Today after picking up Secundus from preschool, we headed over to the library to check out a program they have for school-age kids. It's called Read to Rover. Basically the idea is that children may be nervous to read to adults and other kids. But dogs are less intimidating. So your kid gets to get some practice reading out loud to a dog who is trained to just sit and listen.
When we arrived, I didn't know what to expect. But apparently it is a very popular program since there were a ton of kids there. We got Primus' name put on the list and then went into the children's section of the library. We picked out a couple books and the little ones got to play on the computer as we waited for almost 10 minutes for Primus' turn. When her name was called, she strolled in and sat down with one of 5 dogs (I can't remember what her dog's name was) and started reading. She really enjoyed it!
When she was done reading, they punched a hole on a special bookmark for her. Once she gets 10 punches, then she gets to take home a free book. We will definitely be going back again next week!
I think this program is perfect for Primus for several reasons:
1. More practice reading is always a good thing.
2. She is having FUN reading.
3. It will help her get more comfortable with dogs.
4. We have been going to the library for toddler and preschool story time since she was a year old. It is nice for her to now have a library program for big kids.
5. We love free books!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I'm one of the cool kids!
It's kind of ridiculous how many homeschooling blogs I've been reading lately. My favorites are the Carnivals. That's where a list is compiled of great posts from blogs all over the net. And this week one of my posts was included in the Carnival of Homeschooling!
Go here to reread my post that was included: http://misadventurehomeschoolclan.blogspot.com/2011/10/apple-hill.html
Go here to see the rest of the carnival over at Dewey's Treehouse: http://deweystreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/carnival-of-homeschooling-304.html
The theme this week is Rollerskating in a Buffalo Herd!
Go here to reread my post that was included: http://misadventurehomeschoolclan.blogspot.com/2011/10/apple-hill.html
Go here to see the rest of the carnival over at Dewey's Treehouse: http://deweystreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/carnival-of-homeschooling-304.html
The theme this week is Rollerskating in a Buffalo Herd!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Why are we un-boying our boys?
A friend of mine posted this article, "Why are we un-boying our boys?" And I love it!
As a mother of a very much all-boy boy, I think about this kind of thing daily. He doesn't sit and listen to book after book in the afternoon. He doesn't sit quietly and color during Sacrament Meeting (Sac. Mtg. is the longest hour of my week!!) And I fear what this means for when he starts kindergarten. I will have to come up with a whole new plan and curriculum and method.
As a mother of a very much all-boy boy, I think about this kind of thing daily. He doesn't sit and listen to book after book in the afternoon. He doesn't sit quietly and color during Sacrament Meeting (Sac. Mtg. is the longest hour of my week!!) And I fear what this means for when he starts kindergarten. I will have to come up with a whole new plan and curriculum and method.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Day in the Life: Wednesday
We've been "in school" now for about 2 months. We've definitely gotten into our groove. And while we don't follow a strict schedule, and not every day is the same, I wanted to share what a "typical" day is like for us.
Wednesday, Oct 11th
6:45- My alarm goes off and I roll out of bed.
7:30- Wow, Primus is still asleep! Here I sit, wasting time on facebook and reading news articles. If I had known she was going to sleep in so long, I would have used this time to take a shower! (Who am I kidding? I still would have been lazy on the computer.)
8:00- Primus is finally awake. Time for prayer, singing/memorizing an Article of Faith, calendar, journal, weather wheel, and practice counting by 5's using our number line. (I love stealing great ideas from public schools. Every school day we add another number to our number line that is circling the classroom up near the ceiling. The days/numbers for August were written on sun shapes. September was apple shaped, and now October is pumpkin shaped. When we get to 100 days of school, we will have a party!)
8:10- Tertius and Secundus wake up. While Primus is "at school" in the office, Secundus and Tertius are splitting their time between participating with us and watching a video in the living room.
8:20- The kids get dressed and eat breakfast. They eat while I grab a couple bites and then do a load of dishes.
9:00- While I shower, Primus does handwriting practice at the kitchen table and the other kids destroy the living room. Then it's time to brush hair and teeth and play a little with Barbies.
9:50- Shoes on, leave for Cherubs.
