It was a great way to incorporate some fine motor activity with a Bible lesson. I had the kids cut out the hearts and then we took turns reading the verses and discussing what they mean.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Valentines Day project!
I found this craft on: http://thecraftyclassroom.com/2012/02/06/love-bible-verses-for-children/
It was a great way to incorporate some fine motor activity with a Bible lesson. I had the kids cut out the hearts and then we took turns reading the verses and discussing what they mean.
It was a great way to incorporate some fine motor activity with a Bible lesson. I had the kids cut out the hearts and then we took turns reading the verses and discussing what they mean.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Friday, July 11, 2014
Unique kids and the journey
So, obviously I have not been very active on this blog lately. We decided to take a break for the summer. I have next years curriculum planned out (I will post about that later). But I have some things on my mind and I decided to air them out here.
When I first became aware that my son had learning disabilities and dyspraxia I was on a mission to fix him! I had a diagnosis and recommendations and I was going to get him into OT and extra classes and tutoring and whatever else I could! We got an IEP and got into SPED in public school, we started OT and by golly things were going to get rolling.
Then it started to become evident that my daughter had some problems as well, next came the diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder and sensory processing disorder, so now, with spd and dcd we needed another IEP along with ST and OT.
I bought tons of books, all the best ones, and ran myself ragged taking both kids to multiple therapy appointments weekly. I joined all of the online support groups for all of these diagnoses and read and typed and read some more.......
And you know what conclusion I have come to? My kids are unique, they have their quirks and they struggle in certain areas, but this is not a race. This is not something that I can take them to multiple appointments to fix! It is who they are!
Luckily along this journey we decided to homeschool, so I can look at each one individually and tailor a program to focus on fine motor and gross motor, core strength and visual processing. I can work daily with my daughter on being over sensitive and finding coping mechanisms. But this is a life long journey, not a race with a finish line like I had originally thought. I can incorporate these needed skills into daily activities and lessons. We can participate in extra curricular sports and classes for my son, and smaller more individualized activities for my daughter who struggles with the sensory part of big groups. But it doesn't always have to be medicalized! (not sure that is a word).
I just get frustrated when I go on these boards lately and see so many parents obsessed with the labels, is it ADHD or maybe OCD? We have this diagnosis, maybe I should go back to the doctor and get a different one because that one doesn't fit. I absolutely believe that these are all very valid conditions and diagnoses, but even with a valid diagnosis no two kids will have the exact same behaviors or issues or even respond to the same treatment or therapy. I just want to encourage all of us to look at our kids individually! Whether they have a condition or diagnosis or are just a little quirky! Just help them where they need help! Don't focus so much on the label and the recommended treatment for that label that we forget they are individuals and are on a life long journey...........
Not sure any of that made sense. But I am done now. =) Here is a great picture I found on facebook that I wanted to share, this kind of sums it up very well!
Then it started to become evident that my daughter had some problems as well, next came the diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder and sensory processing disorder, so now, with spd and dcd we needed another IEP along with ST and OT.
I bought tons of books, all the best ones, and ran myself ragged taking both kids to multiple therapy appointments weekly. I joined all of the online support groups for all of these diagnoses and read and typed and read some more.......
And you know what conclusion I have come to? My kids are unique, they have their quirks and they struggle in certain areas, but this is not a race. This is not something that I can take them to multiple appointments to fix! It is who they are!
Luckily along this journey we decided to homeschool, so I can look at each one individually and tailor a program to focus on fine motor and gross motor, core strength and visual processing. I can work daily with my daughter on being over sensitive and finding coping mechanisms. But this is a life long journey, not a race with a finish line like I had originally thought. I can incorporate these needed skills into daily activities and lessons. We can participate in extra curricular sports and classes for my son, and smaller more individualized activities for my daughter who struggles with the sensory part of big groups. But it doesn't always have to be medicalized! (not sure that is a word).
