Mighty Minds Review
Mighty Mind
I purchased the P3/4 package from Sonlight in March for some special books for Lexi. As I have mentioned before she is begging for her school. This package has a selection of educational tools including: books, some art supplies, cd and few games. Mighty Minds is one of the educational games included in this package.
Mighty Minds has 32 colored shapes or design blocks that are used to create figures and designs. The child could use the cards that are included, the tray that has 4 designs or his/her imagination. Its created to develop skills in problem solving, creative thinking, counting, sorting, categorizing, and matching. It also assists with eye-hand and fine motor coordination. The manufactures suggested ages are 3 to 8 years old. Incase you’re looking them up, Mighty Minds is made by Leisure Learning Products, Inc. located in Stamford, CT. A cool little tid bit, they have won the Parents Choice Award. Their website is www.mightminds.com
Lexi is two so she is not quite on the manufacture’s age range but I wanted to see how she would do and I thought she might like it. I pulled out card #1. She easily found 2 semi circles and put them in the correct spot with almost no directions. Then with a little help from me she was able to put them together in the build it spot. She did fantastic. After the first one she needed no help with the next 3 cards. I’m sure she would have done more but I wanted to pace her. Then I just let her play and use her imagination. She loved it.
Lexi showing off her card and shapes.
Zander is 6, who is in the middle range of the manufacture’s suggested ages. He was able to use all 32 shapes and fill in all 4 designs on the tray with almost no assistance. He was excited that he was able to build the designs by himself and wanted to do more. He laughed and smiled and really seemed to enjoy it.
Zander excited to show off he completed the designs.
When I told them that we needed to clean up for lunch, neither wanted to stop. They asked for more time. =)
I read the insert from the box and saw where extra tiles are able to be purchased. I think I might consider this so they could work on this at the same time; not for corporative but parallel play. Having the extra tiles, they wouldn’t have to share or wait for the other one to give them a piece they need for their design, too. They were both able to use it but on their different levels. Mighty Minds does have other themes. I noticed they have travel (magnetic), an aquarium design puzzles and a big idea book, which all sound like something my kids would really enjoy.
Over all I think that this is something that we will get great use out of. Definitely something that kept their interest and was still challenging to increase their skills. This mommy gives it a thumps up.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon Activity
On Tuesday, I read Harold and the Purple Crayon 4 times. I read it in the afternoon and when finished, I heard a chorus of AGAIN, AGAIN! Then at bedtime before we even sat down to read….THE CRAYON, THE CRAYON, AGAIN..I’m sure you can guess what they said at the end of it on the 3rd time. I think they like this one.
One of the times I read it, I ask Zander to count the windows on the house. So he counted 1, 2, 3, 4…and then Lexi, who’s 2, counted the windows from the unfinished house on the other page…5, 6, 7. I was so proud. She has really learned a lot in the last few months.
Since they obviously enjoyed this book, I decided to put up huge papers on the wall and gather all purple writing things; crayons, markers, pencils, chalk. I brought them downstairs, relayed the rules and reminders (writing on paper, NOT walls) and they had fun. Zander definitely got the relation between the activity and the story. We drew several of the ideas that Harold had drawn and plenty that we our own.
Fun Fun Fun
Lexi and her purple pencil
Zander and his purple marker
Box Day 2010
I love Box Day!
Since around Christmas I’ve been looking into what we will do and need for next school year. I started by looking at my favorite curriculum, Sonlight, and what they have to offer for 1st grade. Then I started searching the home school forum that I frequent of their past posts with suggestions, tips and favs. I love scouring the internet to see all the options and ideas. Next I started discussions with the gals to see what the moms that were currently doing 1st grade felt about their year and how they would make it better the next time. Also chatting with moms that have gone thru K with me and what they are thinking next year will entail.
I thought about for the summer doing an animal unit study especially since we have a zoo membership and the kids absolutely love animals. However, after the thought of going to the Zoo at 100 degree weather, I believe our better option is taking a little break after Kindergarten and then going ahead with 1st grade. When the weather gets nicer here, we will be prepared to take advantage of the outdoors.
