Time for a review

Ezra has been playing massive amounts of Over the hedge computer game. He is very dedicated and rarely asks for my help. I am glad to see such a commitment and dedication to something. He has also been more and more willing to sound out/read words. It is coming along. I have noticed multiplication creeping into his thoughts. I did introduce it last year so it maybe time to go over it again.

Terje is been coloring A LOT! He used to hate and refuse to color. He found some superhero coloring books and now he is a fiend. He is still enjoying coloring Manga characters. I hope this develops into a desire to learn to draw. He has been practicing letters on his own and with me. I try not to interrupt his letter learning because then he stops. He is also completing rhyming and non rhyming sentences in books we are reading. He signed his name on his Kings Island pass with no trouble! Last year it was a struggle to get 3 letters out of him.

They unloaded the washer/dryer yesterday. I know they can do more chores than i have them do and I believe we will get back to kids helping out more.

Dad took them to the Raptors (birds of prey) show at the library. they were high strung and only slightly interested in the birds. mostly they wanted to be the center of attention.

Also while watching Justice league this week they have been getting more into the plots and characters. They are learning their names, powers, and weaknesses.

Our Caterpillar Discovery!

Today Terje and I found a caterpillar on the parsley. (James and Ezra are in KY climbing)
So we got out the bug book and discovered it was a swallowtail!

We also discovered when you touch it a Y shaped soft horn shoots out of the head. It also secretes a foul smell!

Varified by

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/butterflies/swallowtail/swallowtail.htm#black

Learn to Read

I was laying on the couch reading and I took a break; rolled over and asked Terje if he was ready to learn the ABC's like other kids his age (in Kindergarten). He said he knew his ABC's. Yes that is true but only to sing them. He can't id them all on paper, let alone write them down.
I said he needed to be able to do that so he can learn to read someday.
Ezra pipes in with Mom you said one day it will all just "POP" and I will be able to read. That's how it happened for you.

True again, however, I had people offering basic information to me along the way.
Ezra "Well why hasn't anyone given me that information?"
I have tried but you didn't want it.


Anyway the conversation continued and we went off to the library with the intention of getting hooked on phonics again(it was out). but perhaps the I will try to read bug is back in his pants. Terje let it all go. He might be the one to get it by watching.

Tuesday

Terje has been all about sorting items. Today is was bugs and spiders.
He is interested in finding the alphabet in the world around him.


Both boys received prize #1 for summer reading program.

Today storytime was all about Germany.

Thursday May 10, 2007

Our garden is growing so well. we have eaten spinach and 1 strawberry.
The pole beans and teepee are set to go. So are the sunflowers and the raspberries!
lots of herbs too. Now it is time for momma to weed and mulch.

The tadpoles are getting active. they are swimming all over the tank. we can see little leg sprouts forming!

Ezra read Brown Bear, Brown Bear today! Little to no problems!

Terje is starting to really recognize beginning sounds. He continues to rhyme words. I can hear Ezra trying to join in on the rhyming. Progress!!!

Terje finally stopped and listened to directions today! Can this please continue. a lot of our differences are over his in ability to listen to the WHOLE directions 1st.

Ezra and I set up a rope in the tree. Then we used the ascenders to climb a little way up. E flew up no problem. Terje had problems until he listened to the full directions.

They found all sorts of snails, slugs, and bugs in the neighbor's wood pile.

Ezra and I started to build, actually formulate a plan for a container water feature. We will get Dad's help with the logistics:) I think we may already own many of the parts. That's always good!

Library

Terje got his first library card today. He choose 4 books and 1 movie. All Dora the Explorer books. He didn't want to watch Bob the Builder with Ezra instead he wanted me to read his books to him!

Last night he "read" Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton.

He is generally listening to the chapter books I read aloud. However he never seems that interested. He is into short books like Dora, comic books (but only certain pages), and batman books!