Our (Tentative) Curriculum Choices

I've put a lot of effort into finalizing our list for Wendy's kindergarten year, and I'm still not entirely convinced that my current list is what we'll end up using. Because this is our first year, we're trying out some things that may or may not work for us. Anyway, here's the list, in no particular order:

• Math - Horizons 1st Grade Math
  
• Reading - Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, lots of read-alouds
  
• Penmanship - Handwriting Without Tears - My Printing Book (1st Grade)
  
• History - The Story of the World, Vol. 1 & activity book
  
• Art - Usborne Art Treasury
  
• Science - unit studies using the library & online resources
  
• P. E. - maybe a gymnastics or dance class
  
• Music - Piano lessons with Grandpa, Maestro Classics
  
• Bible - nightly Bible reading as a family, memory work

In addition to the schoolbooks themselves, there are various and sundry supplies to purchase - art supplies, paper, things to help us get/stay organized.

It's a little overwhelming.

So if you know of a way for me to earn about $300 quickly, in a legal and morally-upright manner, please let me know!

Wendy's Favorite Book

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned in a post that Wendy and I were reading "My Father's Dragon," by Ruth Stiles Gannett. We had just started reading the Kindle version, because I had seen it recommended and it was temporarily free. (It's not free anymore, but it's a whopping $.99, so go buy it.) I hadn't ever read it before but it looked interesting, so we began reading before Wendy's nap one day.

We read three chapters in that first sitting, because neither one of us wanted to stop! We had to find out what was going to happen to Elmer! Was he going to take the cat's advice? Would he be discovered on the ship? And most importantly, would he find the dragon?

The book is a simple and sweet adventure story, wherein good triumphs over naughty (I wouldn't say there's real "evil" anywhere in the story), creativity pays off, and quick thinking saves the day. There are ten chapters, and each chapter takes about 5 minutes to read aloud, depending on how much time you spend discussing as you go. The illustrations are fantastic, and are displayed quite clearly on the Kindle version; some Kindle versions of children's books have sacrificed the quality of the illustrations, but this one is really good.

We ended up enjoying the book so much that the day after we finished it, Wendy asked, "Can we please read 'My Father's Dragon' all over again?" I ordered the hardcover version that is pictured, and it has all three stories in the "My Father's Dragon" series in one volume. We've started reading the first story again and plan to read all the way through the series.

It's been a long time since I read a children's chapter book that I fell in love with.

Not a compensated review. I just love the book.

Anger Management

To look at her, you might think she's my mini-me. She looks so much like Mommy, and even more like pictures of Mommy as a young girl.

However, in some respects, our personalities couldn't be more different. I can summarize it like this:

• Me: quiet, shy, a thinker rather than a talker, a planner rather than a doer
  
• Wendy: a singing, dancing, yelling, running, talking Talking TALKING dynamo

The contrast is most evident in how we deal with our emotions. I tend to come across as being calm (despite the inner chaos of my emotional state sometimes). I rarely blow up, and when I do, it fizzles out almost immediately.

But when this girl gets mad? This sweet, charming, loveable princess of a 4 year old?

Oh my word.

The girl can throw a FIT. Stomping, screeching, yelling, hitting, throwing things...if allowed to go unchecked she might just be Tennessee's first case of spontaneous combustion. We have struggled with how to help her deal with her emotions; it's obvious that she is a person that feels things deeply, acutely, strongly. That is a good trait, one that we want to preserve and train - the world needs more passionate people! But how to prune the bad so that the good can grow?

In my desperation the other day, a Scripture came to mind. I had to look up the reference; it's Ephesians 4:26a:

In your anger, do not sin.

That's it. It doesn't get much simpler than that. Anger is a normal emotion - we even see evidence of God's righteous anger in many different situations in the Bible. Anger is a natural response that we will have to deal with all of our lives, and that is okay. That is not the problem. How we act when we are angry is what is important. And even a passionate, headstrong 4 year old can learn that lesson.

I have taught Wendy this verse, and now, just as I can tell she is in danger of spiraling out of control, we say it together. I get her attention and say, "In your anger...?" She (grudgingly) sighs and says, "...don't sin." It defuses the situation and gives us a chance to talk about things without going into the full-blown fury. It lets us connect and bond and learn from each other, and we've made a lot of progress just in the last few days.