10:05- We arrive at Cherubs. Cherubs is a free mommy-and-me music class that my friend Emily and I put on at the church building. I'm so sorry I'm late, again, Emily! (I'm usually a little late and she has to do most of the set-up herself.)
11:00- Cherubs is over so we help clean up while chatting with some of the other moms and let the kids run around. (Today we went to a friend's house directly after cherubs to eat lunch and play. But that never happens. So for the sake of this post, I am going to write about what we usually do on Wednesday afternoons...)
11:15- Drive to Secundus' preschool and play on the playground until class starts at noon.
12:00- I sign Secundus in while Primus continues to play on the swings and then we drive home.
12:15- Lunch at home with Primus and Tertius.
12:45- Tertius gets put down for a nap. Then Primus and I get done as much school work as we can or have the desire to do. That usually means a lesson of Distar (our reading curriculum), a page or 2 of math, and maybe a little social studies or science. We may do this in the office (classroom), at the kitchen table, on the couch, or in my bed.
3:10- We leave to pick up Secundus. Primus plays on the swings while I sign her sister out.
3:45- We're home. The rest of the day is a blur of playing, cleaning, errands, dinner, DVD's, computer games (Reading Eggs and Nick Jr.), etc.
7:50- The girls get ready for bed. Bedtime stories are followed by family scripture study and prayer.
10:00- I rock Tertius to sleep and go to bed myself. Good night!
Wednesday, Oct 11th
6:45- My alarm goes off and I roll out of bed.
7:30- Wow, Primus is still asleep! Here I sit, wasting time on facebook and reading news articles. If I had known she was going to sleep in so long, I would have used this time to take a shower! (Who am I kidding? I still would have been lazy on the computer.)
8:00- Primus is finally awake. Time for prayer, singing/memorizing an Article of Faith, calendar, journal, weather wheel, and practice counting by 5's using our number line. (I love stealing great ideas from public schools. Every school day we add another number to our number line that is circling the classroom up near the ceiling. The days/numbers for August were written on sun shapes. September was apple shaped, and now October is pumpkin shaped. When we get to 100 days of school, we will have a party!)
8:10- Tertius and Secundus wake up. While Primus is "at school" in the office, Secundus and Tertius are splitting their time between participating with us and watching a video in the living room.
8:20- The kids get dressed and eat breakfast. They eat while I grab a couple bites and then do a load of dishes.
9:00- While I shower, Primus does handwriting practice at the kitchen table and the other kids destroy the living room. Then it's time to brush hair and teeth and play a little with Barbies.
9:50- Shoes on, leave for Cherubs.
10:05- We arrive at Cherubs. Cherubs is a free mommy-and-me music class that my friend Emily and I put on at the church building. I'm so sorry I'm late, again, Emily! (I'm usually a little late and she has to do most of the set-up herself.)
11:00- Cherubs is over so we help clean up while chatting with some of the other moms and let the kids run around. (Today we went to a friend's house directly after cherubs to eat lunch and play. But that never happens. So for the sake of this post, I am going to write about what we usually do on Wednesday afternoons...)
11:15- Drive to Secundus' preschool and play on the playground until class starts at noon.
12:00- I sign Secundus in while Primus continues to play on the swings and then we drive home.
12:15- Lunch at home with Primus and Tertius.
12:45- Tertius gets put down for a nap. Then Primus and I get done as much school work as we can or have the desire to do. That usually means a lesson of Distar (our reading curriculum), a page or 2 of math, and maybe a little social studies or science. We may do this in the office (classroom), at the kitchen table, on the couch, or in my bed.
3:10- We leave to pick up Secundus. Primus plays on the swings while I sign her sister out.
3:45- We're home. The rest of the day is a blur of playing, cleaning, errands, dinner, DVD's, computer games (Reading Eggs and Nick Jr.), etc.
7:50- The girls get ready for bed. Bedtime stories are followed by family scripture study and prayer.
10:00- I rock Tertius to sleep and go to bed myself. Good night!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
School Prison-Walk Update
This morning I talked to the school's secretary (the principle was in a meeting.) She told me that they (parents and staff) instituted the morning walk-around as part of their push for nutrition and exercise. It was packaged as a very positive thing to encourage exercise in the morning.
