Still unschooling here. We started going to a homeschooling group in town. Our first gathering was at the Firefighters museum. They had a treasure hunt. The kids weren't too interested as they were having too much fun with the trucks. Eventually they started helping. They missed out on going to the actual fire station.
Last Friday they met at the Weslyan church. I could tell right away that it would be something Ethan wouldn't like. The women were calling each other "Mrs." and getting the kids to sit and raise their hands to do things. It was like being in school, which he does not like. He wants to run around and play. By the second hour, he was all over the place and wanting to leave. Shaylee is more sedate and was going along with what everyone else was doing. They did some drawing and had some songs. I think everyone else is part of that church so their kids were used to being there. We are always the odd balls being LDS. Anyway they talked more about fire safety, making up escape routes for their rooms and then an hour on insects.
Shaylee is really into cooking lately. There are a number of things she can make all by herself from start to finish, from gathering ingredients and tool, to turning the stove on, to cooking then serving! I just make sure to supervise and do anything where she might get burned (like draining the spaghetti). I always let her help when she asks. She is really good at making pizza, eggie nests, spaghetti and other things. She likes to do other things around the house too, like laundry, clean, set table, ect... Ethan doesn't like helping. I'll probably get Shaylee to help with Christmas cooking. She is really excited that I got a new candy thermometer (she broke my other one) and likes looking at it.
They're both doing a lot of reading, playing and so on. Right now there seems to be an activity or two every day with Halloween on Saturday. I'm trying to get them to do more things without me as they are so clingy to me. It's hard because Mark had to rearrange his schedule (they're not always better with him) and I sometimes have to ask others to do things for us. I think it's slowly helping though. I hate it when they can't seem to function unless I'm right there. But not enough to put them in school (although there are days I'm tempted, lol!).
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Is there ever a good time?
lol! Life keeps happening. Right now we're not feeling the greatest. It has hit Mark the hardest but the kids are coughing a lot. A lot of what we're doing is stealth learning, lol! I love that even if we aren't sitting them down and teaching them, they are still learning lots. I love shopping with Shaylee as she's starting to point out words as we're looking around. I have no worries she'll catch on and be fluent in no time. It's not like at just turned 5 she's far behind. I think I read somewhere that 8 is the average age for natural learners to learn how to read. My biggest problem was Ethan was so advanced with reading and it came so naturally I don't know what to expect. Go with the flow I guess :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Registered!
Yay, I got my letter from the Department of Education indicating the kids were registered for the new year. We were also thanked for our progress reports. Whew! What a load off my mind. I feel I can breathe, at least until summer, lol!
We aren't doing much today. Kids are playing on Starfall and the Veggie Tales website. They're having a sleepover at Nanny Smith's house tonight (I think). I am busy canning (or should be, lol!). I know everything we need to will get covered this year so I'm not stressing. I have enough else to stress about :)
We aren't doing much today. Kids are playing on Starfall and the Veggie Tales website. They're having a sleepover at Nanny Smith's house tonight (I think). I am busy canning (or should be, lol!). I know everything we need to will get covered this year so I'm not stressing. I have enough else to stress about :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
A Little Scare
I just got a call from the Department of Education :o. Panic! My heart went into my throat. Apparently they couldn't find Shaylee's birth certificate in amongst the papers. I was sure it was in there so she checked again and it was. Whew! Hopefully that is the only call I get this year! At least now I know it will be a little longer before I hear back from them, but hopefully not too long!
Monday September 14th, 2009
Well, we had our week off. Good thing as I had too much to deal with. However there was the issue of getting the kids excited to get back to work today. There was a lot of feet dragging and goofing around, but we got a bit done.
We read Chapter 2 of the Book of Mormon reader and discussed it.
Ethan read three more pages in his Eclectic reader and Shaylee reviewed her previous stories and read one new story. She is starting to pick up on more words outside (she picked out Monday undies this morning since it was Monday :) ).
Ethan did one test in his math book and Shaylee did two pages. We played a game of picking out the blocks and they made a graph out of them.
Next we covered the Cave People briefly from A Child's History of The World. I didn't go over every detail but they are now familiar with how they lived, hunted, what and how they ate, what they wore and what life was like for children of Cave People.
Ethan read the read and find out book about Salt. I will go over it with both of them and we will do some salt experiments again soon.
So yeah, we didn't do a lot but I think we did enough.
We read Chapter 2 of the Book of Mormon reader and discussed it.
Ethan read three more pages in his Eclectic reader and Shaylee reviewed her previous stories and read one new story. She is starting to pick up on more words outside (she picked out Monday undies this morning since it was Monday :) ).
Ethan did one test in his math book and Shaylee did two pages. We played a game of picking out the blocks and they made a graph out of them.
Next we covered the Cave People briefly from A Child's History of The World. I didn't go over every detail but they are now familiar with how they lived, hunted, what and how they ate, what they wore and what life was like for children of Cave People.
Ethan read the read and find out book about Salt. I will go over it with both of them and we will do some salt experiments again soon.
So yeah, we didn't do a lot but I think we did enough.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Week Off
I think we are taking this week off from sit down learning. Things are just super crazy around here, starting with the lice we discovered on Saturday and basically snowballing from there. Being homeschooled does not make one immune to childhood scourges. It seems to be under control although we are retreating on Saturday.
We had a three day field trip through the Annapolis valley to make up for it. We visited lots of historical sites, farmers market, parks and got lots of physical activity. I'll write more about it on our main blog.
The kids are going with my mother today, probably to the beach and I have a million and one things to do. The kids are in the meantime winding down from not being home. At least the learning never stops even if we're not sitting down with books and pencils. Life is learning.
We had a three day field trip through the Annapolis valley to make up for it. We visited lots of historical sites, farmers market, parks and got lots of physical activity. I'll write more about it on our main blog.
The kids are going with my mother today, probably to the beach and I have a million and one things to do. The kids are in the meantime winding down from not being home. At least the learning never stops even if we're not sitting down with books and pencils. Life is learning.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday September 4th, 2009
The kids were a little less than enthused about school today, lol! Mutiny early on. That's ok. I am keeping things short so we can move on quickly. I don't like drilling.
We started today with Book of Mormon Discovery and finished the workbook pages for the first chapter. I asked and they answered verbally. We then reviewed our memory scripture a few times. I think they know it pretty well but we'll go over it briefly daily.