And guess what? Correcting with scripture isn't a new idea!

I Timothy 3:16 : All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...

My Job

Yesterday morning I was working on making a chore chart for Wendy. She's 4 1/2 and is fully capable of doing simple things like making her bed and picking out her clothes, so it's time for her to learn about responsibility. I've made a simple chart with two sections, "Morning Chores" and "Afternoon Chores." I'm going to stick it on the refrigerator and give her some magnets; she'll be able to move her magnets from "To Do" to "Done!" as she completes the tasks.

Wendy saw me drawing simple pictures for her chart. She's not quite reading yet, so the pictures are just to remind her of the different tasks. Anyway, she asked what I was making, so I explained to her that I was making a chore chart of different jobs that she would have each day. She said, "I want to make one for YOU!" She asked for a piece of paper and got busy writing.

According to her, these are my chores:

1. Make pancakes
2. Blow bubbles
3. Drive when Daddy's not coming
4. Tuck Wendy into bed
5. Put bows in Wendy's hair
6. Buy stuff
7. Pick flowers for someone if I want to
8. Bring my purse everywhere
9. Drink a little bit of coffee

I laughed when she got to #9, and she said, "I know that that's a little bit silly, but that's your job!"

I love my job.

Conspiracy

This conversation must have taken place before bedtime last night.

Wendy: David, I know we've been trying to keep Mama from sleeping, but it's been tricky. Maybe if we work together we can do it!

David: That sounds good; what do you have in mind?

Wendy: Well, I'll take the first shift. I'll stay awake until 11 p.m., then I'll make Mama and Daddy think that I've settled and gone to bed. Then after awhile, once Mama is finally asleep, I'll make my move!

David: So far so good...tell me more!

Wendy: I'm thinking that I'll get up about every five minutes between 1 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. I'll weep and whine, with some wailing thrown in for good measure. I've got all sorts of things I can complain about: it's too dark. I'm all alone in here. I have to potty. No, I don't have to potty!! I'm thirsty. I had a bad dream. I'm scared of the dark when I'm all alone. I want to sleep wif you. I need a tissue! Mama, MAMA...

David: Wow, you're good at this! Okay, you'll be up until 2:30 a.m....how about we let Mama get back to sleep, and I'll take over at 3 a.m.? I'll do what I'm best at: cry/screech/scream unless Mama is holding me. I won't let her know what is wrong. I won't be placated by my Blankie or a book or rocking. I will SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREEEEAAAAAM.

Wendy: Good idea! Nobody screams like you, that's for sure!

David: Once I've calmed down, I'll let Mama think the worst has passed...until she puts me back in my bed! Then I'll scream and screech some more until she thinks she's going to spend the rest of the night sitting on the floor by my crib, patting my belly and shushing me.

Wendy: But won't that put you to sleep?

David: Well, yeah, it will. But keeping Mama up until 4 a.m. is pretty good, don't you think? And we can always wake up again at 6:30 a.m., ready for another day of wrestling/bickering/whining.

Wendy: Okay, it's a plan! What's gonna work? TEAMWORK!

David: *evil chuckle*

Now We Are Four

Brand New


One


Two


Three


FOUR!

My Darling, Sweet, Complicated Wendy,

You are four years old.

People will tell you all of your life that time flies. You won't really know the truth of that until you are a Mommy yourself someday. Weren't we just swaddling you? And putting tiny dresses and tights on you? And laughing at how your uncoordinated newborn eyes could look at the ceiling and floor at the same time?

On one hand, it feels like you have always been a part of our family. But on the other hand...yes, time DOES fly. You have changed from a tiny, fragile newborn to a healthy, happy baby, to a strong, opinionated toddler, to a little girl.

A wonderful little girl.
A beautiful little girl.
A feisty little girl.
A dramatic little girl.
A sweet little girl.
MY little girl.

I love you, my baby. Let's enjoy what FOUR brings us!

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Preschool

About three weeks ago, Wendy started preschool. We are homeschooling this year as a kind of trial run to help us figure out whether we'll enroll her in public school next year or continue on at home. After three weeks, I must confess: I love homeschooling.

