Jan. 7, 2009 What Motivates My Children? - Leigh
STRUCTURE
When we are on our 'A' game, and there is a plan in place, and the boys know exactly what we are doing and what is expected of them, they thrive. They love to help with chores when they know ahead of time that we will be doing that. If I just pull them from an activity to help, I get resistance. So, I try to provide them with a plan for the day and we suffer if there isn't one.
Also, I make sure that we read stories that build character and provide opportunities to talk about virtues and character. We also role-model appropriate behavior and it is very endearing to see the kids play on their own mimicking what I am hoping to teach them.
I also try for every negative thing I say to counter with at least two positives in a reasonable timeframe. You can see their chests swell when they are acknowledged for a job well done, or an appropriate behavior witnessed.
It's such a balancing act on so many levels, but so worth it.
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jan. 5, 2009 Topic of the week- 1/6/09
Happy New Year everyone! I hope your year is off to a great start!
As another new year begins, I find myself evaluating many areas of my life and trying to prioritize, organize and yearn to enjoy Peace and Joy in every day. Today was one of those really good days with my boys...so in addition to being thankful for the peace and joy in my home today, I also had to ask myself...."what made it such a great day? Why were the kids much more cooperative today than on many other days?" And this led me to our Topic of the Week discussion....
What motivates your kids? Each child is unique and will be motivated accordingly. I'm guessing that there are also different motivators according to what you are trying to motivate them to do. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say. I would love to hear how you motivate your children to cooperate and be helpful, what helps them have better attitudes and how they are motivated to learn. (this could probably be several discussions....don't let this keep you from jumping in on the discussion  ).
By the way....welcome home Mills Family!! Glad you're back!
-Megan |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Dec. 21, 2008 What's a schedule?
| Well, I'd like to say that I've mastered homeschooling with a new baby... but I'd be lying! Things are getting better as I'm learning to lay little L (age 3 months) down for naps. I've just reread "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It's my favorite sleep book for all ages, but especially babies. The author says to focus on nap cycles for best sleep at night. I've noticed that when she naps, I can teach the other children best.
My first priority is usually J (age 5) reading to me. Right now I'm using the Hooked on Phonics 1st grade books. They are 30 pages, so we just read a few pages at a time. He loves the pictures and plot (which are better than many other early reader books). Then, I read to both kids. My kids love science books as well as fiction. Then, A (age 3) and I practice the alphabet. We either use flashcards or her handwriting book. J also has a handwriting book and both kids have cutting and pasting books (for fine motor development). I am using Kumon workbooks.
Both kids are also in Awanas. J memorizes two or three verses per week. A memorizes one verse. We also read the Bible before naps and bedtime. This evening I read to J out of my Bible instead of his children's Bible (the Jesus Storybook Bible) for the first time. It was actually very fun. We read about Simeon and Anna meeting Jesus in the temple after he was born. It really inspired me to try again. We talked about the Trinity because the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. I love discussing theology with J. His childhood faith is such a blessing! My prayer is that he will continue to grow in faith and wisdom throughout his life! Lately, A and I have been discussing Jesus' birthday and why He came down to earth.
Finally, J and I squeeze in some math. Right now we are working on coin values (counting and sorting) and addition facts. He really loves math when I take the handwriting out of the subject :) I'm trying to be more creative by giving him games and oral responses to promote his math development and not discourage him with too much handwriting. I get my ideas from the Abeka math workbook.
So, that's my lack for routine for the moment... as L gets more predictable, we'll have a better schedule. For now, I squeeze in as much as I can throughout the day!
 |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Hi all,
I had posted about our homeschooling journey and included my favorite resources. For some reason, the links didn't work....they do now!
Also, we have had some technical difficulties with my husbands laptop recently, which is why I haven't posted any new topics. I will post the next one after the holidays.
Hope everyone is enjoying the snow and embracing the Hope and Peace of Christ during this time of the year.
