In my life this week…
This was the week of taking it easy. Last week was crazy busy with VBS, almost daily playdates, work, and a wedding. So this week the boys and I were happy to lay low. We visited some friends, but for the most part we were home.
In our homeschool this week…
But while we were home, I did have the boys do a little schoolwork, just to feel like we were accomplishing something. Just a little math and grammar. And lots of reading. For Bode's preschool time we also finished his "C" is for Carrot lapbook. We did venture to Lakeshore Learning Store to use our coupon that was about to expire. I bought a pocket chart, puzzles for Bode, tracing/stencil cards for the boys, and some other school goodies.
What's working for us…
I discovered what motivates my kids to read. It's not that they don't like to read - they do. It's just not the first thing that comes to mind. Our local library has a summer reading program every year with incentives to read, but their incentives don't impress my boys. So I made my own summer reading chart for them and incentives specifically geared toward them. They are to read in 30 minute increments. For every 5 hours of reading they earn a prize. The prizes right now are Pokemon card 10-packs, which my kids collect. We just started a few days ago and my eldest has already earned his first prize!
Things I’m working on…
This weekend we will be working on our patio. It's an eyesore now, so let's hope a little hardwork and creativity does the trick (and my father's handiwork).
I’m reading…
In my Bible, I finished Deuteronomy and have started the book of Joshua
I finished: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins
Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins
(read my review on this amazing series here)
I just started: Heist Society by Ally Carter
I’m praying for…
Cole couldn't sleep tonight because he was having scary dreams, so he's in our bed. Poor guy. I'm praying for his comfort and peace of mind.
A photo and link to share…
Ian started taking an online Lego Club class through CurrClick (click here for more info) and made a Candy Dispenser:
wtg!! on your own reading program :) :)
ReplyDeletehope Cole has happy dreams :)
Lego is so cool!!! :)
My boy isn't motivated by the library's program, but my girls are. I love seeing how my kids' differences show themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen. I've become a bit OCD with reading this summer. People keep recommending books to me and I just keep reading them. My husband looks at me like I'm crazy, lol.
ReplyDeleteBecca, I'm glad the library program works for your girls. I felt bad not signing up this year, but it has been rewarding in itself to find something that works for my boys. But we still love the library :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea for a reading program. We are doing the library one, but I could really work with that. Our boys love Pokemon cards and always want me to buy them.
ReplyDeleteNew follower from NOBH.
Renita
www.krazykuehnerdays.com
Hi Renita, Thanks for following! So far my boys, especially my oldest, have been reading a lot more since I added the Pokemon incentive. Now my oldest is trying to "lap" my middle son so he has two prizes before the other gets his first. A little friendly competition is underway :)
ReplyDeleteScary dreams are no fun! My oldest had night terrors...talk about a helpless feeling! That is awesome that you made your own reading program...I think I am going to have to do that for my middle child.
ReplyDeleteI think it is our responsibility to find ways to keep learning fun and exciting for our children. A reading reward system is great while they are little. as their fluency develops and they get more into hobbies, then i find it becomes its own reward which is always so wonderful to see. stopping by from the HMJ hop. This summer i did a reading challenge in june and kept track of how many books we read or i read to them. it was interesting to see the number and will be a good gauge for months to come! blessings to you and your homeschool!
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