Next was math. Shaylee completed 5 pages in her book and Ethan did two more tests from the Alpha testing booklet. While Shaylee waited for him to finish, she cut shapes out of construction paper. After that, we did our gummy bear graphing activity and are discovering that there red is the one we have had the most of (11) while green and white are the least (2 each).
Finally we did a science experiment to see how much salt we could put into a full glass of water. I introduced the "Scientific Method" and filled it out for the kids. We were able to each get three heaping teaspoons of water in a full to the brim cup of water. The salt dissolves and fills the empty spaces in water allowing it to occupy a certain amount of space before it starts to spill, ie when the water is saturated with salt. They liked it :)
We'll do some reading later on and things always come up. They are always busy and doing things.
We started today with Book of Mormon Discovery and finished the workbook pages for the first chapter. I asked and they answered verbally. We then reviewed our memory scripture a few times. I think they know it pretty well but we'll go over it briefly daily.
Next was math. Shaylee completed 5 pages in her book and Ethan did two more tests from the Alpha testing booklet. While Shaylee waited for him to finish, she cut shapes out of construction paper. After that, we did our gummy bear graphing activity and are discovering that there red is the one we have had the most of (11) while green and white are the least (2 each).
Finally we did a science experiment to see how much salt we could put into a full glass of water. I introduced the "Scientific Method" and filled it out for the kids. We were able to each get three heaping teaspoons of water in a full to the brim cup of water. The salt dissolves and fills the empty spaces in water allowing it to occupy a certain amount of space before it starts to spill, ie when the water is saturated with salt. They liked it :)
We'll do some reading later on and things always come up. They are always busy and doing things.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thursday September 3, 2009
We didn't do much as the kids stayed overnight at my mother's house last night and came home pretty hyper, lol!
I bought some gummy bears for math. Shaylee grouped hers by colour and told me which had the most and least. Ethan did a graphing activity with his. When he is done his Math-U-See lessons for the day, he'll get some gummy bears which he will graph out and after they are gone, we will figure out which colour had the most and least overall.
Next we went over our memory verse a few times. They kind of remember it so a few more days should do it. I then read them Chapter One from the Book of Mormon Stories.
Yeah, not much but they missed all their stuff and wanted to do anything but listen to me.
I think I might get Mark to read them the classics they're supposed to be read. They like to listen to him read more than me. I can't decide between Pinocchio and Alice In Wonderland. I just started reading Alice in Wonderland today so maybe we'll start with Pinocchio.
I bought some gummy bears for math. Shaylee grouped hers by colour and told me which had the most and least. Ethan did a graphing activity with his. When he is done his Math-U-See lessons for the day, he'll get some gummy bears which he will graph out and after they are gone, we will figure out which colour had the most and least overall.
Next we went over our memory verse a few times. They kind of remember it so a few more days should do it. I then read them Chapter One from the Book of Mormon Stories.
Yeah, not much but they missed all their stuff and wanted to do anything but listen to me.
I think I might get Mark to read them the classics they're supposed to be read. They like to listen to him read more than me. I can't decide between Pinocchio and Alice In Wonderland. I just started reading Alice in Wonderland today so maybe we'll start with Pinocchio.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wednesday September 2nd, 2009
I decided I'm not going to keep track of the books the kids read here on their own. I just can't keep up, lol!
So here is what we did today :)
We started with the Book of Mormon Discovery. I briefly went over how we got the book of Mormon. Then we worked on our first memory verse a few times (James 1:5). The kids then each did a little copywork related to this verse. I am going to have to go over the letters with Shaylee as I forget she is not familiar with writing each letter out, even though she knows them. They also drew pictures of praying.
Next we moved on to reading. Shaylee read me the alphabet at the start of the McGuffey's Eclectic Primer. Then we went over lessons 1 and 2. Then I got her to point out the words to make sure she knew what they were. Ethan read me the script alphabet from the start of McGuffey's First Eclectic Reader to start to familiarize him with how writing looks. He then read through lessons 1 to 6. I will get him to go through this Reader before starting on the second since we never covered it before.
We then moved on to A Child's Geography. They seemed rather bored with it so I read the first page to them. I then got them to point out on the map where we live. First the town, then our province, then our country, explaining each as they found them. Next they drew postcards of the earth, which will eventually be part of a book of postcards. I am not going to push this subject, just kind of flow through it.
Finally, we did math. Shaylee loves it so much that last night she was asking for "Matthew". I didn't know what she meant. It took me a few minutes of questioning to figure out she meant "Math-U-See". It clicked in when she said, "You know, from homeschool" lol! Unfortunately she wasn't as enthused today. She mostly played with the blocks, which is fine. She did end up completing one full page (and erased it when she was done). Ethan did tests number 3 and 4 out of the Alpha test book. He has IMO mastered basic addition and subtraction but I would like to go through this book before moving on to the next one. There are only 30 or so tests in the test booklet anyway.
They ended with painting another suncatcher (well, Shaylee did. Ethan wanted to play the GameCube). They asked if they were going to make on every day. I bought a pack of 12 for under $2 and they won't last forever so I told them that I would have a craft project for them to do each day.
So here is what we did today :)
We started with the Book of Mormon Discovery. I briefly went over how we got the book of Mormon. Then we worked on our first memory verse a few times (James 1:5). The kids then each did a little copywork related to this verse. I am going to have to go over the letters with Shaylee as I forget she is not familiar with writing each letter out, even though she knows them. They also drew pictures of praying.
Next we moved on to reading. Shaylee read me the alphabet at the start of the McGuffey's Eclectic Primer. Then we went over lessons 1 and 2. Then I got her to point out the words to make sure she knew what they were. Ethan read me the script alphabet from the start of McGuffey's First Eclectic Reader to start to familiarize him with how writing looks. He then read through lessons 1 to 6. I will get him to go through this Reader before starting on the second since we never covered it before.
We then moved on to A Child's Geography. They seemed rather bored with it so I read the first page to them. I then got them to point out on the map where we live. First the town, then our province, then our country, explaining each as they found them. Next they drew postcards of the earth, which will eventually be part of a book of postcards. I am not going to push this subject, just kind of flow through it.
