Over the last few weeks it has been my hope that the children would have a season of academic focus. We tweaked our routine so Daniel could have his Discipline studies first up in the morning. Considering all the needs of our children, this was the highest need. This has been moderately successful. We are consistent with his Phonics lessons but not reading stories to him as much as I would like.
Daniel’s journey to read has been slow and difficult for him due to his Dyspraxia. But this week we made a little break through with was very exciting. I dropped the programme I was using and started to refresh myself on what Ruth Beechick has to say about learning to read. I picked up Jolly Phonics again and am using their structure but being conscious of Ruth Beechicks natural methods. (Jolly Phonics is actually written in such a way to make this easy). So his big achievement was that he read through a reader. (Fitzroy Readers). So yayyy for Daniel!!
Our next goal has been to complete our Bible Study lessons. I want to give the kids an overview of the New Testament and am using Grapevine Outlines . This is giving the children exposure and practice to using Bible Study Tools in researching ideas and topics. I get the kids to research their particular areas before we read through the days readings which means they are able to add to any discussions incorporating their new understandings.
I have started reading Parables from Nature by Mrs Alfred Gatty to Nomi and Daniel as their Science reading. They have enjoyed the stories. Unfortunately I fell asleep as I read the last time we picked it up so we need to finish that story this coming week.
Joshua has been challenged with the idea to take more personal ownership of his studies. We need to set weekly goals that he can work through (we have been setting daily goals up till now but I feel weekly goals gives him more flexibility and responsibility). This last week he wanted to spend time at the library and it suited the family movements for him to go during a time slot that I would have been expecting him to study. So we came to an arrangement that I would drop him off at the library but the same amount of work that I would have expected to be completed at home would need to be completed by the end of the weekend. I think it is good to be able to negotiate and be flexible with him and his studies. It is a good lifeskill for him to manipulate all his desires and responsibilities, to see deadlines and to give up some things in order to meet those deadlines.
The kids have been busy with making Christmas presents. Once again we see signs on our doors that say “So-and-so can’t come in here”. More than once I have had to walk to my bedroom with my eyes closes because of top-secret projects being constructed! It is a lovely atmosphere to have in the home.
Jessica sat down with a card book on Saturday and created a whole series of cards using a teabag folding idea. It looks so complex and yet is so simple – she has done a great job following instructions and choosing colour schemes in particular.