She said that parents commonly go out and walk around with the kids. And if the kids prefer to sit down and talk with their friends, then that is fine; they are not forced to walk around. She also assured me that the kids have normal recess and lunch-recess time later in the day.
I expressed to her my concerns and made sure she understood that I homeschool and that weird stuff like this is one of the reasons. She was very nice and very helpful. She admitted that her kids have been homeschooled at times so she definitely understands where I was coming from.
When I was done talking to the school, I called the district office to give them an update of what was going on. So I let her know what the school's explanation was and told her that I understood the reasoning, but that I still disagreed with it.
I was told by the district that if I wanted to see a change discussed, then I would have to meet with the principle and PTA because this was a school-site decision. I told her that I homeschool and asked her honest opinion as to whether my concerns would hold any weight with the principle.
She said that because I don't have a child attending there, that my opinion would not be considered very important. But, as a member of the community, I should probably still express my concerns if I really feel that strongly about it.
In conclusion, I understand the school's reason for the morning walks. But I still think it is really odd and it still makes me a little sick in my heart and in my stomach. I will just chalk this up to the school's good intentions. They are doing the best they can with the resources they have. I happen to think they are doing it wrong, or at the least imperfectly. But at least they are trying something that they think is positive.
And ultimately, it is for the school's parents to decide how they feel about this program. If they feel it is a positive, healthy thing for their children, then great. But if they think it is bad, then I think it is up to them to take the steps to change it. They as parents are responsible for their own children. I am responsible for my children. Each of us need to take the steps to ensure the best education and enrichment for our own kids.
She said that parents commonly go out and walk around with the kids. And if the kids prefer to sit down and talk with their friends, then that is fine; they are not forced to walk around. She also assured me that the kids have normal recess and lunch-recess time later in the day.
I expressed to her my concerns and made sure she understood that I homeschool and that weird stuff like this is one of the reasons. She was very nice and very helpful. She admitted that her kids have been homeschooled at times so she definitely understands where I was coming from.
When I was done talking to the school, I called the district office to give them an update of what was going on. So I let her know what the school's explanation was and told her that I understood the reasoning, but that I still disagreed with it.
I was told by the district that if I wanted to see a change discussed, then I would have to meet with the principle and PTA because this was a school-site decision. I told her that I homeschool and asked her honest opinion as to whether my concerns would hold any weight with the principle.
She said that because I don't have a child attending there, that my opinion would not be considered very important. But, as a member of the community, I should probably still express my concerns if I really feel that strongly about it.
In conclusion, I understand the school's reason for the morning walks. But I still think it is really odd and it still makes me a little sick in my heart and in my stomach. I will just chalk this up to the school's good intentions. They are doing the best they can with the resources they have. I happen to think they are doing it wrong, or at the least imperfectly. But at least they are trying something that they think is positive.
And ultimately, it is for the school's parents to decide how they feel about this program. If they feel it is a positive, healthy thing for their children, then great. But if they think it is bad, then I think it is up to them to take the steps to change it. They as parents are responsible for their own children. I am responsible for my children. Each of us need to take the steps to ensure the best education and enrichment for our own kids.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Can anyone explain this to me?
While I was on the way to drop off my neighbor's boy at school today, I realized that we were a bit earlier than usual. So I turned to him and said, "Oh, we're kind of early! That's ok, because you'll just have more time to play on the playground before school starts."
him: "We don't play on the playground. I'm not in kindergarten. Only the kindergarten plays on the playground."
me: "What do you mean?? The big kids don't get to play? Why not?"
him: "Only the kindergartners are allowed on the playground. We just have to walk around in a circle."
me: "Seriously? Don't you want to play?"
him: "It's ok. I don't really like the playground."
me: "We go to the park all the time! I know you like to play on playgrounds! Seriously? That's just weird."
By this time we had arrived in the front of the school and I could see with my own eyes what he was talking about. In the foreground were the kindergartners playing and having fun. In the background were all the other students, carrying their backpacks and walking in line in a huge circle around the playground while a couple adults stood sentry.