Finally, we did math. Shaylee loves it so much that last night she was asking for "Matthew". I didn't know what she meant. It took me a few minutes of questioning to figure out she meant "Math-U-See". It clicked in when she said, "You know, from homeschool" lol! Unfortunately she wasn't as enthused today. She mostly played with the blocks, which is fine. She did end up completing one full page (and erased it when she was done). Ethan did tests number 3 and 4 out of the Alpha test book. He has IMO mastered basic addition and subtraction but I would like to go through this book before moving on to the next one. There are only 30 or so tests in the test booklet anyway.
They ended with painting another suncatcher (well, Shaylee did. Ethan wanted to play the GameCube). They asked if they were going to make on every day. I bought a pack of 12 for under $2 and they won't last forever so I told them that I would have a craft project for them to do each day.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First Day of School September 1st 2009
Ethan before we started:
Shaylee wanted to be cozy:
Today is the first day of school in our home, yay! The kids are so excited. I am writing this as we are working, one of the benefits of having a laptop :)
They started out with math. Shaylee did the first 10 pages in Primer. Ethan did the first two tests from Alpha. I think refreshing it is good since he forgot at first how it worked. They played with the math-u-see blocks for a little while.
Doing their math:
Then the kids did Phonics Activity 1. They spread out the picture cards and matched them with the letter cards. I want to go through the various phonics cards before I start Ethan with the higher ones just to familiarize him with them again, even though he is an excellent phonetic reader.
Then they did a few lines of copywork and drew pictures to go along with it.
Finally, they painted suncatchers before I let them go for now. Ethan is playing on the computer and Shaylee is watching TV.
Through the day we will do some reading and we may go to the library later. I don't want to do a lot of sitdown work all at once. Through their play and games they learn a lot too.
Books read today (updated through the day and if the kids let me know what they've read):
Shaylee wanted to be cozy:
Today is the first day of school in our home, yay! The kids are so excited. I am writing this as we are working, one of the benefits of having a laptop :)
They started out with math. Shaylee did the first 10 pages in Primer. Ethan did the first two tests from Alpha. I think refreshing it is good since he forgot at first how it worked. They played with the math-u-see blocks for a little while.
Doing their math:
Then the kids did Phonics Activity 1. They spread out the picture cards and matched them with the letter cards. I want to go through the various phonics cards before I start Ethan with the higher ones just to familiarize him with them again, even though he is an excellent phonetic reader.
Then they did a few lines of copywork and drew pictures to go along with it.
Finally, they painted suncatchers before I let them go for now. Ethan is playing on the computer and Shaylee is watching TV.
Through the day we will do some reading and we may go to the library later. I don't want to do a lot of sitdown work all at once. Through their play and games they learn a lot too.
Books read today (updated through the day and if the kids let me know what they've read):
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Done? Ready?
I keep thinking that I'm done preparing and ready to start the new year. I almost am. I do have a few things left to do. I realized I need some fun things for the kids. I'm thinking of my kids as intellectually older than they are but I have to remind myself that they just seem more mature than they actually are. I mean, Shaylee is only 5, even though she looks more like a 7 year old girl. While she may already know a lot of what she would learn in grade Primary, she has motor skills we should be working on and I want it to be fun for her. Ethan wants to learn more about what nutrients are for so I'd like to find a fun science project about that.
I also need to get the BOM Discovery ready since I need it to be ready for two children. I will be working on this today. I have a Book of Mormon Reader I may borrow some stuff from, like colouring pages, puzzles and games.
I also want to work on what my goals for the year are. Ultimately I want my kids to love learning. It does not matter what they learn as long as they know how to learn what they need to know. I need to keep that in mind above all.
I am also getting in on the learning. You are never too old to learn. I am starting a program for the women at our church called "Celestial University". It is based on a program called "Pursuit of Excellence" but it is tailored to be more of a university program. In the Celestial University program you may earn your Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degree by obtaining and finishing goals. There are 12 different colleges or areas to earn your degree in. I am so excited and hope to get the others excited too! I want to start NOOOOW!! lol! Here's a link: http://lds.about.com/library/bl/reliefsociety/blcelestial_university.htm
I am doing something now by starting my genealogy. That is something I have always wanted to learn and I think it is valuable to know your roots. Family is so important.
So that's a little update. I'm still waiting on hearing back from the DOE, still nervous about it. I'm also waiting to hear if anything is going on with our Yarmouth Homeschool Group. I would really like to see that go somewhere.
I also need to get the BOM Discovery ready since I need it to be ready for two children. I will be working on this today. I have a Book of Mormon Reader I may borrow some stuff from, like colouring pages, puzzles and games.
I also want to work on what my goals for the year are. Ultimately I want my kids to love learning. It does not matter what they learn as long as they know how to learn what they need to know. I need to keep that in mind above all.
I am also getting in on the learning. You are never too old to learn. I am starting a program for the women at our church called "Celestial University". It is based on a program called "Pursuit of Excellence" but it is tailored to be more of a university program. In the Celestial University program you may earn your Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degree by obtaining and finishing goals. There are 12 different colleges or areas to earn your degree in. I am so excited and hope to get the others excited too! I want to start NOOOOW!! lol! Here's a link: http://lds.about.com/library/bl/reliefsociety/blcelestial_university.htm
I am doing something now by starting my genealogy. That is something I have always wanted to learn and I think it is valuable to know your roots. Family is so important.
So that's a little update. I'm still waiting on hearing back from the DOE, still nervous about it. I'm also waiting to hear if anything is going on with our Yarmouth Homeschool Group. I would really like to see that go somewhere.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Getting it together
Mom has the kids as they had a sleepover last night. I thought I'd spend some time preparing materials. I have the first chapter of "A Child's Geography" set to go. I should be able to use the book for a few years as I can tailor it to different ages. Ethan and Shaylee's notebooks are very different because of their different ages/levels. I hope they enjoy it!
I am making a change for science. I read through the Janice Van Cleave book and feel it's too advanced in general for them. I could adapt the experiments but they are geared at grades 5 and up so there is a lot of mumbo jumbo the kids don't need or would care about right now. Instead, we will use "60 Super Simple Science Experiments" by Q.L. Pearce. We can do one or two experiments each week and they can read (or be read) books on topics of science or do work books or work sheets. We have so many and they don't scream "you're learning something!!). They're interesting and kid friendly :)
I don't know if I am going to print the McGuffy's Eclectic Primer for Ethan (I think it's the second one). It's 160 pages and I want to conserve ink. He can read it from the screen. I have Shaylee's printed out. We started it a while back; I can't remember why we stopped.
