Homeschool Diaries: Numbers

I have recently learned that I work well with themes.  The thing about homeschooling is that you not only can adjust your lessons towards your children's strengths, but you can do the same for yourself.  The thought of being a parent-teacher can be so daunting.  I have known several women who do it so professionally, and with so many children that I just can't see myself fitting that role.

But that isn't my role to fit... we don't look alike, us homeschool moms.  We don't need to be carbon copies of each other.  Sure I want to provide my kids with the best education possible, but I can't do that if I am not both prepared and excited about teaching them.

I do not get excited about workbooks, and reviewing curriculum, and scheduling.  I do them anyway because I need to.  But when I found there was a way for me to do it, and want to... it really changed me as a teacher.

Once I gave myself the freedom to work in a way I enjoyed, our school time was much better. It was really through trial and error that I learned I enjoy themes.  I was randomly picking books at the library for the boys and making a big production of them with costumes and homemade puppets in our living room.  I was getting field guides about plants and birds and spending the day outdoors with binoculars and mason jars.  Then I thought... why am I not doing this with their school work?

Having a daily theme has helped me have more fun scheduling, and move smoother from one activity to the next. While preschool only takes about an hour a day in the Waggy house, I have to keep it entertaining so it doesn't melt into chaos, and I really have a hard time doing that if I am bored myself.

Right now, we do school five days a week with the themes of:

1)Numbers
2)Alphabet
3)Concept
4)Animal
5)Health and Fitness. 

I thought this week I would blog our work, for my own future benefit.

 

Youtube has great counting songs. I guess I never thought of youtube as a homeschool resource before, but in a vague attempt to google some music for today's lesson, I found a great variety. Annnnd... apparently several songs in a row will play. So I got a good 15 minute jam session of "Count to 20" songs.

I really recommend this little book, Infinity and Me. Not only did each page appeal to my artsy side, it really gave a good visual approach to the concept of infinity, and helped us stretch those counting muscles as we tried to wrap our brains around some big big numbers.

There was an opportunity here to combine tangible numbers with the more illusive concept of things that stretch on and on forever.  Bible verses: 1 Chron. 16:34, 1 Jn. 5:11, Job 11:7, Ps. 145:3 all point to infinite/eternal traits of God. 

Adding and subtracting using some buttons and a muffin tin.  Nothing fancy.

Lastly, comes tracing and writing.  These little workbooks are great, and you can find them pracitically anywhere. They have tracing exercizes, and matching games, etc. Nothing complicated, but helpful.

Today we covered: Art and Music, Story Time, New Word: Infinity, New Bible Verses, Review Concept: Forever/ Eternity, Writing, and Counting.

Homeschool Diaries: Favorites Books {momma's picks}

 

The Boy Who Drew Birds




A Nest Full of Eggs




What Makes a Bird a Bird



The Ugly Duckling



Horton Hatches the Egg



Even an Ostrich Needs a Nest

As Spring transitions to Summer, we have had a yard full of beautiful birds. This has molded my book choices lately.  I want the boys to not only take an interest in the world around them, but to have a decent amount of understanding about how that world works.  I have tried to balance my choices between fun and truly educational.  All of these books are really great, and I enjoyed them as much as the Jedi did {which is saying something, since I am seriously critical of the majority of children's books I find these days}

Making it real: feather art {nothing complex; just paper, glue, and a bag of feathers from the craft section}; bird watching binoculars & sketchbooks w/ colored pencils {we went to the park for this, because ducks are a little slower and easier to draw, but we did get some red and blue shapes in there too. :)}; observe the parts of an egg w/ hard boiled egg; make simple bird feeders with peanut butter, paper towel rolls and seeds, and set out a crate full of scraps of fabric and yarn for the birds to pick from for their nests {they actually do!!  I don't know why I was skeptical.}; we used the Birds of North America memory game for counting, and emphasized "bird words" when doing our letter work.  

**NOTE: All of the titles are hyperlinked to Amazon, if you are interested in adding any of them to your collection. :)

Homeschool Diaries: Favorite Books

Jayden's Picks:

{left top to bottom right} The Poky Little Puppy// Little Monster {learn to read book} //  Mater Tales Little Golden Books // Sesame Street: Grover Takes Care of Baby // The Berenstein Bears and The Messy Room // I Am a Bunny

Titus' Picks:

{left top to bottom right} The Golden Book Encyclopedia // Mr. Peabody's Apples //The Book of Australian Nursery Rhyme //Just One More Swim //Before I go to Sleep // Wreck it Ralph

 I think that the books they decided to share are such perfect examples of how they learn.  Jayden likes simple books... that are not too long.  His attention span is much shorter, but he does enjoy picking out letters and small words.  We have had to read "The Messy Room" book many times. ;)

Titus, on the other hand, likes to sit and read.  He really loves pictures, particularly of nature, trains, and engines.  But I can read him longer books, or more than one, without him getting bored.