I was shocked! I wanted to jump out of the car and go shake the kids and say, "What are you doing?? Don't you know that you're kids?? Don't you know that you should be playing??" And then I want to march to the principles office and demand an explanation.
Is this normal? I remember when I was in elementary school that the time before the bell rang for the day was considered first recess. And I wished sometimes that Mom would drop me off earlier so I could have more time to play with my friends before class started.
So, is this normal for elementary schools now? Has this always been the norm? (Was my old school weird?) Is this just another sign of public schools going down the toilet?
Update: I talked to the school today. Read the update here.
him: "We don't play on the playground. I'm not in kindergarten. Only the kindergarten plays on the playground."
me: "What do you mean?? The big kids don't get to play? Why not?"
him: "Only the kindergartners are allowed on the playground. We just have to walk around in a circle."
me: "Seriously? Don't you want to play?"
him: "It's ok. I don't really like the playground."
me: "We go to the park all the time! I know you like to play on playgrounds! Seriously? That's just weird."
By this time we had arrived in the front of the school and I could see with my own eyes what he was talking about. In the foreground were the kindergartners playing and having fun. In the background were all the other students, carrying their backpacks and walking in line in a huge circle around the playground while a couple adults stood sentry.
I was shocked! I wanted to jump out of the car and go shake the kids and say, "What are you doing?? Don't you know that you're kids?? Don't you know that you should be playing??" And then I want to march to the principles office and demand an explanation.
Is this normal? I remember when I was in elementary school that the time before the bell rang for the day was considered first recess. And I wished sometimes that Mom would drop me off earlier so I could have more time to play with my friends before class started.
So, is this normal for elementary schools now? Has this always been the norm? (Was my old school weird?) Is this just another sign of public schools going down the toilet?
Update: I talked to the school today. Read the update here.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sausage and Apples
Then tonight for dinner we had one of our favorite dishes. It's super easy so I decided to share it! In fact, it's so easy and no-fuss that I don't even measure anymore. I just use as much sausage, apple, and brown sugar as we have and looks good. But here is the original recipe for you:
Sausage and Apples
*Put your oven rack 6-7 inches below the heating element.
*Place 1/2 pound of sausage links on a broiler pan. (Sometimes I just put the links on the pan, sometimes I cut them up like in the picture. The original recipe calls for "fresh country sausage links." We also commonly use Polish kielbasa.)
*Broil 2-3 minutes or until sausage is lightly browned.
*Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake additional 10 minutes.
*Arrange thinly cut apple slices (4 medium-size cooking apples) around sausage on broiler rack. (I usually don't peel the apples.)
*Sprinkle with 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar.
*Bake 15 minutes or until apples are tender.
Apple Hill
(This post has been featured in the Carnival of Homeschooling for Oct 25th, 2011. I am very excited to be included! Go check out the rest of the Carnival over at http://deweystreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/carnival-of-homeschooling-304.html)
I love field trips! We took one as a family to Apple Hill and it was very, very fun!
1. On the drive there, Primus spontaneously started pointing out hills and valleys. That led to a discussion of mountains vs. hills. As we got closer, we could even see the mountains way out in the distance. We also had a discussion of what a foothill is.
2. We picked apples. This is real-world experience. Plus, she got to see where the food we eat at the grocery store comes from.
3. The kids got to run around the little hay-bale maze. That uses problem solving and critical thinking skills, right?
4. She took a $5 bill with her and the maze cost $3. So she learned about getting change. She also learned very quickly that $2 won't buy very much at the Craft fair.
5. We got to see chickens, goats, and a couple calves.
6. When we got home, she helped make apple pie. Real-world experience, plus counting and measuring skills.
7. We are starting a unit on animals. So we began a couple days ago with a discussion of living vs. non living things. On the drive home, she had to draw pictures of living and non-living things that she saw during the trip.
8. Then after we got home, I had her try and label her pictures all by herself, so she had to practice sounding them out and figuring out the spelling.
Can you think of anything to add to our list?