As the kindergarten year was ending, I evaluated our school year to see what we liked, what worked, what we didn’t like, what didn’t work, how could I make things better. For history, we will be using Sonlight curriculum and adding some hands on activities including Playmobil toys, educational figures that teach history and civilizations. Zander loves Sonlight read alouds. This coming year I would like to add some books on CD. He will be using Sonlight’s language arts but adding wordly wise to increase vocabulary. I will be adding a spelling, too, but still looking at both Horizon’s Spelling and All About Spelling. We are continuing with Horizon math and Sonlight’s science. For extra curricular, he will be continuing his art program, karate and in August Awana will start back up.
Zander checking out core 1
Lexi has been asking more and more for read alouds of her own and to “School”, “Do school”. She often sits in on Zander’s school and readings. She frequently brings me one of Zander’s books and asks me to read. I thought it was about time to look at special books just for her.
Lexi checking out P3/4
In March, I ordered the materials that we wee getting from Sonlight. Just like last year, when those white boxes with the blue lettering showed up I felt like some one had sent me the best presents ever!! I get so excited like little kids at Christmas.
Zander, Lexi & Aiden enjoying Box Day
I set up both sets of books, one for Zander and one for Lexi. I woke them up early from their naps and we enjoyed looking at everything for hours.
Zander checking out the new Math manipulatives
I have a few things here and there to get, put together to finish the planning of next year but I am totally excited and looking forward to what the next school year will bring.
Zander and Lexi checking out the science stuff.
Boys posing for Mommy.
Kindergarten Completed
WE FINISHED!
I thought that we would finish Wednesday of this week but we finished last Friday.
We are off to Disneyland to celebrate! We leave Wednesday night!
I didn’t realize how tough Pooh’s Corner was until these last few RA. I read just what was scheduled and Zander asked, “that’s it?” He begged for more. He really enjoyed A Grain of Rice and the Please and Thank You book. Which each was read in one sitting and asked to be repeated.
I am so proud of Zander. Thursday night I hung on the wall several projects that we’ve completed since August. When he came to the school room he stopped and I heard him say, “Wow”. I didn’t reply I just let him look, take everything in and remember. After about 10 minutes of looking at everything, he walked over to me and gave me a hug. I thought I would just bawl but I kept it together, told him that I am proud of him, how much I enjoyed being his mommy and watching him learn.
Zander posing for me by some of the projects on the wall.
As I watched Zander complete his Horizon Workbook on Friday, I remembered how at the beginning of the year I read the directions to him; now he reads them all by his self. Dh and I are both amazed at how much he has retained. At random times, things reminds him of something we’ve done and he’ll start explaining or sharing facts to dh. Dh always asks, “How do you know?” “Well, Mommy taught me.” or “Mommy showed me in a book.” are phrases we hear him say frequently. I loooove this.
We are going to take a couple weeks off but then we’re gonna start in on 1st grade. We are both excited to read Charlotte’s Web!!
Orange Belt
We have been super busy! Finishing up Awana projects, finishing up school and working towards a Karate graduation. Zander has been practicing and learning all his new forms. Last time he received his orange belt recommended, which we were told that is the first degree or level orange belt. But he has been very excited to finally get his orange belt decided (full orange belt).
During the testing he had to complete self defense, form and break board. When he broke the board it was nice, clean, good form, and surprised Mr Martin with the strength he displayed.
Zander with a power blow!
He’s asking about being apart of the Black Belt Club which is where they spar off, use equipment and weapons. (Yikes) I told him would need to prove that he really wants to do this through his attitude and listening skills while at Karate. Sometimes he has a really hard time not standing like a black belt and talking too much. (I have no idea where he gets this. lol ) He says that he really wants to do it. I plan talk to the instructor next week to see what she thinks and then I will make a chart based on her feedback for Zander to earn stickers till he reaches the goal.
I’m so proud of Zander. He had to work really hard for this orange belt! He already has said, “now on to the yellow belt” That’s my baby boy!! I know you can do it!
The change over in belts from recommended to decided orange.
Awana
Zander has been part of a children’s bible club called Awana since the beginning of January. They have games, stories, little crafts, lots of prizes and many of them thru memorizing Bible scriptures.
