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

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!!

Flower Science Fun

Zander loooooves science.  This year we are just introducing Biology, Botany, and Physics.  We read some great books recommended by Sonlight and every week we do at least one experiment.  He also keeps a Science notebook/journal; which he loves looking thru and talking about the different things he has done.

Here are some pictures of when we began looking at plants.  We looked at the different parts, drew them in his notebook and labeled them.

Zander Writes His First Book

I’m so proud.

So one of our activities in week 11 Language Arts is the cat book activity. They give you the illustrations and the child is to tell you the story.

I had him color the pics, cut the pages, make the book, we put construction paper cover on it and stapled it together. I asked him if he could tell me the story. He glanced thru the pages and told me his version. I thought we were done. He quickly let me know we were not finished.

“Mom, we need to write the words on each page. Books are like that.”

So I dictated the words he wanted on each page.

Then he told me to write the title of the book on the cover and write “The end” at the end.

Next he asked to put the author on the front. (his name..hehehe)

and now here’s where I was like WOW..

He told me he need to write about the author and the book on the back “like real books.” He had me dictate about him and the book on the back. He kept saying, “he” instead of me or I or Zander. I asked him why. He replied, “that’s the way books do it, Mom.”

Finally he finishes up with, “I need a picture of me to go on the back.”

WHAT?!?!

He explains, we see pictures of authors on our books and wants to add his.

How cute!! So I got a wallet picture and let him cut and paste it to the back.

I think my Kindergartener knows his parts of a book. lol and he “wrote” his first book. =D

Week 10 of Kindergarten

The last few weeks have flown by. We are working on week 10.

We started the Fun Tales readers. He read with no problem. (kinda wondering if I should have done 1st grade readers; it was so easy for him) When I was cooking dinner he stole the box and I caught him reading ‘em. I told him, “oh I wanted you to read those to Mommy.” and he replied, “but Mommy, I can read these by myself.” Kinda sad I missed him reading them for the first time but was so happy to see him excited to be able to read by himself.

He really enjoyed “The Hundred Dresses”. He’s asked several times to reread it. Also the other day, Dale was teasing Lexi and Zander said, “Daddy, you shouldn’t tease Lexi.” and turned to me and said, “It could hurt her feelings like Wanda”.

He definitely caught on to that book but for some reason, isn’t following “The Light at the Tern Rock” as easily. It must be to wordy or something. I was pleasantly surprised he understood about the weak net and really enjoyed our conversation on keeping promises. We finish this book tomorrow.

We started the book “Living Long Ago” for History. He was totally and instantly into this book. I loved his answer to what would you use around the house to make clothes. Without missing a beat, “I would gather up all the cds and dvds and string and tape.” Which of course developed into great conversation. Stuff like this is why I’m loving Sonlight Curriculum. I think we might have to try his idea. =)

Math we are using Horizon. I am loving it. Singapore was just too cartoonish and distracting to DS. He wanted to make up stories about the pictures. lol Also, I didn’t like the learn it, test it and then its over. I like that Horizon is less busy picturewise and that a concept is seen several times thru out but in different ways. This way I can see he really does get it. Singapore did a unit on money but Horizon is slowly introducing coins with different concepts like dimes with 10s. He was able to grasp it better this way. YAY

Lexi is demanding to “Do school. Do school.” Previously she has played in the play area, sat in my lap, played with chalk and chalk board or something like that near us. She has always listened in to some of the books but now if Zander is doing handwriting…she wants to do handwriting…If Zander is doing science…she wants to do science. Its been interesting. I don’t want to discourager her so for now I plan to just let her be involved as she is able. If she decides not to participate, I’m ok with that, too, since she just so young. She seems to be following in Mommy’s and Brother’s footsteps and LOVES school.

Over a quarter of the way finished. Its gone fast but extremely well. I’m in the middle of reviewing everything to see where I could do better and Zander’s strengths and weaknesses. So far academically he is so advanced but I see that I need to get him back involved in soccer or t-ball; something physical and social would just complete and make a well rounded curriculum.

Horizon vs Singapore Math

Let me first give the disclaimer that every child is different and learns in different ways.

Zander has used (so far) two different types of Math– Singapore, which I believed was curriculum developed by the state of California to meet state requirements and Horizon, made by Alpha Omega Publications.

Zander and Lexi glueing shapes.

Singapore introduces one concept, has several lessons on it and then a review. The pages area very colorful and busy.

Horizon builds upon itself; reviews past lessons within a new lessons. The pages are clean looking with extra objects to count or use for more teaching.

