Creativity Strikes Again

Last night G noticed that Daddy's watch was broken. The band had come off and all that was left was the face. Daddy had been carrying it around in his pocket so he could still tell the time even though he couldn't wear the watch. G decided he would fix daddy's watch. Using a paper cup, some scissors and some tape, G fashioned a new band for the watch. What a resourceful boy!

Halloween/Pumpkin Theme

This week we have been having fun with our Halloween/Pumpkin theme. We've been reading Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell, and doing some of the go-along activities we found at homeschoolshare.com . We've also been reading From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer to learn more about the pumpkin life cycle.

Yesterday we did my favorite pumpkin activity and baked pumpkin pies!!!

Jack-O-Lantern Craft

Yesterday we made this paper strip Jack-O-Lantern using construction paper cut into strips, 2 brads, black construction paper to make the face, and glue. I got the idea from Art Projects for Kids.

My Little Pumpkin

We went to the pumpkin patch on Sunday and got a miniature pumpkin for today's project. We measured its height and circumference, we described the pumpkin, and G guessed how many seeds would be inside (20). Then we cut the pumpkin open and counted the seeds to see how many there actually were (299). Then G drew a picture of his pumpkin with the seeds inside.

Creative Free Time

G is a very creative guy. He gets that from his daddy. They are both on a never ending quest to figure out how to make things. Quite often during free time, G will wander around the house looking for things to use for his newest project. Yesterday the project that came to his mind was puppets. Now remember, he did this on his own with no help from me other than my approval of the materials he wanted to use. He used paper lunch bags, tape, markers, popcorn seeds and mini marshmallows (for the eyes, mouth and nose). Here's what he came up with:

Later in the evening, he used paper bags cut into strips and some tape to make himself into a helicopter. He taped the strips to his head for the blades, then he twist-jumped off the couch so his blades were spinning. LOL!

I Had to Laugh

Today G was playing a Jump Start learning computer game and he asked me if he should choose the 1st grade level.

"Why? Is the Kindergarten level too easy for you?", I asked.

"Well, yeah. It's kind of lame." was his answer.

I had to laugh.

Phonics Curriculum Review

Well, we've settled into a phonics routine and it is working very well. We've been using Explode the Code Online and Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading. We alternate back and forth for a bit of variety and also to spend extra time on harder concepts. I'm amazed at how well he's picking up on new lessons. We've recently learned the sounds for sh, ch, and th, and we'll be moving on to the silent e soon. I'm very happy with the progress we've made recently. I find him reading signs as we drive around town. It's a very exciting time!!