Z1 is now reading. I mean, really reading. He surprises me often with just how naturally reading comes to him. We've been using Hooked on Phonics which has been a great program for him but honestly, he is moving way faster than the program. We're still using the program just to solidify the foundational aspects of reading but he is solidly into Level 1 reading books (which is first grade). I am also pleased with his ability to comprehend what he reads. He reads on his own without having to be prompted. Z1 will be 5 in August so this is all very awesome to me! I am an avid reader and I would be lying if I said it didn't excite me that it looks like Z1 will also be an avid reader. I would be so happy to have engendered a love of reading in him!
For the past few weeks, I have been taking Z1 to the White Plains Library where they have a story and craft time particularly for older kids. The drive is a bit long (20 minutes) especially since I am usually in White Plains again on Thursdays but I think the program is so worth it. Like I said in my previous post, I feel like I have been lacking in the arts area and so this helps to fill in the gaps. Aside from that, I bought a few art supplies to have on hand and I hope that encourages me to at least do little art projects. For example, we made some flowers from paper and pipe cleaners and Z1 really enjoyed that activity.
Our science unit on rocks went well although I feel like it's incomplete. I lost steam but we were at least able to go out into nature and study rocks. We've mused on the different types of rocks and talked about it. It was a good introduction on the pre-school level to rocks. There's one experiment I want to do (making an island) but the issue is carving out time to do it.
And on the issue of time: I have been finding it so difficult to get schooling in because of all the other things I have to do to keep the household running. I am now staying consistent with doing schoolwork before and after meals. I feel like I am not able to focus as much as I would like to before meals but Z1 is able to do workbook type stuff or practice his handwriting. I realized that I really have to prioritize schooling and I think that when he is officially kindergarten age, I will become more strict about certain mornings being devoted to school.
I have moved all the schooling materials into one rolling 3-drawer bin. It's good to have everything together in one place although I intend to buy smaller trays to organize the bin a bit better. I put all kinds of posters and things up on the wall in the kitchen so now it really looks like a learning environment. I put up the calendar (which I'm trying to do with Z1 consistently) and other learning tools like a word wall and posters about reading rules and money. Also, the week's spelling words are up.
About spelling words, I think I'm going to have to wait a bit on going all out with spelling words until Z1's handwriting catches up.
Last night after dinner, we played addition Bingo which was a lot of fun. We'll definitely do that more often.
So that's really all that's been going on. I think we're in a good place right now and moving forward.