I think I'm getting more relaxed about things. The kids are excited still. I really want to keep better track this year so I don't end up in a pickle :)
I am making a change for science. I read through the Janice Van Cleave book and feel it's too advanced in general for them. I could adapt the experiments but they are geared at grades 5 and up so there is a lot of mumbo jumbo the kids don't need or would care about right now. Instead, we will use "60 Super Simple Science Experiments" by Q.L. Pearce. We can do one or two experiments each week and they can read (or be read) books on topics of science or do work books or work sheets. We have so many and they don't scream "you're learning something!!). They're interesting and kid friendly :)
I don't know if I am going to print the McGuffy's Eclectic Primer for Ethan (I think it's the second one). It's 160 pages and I want to conserve ink. He can read it from the screen. I have Shaylee's printed out. We started it a while back; I can't remember why we stopped.
I think I'm getting more relaxed about things. The kids are excited still. I really want to keep better track this year so I don't end up in a pickle :)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Ready To Roll!
Year end report sent in? Check!
Registration for both of my kids sent in? Check!
School supplies bought? Check!
Ready to roll? Check and check!
Yes, I think I'm ready for the new year. I am quite sure I have everything I need except for Ethan's Beta math book. I want him to finish up the Alpha test booklet first, which will give us a little time to get some money. Math=$$, $$ out of pocket, lol! I'm not bothering with the teachers pack/DVD. I will as we move into the higher maths though! Actually starting with fractions as I don't know how it will work with this program.
The kids are excited :). I think having both of them learning together will be so beneficial to both of them.
I will probably spend this week with some last minute book printing from the CD and getting things in order while attempting to get the kids into some kind of routine. I would really like more order to our days but with a lot of free time to pursue interests :).
Oh and they are both enrolled in the Thursday evening dance class :). I'm so glad. Saturdays weren't working well for Ethan.
I'm really looking forward to the upcoming year. I am planning to purse interests of my own. I think continuing to learn and expand your mind is good at any age!
Registration for both of my kids sent in? Check!
School supplies bought? Check!
Ready to roll? Check and check!
Yes, I think I'm ready for the new year. I am quite sure I have everything I need except for Ethan's Beta math book. I want him to finish up the Alpha test booklet first, which will give us a little time to get some money. Math=$$, $$ out of pocket, lol! I'm not bothering with the teachers pack/DVD. I will as we move into the higher maths though! Actually starting with fractions as I don't know how it will work with this program.
The kids are excited :). I think having both of them learning together will be so beneficial to both of them.
I will probably spend this week with some last minute book printing from the CD and getting things in order while attempting to get the kids into some kind of routine. I would really like more order to our days but with a lot of free time to pursue interests :).
Oh and they are both enrolled in the Thursday evening dance class :). I'm so glad. Saturdays weren't working well for Ethan.
I'm really looking forward to the upcoming year. I am planning to purse interests of my own. I think continuing to learn and expand your mind is good at any age!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Getting Things In Order
There. It took two days and a lot of sweating but I have their registations and Ethan's report all ready to send in. It's a huge envelope with 9 pages so I'll have to get it weighed before sending, another delay. I went through 3 envelopes getting it ready. First I messed up the address. Then I forgot to add some information to a page I submitted. Today I realized I didn't include a copy of Shaylee's birth certificate. I sometimes think I'm incapable of getting anything right, lol!
So it's sitting there ready to send and I don't know if I can get out today and send it.
I contacted Deeana about enrolling the kids in Kidzact again. I'm so excited because they have Thursday classes now! SO I asked if they could be in the same class on Thursday evening (5:30-6:30). Ethan is never very alert on Saturdays. He's always so tired in class so I think this would work so much better.
I will be spending some time today organizing our school stuff. I always get pretty excited about it :). I really want to write more here so at the end of the year I can remember more, lol! Plus it's fun to write about. Looking at Ethan's past work I can remember how bored he was and how he wouldn't want to do anything. He's a little more focused now but I still plan for school time to be as minimal as possible. We really need a routine going but it's so hard. That shouldn't be an excuse though.
So it's sitting there ready to send and I don't know if I can get out today and send it.
I contacted Deeana about enrolling the kids in Kidzact again. I'm so excited because they have Thursday classes now! SO I asked if they could be in the same class on Thursday evening (5:30-6:30). Ethan is never very alert on Saturdays. He's always so tired in class so I think this would work so much better.
I will be spending some time today organizing our school stuff. I always get pretty excited about it :). I really want to write more here so at the end of the year I can remember more, lol! Plus it's fun to write about. Looking at Ethan's past work I can remember how bored he was and how he wouldn't want to do anything. He's a little more focused now but I still plan for school time to be as minimal as possible. We really need a routine going but it's so hard. That shouldn't be an excuse though.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Curriculum Plan for 2009-2010
I know that unschoolers and Curriculum aren't supposed to mix. I will probably always be on the fence about it. I had grand ideas about what I wanted to do when my kids were old enough to homeschool, then I had a child like Ethan, lol! I love him but boy is he oppositional!
The plan. The base of our program is Accelerated Achievement. Here is the basic outline for Kindergarten/Primary:
Reading: Phonics (activities 1-4), McGuffey's Eclectic Primer, Read Books (Anderson's Fairy Tails, Pinocchio and Dr. Doolittle).
Writing: Print letters (upper and lower case) and numbers. Begin copy work. Lots of art to build motor skills.
Math: Use Math Book, play games, count everything.
Kindergarten Science
Outline for Grade 2:
Reading: Phonics activity 9, McGuffey's 2nd Eclectic Reader, Read Dr. Seuss, Start one syllable books (comes with two US history books) and read following books: Arabian Nights, Heidi, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Swiss Family Robinson, The Rover Boys in Business and the Rover Boys in New York.
Writing: Continue with copywork for writing, daily memorization and oral presentation. Continue writing stories, and teach Grammar with Sentence Building Cards.
Math: Use Math Book. Continue with addition and subtraction. Use worksheet generator.
Spelling: Use new words from the reader. Limit to 15 words a week.