Granted, this is just preschool, which means that our schoolwork takes maybe two hours a day and consists of reading and art and play. Who wouldn't love that? But I am also really enjoying seeing Wendy grasp new concepts and develop a real enthusiasm for learning.

Here are the top ten things we are doing for preschool:

1. Five in a Row - this is a homeschool guide for teaching children based on reading wonderful children's literature. We read the same book for five days in a row and have lessons based on the story. So far we have read Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Storm in the Night, and The Story About Ping. This week we are studying Madeline.

2. Other Books - going along with our book of the week, we use other books as reference to highlight important points or give a glimpse of another culture. For example, last week, when we studied The Story About Ping, we read books about Chinese culture and about ducklings.

3. My ABC Bible Verses - I choose a letter of the week based on our book of the week, and then we study the corresponding verse from My ABC Bible Verses. This book has a simple devotional story outlining the concept presented in the verse. We read the story on Monday and then work on memorizing the verse and talking about what it means.

4. Dolch Sightwords - I made flashcards based on this list of Dolch sightwords. We look at the flashcards and talk about them, but it's pretty low-key. Wendy is still at the pre-reading stage, so we aren't spending too much time on this, but I figured that early exposure wouldn't hurt.

5. Pattern Blocks - we ordered this set and I am so glad that we did! Wendy loves working with them, and she can already do all but the hardest cards by herself. I do wish the set came with more blocks; there aren't enough blocks for Wendy and me to do cards simultaneously. We'll probably be adding some blocks to our set in the near future.

6. Worksheets - I couldn't find a link to the exact workbook that we have, but there are so many good ones out there! I got ours at Sam's Club and it is great. It goes through shapes, colors, numbers and letters, and also has concepts like basic patterns and matching and relative size.

7. Art - lots and lots of art! Wendy loves to draw and color and paint and work with play-dough and pretty much any other kind of art you can think of! Some of our art goes along with our story of the week or our memory verse, and some is just for fun.

8. Writing Practice - in the last two weeks, Wendy has learned to write her name! I am so proud of her. Her "d" turns out like a "b" most of the time, but with practice I know she'll get it just right. We focus on writing the letter of the week and copying some basic sightwords starting with that letter.

9. Starfall - if you haven't used Starfall, then you're really missing out! Wendy loves doing the first level of activities, and she can do them by herself; she's learning computer skills as she learns to read!

10. Read-aloud - as you can see from the rest of the list, we do a lot of reading! We just started reading chapter books aloud, starting with Little House in the Big Woods. We read a chapter (or sometimes half a chapter) at a time, and for the most part, Wendy pays attention and understands what we're reading. I'm hoping that it will help her develop a love of reading and enhance her creativity!

What kinds of things do you do or have you done for preschool?

For more great Top Ten lists, visit Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda!

WFMW: Mess-Free Painting For Your Preschooler

Wendy, at almost 4 years old (!!!), loves anything artistic. Coloring, drawing, Play-Doh, painting...she does it all! In the past I have unintentionally stifled her creativity because I was afraid of the mess. Well, no more! (See the masterpiece she made the other day?)

I've come upon a fairly mess-free way for Wendy to paint to her heart's content. All it took was a few inexpensive supplies. Here are the important points:

Paint: I am a huge fan of Crayola's washable products. I found this six-pack of washable paint at the grocery store, and it works really well. It's thick enough to stick to brushes so that kids can achieve really vibrant and colorful effects. It washes right out of the brushes, off the wall, off the floor, out of the clothes, off the skin...you get the idea.

Brushes: I found a package of paint brushes at the grocery store that has worked out great. It was around $5, and has 8 brushes of different sizes and shapes. (It's similar to this set, but not exactly the same.) Wendy loves experimenting with them and seeing the different looks each brush can give.

Palette: Instead of using some sort of paint cup or palette, I use an egg carton. Since our paint set has 6 colors, I cut the egg carton into 6-cup segments. With a small blob of paint in each cup, Wendy is all set! When she's finished, I either throw away the egg carton or, if we're going to paint more later in the day, I'll stick the egg carton in a quart-sized zipper bag to use later.