One thing I found helped the interest level in reading for fun was finding books they had seen the movies of.  They get really excited about Disney cartoon books, because they already know the story and can pretend to read it on their own.

//

We have been spending a good hour most days simply tracing, writing, and painting. I have been keeping it simple just so that I don't get overwhelmed. I find creativity as a homeschool mom hits me in spurts, and when it hits I run with it. But when it's gone, I have a tendency to become despondent and not put the effort into teaching them that I should. Like most things, it is easy to view our children as a competition and we are trying to turn out the best "product". But truthfully, they are so much more than the sum of lessons learned. Even though some other mom out there has probably turned out a four-year-old who is reading Tolstoy while we're over here tracing circles... it is the time together practicing life essentials that is important to me. Each day I teach them something... their world becomes a little bigger, and they learn to trust me a little more. And I learn how to be more patient and gentle. We're growing together, always.  If anyone was to ask me what I personally thought was the most satisfying thing about having a family, I would say this is it.

tidbits

 

//1. We went to a farm with my in-laws and met some really sweet animals.  This is Willy the horse. 
// 2. I can't remember this cow's name, so I shall call him "diva"  because he wanted the camera's attention that day. 
// 3. Ummm... It's the size of my dog. 
// 4. Miniature donkey.
// 5. Soy is looking a little angelic here, wouldn't you say?
// 6. The splash pad is pretty much our life these days. 
// 7. And I am always armed with plenty of water, coconut oil, and reading material. 
//8.9. I have had a smoothie obsession lately.  Some are super healthy.  Others or sort of healthy, but really good like this little blend: 1 frozen banana, 2 c frozen peaches, 1 c coconut milk, 1 1/2 c baby romaine, and a sprinkle of white chocolate chips.  Mmmm.... my taste buds were dancing.

Homeschool Diaries: Dorothea Lange

I recently stumbled upon the incredible photography of Dorothea Lange.  Dorothea, who apparently was molded by double tragedy in her childhood-- the contraction of polio at the age of seven left her with only one good leg, followed by abandonment by her father at the age of twelve-- gave up a more prestigious photography job to follow migrant farmers during the Dustbowl.  Her heart for the subject must have been apparent because she was able to take candid shots that were both brilliant and emotional in composition.

Her most famous photo is of this mother.  Lange stated later in her life that she did not remember ever explaining to this woman about her presence there with the camera, and the woman never asked questions.  She sat quietly while Dorothea took the pictures, and told her that they had been living on frozen vegetables from a nearby field and birds the children had shot.  Dorothea took her photos immediately to an editor of a San Fransisco newspaper.  She convinced him to publish an article that resulted in government intervention to prevent starvation in that camp.

I understand there is a lot about the Great Depression that will not translate to four-year-olds.  But these beautiful photos each tell a story... and young children can both recognize, and are drawn to sadness, pain and poverty when they see it.  They also recognize the adventure of it.  I have always been fascinated by the carnival culture of this time period... which was really fueled both by the hapless wanderer and the human need no matter the circumstance, for entertainment.

I talked with the boys about children who had nothing, and have nothing... How we should always be grateful for the things we've been given, but no matter how tightly we hold them they can easily be taken away.  I told them how important it is to share, and not be selfish with our things.



I think this is a lesson we will go back to several times during the course of their education.  It is one we can all learn from.  While I am not always as appreciative of photography as I am of other art forms, Dorothea Lange has inspired me greatly with her work.  {Look her up.  She also took images of Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate to displacement camps after Pearl Harbor.  These photos were impounded by the Army, but later some were released to a museum.}

Making it real:

1. We discussed how a Dustbowl works, and looked, touched, and smelled different types of soil.  We placed a seed in well fertilized soil and watered it and watched it grow.  We placed the same kind of seed in dry soil without watering it.  Marigold seeds are some of the quickest to sprout.  We were able to compare results within two days.

2. We imagined having to carry everything we owned on our backs.  We practiced making old-fashioned knapsacks with  handkerchiefs, and tied up our valuable treasures, placed them on a pole and carried them about the house and yard.  I suppose we could have done this with food!  And stopped for a picnic when we were done.  Maybe making food that was most available during this time, like corn cakes and jerky... 

Homeschool Diaries: appreciating art

Bruegel's Hunters in the Snow, 1665

I have always had an interest in art... all kinds of art.  When I was ten, I did a water color of Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough {minus the face.  I put a beagle's face on him}, and a colored pencil sketch of The Allegory of a Painting by Francois Boucher.  My parents framed and displayed these for a long time.  I remember copying them from a book.  I was so entranced, especially by the folds in the fabric and how much dimension these details gave.  I remember spending hours shading, trying to duplicate the silky textures. These tedious first attempts led to a path of self-expression, as I discovered release, and confidence, and comfort in my growing love of art.

