July 13, 2018

The 2nd grader tested at a 4.5 reading level (4th grade, 5th month).  I'm not big on testing, but I do sincerely appreciate standard assessments that let us know where we fall.

July 6, 2018

They created a game together.  File this under favorite moments.

July 5, 2018

We woke up and got to work on our patriotic yarn painting.  We talked about the US flag and the symbolism of the stars and stripes. We then talked about Betsy Ross's flag and the 13 stars rather than 50. And listened to Hamilton because that's just what kind of mom I am. 

July 4, 2018

I'll be honest, these look like glittery poop piles to me.  But, more slime.  This time we used glitter glue and followed a strictly glitter glue recipe.  The turn out was great.  I'm not sure if it was the glitter glue or the contact solution that made these less sticky, but definitely in the pro- column.

2nd also spent the day hard at work on the bracelet.  I'm sure there is a lesson in there, but I don't care what it is.  Making things is good for the soul.

We also ended up with an ice cream treat with their PopPop because 4th of July should involve ice cream. 
We were going to get to our patriotic crafts, but by 4:00 the kids and I were all done for the day. We'll save them for tomorrow.

July 3, 2018

Find this at Amazon

I've been thinking about how to get the 2nd to write some without the "I'm bored.  This is hard," not because I think everything should be fun, because it shouldn't and it isn't, but because I do want him to figure out that writing, much like reading, is a door that leads to so much.  I found a Pokemon Trainer book that gives writing prompts like, "If I were to battle a ghost type Pokemon, I would ..." This book is great. He loves Pokemon, and not only is this sending his imagination into gear, he is also using strategy skills and being happy in the car, all whist practicing his writing skills.  As an added bonus, because it's his Trainer Book, he is self-motivated to make sure he is using correct spelling.  I have tried to do spelling curricula, but they never stick.  I am an opportunist when it comes to spelling, so when he asks how to spell something, I jump on it.  This time it was the word "may."

Me: What does it start with?
2nd: mmm... M
Me: Okay. and then?
2nd: a......  a?
Me: *pulling out dry erase markers*  there are a few ways to spell the long a sound.  Which one do you think spells may? 
2nd: Oh! M-A-Y!
Me: Yep! 
The 2nd goes back to writing and our spelling interjection is over.  

He is a good reader, so this method works well for us.  These five minute opportunity lessons are my favorite way of learning.  It reinforces that learning is a life skill and not just something we have to sit down and do because mom says. 

And of course, slime.  Again, this. never. gets. old.  This time, however, 2nd has to S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E all the glue out of the bottle.  The proprioceptive input is good for kids with ADHD or are learning to control their bodies.  This part he did not enjoy, but you don't get the paycheck without doing the work, so he squeezed and squeezed for the love of slime.  Also, I must say that this was the most perfect slime I have ever beheld.  Love. 
The PS needs more help, but she loves jobs like pouring, stirring, and counting pumps of foaming soap.  Another added bonus to having two slime makers is that more often than not, the recipes end up different.  One kid put an extra pump of soap or a little less shaving cream or a longer squeeze of lotion, so at the end of our slime making, we get to compare what qualities each ingredient produces or affects. 
What up, science? I didn't see you there.

July 1, 2018

We spent our Sunday morning at an indoor playground. I am in love, watching 2nd teach his cousin how to climb on the toys.  His desire to teach was mesmerizing to me because he kept encouraging nonstop and changed his approach when one way didn't work.  He took joy in his cousin's success when he made it up, and it was really beautiful to me.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention this experience is part of "Why." Having time outside of a very specific age cohort opens a person up.  He will learn that he is able to talk to, teach, and learn from each person he meets.