In Him,
Megan |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Dec. 16, 2008 Our homeschooling and what works for us right now - (Megan)
In trying to figure out what our homeschooling looks like this past year, we've tried a few different things. One thing I know for sure is that homeschooling is SO MUCH more than what curriculum you plan to use...at least it can be. Over the past year (or longer) I've been slowly making my way through the very long list of amazing books included in my Homeschooling Course and many additional titles found at the library. Two things I now know are that we really want the way we homeschool to be more of a 'lifestyle of learning' approach. And I've realized that we like to work with Unit Studies.
I love to collect resources for current and future use. It's actually a bit of an addiction, I think. It is just incredible to me how much is available to those who want to educate their children at home. And so I find it hard not to collect a gazillion bookmarks because 'you just never know when you might need that bit of information'. I am so thankful for all of the many free homeshooling resources online. This can actually be a bit overwhelming to me if I am not careful, because there is SO MUCH out there, but when I narrow my focus a bit....I am able to find peace and enjoy the journey.
Because our boys are still so young (soon to be 5,3 and 1) we still do alot of playing and reading. This is something I know we'll do for years to come. I had put together a years worth of unit studies based mostly on seasons, holidays and Godly character traits. This, for us, works very well. I feel much more focused when we're working with themes. And it will be a great way to include all three boys in the same studies with adaptation for each one instead of needing to use different curriculum with different age levels.
Now with that being said...my year's worth of unit studies have gone mostly unused since September when I realized how difficult it was to stick to much of a routine with a little baby. We've touched on some of the lessons, but barely. I also began thinking that I was maybe pushing the academics a little too much. They're still so young. And I know they are learning every single day no matter what we do. I am a big believer in play time being a child's work...it's a natural process for them to learn so many things and a great way for siblings to learn communication and Godly character. I also learn alot about their interests and what delights them (or doesn't) by how they play and what they play with. With C's hearing loss the boys and I focus much of our days on the art of good communication, both with speech and ASL.
Now that life is feeling a bit more balanced and I am starting to get a bit more sleep, I am feeling more ready to jump back in to some academic work. Now... when I say academics I mean more activities, using the unit studies I've collected and created and playing fun educational/learning games. O has also expressed more interest lately in "doing more homeschooling". So, I think we're ready to begin again. What's great is that I can just reused the same lesson plans I've mapped out for the year over and over again but go more in depth each year....and adjust as we go along. I LOVE the flexibility of homeschooling this way.
Although we don't have a set schedule yet, our best time of the day for focused learning happens in the morning and when T is sleeping. Each day, for now, is different...and I'm learning to let that go. For us this creates more of the lifestyle of learning approach that we desire anyway. I do need to start having a daily plan though...I find that when I do, our days at least have a direction. And if we get sidetracked, again, they're still learning and there's always tomorrow.
Here are some of my favorite resources:
-
Letter of the Week This site also includes "story of the week", "sound of the week", "science of the week" and some great library book lists. We're now moving on to Sound of the. Very exciting!!
-
I pull alot of ideas from Child Fun to compliment Letter of the Week.
-
Homeschool Share This site has a WEALTH of information on unit studies. Some are theme based and others are children's literature based. I am really excited about this site because it is just loaded with great ideas.
-
We started having a Family Night each week using these books. They're designed to bring the family together to learn more about who Jesus is and that He loves us....like a family bible study. They're geared for kids ages 4-10 and they're awesome. Our boys look forward to Family Night each week and just love the fun biblical activities. They are very "object lesson" oriented which seems to work well for us.
-
-
I also love Homeschool Helper Online. There are great unit studies at this site as well. But the thing I love the most are the Godly character lessons.
-
And last but not least Signing Time. We will continue using Signing Time videos/DVDs and CDs to learn ASL (all of which we can find at the library). C's ASL teacher continues to visit with us each week and provides us with so many great resources and gives us "homework" to do throughout the week.
And his Speech Therapist, Lauren, is helping him to communicate verbally which is helping us all learn how to communicate better with C. I do consider this and our time with our ASL teacher, Karen, to be a big part of our weekly education as it greatly affects our family communication as a whole. It's good for all of us!!! We've been very fortunate in that they both come to our home, which is wonderful because they help us to use our surroundings in unique and creative ways as well.
