Singapore Math Kindergarten B 

For some reason...well more than one reason...I have felt a bit shy about posting anything Home School related lately. At the same time, I want to share some resources I love with you and well, some other thoughts too. So here I go putting all my worries and fears aside....

I have been doing Singapore Math with Lucy and am pretty pleased with it overall. Now granted true Charlotte Mason fashion wouldn't use a math workbook at this age but rather spoken "story" problems, math manipulatives (or counters and hands-on objects) and lots of games and real life interaction. I however need a book to follow! I've learned through tears (mine and her's) to allow myself and her for that matter to break away from the book's exact expectations when we need to and go at our own pace. I've also learned that Daddy is really good at making math fun...so I take advantages of any opportunities that I can to get him to help! Then they all love it!

So, I decided to start Jude on a math book too. I bought both of the Kindergarten books (A&B) from Singapore. After looking briefly over the books, I decided he could skip right to book B, and that I would save book A for Mayme. I REALLY like his book!!! If you are looking for something to guide you through math with your kindergartner (or preschooler) I highly recommend this book (maybe I should tell you though that we aren't all the way through it yet).  We don't do every page of it. We keep it light and fun. Sometimes I do the writing for him. The bottom of most of the pages has suggestions for extra activities that you can do with your child. Sometimes we only do those suggested activities rather than the work book page. I wish I had had this book for Lucy! I'm excited to start with Mayme at a very slow pace in the fall. I think it will be just enough for her to feel like she is doing "school" with her older siblings without burning her out. We'll see if that plan works or not. :) 

Looking for more CM method Math encouragement 

(including book suggestions) visit Charlotte Mason Help.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is the day! It is our TENTH Anniversary! Let me just say that I am so excited! I've been looking forward to this day for, well, ten years. :) I don't know why, but I just have.

We began our celebration last night. I saw this idea online...the kids and I went and got one balloon for every year that Tyson and I have been married (well, and one more to wish/pray on...and in case someone popped one or let it fly away). Then we put them in the bedroom. I spent the day thinking of ten special memories from the last ten years. I wrote each one down and put it on the string of the balloon. When I first saw this idea (on Pinterest), I honestly thought it sounded a little bit cheesy. Let me tell you though, it was so neat! It was great spending the day reflecting on all that the Lord has done in our lives and marriage over the last ten years. The balloons filled the room not to mention the mini-van that was already filled with four kids. I had some candles lit which really made it a neat sight (unlike the harsh light in the photo). I was going to sprinkle one of Tyson's favorite candies on the bed, but umm...these Rolo's didn't come individually wrapped. :) something to remember for next time. It was a neat night talking about these memories and recalling many others.

You know, when we begin teaching math to our children, we start with objects so that they can see and understand what the numerals represent...something to make them less abstract. There is just something about seeing these balloons fill the space of our home, our lives, it makes the number of years seem so much more real...rather than this abstract number. Really, the years just fly by so quickly, that it is hard to grasp what a number is...until you can see it.

 I am so thankful for Tyson. He is such a wonderful husband that I still don't feel like I deserve. He still takes my breath away in many many ways. I thought I would share this song that we played at our wedding...I'm gonna stand on a mountain top and tell the news that you take my breath away.    
                                                             
                             

...and old video of Tuck and Patti, "Take My Breath Away"...