It is nice to have internet, and access to so many masterpieces at our fingertips.  The Jedi and I have been looking at this painting by Bruegel, and analyzing it as best we can from a four-year-old perspective. :)  We talk about the colors and how they make us feel {cold, sleepy, hungry}.  We talk about what the hunters might be thinking about, and how many dogs there are, and what it would be like to go right outside your front door and ice skate.  Then we try to to copy parts of painting from sight by drawing and coloring.  I think I may read them a little history about the artist, and show them some of his other works {there are six in the same series as this one, I believe.}

At any rate, it is a lot of fun sharing a passion that started in my childhood with my children. It was a passion my father shared with me.  I hope that the generations of my family can continue to bond over dabbling in, and appreciating art.

I would like to end by saying this: I want to start sharing some little things we are doing in the arena of homeschooling.  I, however, believe this is a very personal topic, and that homeschooling is not best for every child, or every parent.  I am definitely not preachy about it.  I do not even commit my own children's entire education to this route.  One day I'll blog about why we do it now.  But as for today, I hope that sharing in the arts is something you feel inspired to do with your children, no matter what school they attend.  No matter if you love classical paintings, or modern art, or theater, or music... they can really grow by seeing what you enjoy and learning to love it too.

 

Thoughts on Deployment

While I am a pretty steady Facebook status update-er, there has been a change of life around here that I have not mentioned.  There really has been no need to, and of course most people know about it already.  If I were to just honestly write what was in my head to say to people all of the time it would be, 'I am fine.' 

Matt is deployed.  It is only four months, which is so small a deployment in military life that I cannot complain.  I don't want to complain.  After all this is the life we chose and the career he loves.  He has deployed before, twice actually.  But my life has changed so drastically since then, that it feels like the first time.  Before when he deployed, I worked.  I went out with friends at night, and I went to the gym when I was lonely, or needed to clear my head.  Now I comfort toddlers, I clean house more meticulously and I count down days...

I am NOT complaining.... I actually really hate that.  The, "woe is me" attitude about inevitable events.  No military wife thinks she's going to keep her husband by her side all of the time.  But I guess this is the first time I understand the process from a SAHM's perspective, and I feel much more sympathetic about it now.  Children don't understand-- the first time Daddy doesn't come home for several days.  They adjust, I am sure, but the first time he goes is kind of heart-breaking for them.  Titus has told me several times that he is going to learn to fly/ build an airplane so that he can go find Daddy, and Jayden absolutely melted in church yesterday morning when there was no Daddy's lap to sit in.  They both ask every day if he is coming home tomorrow.  I guess that they are at an awkward age for this: so much understanding, and yet so little.

For the most part they are doing great.  And I know as time goes on they will do even better.

But I can't update my status on these little issues.  These are things we just work out and through, and we grow happier and stronger, and fonder of Daddy every day. And I am fine; truly. I always see these little lapses in togetherness as a time for accomplishing personal goals. I am working on losing some weight, plan to paint a mural somewhere in our house, and maybe plant a small garden if the weather will ever stop being ridiculous. I have been sewing, and drawing into the wee hours of the morning {those times when I miss him most}. And everything is fine. I am not complaining. Seriously. I am good. 

I am actually really glad I have a husband that I can miss. A keeper, I suppose. I am glad he didn't want to leave, and I am glad our children feel the void. I am also grateful for grandparents, a sweet church, McDonald's, goofy golf, trampolines, bicycles, and all sorts of other healing potions right now. We are really spoiled to be honest.

So I guess my thoughts to others in this arena: single moms, I give you mad props.  You are seriously amazing people.  Men everywhere: your families need you.  And not because you do things perfectly, your presence is the best thing ever.  And to all of the kiddos whose daddies are gone for a short time or forever, I say a prayer for your comfort every night.  I hope that some of you guys will come to know and understand the never-leaving love of our heavenly Father.... the same prayer I pray for my children, I pray for you.

.  

A Momma Lesson...

{school time}   

There is a fault I have been falling into pretty regularly lately: 
 Self-criticism.  

I have had this problem for a long time, and it is just an area of sin-nature that surfaces strongly when I am not relying fully on my Savior.  I will find myself constantly remarking that I’m terrible at returning phone calls, or emails. Or hating myself for my inability to make a time commitment because having appointments and scheduled activities on the calendar gives me anxiety.  

I begin putting negative thoughts in other people's head before they have the chance to think it on their own. And while the negative self-talk generally only points out minor flaws, I realize that even on a small level, self-criticism adds up…. and takes a toll. 

