Here is another wonderful letter from Homescholfreestuff...
Reality Check
The other day my daughter was struggling over a simple word... cow. This coming from a little girl whose been reading for quite some time now, I was a little frustrated. Was she kidding me? I informed her I was not going to tell her the word, but she had to sound it out herself. Then came the tears. "Just tell me Mama," she'd whine. I could see she was tired, hence not going to read another word or answer another question without a fight. So, I gave up. I told her we'd finish tomorrow. Maybe in the morning we could sound out that word
This did not sit well with her. She began to whine and whine. If I'd just tell her, she'd be all right. The day just could not go on without me giving in... or so she thought.
Ok, now we're playing tug-of-war. Over what? Over "cow?" I told her how smart she was, how much I loved her, and how she would just have to sound it out for herself or wait until tomorrow for my help. End of discussion.
"Maybe I'm too smart for homeschool!" she cried. Well, to that, I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Maybe you are. Maybe I do need to go ahead and enroll you down the street with the other kids!" The look on her face fell hard. She looked at the floor, tears streaming down her face. Then she turned those beautiful, wet, blue eyes up at me. Through deep breaths and loud sobs she said, "I want you to homeschool me because when I'm a mommy, I want to homeschool my kids, and I want to be like you! If you send me to school, how will I learn to be like you?"
My heart broke for her. I scooped her into my arms and held her close, reassuring her that I don't want to send her away and that I loved her.
I don't think I've ever been complimented like this before by anyone. How humbling was it to hear someone wants to be like me. And not just anyone, but someone who sees me grumpy, unshowered, sassy, and God knows what else! I still cannot believe she sees good in me when I struggle daily to see the beauty God sees.
Oh God help us to remember we're building a legacy, shaping not just our children's future, but the future of our nation as well. "Its amazing the difference one person can make in the life of a child." I heard that a lot when I was an education major. But when I think on it now, I would say, "A parent does more than make a difference in the life of a child; a parent MAKES the life of a child."
Just like our children look to us, I need to focus on Him, trying desperately to imitate Him. My prayer today is to be the bright light in my children's lives that points them to their Savior. Who doesn't want to be remembered as beautiful in the eyes of their children? I know I do.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."Proverbs 11:30
Thank you.
~Jennifer~
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
WORKSHEETS
Following grid lines. Nikki made a mistake in the last few lines but I showed it to him and he corrected it.
Math/Addition. Nikki did this with no problem at all. =D
Maze. Nikki loves doing mazes.
This one was another easy activity. =D
Math/Addition. Another easy yet fun activity.
Nikki didn't want to do this at first because he was too conscious about what his drawing would look like but when I encouraged him and showed him some of Pooh's photos, he finally drew the arms. =D
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
PREPARING FOR DADDY'S ARRIVAL
Ruther is arriving home today from Japan! Nikki is so excited! When I suggested that we make a banner for Ruther he was really excited about the activity. So we got a piece of cardboard paper and I used a pencil to make the words. Then, Nikki used a permanent marker to trace the pencil lines. After that, he used some colored chalk to color the letters and it came out so colorful and so wonderful. I just know his dad is going to be so proud and happy!
Here are some photos:
Here are some photos:
Thursday, November 8, 2007
NIKKI IS IN SP MAG!
Yay! Another reason to celebrate! This is a wonderful early birthday present! =D
Happy Birthday soon, baby!
Monday, November 5, 2007
CHICKS
Nikki is fascinated with the baby chicks. This hen had 5 yellow and 3 black chicks. They were so cute! Nikki was so excited about them, he watched them one afternoon and fed them seeds. I think this is a great way for him to learn about farm animals. =D
Friday, November 2, 2007
RHYTHM AND MUSIC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/play_and_do/toddlers_rhythm.shtml
Rhythm and music
Clare Walters
Preschool children really enjoy musical games and activities.
The rhythm's going to get you
Clapping a rhythm - help your child recognise rhythms by clapping a simple one and asking him to clap it back to you.
Copy the tune - melodies can be taught in the same way, with you singing a short tune (only a few notes) to "la, la, la" and your child singing it back to you.