Zander completed Book one. Most complete this the first year but Zander finished it in about 16 weeks. Sunday the church had a little ceremony for them. He was awarded his first ribbon.
Zander was looking forward to the end of the year ice cream party but he has repeatedly said that he will miss Awana.
Zander, Aiden, Lexi May 2010
Zander receiving his ribbon!
Zander singing!
Check Ins
I am part of an online forum. For last several months I have been checking in and reporting what we do. We also chat about what we are doing, ask and answer question. Its a really good accountability tool. Also, I’ve enjoyed getting to know these ladies and its been so neat to walk thru this year with other homeschool moms doing the same thing I am.
I thought that I would add them to my blog so that I can look back and see the progression of the year. These are my check in ramblings…..
Check in 10-26
I can’t believe its been another 2 weeks since we’ve checked in.
Last week was a lil hard because of how busy things are around here. We went to the library one day and another we went to the space center. And because of the weird schedule last week; it was hard for DS to get back to the routine and we struggled yesterday. The only things we were able to complete was math, history/geography and read alouds.
But today was a breeze… he was done with all of his work for the day (and made up yesterday) in less then an hour (except one read out aloud saved for nap or bedtime) He was able to get 2 days worth of science, read his reader, 2 days of worth handwriting, copy work, critical thinking activity and LA activities all completed.
I’ve been reading some of the posts about Ten and Twenty and Mary on Horseback. I think this week my homework is to read them and see if DS is ready for them since they are the next two books scheduled. Any suggestions of what to do instead of them?
Check In Week of 11/09
We had a pretty tough week. Out of character for ds, he didn’t want to do school last week. Its not normal for him; I think he feels a lil ill. We had a light week of school. We also just found out that we are moving and we are going out of town for Thanksgiving so school might not be our normal schedule for the next few weeks.
On a positive note, he is sounding out so many words. We can not go to the store or drive down the road with out him sounding out words and telling us what the words read. Today he asked, “What does ‘Red Hot Buy’ mean?” We were in front of an ACE hardware where they were advertising christmas lights. Being able to read has opened a whole new world for him. I love it.
Check in Week of 12/07
Can you believe its been a month since our last check in?
For us, we haven’t been in our normal routine. Between moving and a week gone on a Thanksgiving trip to Missouri, we have not completed alot of work. We did a bit of school work while at my brother’s for the holiday and some RA while on the road. DS also raised the question this weekend why is our pee yellow and he and dh did some research to find out why. Now he goes around telling everyone. lol During the move, it was great to watch him and his sister getting along and working together. Cooperative play, something that is very important in life.
Today was the first day back into school routine and it was great. Even DS said he missed school. He was so excited to tell DH of our day. I love hsing. I love seeing my lil ones excited to learn. 
Check in Week of 01/04
We enjoyed two weeks of Christmas school. We did lots of projects and holiday movies and daddy was home to enjoy a weeks worth with us.
Then we took a week off and today we are back to our regular routine. We are starting week 17.
Check in Week of 01/11
Last week we came down with a stomach bug. So that ruined a few days but knew they were feeling better when DS brought his math book to me and told me it was time to do some work. lol
We have about one day’s worth of work to catch up on. We also are expecting to a SL meet up with Angi. Yeah!
Today is Zander’s birthday! Can’t believe he’s 6 today! When I put him to bed I told him that it was the last time he’d go to bed as a 5 year old. And all wide eyed he said, “Tomorrow is my day?” He’s excited.
Any one have some add ons they did with Doctor Dolittle? Or some pics of a lap book? I checked the sticky for some resources but lot of links were broken or now have to be a member for.
Check in Week of 02/01
I have been so uber busy that we still have a few things left to complete week 20..which I thought we’d have done last Thursday. 
DS knows that after those things are completed we are going to do our 100 day activities. So of course he’s been begging to get things done. I had planned to do 100 stuff Fri or today but looks like more like Wednesday. 
We finished Dr Dolittle. My DS really enjoyed it. After I said, “The End.” He said, “NOOOOO!!” That’s always a good sign.