Using both, Horizon has worked so much better then Singapore for Zander and I. Singapore had too much going on, on a page and distracted my student from the real task at hand. It was also the same thing over and over in a short time which lost his interest. There was a 2 page lesson that was nothing but tracing and copying 1 – 10.

Horizon’s pages were white background with only directions, math work and a few extra objects to use to count or work with for the lesson. Horizon builds concepts onto each other. Instead of giving a bunch of pieces to the puzzle at different times like Singapore, Horizon gives the whole puzzle in different ways to better understand it and see how it works all together. Concepts are reviewed multiple times in different ways in future lessons instead of review at the end of a unit of lessons. I found that this really help to see if he truly understands and retain the concept or as with Singpore just learn just for the test.

Zander had a difficult time with the crash course style of the lessons with Singapore regarding money, calender and time but with Horizon since it works slowly with other concepts he has already gained a huge understanding with in 4 weeks. For example, when Horizon teaches ten, they will work in by objects, counting to ten, ten on the clock, a dime, tally marks, on a calender, on a domino, etc.

I also have the Horizon Teacher’s Guide and love the premade lesson plans.  I know exactly what I need and what to teach.

I was so amazed at the difference of learn from just switching from one to the other. It goes to show when you find the right way, it will all click.

Week 8 of Kindergarten

I am so behind in blogging.  I really want to keep a log of the year.  I’m a bit behind but better to start late then never to do.

We are working on week 8.  The previous 2 weeks have been so busy and I am coming down with something. My throat hurts which is making talking and read alouds difficult.  Dale is helping and reading the bible readings.  Since I haven’t felt well, we’ve been doing school in the afternoon/evening and I so amazed how smooth and fast its gone.  I don’t know if its because he’s gotten out some energy or Lexi is not as distracting but we might continue at this time for awhile as its working very well.

Last week we finished The Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett.  We both so enjoyed this book.  We read a chapter or two a night and every night Zander said he wanted more.  When I said, “The End”, he said, “NOOOOOOOOO”.

We started the Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes and I can already see the wheels turning in his head.  Its about two girls repent of “making fun” of the poor girl in their class who says she has a hundred dresses. He had a little trouble with the flashback/remembering part.  After he said, “I thought Wanda was missing,” I had to explain that Maddie is remembering what happened.

Zander reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear to Lexi and Aiden

He is reading already..Just a few weeks of working on phonics and every time we turn around he’s reading…signs, magazine, books, where ever he sees words he tries to pick out words he can read and learns new ones.  He had a cup from a restaurant that has writing on it and tell Dale, “hey, dad, my cups reads, ‘Fit Kids’!”  Dale is totally impressed.  (so am I)  Zander is also using his new found skills to write words.  So amazing to watch this new skill blossom.

He is thriving in Math.  He doesn’t like to trace and copy numbers but he’s doing well in learning new skills like counting money and adding.  He’s already mastered reading a calender and can count by his self to 100 by one and by ten.

The beginning observations of our bean project

If you ask him what his favorite subject is “Science”.  We have been doing lots of project with plants.  When we were in Hawaii, we went to the Dole plantation and visited their gardens.  It was very cool as he points to the different parts of the flowers and tells me what they are. Yea, he is getting it.  Also, he was watching Dora and remembered from week 1, “Hey, that’s not right” as he points to the rainbow and knows the correct color order.  And we were in the van and the lightening flashes and he explains, “hey, Dad, know why you see lightening before you hear it?  Light travels faster then sound.  Mommy taught me that”  Make my heart melt.  Our latest project is growing kidney bean plants.  And it has progressed to now we have #1 getting sunlight and water #2 only getting sunlight and #3 only getting water.  Today as we made our observation he sees that #2 is drying out and has withered.  “MOM, we can’t let it die.  It needs water to survive.”

Zander transplanting the bean plants and Lexi helping.

The first 2 months have gone so fast and he’s learning so much.  I hope he continues to learn but I really wish time would slow down. =)

Aiden Update

Aiden has lost alot of weight. He was less then 6 pounds. He has been eating every hour to two hours. And is finally at a month old 7 pounds. He is so alert. He has noticed his mobile. He gets bored. I have never had a baby get bored but he does. He likes it quiet when he is going to sleep. Not sure if he knows the family he’s gotten himself into. lol Also he like to go to sleep for the night at like 8pm. Our first non night owl. He has been smiling like crazy. Its hard to get a pic of it. These are extremely blurry but I have to just share how big his smile is. This is also the outfit that Zander came home from the hospital so I couldn’t resist getting a few pics of them together.