Mirroring - put on some music, stand opposite your child and ask him to mirror your actions (arms in the air, leaning to one side and so on). Then let him do some actions for you to copy.
Make a shaker - an old plastic drink bottle filled with dried rice, beans or pasta makes a great shaker to use while you're dancing. Make sure the lid is secure so you don't end up with rice everywhere.
Music pictures - play different types of music and let your child move a pencil around a piece of paper in a way that reflects what he's hearing.
Shake, rattle and roll - if you can stand the noise, make a band. You could include a toy drum, a couple of different rattles, a tambourine made from a paper plate with circles of foil around the edge, and a couple of saucepan lids.
Use slow, gentle music to calm down a rowdy play session.
Rhythm and music
Clare Walters
Preschool children really enjoy musical games and activities.
The rhythm's going to get you
Clapping a rhythm - help your child recognise rhythms by clapping a simple one and asking him to clap it back to you.
Copy the tune - melodies can be taught in the same way, with you singing a short tune (only a few notes) to "la, la, la" and your child singing it back to you.
Mirroring - put on some music, stand opposite your child and ask him to mirror your actions (arms in the air, leaning to one side and so on). Then let him do some actions for you to copy.
Make a shaker - an old plastic drink bottle filled with dried rice, beans or pasta makes a great shaker to use while you're dancing. Make sure the lid is secure so you don't end up with rice everywhere.
Music pictures - play different types of music and let your child move a pencil around a piece of paper in a way that reflects what he's hearing.
Shake, rattle and roll - if you can stand the noise, make a band. You could include a toy drum, a couple of different rattles, a tambourine made from a paper plate with circles of foil around the edge, and a couple of saucepan lids.
Use slow, gentle music to calm down a rowdy play session.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
SWIM FUN!
The family had a despedida for Tita Nicki last Sunday and so we all headed for Sun City a swimming resort in Laguna. The boys had fun of course, and I'll let the photos speak for themselves...
Ethan floats away in the adult pool...
The slide at the kiddie pool.
Nikki loves the slide! Splash!
Little swimmer...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
TOLERANCE
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/tolerance.html
TEACHING YOUR CHILD TOLERANCE
America is the great "melting pot," a rich blend of cultural traditions from all over the world. Many American families can trace their histories to immigrant ancestors who traveled great distances, enduring risk and hardship, to make a home where they would be guaranteed basic freedoms. And for many American families these freedoms came with a struggle. Their parents and grandparents were deprived the basic rights we value.
American society was founded on freedom from religious persecution and on tolerance of differences in beliefs and cultural heritage. The differences (or diversity) that come from people from all over the world enrich our culture, bringing new ideas and energy.
Today, more than ever, kids interact with people of differing ethnicities, religions, and cultures. Classrooms are increasingly diverse, reflecting the communities where families live and work.
A World of Difference
Some parents welcome the fact that we live in an increasingly diverse society. Others may feel more hesitant, especially if they have not had much exposure to people different from themselves. Many kids are way ahead of their parents regarding exposure to cultural differences. Their circle of friends, their schoolmates, and their athletic teams are much more varied than those of even a generation ago.
Still, parents should help their kids prepare to live, learn, and work in communities that will become even more diverse. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our American heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life.
In short, your child's success depends on it. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.
About Tolerance
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity and tolerance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too.
Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No, of course not. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others, like being mean or bullying, or behaviors that break social rules, like lying or stealing, should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated.
How Tolerance Is Taught
Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Kids of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about.
Many parents live and work in diverse communities and have friends who are different from themselves in some (or in many) ways. Parents' attitudes about respecting others are often so much a part of them that they rarely even think about it. They teach those attitudes simply by being themselves and living their values. Parents who demonstrate (or model) tolerance in their everyday lives send a powerful message. As a result, their children learn to appreciate differences, too.
Of course, celebrating differences of others doesn't mean giving up your own heritage. Your family may have its own long-standing cultural and religious traditions that are something to be proud of. Families can find ways to celebrate differences of others while continuing to honor and pass down their own cultural heritage.