I normally have several weeks planned ahead and realized this morning that I had come to the end of my preplanned things.. So today I spent getting the next few weeks in order.. I have everything together except tonight/tomorrow I will go thru the sticky, do a search here and on search the internet and see if there are any activities for In Grandma’s Attic. Since we will be spending the next 4 weeks on it; I’d like to do a lapbook or some activities.
I have ordered our butterflies and ants for science. I expect the butterflies here next week. (its warm here in AZ) And the ants in 3-4 weeks. We got our ant farm all ready on Fri. Now ds asks every day when are they getting here and stares at it as if they were in there. lol But when I called to use a credit card to pay for the ants…they said put the sand in with water ASAP to be ready when they got there. I guess I have to endure the impatient child..At least he is very excited.
Check in Week of 02/08
From last weeks thread..Our butterflies were suppose to come in this week and our ants in 3 more weeks..They BOTH showed up Friday.
I’ve decided to pause or half pace other subjects. We’ll concentrate on Science and have fun before our project dies. I plan to do all SL science K thru butterflies..I think that’s week 25. We are making drawings of the changes we see in the ant hill and caterpillars. We also are doing an ant lap book and butterfly unit study. He’s has loved it and is having a blast!
Although today he said, “I know you said we could take a break with the other stuff but I miss it.” Its only been a couple days. lol He did 2.5 pages of math and I let him pick out of few books what to read. He chose the Hero Tales and In Grandma’s Attic. I know there will be bumps in the road (and not all days are this easy) but wow I am so glad we chose to homeschool. I’ve so enjoyed watching him fascinated and learning so much!
Its such great weather right now so we are spending lots of time outside as well. I rather them enjoy the weather now and “do school” when its 110 outside.
Check in Week of 02/22
All five butterflies have “popped” (like in Hungry Caterpillar..this is how DS6 explained it) He loves watching them and making drawings of them.
Our first ant farm failed. All the ants died. So we got more ants and a different ant farm. I HIGHLY recommend this one. We now have a very thriving ant colony. And DS6 is thrilled with all of their work.
Next week we go back to our “normal” routine and seat work. I’ve enjoyed doing something different for awhile but I think all of us are ready.. Here and there DS has asked for math, if he could read his readers and to continue our RA (we’re reading In Grandma’s Attic)…which I’ve gladly complied. We’ve also enjoy lots of outside time as our 110 degree weather will be here faster than I want. =)
Check in Week of 03/15
We just finished In Grandma’s Attic. When Zander realized we finished he was bummed. “No more Grandma stories?” I think we might have to purchase the sequel. I really enjoyed these stories too. And we’ve really had some great discussions about them. I think its been a great character builder as its been a gateway to talk about honesty vs lying, pride, jealousy, patience, forgiving, selflessness and so much more. Another great Sonlight pick.
We are headed into The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. My dh is excited to start it. He looooooves the movie but has never read the book. I’ve never seen the movie or read the book. We own the DVD. I’ve tried watching it twice and both times fell asleep. 
What is your opinion of the movie? What about it being something a 6 year old could watch after reading the book? Love to hear your thoughts on it.
Check in Week of 04/26
We moved this weekend…so things here have been crazy.
This week I’ll be unpacking and organizing so we’ll get some school work done but probably not a full week.
Hope all of you are doing well.
Check in Week of 05/03
For us, we are settling into our new place slowly but nicely. We haven’t missed a beat with school and can not believe we’ll be done in 4 weeks.
Although my DS6 says he likes Pooh Corner, and he’s laughing at all the right places so I know he getting some of it…he raised his hand in the middle of chapter 3 to ask a question…which was odd so I said “yes, Zander.” he said, “I just wanted to say that maybe this book would be good as a movie.” I think the run on sentences are getting to him, too. LOL
Its been about 10 degrees cooler than the normal temperature this time of year and we’ve been taken advantage of that.
Saturday we went to the zoo. The kids loooove when we go. Our zoo had baby zebras. One was 2 weeks old and one was born the night before….so cute. The kids enjoyed seeing the baby zebras. All three of my dc played in the water play area and had a blast.