"We live up to the potential we see within ourselves."

{Random quote I saw on Pinterest}

I received a slap in the face today when I realized that I was imposing this defense mechanism onto my sons. 

I realized I was focusing on their shortcomings.  I worry about their physical and mental development, I concern myself all day about patterns of negative behavior, and I fall to pieces sometimes over how they mirror my failures as a mother. 

There have been times recently when I have been embarrassed for my little men.  Children at the park cannot understand what they are saying.  They try to participate in games, but have no awareness or desire to follow the rules and other kids of their age get annoyed by it.  

I’m a bit ashamed to say that I have come to not have great expectations for them in social settings. They do their own thing, and are generally happy about it.  Then the next day, they long to go somewhere and see their "friends". and my heart hurts a little knowing that this feeling isn't reciprocated by the little people they come in contact with.  

I also worry about them academically  When we are alone and it is quiet, they do so well.  They understand so much, and really shine during our "school' time.  But add a little noise, or excitement, and they can't even count to three or remember their last name.  And their ability to listen goes out the window completely.

Things that last year I thought were cute, this year I am worried they are growing too big for.  They still want to wear super hero capes on every outing, and have trouble with simple self-awareness issues that make them seem like whirling dervishes.  Let's not even talk about the nightmare that is now going on two years of potty-training.  The proud mama bird expression I used to wear on my face every time they did anything has clouded with concern.

To some of you reading, I may sound like a ridiculous parent. Overkill. Drama. Making a mountain out of a mole hill. 

But those of you who are around us for any length of time understand what I mean.  My boys are amazing, and adorable, and energetic.  But they are also difficult... they don't listen well and change is tough on them. And therefore tough on me. Even the tiniest moderation to our daily life can send them into a tailspin of frustration…and forces me into an ultimate trial of my patience. 

This morning as we prepared to leave for the park, they insisted on wearing capes and masks, and fell apart when I suggested we leave them home today.  They were once again excited to go see "friends".  They jumped out of the van and began tearing through the park, careless of anything and anyone in their paths.

Then something remarkable happened.  A boy twice their age started following them.  He stripped off his top shirt and tied it around his neck like a cape.  Then a girl followed.  Pretty soon nearly every kid at the park was playing a game of follow the leader, and Jayden and Titus were the ecstatic leaders.  They were laughing, and talking, and being careful with the smaller kids.  They were a huge hit, and I was shocked.   My jaw hit the floor. Was this really happening? Tears welled in my eyes and my chest gave that Momma twinge. The twinge from the part of my heart that will always belong to these boys. 

This wasn’t about Jayden and Titus. This was about ME. Clearly, they are fine. The last hour had proven that. It was ME who wanted more. It was ME frightened about them growing up, and it was me trying to hold onto that world that still seemed safe and cooed over all of their antics. In reality, that’s not how the world works. Things don’t always go our way. And it’s my job as their Mom to introduce them to new experiences, rather than shielding them from opportunities to step outside of our comfort zone. I hadn’t given the boys the credit they deserved.  I assumed the worst, rather than expecting the best. And that was a sucky realization. I wasn’t reflecting the strength and confidence I want to see in them. But thankfully it didn’t matter. 

Today Jayden and Titus were my examples. Today they reminded me that it’s my job to be a champion for my children. To have more confidence in them than even they have in themselves. Because in the future, there will certainly be days when their confidence falters… and they will have their doubts… And on those days, when they look in my eyes searching for comfort and answers, what they see staring back at them sure as heck better serve to restore their confidence and remind them of all the greatness they are capable of. 

Being a mom is sometime weary-making.  I never before had to be better for someone else.  I thank the Lord for continually forgiveness, and mercy, and guidance.  I am so grateful that no matter how they turn out at the end of this growing-up journey, I am able to walk with them in it.  If nothing else good happens, I am already better because of it.

Thoughts on a favorite shirt...

   

Reviewing some pictures I have taken of the boys lately, I realize that a documented month or two could look like one long day of activity.  All because of THIS shirt.  It is a lucky Walmart find from my grandmother that they just LOVE.  They literally wear it every time they see it.  They will strip down and put it on, they will pull it out of the dirty clothes bin, and let us not get into the tears that can occur if it is actually IN the washing machine. 

Parenting is all about choosing your battles, and this is one that I can gladly say I am not fighting.  I really don't care if they wear it ragged, I absolutely adore their attachment to it.  Similar to the blanket and thumb thing, I just think that this is such a precious part of childhood.  While a man is not made of his possessions, we could certainly learn something from the simplicity of a child's material wants.  A favorite tee, a superman cape, a football... they are good to go.

They do own other and far cuter apparel, though, in case there was any wonder.  But nothing can beat the happy faces, and the confidence they get from this one simple piece of clothing.