We started a new unit this week in Science- Animals (what they need, where they live, what they eat, etc…). This week we also finished up our Social Studies Unit “Places People Live”. In this unit, maps were introduced. (I am sure you can see where I am going with this.) What better way to learn about maps and animals- than a trip to the zoo. Of course, the boys are always more interested in climbing on the zoo exhibits than looking at the animals. Never the less, they take in as much as they need to and they have a fun day. Chase did use his map to figure out where we needed to go (for a while)- then went back to jumping from rock to rock.
I love mixing subjects!! Anything to get in more work, in less time. Chase is not digging Language Arts. He loves Science and Social Studies- I’m going with it. We use fun books to learn about topics from these subjects. Chase doesn’t seem to realize he is becoming a stronger reader, and practicing his writing skills by journaling about these topics.
We did do a mini unit on “The Lorax” this week- it included story mapping and character point of view. The unit included directions on how to draw the Lorax- Chase was all over that. We also watched the movie, so while we were drawing we talked about the differences between the film and the book. We ended up downloading a couple favorite songs from the soundtrack- the boys listened and danced around to them all night. Chase had fun with this lesson, and hopefully there was a lesson in there somewhere that stuck.
Chase continues to work on his comics, all of the time- and on his own time too! His drawing and writing skills are outstanding. He is also reading Captain Underpants on his own quite a bit of the time. He carries a book with him where ever he goes, and will sit quietly and read for 30 minutes to an hour. It is amazing what kids will do on their own, seeing them work to their potential, without having to be pushed. Having them ask questions and telling you about things they want to learn about- it’s absolutely awesome!
Sawyer is next, he turns 3 (in 3 minutes:). My goal is to have him ready to slowly introduce a Kindergarten program by next January, when he is closer to 4. He will love learning big guy stuff, alongside his brother. And, I know Chase will love helping Sawyer, he will be a great teacher!
Again- I LOVE homeschooling. It has been 2 months and I can see a vast improvement in Chase’s skills- and the less I prompt it, the stronger he seems to be. But also, he has more time to play, ride his bike, read his books, make his comics, whatever we feel like doing. It’s wonderful- but most of all, it’s effective.