After about a year of constant prayer and learning from so many different sources, I think I understand why you really just need to take homeschooling one day at a time. What works this year may not work as well next year...or visa versa...and sometimes this is the case from one day to the next. It helps me to remember that we need to remain open to however God leads and enjoy the journey.
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Dec. 3, 2008 Riverbend Prep's Homeschool/Leigh
Well, I have a plan, but I don't always adhere to it... This is my schedule I strive to follow:
6:00-6:30am Quiet Time
6:30-8:30am Work for Electric Arrow
8:30-9:00am Boys up, breakfast, get dresses, teeth brushed, vitamins
9:00-10:00am Morning Chores (I do 'Motivated Moms')
10:00-11:00am Homeschool (I use Sonlight Core K and have modified their lesson plans to suit our needs) Bible, Memory Verse, History/Geography, Language Arts/Reading, Read Aloud, Character
11:00-11:30am Lunch
11:30-noon Computer Time-(We each have our own computer. It's the bonus of being married to a software company owner!)
Noon - 2:00pm Homeschool (Science, Spanish, Art/Art Appreciation)
2:00-3:00pm Active Play (ideally outside)
3:00-4:00pm PM Chores/Errands
4:00-5:00pm Dinner Prep
5:00-5:30pm Dinner
5:30-8:30pm Family Time
8:30-9:30pm Bedtime for boys
10:00pm Bedtime for mom and dad
I adjust this schedule regularly, and we often do not get every subject in. But, I try to get in every day: Bible, Memory Verse, Reading. Read Aloud. The items I will first sacrifice are Science, Spanish, and Art, but we still have them 1-2 a week.
I believe in the practice of a "Lifestyle of Learning". There is something presented to the boys every day in some capacity. I want learning to be such a part of our natural routine that the boys learn always, regardless of where we are.
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Dec. 1, 2008 Topic of the week 12/2/08
This week's topic is something I am always doing research on. This leaves me wondering....how are you homeschooling your children? I know this is a very basic question, so let me break it down. Many of us have very young children, some of us have "school age" children and most of us have a mix of both. Describe the best way you can what you do in an average day, what curriculum you are using, if any, and how you plan your "lessons". Basically, what works for you right now?
I am really looking forward to reading your answers and am hoping we can start some conversations here about our approaches and ideas for homeschooling our little ones.
Also, if you have any ideas for future topics of the week...please let me know. This blog is for us to share ideas and encourage one another. And don't forget to add your name at the end of your post so we know who has posted each entry.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Love Megan
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Nov. 25, 2008 Megan is thankful for...
When I think about what I am thankful for, the first thing that comes to my mind and overwhelms my heart is Jesus. He is so faithful to me even when I am not. As I thought about all of the blessings in my life today, I realized that I could write forever on this topic. So, I'm thankful for this season and the reminder that we all have so much to be thankful for.
Here is the list of things I thought of just today that I am especially thankful to God for:
- My relationship that keeps growing with Jesus.
- I am thankful for the husband and 3 wonderfully made boys that He has blessed me with.
- I am thankful for the loving and playful Daddy that Jeff is to O, C and T.
- The women in my life who lift me up, encourage me and love me.
- I am thankful for the Beth Moore bible study on the Fruit of the Spirit that I am doing at the exact time in my life when I need it most. (and therein lies a whole 'nother list of things to be thankful for)
- I am thankful for my mom whom I love very much.
- I'm also thankful for the fun Family Nights that our family is now enjoying every week.
- I am thankful to the 3 women (Dorothy, Lauren and Karen) who have been vital in the life of our family in teaching us how to use ASL and communicate with one another...a gift that will last our lifetime.
- I am thankful for my husband's job and how hard he works to provide for our family.
- I am thankful for our little home and of course, the new playroom we now have.
- I am thankful for my Dad and how our relationship has grown in the last year.
- I am thankful for my brother, Matt! He is so special to me.
- My family is a huge blessing to me!!!
- I am thankful for unexpected park dates and time spent with the ones I love most.
- I am thankful for pizza cutters (I know...wierd) because they make my life so much easier...I use them to cut almost any kind of food for the kids.
