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.