Second grade Science
Each section has addition information that you print with the program which I cannot write all out here (copyright ;) ).
For Math we will be doing Math-U-See. Shaylee will be doing Primer and Ethan will be doing Beta (but redoing some of Alpha while we wait).
Primer Topics:
* Introduction to Place Value
* Counting from 1 to 20
* Concept of Addition
* Concept of Subtraction
* Geometric Shapes
* Count by 5s and 10s
* Telling Time
* Tally Marks
Beta Topics:
* Place Value to Hundred Thousands
* Place Value Notation
* Rounding and Estimation
* Addition, Multiple Digit Numbers
* Addition, Regrouping (Carrying)
* Column Addition
* Money
* Addition and Subtraction with Money
* Perimeter
* Subtraction, Multiple Digit Numbers
* Subtraction, Regrouping (Borrowing)
* Telling Time
* Measurement
We will also be doing A Child's Geography. They will do it together on their own level (they want to do this one).
I would like to start A Child's History of the World with Ethan if he is interested. He hasn't been in the past but may be ready. I bought this and A Child's Geography when I had plans of teaching by the Classical Methods. I still love Classical Education but find it hard to implement. Oh and the brokerage charges were ridiculous buying it here; I think it was $25 or $30 for a little CD in an envelope. Craziness!!!
Book of Mormon Discovery, Grade 1-3 from Discover the Scriptures is something we will be doing this year as well. I think Shaylee will be able to do pretty good with it.
I will have them back in dancing this year as well. Plus they do lots of reading, drawing, writing, play educational games, ect... which they do anyway.
Phew, sounds like a lot writing it all out. My plan is to have an hour or so each day to work on these, so some things won't be done every day. A lot can be accomplished in a short period of time. I am not going to stress it though. I know that they can learn much even without my intervention ;)
The plan. The base of our program is Accelerated Achievement. Here is the basic outline for Kindergarten/Primary:
Reading: Phonics (activities 1-4), McGuffey's Eclectic Primer, Read Books (Anderson's Fairy Tails, Pinocchio and Dr. Doolittle).
Writing: Print letters (upper and lower case) and numbers. Begin copy work. Lots of art to build motor skills.
Math: Use Math Book, play games, count everything.
Kindergarten Science
Outline for Grade 2:
Reading: Phonics activity 9, McGuffey's 2nd Eclectic Reader, Read Dr. Seuss, Start one syllable books (comes with two US history books) and read following books: Arabian Nights, Heidi, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Swiss Family Robinson, The Rover Boys in Business and the Rover Boys in New York.
Writing: Continue with copywork for writing, daily memorization and oral presentation. Continue writing stories, and teach Grammar with Sentence Building Cards.
Math: Use Math Book. Continue with addition and subtraction. Use worksheet generator.
Spelling: Use new words from the reader. Limit to 15 words a week.
Second grade Science
Each section has addition information that you print with the program which I cannot write all out here (copyright ;) ).
For Math we will be doing Math-U-See. Shaylee will be doing Primer and Ethan will be doing Beta (but redoing some of Alpha while we wait).
Primer Topics:
* Introduction to Place Value
* Counting from 1 to 20
* Concept of Addition
* Concept of Subtraction
* Geometric Shapes
* Count by 5s and 10s
* Telling Time
* Tally Marks
Beta Topics:
* Place Value to Hundred Thousands
* Place Value Notation
* Rounding and Estimation
* Addition, Multiple Digit Numbers
* Addition, Regrouping (Carrying)
* Column Addition
* Money
* Addition and Subtraction with Money
* Perimeter
* Subtraction, Multiple Digit Numbers
* Subtraction, Regrouping (Borrowing)
* Telling Time
* Measurement
We will also be doing A Child's Geography. They will do it together on their own level (they want to do this one).
I would like to start A Child's History of the World with Ethan if he is interested. He hasn't been in the past but may be ready. I bought this and A Child's Geography when I had plans of teaching by the Classical Methods. I still love Classical Education but find it hard to implement. Oh and the brokerage charges were ridiculous buying it here; I think it was $25 or $30 for a little CD in an envelope. Craziness!!!
Book of Mormon Discovery, Grade 1-3 from Discover the Scriptures is something we will be doing this year as well. I think Shaylee will be able to do pretty good with it.
I will have them back in dancing this year as well. Plus they do lots of reading, drawing, writing, play educational games, ect... which they do anyway.
Phew, sounds like a lot writing it all out. My plan is to have an hour or so each day to work on these, so some things won't be done every day. A lot can be accomplished in a short period of time. I am not going to stress it though. I know that they can learn much even without my intervention ;)
Headache and Quotes
I am still trying to pull together my reports. Aggghh! It's so frustrating as there are a lot of Nova Scotian homeschoolers who are being harassed for more information even with reports that are adequate or similar to reports submitted in the past. The report form that they have on the website is so small and they have no definite requirements but they have called a number of people asking for more information with no clarification of what they want or need. I'm scared. There is so much Ethan has done but I cannot recall every little detail. I know he is on track for what he should know. I am filling in their report, printing an extra sheet so I have room for comments and I am doing a write up to go with it.
For registration I am adding a printed sheet of the outcomes for the Accelerated Achievement along with other things I plan to do. It's hard since I believe in unschooling. So much learning takes place with it. With Shaylee, I plan to do more sit down book work since she likes it. I am hoping Ethan will want to as well when he sees her getting the extra attention ;) (ok, they don't roll like that but who knows). Everything is adaptable to their learning level. I do want to get the Beta Math-U-See book. He does like MUS and I know Shaylee will enjoy it. But our pockets have holes in them lately so I don't know if I can afford it right now. I had to get a new printer as they jammed a dried flower in the rollers which caused a huge mess (no one will fess up). I was out of ink and it was cheaper to get a new printer anyway but I couldn't justify it. The ink for this printer is cheaper, whoo! So it was a win-win-win situation. I like the all in ones. I think the printer and paper are the most essential items for home education in my home.
So, what am I planning this year? I will do another post about that.
I was going through my Gmail account, where I hoard tons of email (I deleted about 700 emails, eep!). I saved all my LDS Homeschool Sentinel emails which I wanted to get around to reading. I'm going to post some of the quotes I want to save here so I can quilt free delete the emails.