- I am thankful to be able to stay home full time and be with my kids. Each day is a gift.
- I am thankful that God placed it on our hearts to homeschool and that we get to do that.
- I am even thankful (after the fact) for crazy days that don't ever seem to end because then I appreciate the good days even more.
- I am thankful for our library and that my boys love books.
- I am very thankful we live in a place where we are so close to an amazing Children's Hospital.
- I am thankful that we get to spend Christmas with my husband's Dad and step mom this year...what a blessing!
- I am thankful for those who keep me accountable in my walk and in my life.
- COFFEE...need I say more!?! (although I do have a new love for Chai Tea as well)
- And I am thankful for quiet mornings where I can spend time alone with God before the business of the day begins.
As you can see, like most of you, my list could go on and on forever. It's truly amazing how blessed we are if we just stop and think about it.
We will be spending Thanksgiving at home this year. Our newest tradition (as of last year) is to spend it with my Dad, who comes over and we make a BIG breakfast together and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing. So much fun and easier on all of us in the evening without the big Turkey dinner and ALL the dishes to do.
To help our kids be thankful year round, we thank God in our prayers with them for all of the people we love and who love us and take time to thank Him for how He has blessed us. This week, we've decided to make thank you cards for people we are thankful to. O gets really excited about it and it helps him to focus on why we are thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving to all you!
-Megan |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Nov. 25, 2008 ToW - Thanksgiving - Leigh
(Great idea, Megan!)
What are you thankful for and how are you celebrating Thanksgiving Day this year? I am thankful for my walk with our Lord, for the blessing of our family and health, for fantastic friends.
We are hosting Thanksgiving this year. It will just be us, my inlaws, and DH's sister. This will be my first turkey! (I am surprised to see myself write that...) If the weather cooperates, we will probably go up to Rattlesnake Lake or maybe Twin Falls.
How are you incorporating thankfulness into the lives of your children this week and/or year round? Prayers of thanksgiving daily. Sponsoring children and discussing the different lifestyles and how God blesses them as well as us.
Are you doing anything this week in particular to help your kids focus more on Thanksgiving? We will make Thanksgiving chains on Thanksgiving. They will also grocery shop with me and help prep dinner. |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Nov. 24, 2008 Question/Topic of the week 11/25/08
Because Thanksgiving is this week, I find myself thinking about what I am most thankful for. So, our question for this week is: What are you thankful for and how are you celebrating Thanksgiving Day this year? Also, how are you incorporating thankfulness into the lives of your children this week and/or year round? Are you doing anything this week in particular to help your kids focus more on Thanksgiving? If so, tell us about it.
Looking forward to reading your thoughts and answers!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
(when posting your answers, please login and post a separate post rather than "comment" on this entry. That way we can all enjoy your answers. THANKS!!)
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Nov. 23, 2008 Field Trip at Kelsey Creek - Pioneer Days
On the most perfect day in Autumn, our group was able to enjoy a field trip to Kelsey Creek Park. We heard the condensed story, "Little House in the Big Woods" and participarted in variety of pioneer activities, as well as enjoy the animals on the farm. For more pictures, see Riverbend Prep, Linny's , and JMOCT's blogs.
  |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Aug. 14, 2008 Tuesday Time with Suzy, Leigh, and Kathy Aug. 11, 2008 Tuesday Time with Leigh and Megan Jul. 12, 2008 Schedule for July 15- August 26th
Here is the schedule!! Thank you, David! Sorry I haven't gotten this out sooner - we had it together and then things changed - so here it is! You will most likely be meeting with somebody you have already you met with sooner - that is just the way it had to work! Sorry!
Liz L., "homeschool mentor mom" will be joining our Tuesday Time format and rotate meeting with each mom and answering any questions you might have. Yay for Liz L.!
July 15th
Linda - Liz L.
Jen - Suzie
Leigh - Kathy
Larena - Megan
July 22nd
Linda - Jen
Leigh - Liz L.
Larena - Suzie
Megan - Kathy
July 29th
Linda - Leigh
Larena - Jen
Megan - Liz L.