How Can Parents Teach Tolerance?
Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps kids learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. This lets kids learn firsthand that everyone has something to contribute and to experience differences and similarities.
Things parents can do to help kids learn tolerance include:
When parents encourage a tolerant attitude in their children, talk about their values, and model the behavior they would like to see by treating others well, kids will follow in their footsteps.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: December 2002
TEACHING YOUR CHILD TOLERANCE
America is the great "melting pot," a rich blend of cultural traditions from all over the world. Many American families can trace their histories to immigrant ancestors who traveled great distances, enduring risk and hardship, to make a home where they would be guaranteed basic freedoms. And for many American families these freedoms came with a struggle. Their parents and grandparents were deprived the basic rights we value.
American society was founded on freedom from religious persecution and on tolerance of differences in beliefs and cultural heritage. The differences (or diversity) that come from people from all over the world enrich our culture, bringing new ideas and energy.
Today, more than ever, kids interact with people of differing ethnicities, religions, and cultures. Classrooms are increasingly diverse, reflecting the communities where families live and work.
A World of Difference
Some parents welcome the fact that we live in an increasingly diverse society. Others may feel more hesitant, especially if they have not had much exposure to people different from themselves. Many kids are way ahead of their parents regarding exposure to cultural differences. Their circle of friends, their schoolmates, and their athletic teams are much more varied than those of even a generation ago.
Still, parents should help their kids prepare to live, learn, and work in communities that will become even more diverse. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our American heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life.
In short, your child's success depends on it. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.
About Tolerance
Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity and tolerance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too.
Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No, of course not. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others, like being mean or bullying, or behaviors that break social rules, like lying or stealing, should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated.
How Tolerance Is Taught
Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Kids of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about.
Many parents live and work in diverse communities and have friends who are different from themselves in some (or in many) ways. Parents' attitudes about respecting others are often so much a part of them that they rarely even think about it. They teach those attitudes simply by being themselves and living their values. Parents who demonstrate (or model) tolerance in their everyday lives send a powerful message. As a result, their children learn to appreciate differences, too.
Of course, celebrating differences of others doesn't mean giving up your own heritage. Your family may have its own long-standing cultural and religious traditions that are something to be proud of. Families can find ways to celebrate differences of others while continuing to honor and pass down their own cultural heritage.
How Can Parents Teach Tolerance?
Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps kids learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. This lets kids learn firsthand that everyone has something to contribute and to experience differences and similarities.
Things parents can do to help kids learn tolerance include:
- Notice your own attitudes. Parents who want to help their kids value diversity can be sensitive to cultural stereotypes they may have learned and make an effort to correct them. Demonstrate an attitude of respect for others.
- Remember that kids are always listening. Be aware of the way you talk about people who are different from yourself. Do not make jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.
- Select books, toys, music, art, and videos carefully. Keep in mind the powerful effect the media and pop culture have on shaping attitudes.
Point out and talk about unfair stereotypes that may be portrayed in media. - Answer kids' questions about differences honestly and respectfully. This teaches that it is acceptable to notice and discuss differences as long as it is done with respect.
- Acknowledge and respect differences within your own family. Demonstrate acceptance of your children's differing abilities, interests, and styles. Value the uniqueness of each member of your family.
- Remember that tolerance does not mean tolerating unacceptable behavior. It means that everyone deserves to be treated with respect — and should treat others with respect as well.
- Help your children feel good about themselves. Kids who feel badly about themselves often treat others badly. Kids with strong self-esteem value and respect themselves and are more likely to treat others with respect, too. Help your child to feel accepted, respected, and valued.
- Give kids opportunities to work and play with others who are different from them. When choosing a school, day camp, or child-care facility for your child, find one with a diverse population.
- Learn together about holiday and religious celebrations that are not part of your own tradition.
- Honor your family's traditions and teach them to your kids — and to someone outside the family who wants to learn about the diversity you have to offer.
When parents encourage a tolerant attitude in their children, talk about their values, and model the behavior they would like to see by treating others well, kids will follow in their footsteps.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: December 2002
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