Gordon B. Hinckley: It is so important that you young men and you young women get all of the education that you can. The Lord has said very plainly that His people are to gain knowledge of countries and kingdoms and of things of the world through the process of education, even by study and by faith. Education is the key which will unlock the door of opportunity for you. It is worth sacrificing for. It is worth working at, and if you educate your mind and your hands, you will be able to make a great contribution to the society of which you are a part, and you will be able to reflect honorably on the Church of which you are a member. My dear young brothers and sisters, take advantage of every educational opportunity that you can possibly afford, and you fathers and mothers, encourage your sons and daughters to gain an education which will bless their lives.
(Ensign, June 1999, 2)
Thought:
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scripture. While reading the 3rd chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable statement in the 3rd verse; "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3)
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the silversmith the reason for her visit, begged him to tell her about the process of refining silver.
After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you watch while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith. I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the statement, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it as necessary to put his children into the furnace-but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is finished?"
"Oh, that's quite simple," replied the silversmith.... "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete."
Thomas S. Monson: Pray always in the performance of your. . . responsibilities, and you will never be in the position of Alice in Wonderland. As Lewis Carroll tells us, Alice was following a path through a forest in Wonderland when it divided into two directions. Standing irresolute, she inquired of the Cheshire Cat, which had suddenly appeared in a nearby tree, which path she should take. "Where do you want to go?" asked the cat.
"I don't know," said Alice.
"Then," said the cat, "it really doesn't matter, does it?"
(Ensign, Nov. 1995, 48)
Thomas S. Monson: This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.
We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an
attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious
sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
("An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, May 1992, 54)
Wilford Woodruff: There is one thing I wish particularly to impress upon your minds, and that is, the importance of improving your time while young in
treasuring up knowledge and learning those things which will be useful to you in after life. I know from experience, and so do most parents, that the child cannot appreciate the worth of true intelligence, the importance of improving their time in storing up useful knowledge while they are young, as they will when they come to act upon the stage of life, become fathers and mothers, and feel the full force of the responsibilities of training up children. . Do not be discouraged because you cannot learn all at once; learn one thing at a time, learn it well, and treasure it up, then learn another truth and treasure that up, and in a few years you will have a great store of useful knowledge which will not only be a great blessing to yourselves and your children, but to your fellow men.
(G. Homer Durham, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 269.
A. Theodore Tuttle: The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning-that the father and mother be teachers. . . As prophetic events unfold, one thing is certain: we will all need to teach more within the walls of our own homes. In the Book of Mormon we find some models: 'I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father'(1 Nephi 1"). No doubt Nephi was taught the things of the Spirit-his writings reveal that. He probably was taught practical matters as well, for he was a very resourceful man. Today that son is fortunate whose father teaches him somewhat in all his learning.
(Ensign, Nov. 1979, 27)
OK, I've pared it down to under 100 messages, I'll do the rest another day :)
For registration I am adding a printed sheet of the outcomes for the Accelerated Achievement along with other things I plan to do. It's hard since I believe in unschooling. So much learning takes place with it. With Shaylee, I plan to do more sit down book work since she likes it. I am hoping Ethan will want to as well when he sees her getting the extra attention ;) (ok, they don't roll like that but who knows). Everything is adaptable to their learning level. I do want to get the Beta Math-U-See book. He does like MUS and I know Shaylee will enjoy it. But our pockets have holes in them lately so I don't know if I can afford it right now. I had to get a new printer as they jammed a dried flower in the rollers which caused a huge mess (no one will fess up). I was out of ink and it was cheaper to get a new printer anyway but I couldn't justify it. The ink for this printer is cheaper, whoo! So it was a win-win-win situation. I like the all in ones. I think the printer and paper are the most essential items for home education in my home.
So, what am I planning this year? I will do another post about that.
I was going through my Gmail account, where I hoard tons of email (I deleted about 700 emails, eep!). I saved all my LDS Homeschool Sentinel emails which I wanted to get around to reading. I'm going to post some of the quotes I want to save here so I can quilt free delete the emails.
Gordon B. Hinckley: It is so important that you young men and you young women get all of the education that you can. The Lord has said very plainly that His people are to gain knowledge of countries and kingdoms and of things of the world through the process of education, even by study and by faith. Education is the key which will unlock the door of opportunity for you. It is worth sacrificing for. It is worth working at, and if you educate your mind and your hands, you will be able to make a great contribution to the society of which you are a part, and you will be able to reflect honorably on the Church of which you are a member. My dear young brothers and sisters, take advantage of every educational opportunity that you can possibly afford, and you fathers and mothers, encourage your sons and daughters to gain an education which will bless their lives.
(Ensign, June 1999, 2)
Thought:
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scripture. While reading the 3rd chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable statement in the 3rd verse; "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3)
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the silversmith the reason for her visit, begged him to tell her about the process of refining silver.
After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you watch while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith. I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the statement, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it as necessary to put his children into the furnace-but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is finished?"
"Oh, that's quite simple," replied the silversmith.... "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete."
Thomas S. Monson: Pray always in the performance of your. . . responsibilities, and you will never be in the position of Alice in Wonderland. As Lewis Carroll tells us, Alice was following a path through a forest in Wonderland when it divided into two directions. Standing irresolute, she inquired of the Cheshire Cat, which had suddenly appeared in a nearby tree, which path she should take. "Where do you want to go?" asked the cat.
"I don't know," said Alice.
"Then," said the cat, "it really doesn't matter, does it?"
(Ensign, Nov. 1995, 48)
Thomas S. Monson: This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.
We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an
attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious
sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
("An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, May 1992, 54)
Wilford Woodruff: There is one thing I wish particularly to impress upon your minds, and that is, the importance of improving your time while young in
treasuring up knowledge and learning those things which will be useful to you in after life. I know from experience, and so do most parents, that the child cannot appreciate the worth of true intelligence, the importance of improving their time in storing up useful knowledge while they are young, as they will when they come to act upon the stage of life, become fathers and mothers, and feel the full force of the responsibilities of training up children. . Do not be discouraged because you cannot learn all at once; learn one thing at a time, learn it well, and treasure it up, then learn another truth and treasure that up, and in a few years you will have a great store of useful knowledge which will not only be a great blessing to yourselves and your children, but to your fellow men.
(G. Homer Durham, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 269.
