days.

We have begun to look more closely and prepare for his homeschooling. Thanks to the feedback of some other homeschoolers (kudos to Susan, Lisa and Jaci!), we have been looking into different options as a starting point. Our first component is phonics, and we have decided to use the Explode The Code curriculum. It actually begins with 3 primers: Get Ready for The Code, Get Set for The Code, and Go For the Code. We are also looking into some language/reading comprehension books and handwriting modules (possibly A Reason for Handwriting), and will likely also use either Alpha Phonics or Happy Phonics. Finally, we are strongly considering using Singapore Math as it tends to be similar to what is taught in China. We want to get some more information on this, though, and are not quite sure at what grade of Singapore Math we would start him, whether at current grade or some grade prior (he’s in Fourth Grade in China). We will likely hold off on any structured History and Science teaching until he has a better grasp of the language (reading and writing).

I am looking into the possibility of making a change at work to a 5-day work week with shorter daily hours (7:30-4:00). This would allow me to be home by 4:30 every evening and provide more support to Angie with evening housework and homework, more consistent daily structure for our little guy, as well as more daily opportunities for bonding and attachment. It would also allow me to work much closer to home (20 miles away versus 33). I would not be changing employers, but rather the clinic at which I practice. I should know more in a couple weeks.