Yesterday was so windy we got the kite out and enjoyed that as family.
Check in Week of 05/10
Last week was a bit crazy for us. Kids had the stomach flu. First Lexi then Zander and then DH. I got it a few days after them and Aiden never did get sick. PTL.
We have a few things left to finish up this week that we didn’t get to last week–a bit of science and some Hero Tales reading.
Zander finished his Book 1 for Awana. He started in January. I’m so proud of him. The leaders were impressed he got in his last sections in. But yay he did it! Next week they will have a little awards ceremony and he’ll get his ribbon. The church is not going to do Awana next year and this is sad. He has really enjoyed it.
Why do I know this and why does it bother me?
So a week ago on TBS I was watching According to Jim and the cable went out…I didn’t get up and shut off the TV off..it was nap/quiet time and I was immersed in the SL forum. It eventually came back..but it was the 3 hour prior to this…according to jim…did that make since?
so it was 3 o’clock and the episode that came on at 12 o’clock came on again and guess what..TBS ran the prior 3 hours again and has been 3 hours behind schedule ever since.
I thought it would fix itself..I mean hasnt any one else in my area noticed that movies are not playing at the right time. That what is on tv does not match the tv guide…
I like Home Improvement in the back ground to remind me to get upstairs to do school and According to Jim at noon to say LUNCH time….and late night shows to go to sleep to. LOL But off schedule is messing me up… I don’t want Married with Children that is suppose to be on while I’m sleeping; on when I wake up.. It is JUST weird!!!
So I called the cable company today. I told them what happened and asked if it could be fixed. And guess what…..
SHE LAUGHED AT ME… (you probably are too but I can’t hear you :p)
I’m sorry but its like the snoring being taken away at night..I’m use to certain sounds/shows meaning certain things…We dont have the tv on all the time (however this post makes it sound like it is) but it really bugs me that it doesn’t match the guide.
So she says she’ll find out what she can do but she thinks that the tv guide just needs to be updated. I told her that doesn’t make sense cause that now puts the Lopez Tonight show at 3am hmmm a late night show is now an early morning show. She said, “I’ll notify them.” hmmmm what does these mean?? :rolleyes:
I went to check my online tv guide to see what time and channel American Idol would be on tonight…and guess what.. NOW THE WHOLE TVGUIDE IS WRONG…it was last’s night schedule.
What’s This, Mom?
In August Dale and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.. Can you believe it? 10 years?
For me I look back and just wonder where did the time go? When I lay on my bed at night and close my eyes, I can remember the moment like I am still there…the night I got engage and laying in the bed and putting my hand in the air and the light from outside the window made my ring sparkle. I remember holding my dad’s arm seconds before going down the isle and him turning to me, “Princess, if you don’t go thru with this I’ll give you $1,000 cash.” “Daddy, you’re testing me. I love him. Are you ready?” “Ok, Baby Doll.” I feel his arm, smell his cologne, see his perched lips and hear his voice…yet…its been 10 years.
Dale and I have talked about going to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary since we got married. As it neared we realize this was going to be a difficult adventure to complete. I had Aiden July 3 and he wouldn’t be 2 months old when we leave for Hawaii. There was NO way I was leaving a newborn behind for a week. How could we bring him and explain to the other two they are not allowed? But we both knew if we didn’t go for our anniversary…we would not go at all.
I also was not up to my full self so we enlisted the help of my mom. So for our anniversary Dale, me, my mom, Zander, Lexi and Aiden we all flew to Hawaii.
The time flew while we were there…The first day was filled with flying there, getting the rental, driving to the cottage, settling in a quick trip to the little market across the street.
The next day was filled with errands as we look for a Sam’s Club, Walmart and some where that sells goats milk. Then a nap and FINALLY a trip to the beach.
The kids looooved the different types of plants and trees. The colors were so vibrant and the absolute picture of tropical. Hawaii is so different and opposite from where we live. . . water, humid, color, sounds, smells…We had a rain the first night and it brought out some little creatures that my kids were thrilled to find..The theme of the first few days was, “What’s this, Mom?”
