WRITE ON!

 

 My boys LOVE this writing program.  I must first mention that neither of my boys like writing.  If I sit down with them in other subjects and try to get them to write they will give me the bare minimum.  Sometimes I have to push for even that.  BUT with this program they want to not only do the assignments but to do multiple examples and multiple lessons!  WOW! 

I've owned this program for years and used it with my girls when they were younger.  They loved it too.  I found it at a homeschool convention when it was just coming out.  I had been searching for years for a program like this but my search always came up empty.  I was overjoyed when I talked to the author and she explained how the program worked and her reasons for writing it.  With co-ops and such taking up our time it sat on the shelf for a few years.  But now I've dusted it off and I'm kicking myself for not bringing it down earlier.  It is so much fun!

 The lesson on this day was describing a setting.  The boys each had to choose a book to use for their example.  Bugs chose to use his book he is reading for his literature study.

 Sam the Minuteman

 I had Elvis do two examples since he is older.

 Think, think, thinks!  Hee, hee. 

(He's not having a hard time, I promise.  He is a goofball especially when I get out the camera.  Lol!)

They were busy beavers.  After they have completed their assignments they are always eager to share with me and with each other what they have written. 

Yesterday we learned about the different kinds of plots & then about developing your plot.  Very cool!  I'm looking forward to tomorrow when they put it all together and begin writing their story.

WRITING TIME

 Getting down to work with their writing assignment about acronyms.

 Sky does a great job holding up the white board.

 His acronym for Skywalker (his cat).  The boys were allowed to choose.

 Bugs chose Sassy, his cat.

Reading his aloud to us. 

 Our next lesson was creating 'Scribble Stories'.  They closed their eyes and let their pencil roam over their paper.

 Then whatever they had drawn they made into a picture.  It was a great way to use their imaginations!  

 Next they wrote a 4 to 5 sentence story about their scribble art pictures.  We emphasized on answering the questions, "Who, what, where, when & why" in their writing.

We had a fun time writing together!  I love this program!

It Only Takes A Spark

‎"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books"
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I put this photo & quote on my Facebook page. I thought it was worth posting again here. I bought a book last week for Elvis at the Christian bookstore. I have been trying to find some fiction chapter books at his grade level that he would enjoy. It's been tough. I'm not a huge fan of much of the current so-called "literature". But I found this book & decided to give it a try. It's recommended reading level is pre-teen, (10-12?) and above but Elvis is doing fine with it. I can't tell you how thrilled I was when he crept into my room early Tuesday morning seeking a quiet place to read. He had started the night before & couldn't wait to continue. He has been devouring it ever since. I need to get myself back to the bookstore and pick up the next in the series!

Fingerpaint Fun

I had bought these Rose Art fingerpaint sets from Michael's awhile ago. We discovered them while unpacking some things from the shed & re-gifted them to the boys for Christmas. Hee, hee! I am such a saver! The weather has been awful here. So dreary & cold. I decided it was time to get these out & let the boys have some fun. First I started with Bugsy. After Elvis finished his chores he was allowed to join us. It was a great motivator, btw. =0)

At first Bugs was a little tentative. Normally he hates to get his hands or clothes dirty. But soon he was having a blast.


We decided to make Valentine's for his friends. He will give them out at our homeschool party this Thursday.

We used regular index cards, sponge stamps that came with the set & paints.

After he & I made all the Valentine's he wanted to fingerpaint. He surprised me with his enthusiasm to get dirty. I was glad to see him throw aside his usual need to wipe every drop of paint off his hands and have fun.

Elvis also surprised me. He was very careful with his designs.

Usually when it comes to crafts he does it quickly & not always as neat as he could.

This time he was very detail oriented. I loved seeing his different designs.

Valentine Central

(FYI~ In the middle are the beautiful flowers Davey gave me.

He knew I had a long week & gave them to me. Isn't he sweet?)

Getting dirty & having fun.

Carefully painting the teddy bear before he stamps.

I'll post pics of their finished projects soon!

Cozy Nests

The boys needed to get outside and run off some energy so I asked Sweet Pea to take them out. It wasn't the nicest of days & was cold but at least it wasn't raining. She hesitantly took them out for me. Later she came in all bubbly with talk of what they had done. She raked up a bunch of the pine needles and made a nest for each of them. I guess they had a blast playing in their nests. Bugsy was a dinosaur & Elvis a Droid (He is totally into Star Wars right now.) I am pleased that they all had such a great time. And amused too that Sweet Pea went out grumbling about having to take them outside & then ended up having a blast. Hee, hee!

The Elvis Droid sleeps in his nest.

I love that he can't stop smiling.

Cozy little dinosaur.

Surprise!

When we put in our order for our homeschool supplies & curriculum we also ordered each of the children a fun item. The girls are sharing theirs b/c theirs cost more than the boys combined. Anyway, more on that later. We gave the boys their items the other night. Boy were they surprised & happy!

No Peeking!

WOW!
Now they each have a full set that's all their own.

Little Knight in Full Armor

Our Two Brave Knights

Watch Out!

Galloping On His Trusty Steed

Hard at Work

The boys LOVE the show Handy Manny. Lately Bugs has been carrying a toy hammer with him almost everywhere he goes. They both know all the characters and the songs. Dave & I like the show too as it teaches how to be a friend & a help to others.

When we were working on our decorating the other night E-boy was bored. He kept getting upset over little things. Dave had his measuring tape with him and came up with a fantastic idea. He gave it to E-boy and very seriously told him that Daddy needed his help. He asked him to measure specific things in the living room. E-boy took on the challenge and was soon zooming around measuring different items & reporting the measurements. Not only did this keep him busy & happy but it was educational too. Soon Bugs joined in and was copying his big brother. I think 2 boys will find measuring tapes in their Easter baskets this year!

Carefully measuring the window.

Handy Bugsy

Very Serious

Stretch!