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Mrs. Adams Letter
I taught Primus about Abigail Adams today. And here is the craft I came up with:
I had her write "Dearest Friend" using a feather and black tempura paint. Then she cut and pasted this picture:
Monday, October 3, 2011
Wiggle Worm
Something I am learning about Primus is that she cannot sit still. I have never noticed this before. But when I sit with her to do her reading lesson, she can't seem to sit in one place. (We usually sit on the couch so I'm wondering if it would be better to have her sit at a table instead.) She slouches, lays down, sits on her feet, sits on my lap, crosses her legs, etc.
I guess it probably isn't a problem, and it doesn't seem to be an indication that she is bored. But it is driving me crazy! Today we did her lesson while sitting on a bench outside Secundus' preschool class. After only a couple seconds, she had wiggled so much that I couldn't keep up or see what she was reading. So I made her stop, stand up, and go through a series of physical actions to shake out the ants in her pants. Then she sat down and did a little more reading.
She had to do this I think 3 times during 1 lesson. I'm not sure if it actually helped, but she thought it was great fun. And I guess that is important, too.
I guess it probably isn't a problem, and it doesn't seem to be an indication that she is bored. But it is driving me crazy! Today we did her lesson while sitting on a bench outside Secundus' preschool class. After only a couple seconds, she had wiggled so much that I couldn't keep up or see what she was reading. So I made her stop, stand up, and go through a series of physical actions to shake out the ants in her pants. Then she sat down and did a little more reading.
She had to do this I think 3 times during 1 lesson. I'm not sure if it actually helped, but she thought it was great fun. And I guess that is important, too.
Abigail Adams
To go along with our recent study of the American Revolution, I found this book at the library: "Daring Women of the American Revolution" by Francis Walsh. It's a good quick overview of several important women. Primus and I looked at the pictures while I gave her a synopsis of each page. Then I asked her to pick 1 woman she would like to learn more about. She chose Abigail Adams.
As I have been doing a little bit more research on her, I'm becoming more and more interested in her.
She did not receive a formal education, but she was a very smart and well-educated woman. She thought education was extremely important, even for girls, and even insisted that her daughter learn Latin.
The thing she is most known for is her written correspondence with her husband, John Adams. She was instrumental in keeping him (and, naturally, the other men in Philadelphia) aware of the politics and military events going on in Boston. She was extremely opinionated on political matters and her husband greatly respected and depended on her opinions.
One of the things that impressed and inspired me the most about her is that she always addressed her letters to her husband, "Dearest Friend." By all accounts, they had a wonderfully strong marriage, even though they were often separated. What a wonderful example Abigail and John are! As the kids grows older, I think Abigail and John will be figures often spoken of in our house as we seek for good role models for our children!
Now I need to think of a fun craft or something to accompany Primus' upcoming lesson on Mrs. Adams. I'm drawing a total blank! I couldn't even find any coloring pages of her! The most obvious idea would be to have her learn to write a letter to someone. But every morning she writes in her journal her first and last name and the day's date. And just getting her to write so little takes her a ridiculous amount of time! I'm not sure having her write a letter would be enjoyable for either of us.
As I have been doing a little bit more research on her, I'm becoming more and more interested in her.
She did not receive a formal education, but she was a very smart and well-educated woman. She thought education was extremely important, even for girls, and even insisted that her daughter learn Latin.
The thing she is most known for is her written correspondence with her husband, John Adams. She was instrumental in keeping him (and, naturally, the other men in Philadelphia) aware of the politics and military events going on in Boston. She was extremely opinionated on political matters and her husband greatly respected and depended on her opinions.
One of the things that impressed and inspired me the most about her is that she always addressed her letters to her husband, "Dearest Friend." By all accounts, they had a wonderfully strong marriage, even though they were often separated. What a wonderful example Abigail and John are! As the kids grows older, I think Abigail and John will be figures often spoken of in our house as we seek for good role models for our children!
Now I need to think of a fun craft or something to accompany Primus' upcoming lesson on Mrs. Adams. I'm drawing a total blank! I couldn't even find any coloring pages of her! The most obvious idea would be to have her learn to write a letter to someone. But every morning she writes in her journal her first and last name and the day's date. And just getting her to write so little takes her a ridiculous amount of time! I'm not sure having her write a letter would be enjoyable for either of us.
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