Water Cup: A sturdy glass votive holder works great! It's low and heavy, so it's less likely to tip over, and it cleans up easily!

Paper: We've used poster board, construction paper, drawing paper, and card stock. It all works equally well for the paints we're using. If using watercolors, I'm sure watercolor paper would be the best bet. Just tape it up on the wall, making sure it's secure. No easel needed!

Location: We have a little space of wall in our kitchen, behind our back door, where I set up a painting station for Wendy. It is out of the general traffic area, in plain sight, and (most importantly) is on an easy-to-clean vinyl floor. I really like having it there, because she can paint while her brother is napping and I can get some much-needed kitchen work done. I tape up the paper, place her supplies on a low stool, and she's all set!

When the artist has decided that her composition is finished, I leave it taped to the wall to dry. Wendy helps me clean up her water cup and brushes, and we wipe off any drips on the floor or wall.

And that's it! Painless painting fun for a preschooler!

(I'm really proud of the egg-carton idea. Can I get some kudos for that, please?)

Mess-free painting works for me! For more great ideas, visit Works-For-Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family!

Masterpiece

"Is God watching me paint?"

"Yes, baby."

"Do you think He wikes it?"

"I'm sure He does!"

"I think He thinks it is very beautiful!"



I think YOU are beautiful.

Things I Love Thursday: Buds n' Branches

Back in June, we had the privilege of going to the wedding of my husband's little sister and her long-time sweetheart. I took that opportunity to look for matching outfits for Wendy and David - how many excuses to you get for dressing your kids alike??

After searching high and low, I came across the Buds n' Branches store on Etsy. I really liked what I saw, but nothing was just exactly right. I send a message to the seller, and she graciously agreed to make me a matching set for Wendy and David, complete with their names embroidered on the front.

I was especially delighted by the quick turn-around; I placed the order and had the outfits within the week! The workmanship is great, the fit is great, and the kids were SO cute for the wedding!

If you're in the market for matching apparel for your kiddos, or just want a nice monogrammed outfit, go visit Buds n' Branches! You'll love it!

For more Things I Love Thursday posts, visit Jill at The Diaper Diaries!

(p.s. - I also love the kids' shoes! Wendy's sandals are Stride Rite's Lollipop sandals and David's shoes are Converse One Star shoes from Target.)

Top Ten Tuesday: Makes Me Smile!

I had a bit of writer's block when I was trying to think of a topic for today's Top Ten Tuesday post. I asked Twitter for suggestions, and Heather came to my rescue! Thanks, Heather!

Top Ten Things My Kids Have Done To Make Me Smile Lately:

1. Wendy was holding the front door for me as I was bringing in groceries last week. I walked through and she didn't shut the door. I said, "Close the door please, baby!" and she replied, "I'm holding it for God!" She always asks us if God is in the car with us, and of course we say yes...I guess it makes sense that He would come in the house when we do!

2. David has been really interested in Signing Time lately. He was watching a video the other day and I saw him grab one plump wrist with the other plump hand and sway back and forth - he was trying to copy the sign for "baby"!

3. Wendy was coloring very intently during our devotional on Sunday night. When she finished, she handed it to Miss Rachel, and said, "I made this for you!" (Miss Rachel is our church's resident grandmother. Everyone knows her and loves her.)

4. David knows that the first thing we do when we come home is take off our shoes, and usually his Daddy helps him with that. Now, whenever we come in, David plops down on the floor in front of Daddy, grabs the toes of his shoes, and asks, "shushuf?" which must be his form of "shoes off?"

5. We've definitely entered the phase of sibling squabbles, but today, all of her own accord, Wendy shared her snack with David! She saw that he was hungry, and said, "I'll share wif him!" She pinched off little pieces of her bread and popped it in his wide-open baby-birdie mouth. It was sweet!

6. David has entered a very hug-y phase, and we are loving it! He will be busy playing, and walk over to us, give us a hug, and continue on his merry way!

7. Wendy laughed in her sleep the other night. Like, a full-out, wide-awake sounding laugh. Even though it woke me up, I had to smile - she must have been having a good dream!

8. David has finally discovered that books are not just for chewing. He has a little touch-and-feel animal book that he will "read" for ten minutes at a time - he's fascinated by it!