A. Theodore Tuttle: The Lord organized the family unit in the beginning. He intended that the home be the center of learning-that the father and mother be teachers. . . As prophetic events unfold, one thing is certain: we will all need to teach more within the walls of our own homes. In the Book of Mormon we find some models: 'I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father'(1 Nephi 1"). No doubt Nephi was taught the things of the Spirit-his writings reveal that. He probably was taught practical matters as well, for he was a very resourceful man. Today that son is fortunate whose father teaches him somewhat in all his learning.
(Ensign, Nov. 1979, 27)
OK, I've pared it down to under 100 messages, I'll do the rest another day :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Random Thoughts
It's that time of year again, back to school. School doesn't actually start for another few weeks but it's presence is being made known.
I am going through the usual worries and concerns. I am still convinced homeschooling is right. However I'm in the midst of a crazy personal trial I wish I could freely talk about on my blogs (some who read know and probably understand). I am making the most of things though.
So this fall I will have two of school age. I waver back and forth between "school at home" and unschooling. I prefer unschooling but people don't understand it. They don't see the learning going on. I hate to do something I don't feel is right based on the opinions of others. I will probably try our program again this fall and see how it works. Ethan may sit better and do more if Shaylee is right there working alongside of him. I wouldn't expect much. I feel that a lot can be learned in a short period of time without busy work. They can keep themselves busy enough :)
I am hoping we can attend some "Not-back-to-school" event. I am hoping the homeschooling community in my town actually comes together and have activities this year. I think I mentioned trying to step up and do something since no one seems to be claiming leadership. The one who got the ball rolling is moving away, which always seems to happen.
It should be an interesting year, none the less. I still need to send in my report for this past year and register the kids. Yes, I'm slack :-/
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Another School Year Ended
Well, school is now officially over in Nova Scotia, has been for a week. We took our big vacation the week before school let out in PEI. What a wonderful experience that was! I'll be posting more about it in my main family blog when ever I can get around to it. They both came home in love with Anne and her stories. Ethan even read some Anne books and I watched the movies with Shaylee.
I need to get on the ball since it's time to report our year. I need to sit down and write out all Ethan has done and learned, an overwhelming task. There is so much but probably doesn't look so impressive on paper. Sometimes he amazes me with his wisdom and smarts as he'll come out with things that I have no idea where he could of picked it up. I sometimes catch him reading the books I have through the house or working on workbooks or working on the Elementary Advantage cd's we have. I think he has learned so much through video games but people kind of poo poo that (math, reading, maps, creating, following instructions, social skills, ect.....). I need to start getting some more advanced books and games for him to hopefully pick up.
I still firmly believe in unschooling. I know the idea is scary and people can't comprehend how it could possibly works but it does! When a child is motivated to learn something, they will. If they need it down the road, they have the skills to learn it. Something that may take a kid 2 years to learn now may take them a couple days or weeks to master when they are older and ready to learn (maybe longer depending on what it is).
I also have to get Shaylee registered for homeschooling next year as she turns 5 in August. It's hard to believe she will be old enough this year! I am glad I let go with learning expectations for her. She is really picking up on reading, writing and math and I so enjoy watching her enjoy learning. Mark has been telling people she doesn't want to homeschool, which has been upsetting for me. The way he talks I'm forcing her to stay home. I don't feel that I am. She, like so many kids, has been brainwashed (not by me!!) that learning only takes place at school with a teacher to teach them. I've been trying to tell her otherwise but someone really put it in there she can't learn at home, despite the fact she is!
If only our local homeschoolers would get the ball rolling there would be a better social network. My kids really need that, especially Shaylee who is has higher social needs than the rest of us. I feel I may have to step up if no one else does. With all my auxiliary experience with church and work, plus being the co-owner/moderator of the Nova Scotia homeschool groups, I think I could do a pretty good job with it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Veinot Art Gallery
I no longer have a living room. The kids have set up shop there with their art gallery. They are churning out work at an astonishing rate. In the past few weeks they have blown through nearly a 500 pack of paper. This doesn't include the scribblers they have used either. Ethan is enjoying writing stories and illustrating them. He also likes to draw rhythm heaven pages, creating his own games. Shaylee is really coming along in her drawing and is starting to put more and more words on her pages as she is learning to read more and more. I think it is all Shaylee's work in these pictures. The only thing that bothers me about this is they want to keep every single little scrap of paper they draw on! Whew, too much. I've been trying to get them to sort through them so I can bind them into a book but I guess that's too much work, lol!
I have to soon get my report in for Ethan's school year and register them both for next year. It's hard to believe she will be old enough this year. She is such a big girl but she's still my baby in my eyes.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May Check In
Since my last post, Shaylee has really been taking off with reading. Funny thing they aren't words which are common, mostly names, animals and video game things. In my experience, if they are interested in something, they will take right off with it and learning will mean more to them if it is interesting to them. She has always loved books and being read to and I suspect she may be soaking up more than we realize. I know Ethan did.
Right now Ethan is writing a book called "20 Adventures In Your Own Backyard". It is very interesting to note that I've never explained exclamation marks but he is using them appropriately. He finally asked after using it several times what it was and what it meant so now he is sure. He is also finally using small letters more in his writing. Some letters he thinks look too much alike (such as little b and little d) so he'll use the capital for one. I should soon go over sentence structure briefly but it seems like he is doing pretty good on his own.
He is starting swim lessons today. He will be in private lessons since we feel he may do better with one on one teaching for this. In a class, as in dance, he can get easily distracted. Shaylee is too young for private lessons but we could probably get her in a class this fall, if we could get her in the pool, lol!
Dance classes are over. Shaylee did wonderfully in her recital! I think she has a real talent and will do well with hip hop since that was a small portion but focusing on it more will really help. I will be glad for free Saturdays for a while but I know they will miss it. I'm so looking forward to them being in the same class together. I think it will really help Ethan.
I'm so glad the weather is starting to improve. They don't like going out here in the cold and snow. They like to play catch, write on the sidewalk with chalk, have races and play lots of little games.
Well, that's a brief write up. As usual there is probably tons more going on than this but I can't think of at the moment. I'll have to start getting his year end report ready and get Shaylee's information to register her for homeschooling. Hard to believe my little girl is turning 5 in August!!
