Today, I went around town with the kids. I had a couple of errands that couldn't wait until Friday, so I got the kids in the van and took care of business! Sometimes when I go somewhere, I'll see someone or something that just creates an emotional impact on me for whatever reason it may be.
As we were waiting in line for the cashier today, I saw an older woman with her grandchildren. She was buying them some toys and I could hear her talking to them about how they were going to spend the day together while their parents were out.
I immediately thought of my own parents, living 18 hours away, and how much they are missing out on. They don't get to see all the milestones that my children hit. They don't get to spend afternoons together. They don't get to show them baby pictures of when I was little or tell them stories of long ago. My kids are missing out on warm hugs and kisses, playing with my dad's beard, going out to breakfast, and just learning about all the wonderful things my parents have experienced in their lifetime. It makes me sad to to think that the last time they saw Christian, he was 3 months old. He'll be 1 year next week!!! I feel like my kids will never know their grandparents to the point I would want them to.
Grandparents don't live forever. That's what makes me sad.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Waiting for Science.
I have been patiently waiting for the new Angelicum lesson plans for our science text, HSP Science. If there is any complaint that I have about Angelicum so far, it is that they are a bit slow to respond to emails. And the fact that they still don't have their act together for new lessons is a bit annoying as well.
In the mean time, I decided to start a new unit study with the kids about animals. I decided to go with Evan Moor materials this time since all I have to do is print out the worksheets to go with our unit. Since we will eventually be using a science text, I really just want to cover the basics for the time being.
Here is a list of what we'll be doing.
In the mean time, I decided to start a new unit study with the kids about animals. I decided to go with Evan Moor materials this time since all I have to do is print out the worksheets to go with our unit. Since we will eventually be using a science text, I really just want to cover the basics for the time being.
Here is a list of what we'll be doing.
- Animals are everywhere.
- Living/Non-living.
- Shapes, sizes, and colors of different animals.
- Animal homes.
- Animal classification.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Just So Anthony.
Tonight I found myself scrapping for dinner. I have yet to go grocery shopping! On the menu was grilled chicken breasts and hamburgers. Side dishes included broccoli and fruit salad.
As I'm serving the kids, I ask Anthony, "Honey, would you like to have chicken or a hamburger."
Anthony sits at the table, looks up, and in his most concentrated look and says, "Ummmmmm. I want a hot dog."
I reply, "We only have chicken and hamburgers. Pick one."
Anthony looks up again and puts his finger to his mouth and says, "Ummmmmm. Ok. I'll have a hot dog."
That's my Anthony!
As I'm serving the kids, I ask Anthony, "Honey, would you like to have chicken or a hamburger."
Anthony sits at the table, looks up, and in his most concentrated look and says, "Ummmmmm. I want a hot dog."
I reply, "We only have chicken and hamburgers. Pick one."
Anthony looks up again and puts his finger to his mouth and says, "Ummmmmm. Ok. I'll have a hot dog."
That's my Anthony!
More Cloth Diaper News.
Thanks to the encouragement I have been receiving on the use of cloth diapers, I decided not to give up using cloth diapers. I did go through some rough times with the swishing and washing; but I have made a great new discovery that has revolutionized my thoughts on cloth diapering. The DryBees All in One Diaper!!!
These diapers are awesome! Nice and soft, and easy to put on! I also purchased a disposable liner and now I've said "goodbye" to swishing! Putting on this diaper is exactly like putting on a disposable. Although the initial purchase for the diaper can be a little high (I paid $19 for each diaper), in the end you still end up saving. But more important than saving money, you are helping create a better environment for the future of your children.
I am still using disposables at night and when we go out. But other than that it has been all cloth diapers at home and on short errands! There really was hope for me after all!
These diapers are awesome! Nice and soft, and easy to put on! I also purchased a disposable liner and now I've said "goodbye" to swishing! Putting on this diaper is exactly like putting on a disposable. Although the initial purchase for the diaper can be a little high (I paid $19 for each diaper), in the end you still end up saving. But more important than saving money, you are helping create a better environment for the future of your children.
I am still using disposables at night and when we go out. But other than that it has been all cloth diapers at home and on short errands! There really was hope for me after all!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
History, Science, Reading, and More. An Update.
These past few weeks, we have been chugging along with school work. It has been extremely busy but I am very excited and happy in my role! I thought I would post a quick update on all that we are doing.
Math: We are still working on some math from Saxon 1. I decided to review more facts and go over a few things before starting Saxon 2. It is going extremely well and we are actually enjoying our lessons together! We also just started Saxon 1 with Isabella and I'm starting to get the hang of teaching 2 different math lessons concurrently.
