What to do??

Since Gigi was just a toddler I have been playing around with the option of homeschooling her full time once she reached preschool and kindergarten age. I never once doubted my ability to teach her. In fact, I was always fairly confident that I could do a better job teaching her at home than the public schools could. This confidence was mainly due to the horror stories I have heard about our school system here (for example - the things that they expect a Kindergartner to know at the end of the year, my child already knew at the age of 2.) mixed with the fact that I know my child's learning style better than a teacher that has never met her, plus public school teachers have the challenge of dealing with 20+ students at once - all whom are probably on different levels.

I'm not trying to say anything negative about the teachers of the public school system - only about the system itself. Unfortunately the teachers are bound to the rules and "expectations" of the system leaving little to no time for individual needs of the students.

With homeschooling you can tailor everything to the needs and passion of your child. So, if Gigi is on a kindergarten level with math, but only a preschool level with reading - that's ok.

In most states, preschool is not thought of as the start of the school years. It's not a requirement, nor is it even offered - unless you want to pay a hefty price for a private prek. Basically, preschool is usually an overpriced, glorified daycare.

However, where we live preschool is offered to all 4 year olds, free of charge. It is a half day program that runs 3 hours aday, 5 days a week - following the public school schedule. It's called VPK - Voluntery Pre Kindergarten.

As her fourth birthday approached, we began discussing school. We came to the decision that Gigi would attend the local Montessori school that offered VPK, if she was accepted, and then I would homeschool for kindergarten and then have the public schools evaluate her for the 1st grade. We figured entering public school might be ok at first grade because we were told that there were things in place to help students as far as placement based on their individual abilities. However, there are no such programs or exceptions on the kindergarten level.

Well, since learning of Gigi's ADHD diagnosis, I have been having mixed feelings about everything. I feel this great tugging on my heart that tells me my child needs ME, not a school. On the other hand, I am afraid that if I don't get her into a school setting she will be ill prepared for school later. Without the ADHD diagnosis I had no reservations about keeping her home - now I am full of doubt.

Not doubt in myslef to actually teach her - but doubt that she will adapt later. Before I had no fear of her adjusting easily into the public school first grade after being homeschooled for prek and kindergarten. Now I am worried that without being in a school setting she will have trouble come first grade.

The problem is, I still feel that I could do a better job at meeting her needs and teaching her based on her individual abilities - I'm just worried that she will have problems adjusting later on - especially when compared with kids that will have gone through VPK and kindergarten in the school system.

I'm really not sure what to do at this point - however she IS now accepted and being held a spot for the Montessori school for VPK which begins August 25.

So, I have some time still to think and pray about it.

G Whiz

Today we went out for the day to a local museum called "GWhiz". It's a children's hands on science museum. At first glance, it is surprisingly small for a museum, really just one large room. However once we stopped and looked at each item, we realized there really is lots to do there. Plus, some of things actually took quite a bit of time to complete, and others we had to walk away from so as not to become too frustrated. :)

Gigi loved the fact that she was actually able to touch everything. She even played with dinosaurs and took pictures of them to make her own mini movie.

There were lots of fun things to play with there. Even J was able to get in on some of the action!

Hubby had fun with blocks too!

All in all it was a pretty nice day! Fun and educational!! My favorite mix :)

Easter Crafting

This week Gig and I have been reading tons of Easter books, watching Easter movies and making Easter crafts. It's been a fun and full week - and we still have more to do before Sunday!

We made a basket using some yarn, white glue and a balloon.

It's not very sturdy, but it's a fun decoration for our table. It was really messy making it though so I didn't get any pics of the whole process.

It was fun though!

We also made an Easter egg garland. I cut the egg shapes using my fantastic Cricut machine. We then used a white crayon and drew designs on the white eggs. When we painted the eggs with watercolors, our designs "magically" appeared! Gigi thought this was "pretty cool".

I had ordered some foam character crafts from Oriental Trading when they got clearanced out last year and saved them - I only paid about $1 each package (and each craft usually brings a dozen). So I dug them out of the craft cabinet this week. We made some foam bunnies and foam chicks. Even daddy helped!

They come with suction cups and you're supposed to stick them to windows but I haven't figured out how exactly to do that just yet. I'll hang them up somehow.

We also made a little sign to hang on our front door. Gigi really impressed me with this one. She glued all the craft sticks together herself (it's supposed to be a fence). She colored the rabbit and glued on his eye and tail all by hereself and colored the eggs. I can't believe how great she is getting at coloring! I cut the rabbit out, wrote "Happy Easter" and attached the string to hang it.

We stil have other crafts planned but I don't know if we will get to them all.

Gigi's Bird House

Remember that book Gigi and I read the other day about seeds? Well, there was an activity in there that the main character, Buddy did that intrigued Gigi.

We were out at the dollar store and Gigi spotted some small wooden bird houses. She became very excited as she pointed them out to me saying. "look mama - for the birds just like Buddy Bear!"

So, of course I bought one!

When we got home she immediately wanted to decorate her little bird house. Since her daddy was home, he went out on the lanai with her to help.

They painted it and then glued on some dry red beans, black beans and peas to decorate.

It came out very cute! And she was so proud! Now we just need to find a place to hang it!

Seeds, Seeds, Seeds!

Today Gigi and I read a couple of books about seeds and plants.

Gigi really liked the "Seeds, seeds, seeds" book.

When we finished reading, she planted some marigold seeds in her own little pot. She did everything on her own. I basically just watched.