Kathy - Suzie
August 5th
Linda - Larena
Megan - Leigh
Kathy - Jen
Suzie - Liz L.
August 12th
Linda - Megan
Kathy - Larena
Suzie - Leigh
Liz L. - Jen
August 19th
Linda - Kathy
Suzie - Megan
Liz L. - Larena
Jen - Leigh
August 26th
Linda - Suzie
Liz L. - Kathy
Jen - Megan
Leigh - Larena
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jul. 9, 2008 Snoqualmie Fire Station Field Trip 7/8/08
From Leigh: Today, our group visited the Snoqualmie Fire Station. They were very accommodating with young children, and the kids had a fabulous time!
This is the stained glass window in the lobby of the station...(our state (county?) require 1% tax dollars to go to public art. I like this one.)
There are two levels to the station. On the lower level, the lobby, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and the workout room...
Awww, we wanted to slide down the fire pole!! Nope. Washington state does not allow fire poles, so the stairs will have to do...
Upstairs, we sat in a big, open room, where firefigther West gave a talk on fire safety...
The kitchen off the main room. Note that there are three refrigerators. This is because there are three shifts and food turns up missing, so each shift has their own fridge. The kids loved the little firetruck above the cabinets that have little firemen M&M's in them.
One of the five private bedrooms in the station. No more dorm style sleeping. Washington state requires private rooms and private bathrooms for their firefighters.
Showing us the North Bend maps...
Cool! On to the rigs!!!
Jaws of Life...
Touring the cab of the truck...
   
The ambulance...
The gear room...
Firefighter Dillon suited up for us. He explained each item before putting it on and also explained in detail how his looks and voice would change once he was in full gear. He told them that if they saw him in their room like this that they do not need to be afraid because he would be there to help. He then encouraged them to come up and touch his gear and get a good look up close. Pretty soon, the kids were having fun bopping him on the head!
   
Group shots!
 
They handed out helmets and an activity bag for the kids. As we left, they ran the siren for us.
    
The building for drills...
A picnic lunch and play at the park followed. It was a fun morning! Thanks for organizing this, Kathy!
    
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jul. 2, 2008 Tuesday Time with Liz & Megan 7/1/08
We are going to visit a Fire Station next Tuesday, so in preparation for that we decided to do a fire theme. Liz and her two kiddos J and A came over to Megan's house. First we read a book about firefighters. And then we had a fire drill. We pretended there was a fire in the house so we stopped, dropped and rolled...then crawled down the hall and out the back door. Liz is very pregnant and I was carrying T, so we walked.
Once outside it was time to put out the fire. Ahead of time I drew flames (with chalk) on the back of our house. And then the boys took turns using buckets to scoop water out of a kiddie pool (lake) and toss it onto the flames. We told them that this was how firefighters used to put out fires before they had fire hoses to use. It involved alot of cooperation then just like today, only now they use hoses.
 O, C and J passing the bucket of water. Liz, A and Megan are sitting a safe distance away.
 C used the hose and soaked his mommy.
Once the kids were SOAKED, we came inside to have popcorn and fire engine red strawberries. Afterward, the kids learned a memory verse that was inspired by the bravery and fearlessness firefighters have..."The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6
Then Liz brought out popsicle sticks and glue to teach the kids the difference between a square and a rectangle. The kids did well with this and then they painted fire trucks with red and black paint. Very fun! We all had a great time!
 Painting their fire trucks. Isn't Liz adorable....at almost 7 months along, I think.
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jul. 2, 2008 Tuesday Time with Linda and Leigh 7/1/08
We did our time around firefighting in preparation for our field trip next week and R's love of firefighters.
We started with cirlce time and a Bible story on God leading the Israelites out of Eygpt by a cloud of smoke and fire - and how that is not one fire we want to put out!
After the Bible story, Linda read from a few books about firefighters and community helpers.
After circle time we went to work in the kitchen to start our pretzel dough! We made whole wheat soft pretzels . Yum-O!
Leigh talked on 'then & now' of how fires used to be put out; how buckets were used and were filled up by a well/stream/lake and people would work together to get the water from point A to B. The kids had fun with that one - the 'fire' didn't really get put out but I think that helped illustrate the point the hoses work so much better!
