Where has the summer gone - heck it's almost October. I'm a little behind. First with the announcements - the fundraiser for Z-Place was very successful (although a little hot in the gym). It was a much better event than last years' - in large part because of the couple that coordinated it. Also, little man's birthday party was a smashing success. We had about 16 kids under age 5 running around our house and having a GREAT time. I hope all the parents enjoyed it too. It was just fun to catch up with everyone. So now little man is two and he is showing his colors!
So, I will update the goals that I wrote in May:
1. Work on reading classical literature for Great Books. - Didn't really happen. I can say that my hubbie has listened more to stuff about these works but I am no closer than I was before. I think I should probably pick a list and start reading!
2. Learn more about teaching reading - possibly through SWR. - I did not start following the SWR program. However, I did read a lot about reading this summer and have learned a few things:
- Many Montessori teacher's are just as confused as I was about how to help Montessori students learn all the spelling rules etc. These are not things that are easily "discovered". So I think I like Montessori oral prep work and hands on approach but at some point a kiddo needs some direct teaching.
- Core Knowledge is working on a pilot program using Diane McGuinnesses approach to reading. I spent a lot of the summer before little man was born reading her stuff. Their new curriculum sounds FABULOUS! I have read most of the lessons they have posted and it's great. They have a skills stream (direct phonemic instruction) and a listening strand that incorporates science, fairy tales and social studies to build vocabulary and following story structure, etc. This is a GREAT way for children to learn.
- Spell to Write and Read - I just can't see myself using this structured and complex of a program to teach a five year old to read. I think it is a GREAT spelling program and I very well might encourage the use of it for 2nd or 3rd graders to make sure the "get" it all and are spelling well.
In the end the point for us now is to help little guy hear the sounds in words and play with words and stories to help prep him for reading - when the time comes.
3. Being better at planning meals - well that didn't happen either!
4. Being outdoors - going to the park - I was very successful at this. To be honest, this is one of the few goals that I really felt God calling me to do. Everytime we get in the car little man wants to go to the park. We have been to a park somewhere at least 4 times a week. He has had fun playing with other kids, we even made some new friends! He is a parkaholic. We'll have to see what happens as it turns colder - but for now we continue to enjoy the park.
Many other things have changed this summer - but for now we'll leave it at that.
1 comment:
We are also parkaholics, we are at our neighborhood park almost every evening. The girls have made so many friends at the park and are exposed to many different cultures. It's a great way for them to run off some energy and make friends. Our shy child has no problems at parks asking other kids to play with her. It's great! Glad you were able to visit so many parks, it's fun to find different ones, most have different things to play on/with. I still have to find the pirate park, I've heard it has a ship, water and sand.
Happy 2nd birhtday to A.!
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