Right now Ethan is writing a book called "20 Adventures In Your Own Backyard". It is very interesting to note that I've never explained exclamation marks but he is using them appropriately. He finally asked after using it several times what it was and what it meant so now he is sure. He is also finally using small letters more in his writing. Some letters he thinks look too much alike (such as little b and little d) so he'll use the capital for one. I should soon go over sentence structure briefly but it seems like he is doing pretty good on his own.
He is starting swim lessons today. He will be in private lessons since we feel he may do better with one on one teaching for this. In a class, as in dance, he can get easily distracted. Shaylee is too young for private lessons but we could probably get her in a class this fall, if we could get her in the pool, lol!
Dance classes are over. Shaylee did wonderfully in her recital! I think she has a real talent and will do well with hip hop since that was a small portion but focusing on it more will really help. I will be glad for free Saturdays for a while but I know they will miss it. I'm so looking forward to them being in the same class together. I think it will really help Ethan.
I'm so glad the weather is starting to improve. They don't like going out here in the cold and snow. They like to play catch, write on the sidewalk with chalk, have races and play lots of little games.
Well, that's a brief write up. As usual there is probably tons more going on than this but I can't think of at the moment. I'll have to start getting his year end report ready and get Shaylee's information to register her for homeschooling. Hard to believe my little girl is turning 5 in August!!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Year is flying by
So much has gone on since I last wrote I hardly know where to start, lol! The other blogs barely cover it in terms of homeschooling. Shaylee is starting to read some words, which is great. I love natural learning. I'm thinking of doing a small amount of sit down work in the future, especially for the Book of Mormon, especially since I found the BOM reader at Frenchys :) (I can't find the same one online as it's not the church one; it was from about 10 years ago and has stories, games, puzzles and coloring sheets. I can use it with my Book of Mormon Discovery program).
I've been getting a lot of flack about homeschooling this year as it seems like everyone wants me to put the kids in school. It's tempting some days when the kdis are at each others throats but I know their being home is right for us. I have a strong testimony of homeschooling (well, in our case, unschooling). Childhood is a precious time of life and I want to cherish every minute. Even without me teaching them directly, they are learning so much. Right now Ethan is into multiplying but he doesn't even know it. Shaylee is adding and subtracting without realizing it. It's amazing and it is so natural.
Well, I want to write more when I have more time and clarity of thought of what I want to say. I just wanted to mention we're still going strong and still loving it!!
I've been getting a lot of flack about homeschooling this year as it seems like everyone wants me to put the kids in school. It's tempting some days when the kdis are at each others throats but I know their being home is right for us. I have a strong testimony of homeschooling (well, in our case, unschooling). Childhood is a precious time of life and I want to cherish every minute. Even without me teaching them directly, they are learning so much. Right now Ethan is into multiplying but he doesn't even know it. Shaylee is adding and subtracting without realizing it. It's amazing and it is so natural.
Well, I want to write more when I have more time and clarity of thought of what I want to say. I just wanted to mention we're still going strong and still loving it!!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Not Much Today
The kids got up, played, went to mom's, came home, played, Shaylee went to sleep during Canadian Idol and Ethan is still playing. He was on the computer until 9pm. So a fun day for them and great for me since I had some good alone time, which I needed.
Ethan is loving his Tamagotchi. He brought her to play with in the car. I tied her to a string fastened to his belt loop, but I think I'm going to get him a lanyard. We already lost her once and I don't want it to be permanent next time.
I don't think there is anything going on outside the house tomorrow. I need to check up on some things.
Well, I have some things to do before bed. I'll try to remember to post tomorrow!
Ethan is loving his Tamagotchi. He brought her to play with in the car. I tied her to a string fastened to his belt loop, but I think I'm going to get him a lanyard. We already lost her once and I don't want it to be permanent next time.
I don't think there is anything going on outside the house tomorrow. I need to check up on some things.
Well, I have some things to do before bed. I'll try to remember to post tomorrow!
Hemming and Hawing
Yeah, I did a lot of that this weekend :). We got both kids in Kidzact and neither is doing MYC this year. We just simply can't afford it without taking money from somewhere else, like groceries, and we like to eat. We are going to ask my sister-in-law, who just moved down and teaches, if she would teach the kids. Mark says he will but I don't think he's patient enough and Ethan would rebel (Shaylee would probably be ok). It would give her a little spending money and the kids time to spend with their cousin playing after. It would be win-win for all.
Today I have to check up on the YMCA. Knowing me I'll either forget or stress too much and won't bother. I hate calling and checking up on things.
Ethan got a Tamagotchi on Saturday and I've been taking good care of her, lol! Actually he forgot to take her when he went to his grandparents house today. He's got her pretty well figured out. Yes, it's a girl and her name is March. It's pretty cool going on the website to play games and do different things (a lot better than the one I had when they came out in '96; lol, yeah, I was a grown woman with one). We discovered he can't go on the website with her passwords if she is sleeping. That was kind of a drag since she went to sleep around 7pm or so and Ethan goes to bed later than that.
Well, it's the beginning of a new week. Mom is taking the kids up the line to Meteghan today so I'll have some kid free time today :D. I want the kids to do a few things if they feel like it before they go. Shaylee is loving her phonics books and Ethan loves writing things out. I'd like to get them doing the Math-U-See again. That was ever only sporadic, but Ethan learned a lot and Shaylee like trying. She can use the Primer all by herself this year :)
Today I have to check up on the YMCA. Knowing me I'll either forget or stress too much and won't bother. I hate calling and checking up on things.
Ethan got a Tamagotchi on Saturday and I've been taking good care of her, lol! Actually he forgot to take her when he went to his grandparents house today. He's got her pretty well figured out. Yes, it's a girl and her name is March. It's pretty cool going on the website to play games and do different things (a lot better than the one I had when they came out in '96; lol, yeah, I was a grown woman with one). We discovered he can't go on the website with her passwords if she is sleeping. That was kind of a drag since she went to sleep around 7pm or so and Ethan goes to bed later than that.
Well, it's the beginning of a new week. Mom is taking the kids up the line to Meteghan today so I'll have some kid free time today :D. I want the kids to do a few things if they feel like it before they go. Shaylee is loving her phonics books and Ethan loves writing things out. I'd like to get them doing the Math-U-See again. That was ever only sporadic, but Ethan learned a lot and Shaylee like trying. She can use the Primer all by herself this year :)
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