When she finished with that, she wanted to do a project that was mentioned in one of the books. So, we did! She planted a couple of red beans in a small glass jar. We pushed the beans against the glass so we could see them. This way we will be able to see them grow through all their
stages.

I'll keep you updated on this.

Still Learning!

With all the activity we've had lately, I have YET to be able to get into any sort of routine for schooling. I'm not giving up though - structure will come eventually. But, we are still learning everyday!

One of Gigi's favorite games to play these days is "store" - wait...forgive me it's "store, store, store". Don't ask because I don't know where she comes up with these things!

We play quite often, and I know she learns things from doing it but it was not until today that I realized just how much she learns and practices skills.

So, we play. She is the cashier and I am the customer. She "scans" each of my items and puts them into my shopping bag.

I ask her what I owe her. I purchased 4 items, so now I owe her $4. Okay - she proved she can count the items. I hand her the money. She counts it to make sure I give her the correct amount (reinforcing those skills yet again!).

She puts the money in the register and I leave.

Now I'm the cashier. She comes into my "store" and wants to buy 4 things. I tell her she owes me $4.

Now here is where it gets funny -

My daughter proceeds to search in her shopping bag and pull out a small piece of paper as she excitedly states, "Oh wait I have a coupon!" (Should I be proud or scared by this??)

She then goes on to explain that because of the coupon she only has to pay me $3. I'd say that is some beginning subtraction maybe?? Or maybe just her logic since she never actually said it was a $1 coupon??

Either way, I thought it was pretty funny that she had to use a coupon!

Seed Starting

Today Gigi and I decided to get some seeds started for our garden. I am VERY much a beginner when it comes to gardening. I had a small garden the year before last and successfully grew tomatoes, cucumbers basil, cilantro and parsley. It might have just been beginner's luck, but I am going to attempt it again this year - and also some different things this time too!

Last time I was able to get the seeds directly into the ground at the right time. This year has been unusually cold for us so I thought it might be best to start them indoors. This is my firs time doing this so hopefully it will work out.

Anyhow, Gigi and I had fun getting them ready. I was even able to get some academic skills worked in! we talked about how seeds grow and some of the different plants, foods and trees that are grown from seeds. Gigi practiced counting with seeds as well.

She filled the little pods with the dirt.

She put in the seeds and then covered them with more dirt.

Then watered them. She did a great job!

I am attempting cucumbers, basil, cilantro and tomatoes again. I am also trying peppers, beans and carrots for the first time. I should be able to put them into the ground in a few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

Visit from Family

We had some family from out of state visit this week. My Aunt, Uncle and 3 little cousins made the 20+ hour driving trip to see us for a couple of days. Well, I guess my cousins really are not sooo little anymore, but I still feel like they are. They are now 11, 8 and 6.

It's was nice to see them since it's been a while. Plus this was their first time meeting J. Gigi had a blast playing with the boys. They played on the swing set and chased each other around the yard. Good times!

Another great advantage was being able to talk to my Aunt in person about the things I want to teach Gigi and find out her opinion on what a 3 and a half year old should know by now.

My Aunt is a director, as well as a teacher, of this fantastic private Christian preschool. She gave me some wonderful ideas for centers and hands-on learning that I am sure I will use in the future. She pointed out some great resources for info including The Mailbox Magazine, which I will now be subscribing to, and this great website which I have visited in the past but never joined as a member. She assures me the yearly membership fee is very much worth every penny. So, I will be looking into that as well.

Unfortunately they could not stay very long, but it was fun while it lasted. I'll miss you guys!! Hopefully we will see you again soon!

Good Teaching Ideas

So, my brother B sent me this link from Scholastic about a science lesson on plants.

It seems like something Gigi would enjoy so we will be using it in the coming weeks.

Thanks bro - you're awesome!

Homsechooling Plans

Well, my initial plan was to be back into a routine by February. Unfortuantely I don't see that happening - not consistently anyway.

Regardless, I am going to try to plan a few things for Gigi and I to do for the upcoming months.

Valentine's day is coming so there will be lots of crafting for that. I purchased a couple of kits on sale to do with her. Also, we had Valentine's pictures taken of the kids which we will be mailing out to relatives. Gigi will behelping with their cards. I'll share the pictures ON Valentine's or after because I don't want to spoil it for my family before they get their mail.

Since I want to grow some vegetables this year again, (I skipped last year since I was preggo) I thought we would talk about how plants grow. How to actually plant them. care for them and eventually enjoy your hard work with a tasty, healthy meal!

While talking about plants, I also plan to throw in a bit about trees. I got some seeds from Arborday.org that we will be planting (inside first, then transplanting) for some trees. We are members of Arborday.org and will also be receiving 10 (already started) trees from them which we will plant together.

I also plan to tie in some lessons on composting (which I hope to be able to do for the first time ever) which will also turn into talk about recycling in general.

This is a lot to cover and it is all related so it will probably take us clear until summer! I do want to try to get back into the math lessons from Abeka as well as work more on her phonics. That may have to wait until we get a little more organized though.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Well, according to Punxsutawney Phil we will be having 6 more weeks of winter. I know many of you are fed up with winter, but for us, it has actually been quite pleasant. The colder days are a welcomed change!

Gig and I read a couple of books about Groundhog's Day;

• The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun by Wendie Old
• Groundhog Day! by Gail Gibbons

Then we went on the Internet and watched a video of this morning's ceremony in PA.

It was a bit long and I had to fast forward a little so I wouldn't completely lose Gigi's attention and interest.

After that Gigi did a couple of coloring pages.

We both made a pop out groundhog craft

And a Groundhog hat.