Phonics: SSRW is GREAT!!! We love it around here. Marco's reading has improved and he is becoming more fluent. The readers from the program are the best! They are long and offer great stories and pictures. I especially like that they are not short because it has helped Marco keep his attention for longer periods of time. Isabella is also doing well with her blending and just finished the ferris wheel section of the program. The prizes are definitely an incentive, but I stopped giving them away on a daily basis.
History: This has been a little slow to start. We are currently doing Chapter 1 of SOTW. We covered creation, but have failed to do a fun project to go along with it. I am amazed that Marco is retaining the information being read to him. Narrations start today and I am using some great notebooking pages from Notebookingpages.com. We'll see how our projects turn out at the end of the week!
Cartography: By far the shortest lessons ever! National Geographic is wonderful and I like that the lessons are short and simple. We do this every Monday and the lesson takes about 10-15 minutes. Super easy and they are learning all about maps.
Science: The thorn in my side! I'm waiting on the updated lesson plans for science from Angelicum. They recently updated them, so we have been without a science curriculum for a while now. We are reading some books about animals, however, and that is filling in the gap. DH has also been teaching the kids all about cells, clotting, and other medical-type stuff. They look at videos and pictures from his books. They should be little doctors by the end of the year!
Reading: We are following along with some history books to accompany SOTW. We also just started Wind in the Willows for our "good books" selection.
Unit Studies: The Olympics!! This week we'll be working on an Olympic Lapbook and learning all about the Olympics and its sports. We'll be having our own Olympic competition with friends as well.
Religion: Just going along lesson by lesson. The kids seem to mellow out when we do religion and I really like that. They'll be starting their Faith Formation classes next month as well, so I think they'll be more prepared than ever.
Shurley Grammar: I postponed doing this for a while because I wanted Marco to advance with reading a little more. Currently we are going to start with Chapter 2 of the book. Chapter 1 consisted of classifying things into groups...something that I think he has gotten plenty of and understands, so we are skipping it.
Seems like lots, huh? It really has gone by really well and I'm loving the fact that we are learning so much more than just math and phonics. It really is an exciting time!!
Math: We are still working on some math from Saxon 1. I decided to review more facts and go over a few things before starting Saxon 2. It is going extremely well and we are actually enjoying our lessons together! We also just started Saxon 1 with Isabella and I'm starting to get the hang of teaching 2 different math lessons concurrently.
Phonics: SSRW is GREAT!!! We love it around here. Marco's reading has improved and he is becoming more fluent. The readers from the program are the best! They are long and offer great stories and pictures. I especially like that they are not short because it has helped Marco keep his attention for longer periods of time. Isabella is also doing well with her blending and just finished the ferris wheel section of the program. The prizes are definitely an incentive, but I stopped giving them away on a daily basis.
History: This has been a little slow to start. We are currently doing Chapter 1 of SOTW. We covered creation, but have failed to do a fun project to go along with it. I am amazed that Marco is retaining the information being read to him. Narrations start today and I am using some great notebooking pages from Notebookingpages.com. We'll see how our projects turn out at the end of the week!
Cartography: By far the shortest lessons ever! National Geographic is wonderful and I like that the lessons are short and simple. We do this every Monday and the lesson takes about 10-15 minutes. Super easy and they are learning all about maps.
Science: The thorn in my side! I'm waiting on the updated lesson plans for science from Angelicum. They recently updated them, so we have been without a science curriculum for a while now. We are reading some books about animals, however, and that is filling in the gap. DH has also been teaching the kids all about cells, clotting, and other medical-type stuff. They look at videos and pictures from his books. They should be little doctors by the end of the year!
Reading: We are following along with some history books to accompany SOTW. We also just started Wind in the Willows for our "good books" selection.
Unit Studies: The Olympics!! This week we'll be working on an Olympic Lapbook and learning all about the Olympics and its sports. We'll be having our own Olympic competition with friends as well.
Religion: Just going along lesson by lesson. The kids seem to mellow out when we do religion and I really like that. They'll be starting their Faith Formation classes next month as well, so I think they'll be more prepared than ever.
Shurley Grammar: I postponed doing this for a while because I wanted Marco to advance with reading a little more. Currently we are going to start with Chapter 2 of the book. Chapter 1 consisted of classifying things into groups...something that I think he has gotten plenty of and understands, so we are skipping it.
Seems like lots, huh? It really has gone by really well and I'm loving the fact that we are learning so much more than just math and phonics. It really is an exciting time!!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Centers.
I finally found a new spot for our centers! I originally had them on our flip chart, but I kept finding that it was more of a nuisance than a help. Having them there created such a big struggle with always trying to keep Anthony from taking them down. Now they are nicely hanging on a wall away from little hands. This gives me so much more control over who is going to be using what.
