I have always believed that parents are their child’s first teachers. Although I think organized (and possibly unorganized) homeschooling can be really great for some families, I’m not sure I am capable of trying 
We feel so fortunate that Emma Kate is at such a wonderful school (and Jack will all too soon join her). But, I do try to take advantage, when possible, of opportunities to teach my children and to learn with them. With Jack, I have recently enjoyed some child-led activities. For example, today he grabbed glue and glitter- so we wrote his name in glue, and then sprinkled it with gliter. (And then he went on to make “cinnamon toast” and “pancakes” out of glue and glitter). Earlier in the week, Jack asked about fishing. After giving him my vegetarian take on fishing (fish are friends- a line borrowed from Finding Nemo), we decided to “fish” for letters and words (see attached photos). This was a great way to assess his recognition of letters and to reinforce letter sounds and letter sound combinations.
Wednesday was homeschool day at Latta Plantation; we joined Joanna and Fletcher after school. The kids always enjoy going to Latta Plantation, and it’s particularly fun to experience the site when the staff dresses in period clothing and are available to provide explanations of plantation life. While there, we learned about cows, horses, mules, and spinning wool into thread. We also toured the historic house, and observed the farm animals.
Posted on September 19th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Emma Kate, Friends, Jack Miles, Mothering | No Comments »
Emma Kate is fascinated by natural disasters and everything science. Her favorite books are Magic School Bus and Magic Treehouse series books. When given a choice of TV programs, she will choose something from the science channel (preferrably programs that focus on tornados, hurricanes, volcanos, etc). So, it was inevitable that we visit Discovery Place’s newest exhibit- A Day in Pompeii. The exhibit is poignant and powerful- and almost a bit much for an inquisitive 6-year-old.
I remember being fascinated by Pompeii as a child- it’s pretty cool to share this interest with Emma.
Discovery Place also has a new exhibit that features math activities- including a hands-on origami activity.
Posted on September 18th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Chris, Emma Kate, Jack Miles | No Comments »
We reluctantly returned from Hilton Head yesterday after several days enjoying the beautiful (post-storm) weather and aesthetic surroundings.
What I learned in Hilton Head:
1. Chris likes to swim with the sharks (he saw a 4-foot fin very near by)
2. My dad doesn’t turn into a pumpkin if he misses the 12:00 lunch hour
3. Emma Kate LOVES to hunt for shark teeth
4. Reading fiction (not necessarily trashy, but certainly not literary) is something I have really missed
5. Mom and I are really good outlet shoppers
6. Handbags cost twice as much at the Harbor Town boutique (it’s much more cost effective to order online)
7. Live sand dollars are actually brown in color (Chris found several)
8. It’s more fun to work at the beach than at home (and more productive with so many willing babysitters!)
9. Jack and Emma really enjoy putting golf balls
10. Moe’s Southwest Grill has fabulous tofu burritos
11. Panera Bread has a drive-through (so does Starbucks)
12. My parents are pretty terrific for always letting us join them at HH!
More HIlton Head photos…
Posted on September 12th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
I hold my breath as I write this post… preschool seems to be going well for my little guy. Last week, we spent a lot of time observing the classroom together and easing into the transition process. Preschools typically prefer that parents simply pass over their crying children to the teachers, and in time, it is expected that they will be fine. I knew this wouldn’t work for Jack. He is way too rationale (always seeking explanations) for a process like this to work (besides- it doesn’t really mesh with the way we attempt to be responsive parents). Thankfully, the preschool director and teachers have been wonderful about letting me try things “my way.” Yesterday, Jack and I talked about the transition process on the way to school. Jack explained that if I would stand at the door where he could see me, he would walk in all by himself. He did, and had an awesome day! I am hoping next week to hang around only half the day. Eventually, I may have 3 whole hours twice a week to work!
Posted on September 12th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Jack Miles | No Comments »
This morning, Jack met his preschool teachers and visited his classroom for the first time. Mawmaw surprised him with some tools, a hat, and a tool belt to celebrate his big day. I am hopeful that our first official day of preschool on Thursday will be easier than today- for Jack and for me
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Jack Miles | 1 Comment »
Chris’ grandmother, Gamer, passed away Thursday. Today he and his family are in Wilmington attending Gamer’s funeral service; I am sad that we can’t join him. Chris’ childhood memories are inextricably tied to Gamer and Gamer’s house; he often shares these stories with me. I easily remember the first time I met Gamer- how sweet she was and how welcoming. She will be deeply missed.
Gamer (prior to the onset of illness):
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Chris, Family | 1 Comment »
I have learned that the fun thing about having a little brother is dressing him up! Jack is so cooperative when Emma wants to play dress up; he is more than happy to sport a princess dress, makeup, hairbows, and nail polish. Does anyone know where I can find some gender-neutral dress up clothes? I am envisioning a box filled with a firefighter outfit, a doctor’s set, construction hat and tools, a science lab coat with science gear…
EK and Jack went to Snip-Its for much needed haircuts this week…
And, EK’s big news.. she lost her second tooth! (Something about the process of loosing teeth really freaks me out- even though I know to expect it and that they will be replaced. I even had a weird dream last night that I was loosing teeth too. Yikes!).
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Emma Kate, Jack Miles | 1 Comment »
It must be the second child syndrome… but I find that it’s more difficult to do one-on-one time with Jack. So, today I said, “Jack, write your name,” and he did! He is usually too busy trying to figure out how to make things work (particularly electricity) to take time to practice writing. Cute little guy.
Posted on August 25th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Jack Miles | No Comments »
It’s so funny that my little people are such science lovers (in spite of the fact that science was definitely my LEAST favorite subject in school). Emma Kate has always been fascinated by weather and natural disasters, and now Jack has started showing similar interests. This week, the kids made volcanoes. EK is so excited about the Pompeii exhibit at Discovery Place- we look forward to going together during a “girls outing” one day soon. So, while waiting for this opportunity, we created our own Mr. Vesuvius. Check out these eruptions!
In addition to being lovers of all things science, the kids are beginning to demonstrate the desire to be entrepreneurs. Friday afternoon, they set up a lemonade stand and enjoyed selling homemade lemonade to passing neighbors (pedestrians, bike riders, and drivers). I think it’s going to take a bit of time for Emma to understand this concept: sales-cost=profit. She sees it this way: sales=profit
The bottom right-hand picture is the handiwork of Bubbles the Clown, who was the entertainment at Karlyn’s birthday party- too cute!
Posted on August 25th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Emma Kate, Friends, Jack Miles | No Comments »
Today, my baby (big) girl entered 1st grade. It was a bittersweet moment for me… I was sad to see EK go, but excited about all that she will experience this year. I actually think 1st grade is harder for me because now I know how much she will be gone. Also, I think Jack will really miss her… although they argued some (understated!), Emma and Jack really enjoyed playing together this summer.
Have a great school year sweetie!
A little self-reflection has made me realize why 1st grade was traumatic for me … it’s the year I needed glasses, the year I was accused of taking Richard Alley’s pen (I didn’t), and the year I endured Mrs. Cockerham (seems like we called her Mrs. Cockroach).
Posted on August 18th, 2008 by tonya
Filed under: Emma Kate | 1 Comment »