 
firefighter in training
Back inside for stories and lunch!
 
Playing a game with Grandma Katie that teaches about community helpers...
Play time at the park...
What a fun day!
 |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 29, 2008 RNW Schedule
Week #1 - June 24th
Linda - Larena
Kim - Liz
Kathy - Suzie
Megan - Jen
Week #2 - July 1st
Linda - Leigh
Megan - Liz
Jen - Suzie
July 8th - Fire Department Field Trip |
•
Comments (3)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 27, 2008 Cedar River Watershed Field Trip
Leigh-
This was last month, but I am still catching up from not being able to upload pictures until recently.
Here are some pictures of our group walking from Rattlesnake Lake to the Watershed Education Center.
Enjoying the waterfall on the way...
The creek at the Watershed Center...
Playing a drum outside the Center. They have a bunch of drums that are struck by choreographed water spouts. It's beautiful to hear.
'AA' learning about how much water is in his body.
'AJ' priming the pump to see how many times he has to pump for his body's fill.
Larena and 'J'
'A' and 'M' listening to Native Americans telling stories of when they lived in this area...
It's not a trip to the Watershed Education Center without sending the ping pong balls (representing a water drop) through the tubes, as 'O' is showing us...
Ha! I love this shot!!
Too cute 'T'!
Watching a video...
Trying to pick up the amount of water that has to be carried from a well to a rural village every day...the equivalent of a five minute shower...
Enjoying the lake on the way back...
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 24, 2008 Tuesday Time at Linda's 6-24-08
Larena and I met today for Tuesday Time. I am not sure what to call it - what do you think?
We started with circle time and sang the hello song since the children didn't really know each other's names. We sang, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and we talked about how God made us all different and we were made in His image. We also looked at pictures in my Children's World Cookbook at differents foods throughout the world.
We then made some pizza dough.
 While the dough was rising we talked about what the top largest countries were and located them on the world map. We also discussed the continents and populations.
Populations:
World:
6,679,493,900
United States:
303,824,650
Washington:
6,468,424
Our city:
4,621
Top 10 largest countries:
Russia, Canada, United States, China, Brazil, Australia, India, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Sudan.
The children played and had lunch. It was so relaxing and enjoyable!
The cheese pizza!
Yummy!
Linda |
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 20, 2008 Older posts...UPDATED
Hi all,
I was browsing our blog the other day and looking at all the pictures of our little ones....they've all grown so much since last Fall. Anyway, I noticed that there are some GREAT articles that were posted soon after our blog was created. (I'm assuming Leigh posted them????) If you scroll down the page, on the Iright side you'll see the page numbers. These articles are mostly on pages 4 and 5.
I had David add Categories to the sidebar! Woo hoo! So now you can click on the category you want!
Lots of awesome ideas, encouragement and info.
-Megan |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 11, 2008 Upcoming themes!
June 17th and 24th we will be 'traveling' to different countries.
July 1st and 8th we will be learning about Fire Saftey and visiting the Snoqualmie Fire Department!
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 11, 2008 MNO - June 10th- Meeting notes
June 10th - MNO- North Bend Bar and Grill
In attendance:
Leigh A., Liz L., Megan S., Linda M., Sundy P., Kim H., and Liz S.
The subject of craziness was brought up! How do we turn the chaos into something more peaceful and productive?
- capture their attention
- start with a large motor activity
- have stations
- have a gross motor room every meeting?
- have more hands on project- but not busy work
- split the cirlce time- younger/olders
We also said we need to set up a chore list of things that need to be done to clean up after. We will set up a list and put the jobs on craft sticks each family will pick a stick and preform that task. This is a way to deal with the craziness after snack, and to teach the children responsiblity.
After clean-up if there is time we could have a gross motor game.
We also talked about how we need to make sure to end at 11:30 and be out of there to respect the church. If moms still want to chat they can move on to a house or park...
Speaking of the church, the person who gave us the go ahead for using the space at the church will be leaving the church leadership in July. We need to find out if it is still okay for us to be using that space.