I really do like having these "take to your seat" activities available. It gives the kids something to do when they are waiting for their next lesson to begin. Lately, I tend to use them more for Isabella since Marco is requiring more one-on-one time. It keeps her busy and occupied without being bored. I explain to her what she needs to do and she can complete it independently.
Here are some of our centers. Shown are a number matching game, word family game, alphabet order game, counting by 10's & number order game, and vowels game.
Centers basically consist of file folder games and take to your seat activities. They allow the kids to learn and review a wide selection of skills and subjects. Since my kids are younger, the majority of my centers consist of math and reading. The grade range is mostly from pre-k to 2nd grade, but you can make centers for any age. Everything from learning the alphabet, number recognition, rhymes, colors & shapes, basic math skills, and word building are in my centers!
Most of my materials are made from using Evan-Moor products. They have GREAT resources! I recently also purchased some ready-made phonics file folder games from Carson-Dellosa. Centers are easy to make (although can be time consuming) with minimal supplies. All you need are:
These are all great sites to get anyone started with centers!
I really do like having these "take to your seat" activities available. It gives the kids something to do when they are waiting for their next lesson to begin. Lately, I tend to use them more for Isabella since Marco is requiring more one-on-one time. It keeps her busy and occupied without being bored. I explain to her what she needs to do and she can complete it independently.
Here are some of our centers. Shown are a number matching game, word family game, alphabet order game, counting by 10's & number order game, and vowels game.Most of my materials are made from using Evan-Moor products. They have GREAT resources! I recently also purchased some ready-made phonics file folder games from Carson-Dellosa. Centers are easy to make (although can be time consuming) with minimal supplies. All you need are:
- Printer
- Cardstock paper
- Velcro
- Laminator (highly recommended if you want your materials to last)
- File folders, bags, manila envelopes (depends on what kind of center you are doing)
- Scissors
- Double sided tape
These are all great sites to get anyone started with centers!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Summer Olympics 2008.
I was watching a segment on TV about the summer Olympics, when Marco asked me, "What are the Olympics?" I tried to explain to him the basic concept and he kind of nodded and went on his way. I've been thinking about it and I've made the decision to do a little unit study on the Olympics. After all, they represent a unification of all cultures through sport. And even though the are underway, we'll learn as we watch our favorites on TV. It'll be way cool!
After doing a bit of research, I came up with the following websites that offer some fun and educational Olympic activities. It is always a challenge to find something that is appropriate for the lower grammar levels. I'm planning on picking and choosing from these different sites to make my own study. Perhaps we'll wrap it all up by making a lapbook and hosting our version of the Olympic games using activities suggested from first-school.
2008 Summer Olympic Games: offers printables on individual sports.
The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympics: super cute and perfect to decorate a lapbook!
Learning Page: offers some nice worksheet with the Olympic theme.
Summer Olympics 2008 Unit Study: this is a free unit study with lapbook templates and activities correlating to several subjects.
The Olympics Games: a great resource from Enchanted Learning. Offers everything from flags, history, activities, and crafts.
Discovery Education Streaming: this is a great resource and I plan on using it to watch some video segments with the kids.
There are plenty more sites out there, but I always get overwhelmed with the multitude of websites to visit. I don't want to inundate anyone so I'm keeping it nice and simple. We'll start our unit on Monday and I'll be spending the weekend getting ready for it.
My main objectives for the unit will be:
After doing a bit of research, I came up with the following websites that offer some fun and educational Olympic activities. It is always a challenge to find something that is appropriate for the lower grammar levels. I'm planning on picking and choosing from these different sites to make my own study. Perhaps we'll wrap it all up by making a lapbook and hosting our version of the Olympic games using activities suggested from first-school.
2008 Summer Olympic Games: offers printables on individual sports.
The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympics: super cute and perfect to decorate a lapbook!
Learning Page: offers some nice worksheet with the Olympic theme.
Summer Olympics 2008 Unit Study: this is a free unit study with lapbook templates and activities correlating to several subjects.
The Olympics Games: a great resource from Enchanted Learning. Offers everything from flags, history, activities, and crafts.
Discovery Education Streaming: this is a great resource and I plan on using it to watch some video segments with the kids.
There are plenty more sites out there, but I always get overwhelmed with the multitude of websites to visit. I don't want to inundate anyone so I'm keeping it nice and simple. We'll start our unit on Monday and I'll be spending the weekend getting ready for it.
My main objectives for the unit will be:
- What are the Olympics?
- Why do we have them?
- How are they important?
- What is the history behind them (brief)?
- What sports are played?
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