August 2009

We have started back with no tv or video games until late afternoon on most days. That way the kids are free to be in tune with what they want to learn! Jude says sometimes the tv or video games are like a black hole that drags you in! Pretty well stated I think! LOL

Jude had some difficulty figuring out what he wanted to learn about during the day so we decided to make a guideline. Monday mornings he wants to chose a science thing then after lunch History/Geography, etc. We wrote it down on a chart so he can just look at it. Nothing really specific or anything just a broad subject for him to focus on. We've found it to be much more productive for us. We liken it to a buffet, if all the food were together it's hard to decide but when it's separated into categories you can chose easier! I think he gets overwhelmed if he doesn't have a general idea. He seems much happier this way like some pressure or something is off of him. He can always do whatever topic he wants and knows he's in charge of his learning.

Jude's rock candy turned out pretty well. He said it tasted great! We do something science oriented everyday I think! He loves science. He's been getting better at swimming at Mamaw and Papaw's pool.

Today Jude wanted to learn about Vikings. It was fun and interesting. He made a longboat too.

He his going to start helping with the budget. Using a calculator to help balance the checkbook and things like that. He has been doing well with his allowance.

Spelling is still not a forte of his! His reading is wonderful so thanks to the advice from a more experienced unschooler, I'm not gonna worry about it! If he reads well, he will eventually learn to spell too! Thanks Melinda!!

Lainey is walking several steps at a time now. Not all the time but still is doing it! She just had a birthday and now is 5 yrs old. I've been working with her where I drop things in a bucket and pull them out and she loves it. Pappy got her a fishbowl toy for her birthday and that night she picked up a fish and dropped it in! She just giggled! We were so tickled. She hasn't done it since but still, we know she is putting things together!

We have signed up and booked our room for the UWWG! We couldn't be more excited! The first day is Jude's birthday so it'll be his birthday gift.