We should also work on a vision for our group - what are we doing and why. And possibly a statement of faith.
We discussed doing themes for more than one week - so we can really learn about the subject.
Suggested themes: (please comment with some your famliy might be interested in)
- Fire Department (Fire Safety) - July 1 and 8
- Sports (Basketball) - talked about doing this in the Si View neighborhood at the sport court
- Instraments- Sundy will play a drum, David A. possibly to play his guitar- would love more people to play
- Space
- Languages- spanish, asl, does anybody know any??
- Repiles- Liz L. son might show us his
- Trains-go on the snoqualmie train
- Volcanoes-build a volcano
- Camping-go camping as a group in September!
We would like to do things that we can't do at our own homes. Such as not do so much busy work and crafts that we can to at home with our individual families, but something more productive.
We also talked about bringing more science into the day, character training, and group activites we cant do alone.
We also need to come up with fall back plans. What if a co-teacher can't come? What if a scheduled field trip falls through? Possibly go to the Watershed?
Also, I feel we should come up with a list of gross motor games. Some moms are really great at getting the children calmed down and interested, some need a little help- I feel if we had a list that would help.
I think that is all! We had a really productive meeting and a great time together!
Oh one more thing - some of you can't make Tuesday nights, how does Monday work for you?? We would love everyone the opportunity to come.
Linda
|
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 9, 2008 Free Movies This Summer!
Regal
| When school's out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It's a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it's FREE! |
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
|
Crossroads 8
1200 156th Avenue NE
Bellevue ,WA 98008
425-562-6596 |
| 06/24/2008-06/25/2008 |
Wallace And Gromit (G) |
| |
Surf's Up (PG) |
| 07/01/2008-07/02/2008 |
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) |
| |
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG) |
| 07/08/2008-07/09/2008 |
Everyone's Hero (G) |
| |
Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (PG) |
| 07/15/2008-07/16/2008 |
Arctic Tale (G) |
| |
Firehouse Dog (PG) |
| 07/22/2008-07/23/2008 |
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) |
| |
Happily N'ver After (PG) |
| 07/29/2008-07/30/2008 |
Doogal (G) |
| |
Shrek The Third (PG) |
| 08/05/2008-08/06/2008 |
Jonah: A Veggie Tale Movie (G) |
| |
Bee Movie (PG) |
| 08/12/2008-08/13/2008 |
Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - Veggie Tales (G) |
| |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) |
| 08/19/2008-08/20/2008 |
Nancy Drew (PG) |
| 08/26/2008-08/27/2008 |
Charlotte's Web (G) |
| |
Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG) |
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 6, 2008 Frogs! 6/3/08
We learned all things frogs! We had four stations set up which worked really well for this topic. We had a lifecycles station, camo station, book station and a tadpole viewing station. The kids all had a 'passport' that they had to get a stamp on when completing a station.
Circle time
Frog lifecycle station
Reading station
Learning about 'camo' and work on crosswords and dot to dots
Ending our time with a fun game of leapfrog
|
•
Comments (0)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 5, 2008 June Schedule May. 28, 2008 Home School Convention
Hay Ladies,
Is anyone interested in going to the Home School convention comming up June 13th and 14th at Puyallup Fairgrounds?
I am interested in going and carpooling as well as swaping childwatching if anyone else is interested let me know.
Here are is the link:
http://www.washhomeschool.org/
Sun-D |
•
Comments (3)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
May. 20, 2008 Co-op and Field Trip cancelled
| We have cancelled 5/13 and 5/20 due to illness and the weather. With Kim and Liz's permission, we are going to try to go on the field trip, 5/27 instead! (You OK with that, ladies?) |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
May. 8, 2008 Tuesday School- 5/6/08 May. 1, 2008 Field Trip! 4/29/08
We ventured down to the Pacific Science Center.
We all had a great time. It is so fun to see how different each child is! Some loved the dinosaur exhibit some were frightened, others loved the bugs and snakes. There was defiinately something there for all of them!
Playing with water
Learning about the Puget Sound water ways
There was a beautiful butterfly exhibit
Chess
The children loved the HUGE fountain!
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
|
|
|
|