9. Wendy makes everything into a song these days. It can get annoying, but it's also pretty funny. It turns simple requests for more milk into quite an entertaining show!

10. David's determination in exercising his new walking skills is really impressive. I have to smile when I see his focus as he holds his balance during a wobbly spell. He is such a busy boy!

Those are ten ways my kids have made me smile lately - and I must say, it was a good thing for me to focus on. These days of parenting an almost-4 year old and a 14 month old can be draining and exhausting. Revisiting all the ways they make me smile sure makes it seem worthwhile!

For more Top Ten Tuesday lists, visit OhAmanda.com!

Wordless Wednesday

Mighty Bug Hunter

To My Sweeties...

Wendy at 1 year old, 9/2007

To know that I'm the one you call when you have a nightmare...

To know that I get to kiss your boo-boos and tickle your ribs...

To know that I get to read you story after story (after story after story)...

To know that you always got the hiccups right around 3 p.m. and made my whole belly shake...

To know what the back of your neck smells like after a bath...and when you NEED a bath...

To know that I get to see every stage of your development...

To see my eyes looking back at me in your faces...

To see your Daddy's determination and strength in your individual personalities...

To be able to talk with you about Baby Jesus in the middle of an ordinary bathtime on an ordinary Thursday night...

This...these things, these times...make my Mother's Day complete!

David at 10 months, 3/2010

Easter...three weeks late

(Just pretend you're reading this about three weeks ago.)
I have always enjoyed the fun side of Easter. The Easter baskets, the egg hunts, and especially the pretty Easter dresses are always a welcome sign of spring.

This year was no exception. I started planning the kids' Easter attire back in February, and I think they looked wonderful!

Grandma (my Mom) made Wendy's dress. Who knew that $6 worth of fabric from Wal-Mart could look so cute?

I made David's vest. I chose a simple pattern, since I didn't start it until the end of March. It looked so cute on him; I definitely plan on making him a few more vests for the fall and winter!

Easter was especially fun this year, because Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa (my grandparents) were able to visit. Wendy really enjoyed spending time with them, and she keeps asking when we're going to see them again. David spent some quality snuggle-time with his Great-Grandma; she was able to rock him to sleep, something I can rarely accomplish! We had our family's "traditional" chili dogs for Easter dinner, and we all had a good day!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!

Hi, Pot, my name is Kettle

It seems like every five or so years there is some sort of toy craze around Christmas time. When I was little, Cabbage Patch Dolls were all the rage, and desperate parents would fight over them in the stores. I remember the Tickle-Me Elmo, and most recently, the Wii game system. I always thought that parents who would go to such lengths to get toys for their children for Christmas were crazy.

But then...

...Wendy turned 3 years old. She became much more aware of things like Christmas trees, and presents, and Santa. SANTA!! She is so excited this year, and we talk every day about Santa, and the reindeer, and the North Pole, and she just eats it all up.

I asked her a couple of weeks ago what she thought Santa would bring for her this year. She immediately answered, "Bouncy balls!! A red one, an' a boo one, an' a geen one, an' a peeh one..." She has given that answer consistently, every single time she is asked.

I thought I was getting off easy - just find a couple of bouncy balls, and she'll be thrilled. Cheap and simple!

Ha.

I looked at Wal-Mart. No bouncy balls.

My mom looked at Wal-Mart. Nope.

I looked at Rite-Aid. Nada.

I looked at Walgreens. Uh-uh.

I looked at Kmart. Zip.

I looked at CVS...and wanted to leap over the counter and give the cashier a hug when I found packages of brightly colored bouncy balls for $1. I bought two packages.

So, many hours and $2 later, Santa will be bringing my girl the only thing she asked for. The look on her face Christmas morning when she sees her "boo an' geen an' red an' peeh" bouncy balls will be worth it.

And I'm now one of the crazy parents.

Top Ten Tuesday: Kids' Craft Supplies

My daughter, at 3 years old, is a very busy girl. She is on the move from the time she opens her eyes in the morning to the time she reluctantly closes them at nap time or night time. She is also great at keeping herself entertained...however, her methods for self-amusement generally involve messes, bruises, or a crying little brother.

