In my life this week…
We got back from 12 days away on Saturday. We went to visit my parents in Pennsylvania for an extended stay, because we probably won’t see them again until May or June after Lillian is born. While we were there we went to New York City for a day to see some old friends, and on the drive home {yes…drive} we stopped in North Carolina to see some more friends.
This entire week has obviously been about unpacking, organizing, and bringing some semblance of order back to our home.
In our homeschool this week…
Taking a page out of my playgroup friend Ambre’s book I have decided to “teach” Homeslice a letter each week. For those that don’t know, he is 18 months old but has an incredible ability to sit still when he is learning something or doing a craft activity {other times? notsomuch}. I think this is all because we bought him an old school desk that he absolutely loves.
Anyway, this week was the letter A. We did some apple painting {pictured above}, read the story of Adam & Eve, read a book about ants, and most importantly I bought the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book & cd. This is a hit.
We also did a ton of other stuff, because I am a huge believer little kids should do crafts everyday.
I’ve really started using my Well-Planned Day planner if only to plan little activities ahead of time so I can stop running to the store every morning to get things for a craft. I’m also being more deliberate about some of the books we get out from the library for him.
My favorite thing this week was…
If this teaching a letter thing is doing anything it is growing Homeslice’s vocabulary. This week alone he added 4 new words to the ever growing list. All of them A words…so I know something in that little toddler brain is clicking.
Questions/thoughts I have…
When does preschool start in your area? Preschool here starts at age 2 most places, so I am planning to do preschool in the fall. What is your favorite 2-3 year old curriculum? Who uses Pre-K Scholars for a 2 year old, anyone?
I know I don’t need a curriculum, but I like the idea of having one as a guide for me – a guide not necessarily the end all and be all of my homeschool.
We own Heart of Dakota’s Little Hands to Heaven for ages 2-5.
Things I am working on…
Organizing and purging. That is my life.
I’m reading…
I just finished The Duggars: 19 and Counting yesterday. I started Cannery Row by John Steinbeck last night.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
I was cleaning out the closet on Wednesday, and this happened:
Yes. That is my child in a dog crate. He thought it was awesome.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on your first ever homeschool journal, I did my first ever this week too! Last year we did a letter a week program and I loved it, so did the kids. It was very flexible and fun. I have all the activities we did and books we read for each week on our blog, maybe something will interest you there. Have a great weekend.
Thanks, Jen! I am going to stop by and read some of your activities this weekend. I am a library book reserving fiend these days
Welcome to MHJ! I love it there. It is so nice to meet up with everyone each week and see how others are having the same ups and downs you are. It is great encouragement! Your kiddo is adorable and I love the dog crate picture
Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!
Oh thank you! This one…he’s a riot!
Great post! I’m awed (and a bit envious) of your thoughtfulness as a stay-at-home Mom. Wyatt’s pre-school is a small home-based program and they’ve been using the Mother Goose curriculum for about 2 years now. I believe they have home school and home daycare curriculums available. Each month is themed and within each month, each week has a particular emphasis (Decemeber was paleontology, big hit). It is a very craft heavy program and utilizes all 5 senses in crafts. I would definitely check it out I kno whis teacher has been very happy with the curriculum.
Thanks, dear! I will check it out. Samuel seems to be developing quite the little collection of interests {mostly Thomas the Tank, but other things too}. I think he would love something with a little diversity in the content!
Jumpe over from Homeschool Chick: We did a letter a day and LOVED it!! My 5 year old still asks what the letter of the week is. Preschool around here starts at 3. But I think it’s never too early
Looks like a great week!
I really like this idea of starting a homeschool journal! We are using the Letter of the Week preparatory curriculum from this site – http://www.letteroftheweek.com/Preparatory.html
I like how comprehensive each week is, with a letter, a theme, poems, a book list, color, motor activities, etc.
The pic with the dog crate is great. My son used to put the laundry basket on top on himself and say he was “kitty-boy.” Then he would play in there for the longest time. ? boys? lol
Stopping by from THMJ
I love that picture. I’ve found my kids in the dog crate too.
Welcome to HMJ!
I think our boys need to meet! C is 22 months old and we are choosing to home school versus send him to preschool with all his play group buddies. There are thirteen of us and C is the only one not going to “school” in the fall. How do you decide on a curriculum? Do you have specific times during the day when you do school specifically? I am a former elementary school teacher but things are so different when it’s your own child and you actually get to choose what to teach them!!! Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated
I am so laid back right now, but I think as Samuel gets older structure will become more important. I try to do crafts early just so I can set up while he is sleeping, and they are ready after breakfast. I picked Heart of Dakota because it seemed simple. After preschool we will switch to Seton {we are Catholic}, but for now HoD is fine.
I just finished the newest Duggar book, as well. Loved it and was convicted by several things.
I usually began my children at 4 years old (I have 7…6 are “doing” school now). My 4 1/2 year old will begin school when he’s 5. Much of the learning that occurs at 2 is done by play, being read to, and having time spent with them. But, every family and every child is different.
Totally agree on the school thing! I am being very relaxed with my use of the word homeschool at this point. We are basically embracing “toddlerhood.” I am such a planner though {which is funny, because I am a pretty laid back parent}, but I need to pick activities ahead of time or else we never seem to have the supplies!
Hi Stephanie! It looks like we’re about at the same place with our tots! My daughter is almost 28 months though! I just became a stay at home mom 2 months ago…& am loving being able to do all these fun activites! I have to say, I need to get better w/ crafts! I love the apple stamping idea!
Hope you have a great week!
I started planning letter activities with my little guy in the fall. We were doing a letter a week. I had great plans, but as I got busy with my older ones, I haven’t been as deliberate with writing plans, although I’m implementing lots of fun learning activities. I do have some of them listed at the top of my blog – ABC curriculum- if you want to take a peek. Maybe you’ll find something you may be able to use with your little one. Have a good day!
Jen
http://raisingcreativeandcuriouskids.blogspot.com