When Wendy is given a little more guidance in her play, we all benefit. Her attitude is better, her behavior is better, and we get to share some special and funny moments. She really likes to make things, so I am in the process of stocking up on some craft supplies for her.

Here are my Top Ten craft supplies to keep on hand for a 3 year old:

1. Crayons and Washable Markers - these are an obvious necessity for an easy craft time. Wendy loves crayons, and she really loves markers - see?


That's why WASHABLE markers are essential. I've been really happy with the easy clean-up of Crayola's washable products.

2. Construction Paper - I just bought a giant stack of construction paper at Sam's Club yesterday, and I can't wait to use it! I think today we'll be making these turkeys and talking about Thanksgiving. (And if you don't subscribe to Impress Your Kids, you really should. That site is jam-packed with wonderful ideas!)

3. Stickers - Wendy is fascinated with stickers, and loves to put them on her potty chart & use them to embellish her original artwork. She can go through them pretty quickly, so we use the cheapest ones we can find, and she likes them just as well as the expensive ones.

4. Felt and Craft Foam - I really need to get a few different colors to keep on hand for projects. It's cheap and extremely versatile.

5. Googly Eyes - who doesn't love googly eyes? You can use them to turn any project into something fun.

6. Pipe Cleaners - bendy, colorful, and fun, and no mess involved! Pipe cleaners are great for shaping into animals, letters, numbers, or "jewelry."

7. Glue Sticks and Safety Scissors - glue and scissors are another obvious choice. Wendy knows how to use scissors, but hasn't quite developed the coordination and strength to make it work. We're going to practice as we do our crafts, because it is an important preschool skill.

8. Glitter Glue - kids LOVE sparkles! Glitter glue is fantastic, because it lets you have the fun of glitter without it getting absolutely everywhere.

9. Popsicle Sticks - great for making puppets, Christmas ornaments, buildings, bookmarks, and so many other things! They are cheap, and can be painted, colored, and glued. You can get big bags at most craft stores, or wash the ones your family uses!

10. Yarn, Feathers, Leaves, Acorns, Buttons, Sequins, Pinecones, etc. - being able to make her projects "fancy" makes Wendy happy! And I know she's not the only Fancy Nancy out there...

What have I forgotten? What craft supplies do your kids love to use?

For more Top Ten Tuesday lists, visit OhAmanda.com!

Trick or Treat!!

Only in My House...

...could someone go to bed & find a dried black-eyed pea centered perfectly by the pillow.

Top Ten Tuesday: Read-Aloud Books for 2-3 Year Old

I love books. I love children's books. But when it comes to reading aloud, a book has to meet certain criteria for me.

1. Repetition is great for kids - but not so great for the adult who is reading the same book over and over. One of Wendy's favorite books is "The Little Engine That Could," but reading it more than once a week is enough to drive me insane. Books with a lot of repetition tend to get "lost" in the back of the bookshelf...if you get my drift.

2. I really enjoy reading books out loud that have a rhythmic cadence. They don't have to rhyme, but if they do, that's even better. (I think perhaps I like that style of book because I love to sing.) The #1 book on my list below, The Gruffalo, is my current favorite for just that reason.

3. Sharing stories is one of the best ways to teach children about life - about morals, work ethic, consequences, manners, etc. The books I choose to read with my children are ones that SAY something - not just, "Look at Duck. Look at Duck swim. Quack, Quack, little Duck!"

4. Illustrations are a great way to involve kids in the stories being read. Wendy really pays attention to the illustration, and will ask questions about the things that she sees. Whether they are simple and vibrant, detailed and complex, or colorful and realistic, the illustrations play a key role in my selection of books for my children.

I've listed my top ten favorite read-aloud books for children from 2-3 years old. They fit all of my picky criteria above, and they can all be read in 5 minutes or less. They are the books that I turn to when Wendy asks me to read to her, and they are also the ones that she is most likely to look at and "read" on her own.

1. The Gruffalo


2. My Lucky Day


3. Click, Clack, Moo



4. Ten Apples Up On Top


5. Green Eggs and Ham


6. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, etc.


7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar


8. The Little Red Caboose


9. Richard Scarry books


10. Sandra Boynton books