I just get frustrated when I go on these boards lately and see so many parents obsessed with the labels, is it ADHD or maybe OCD? We have this diagnosis, maybe I should go back to the doctor and get a different one because that one doesn't fit. I absolutely believe that these are all very valid conditions and diagnoses, but even with a valid diagnosis no two kids will have the exact same behaviors or issues or even respond to the same treatment or therapy. I just want to encourage all of us to look at our kids individually! Whether they have a condition or diagnosis or are just a little quirky! Just help them where they need help! Don't focus so much on the label and the recommended treatment for that label that we forget they are individuals and are on a life long journey...........
Not sure any of that made sense. But I am done now. =) Here is a great picture I found on facebook that I wanted to share, this kind of sums it up very well!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Another adventure and MORE unit study material!
So, today we decided to go to a local forested area to explore. I just love being in the middle of a forest, there is something so peaceful!
So, this particular area is known for it's trails and a lot of mountain bikers go through here. Someone has done a great job of building these little wooden bridges and paths all through the area, over creeks, in between trees etc. The kids LOVED running through the trails and bridges and it was so good for their balance and gross motor skills.
While we were exploring I looked down into a creek bed and saw an odd shaped rock! I picked it up and it looks like it may be a native american nutting stone or grinding stone! I was so excited!
So, now, second on my list for unit studies after the caterpillar, is the native american culture and history in our area! Take a look below!
So, this particular area is known for it's trails and a lot of mountain bikers go through here. Someone has done a great job of building these little wooden bridges and paths all through the area, over creeks, in between trees etc. The kids LOVED running through the trails and bridges and it was so good for their balance and gross motor skills.
While we were exploring I looked down into a creek bed and saw an odd shaped rock! I picked it up and it looks like it may be a native american nutting stone or grinding stone! I was so excited!
So, now, second on my list for unit studies after the caterpillar, is the native american culture and history in our area! Take a look below!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
God given lessons....
I just love it when the homeschool lessons find us! So, Monday we decided to go to a local campground/park near the river just to go on a walk, be in nature. Well, as we were walking through the park I looked down at my shirt and shrieked! There was this furry thing crawling on my shirt right on my belly! It was a caterpillar!
So, I showed the kids, got my son to pick it up off of me and we sat down at a near by picnic table to talk about it. Well, of course the kids begged me to let them keep it, why not I thought?
So, we took the caterpillar home and put it in a jar. This morning, I added some caterpillar research to my sons homeschool lesson. I had him use google images to find the type of caterpillar we had, and then I had him do some internet research on how to create a home for him. One that would give us a chance of being able to witness his inevitable transformation!
So, now, we have a beautiful caterpillar home and days of potential unit study lessons on the metamorphosis!
(Of course I will share those and add them to our lynx made lessons page) =)
So, I showed the kids, got my son to pick it up off of me and we sat down at a near by picnic table to talk about it. Well, of course the kids begged me to let them keep it, why not I thought?
The beautiful park!
My daughter showing off her daisy bracelet!
My son, with the cup we put the caterpillar in!
So, we took the caterpillar home and put it in a jar. This morning, I added some caterpillar research to my sons homeschool lesson. I had him use google images to find the type of caterpillar we had, and then I had him do some internet research on how to create a home for him. One that would give us a chance of being able to witness his inevitable transformation!
So, now, we have a beautiful caterpillar home and days of potential unit study lessons on the metamorphosis!
(Of course I will share those and add them to our lynx made lessons page) =)
Here are some more photos of our new friend~!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Energy Unit study Day #5
Energy Unit study!
Visit this site: AE kids it will help you see how many ways we use electricity in our home.
After you visit the site, walk around our house and see how many other ways we use electricity! Write down 3 more ways on a piece of paper.
Next, visit this site: Save energy it will give you ideas about ways YOU can help save energy.
Then, write down 5 ways YOU are going to start saving energy on the same piece of paper then show it to mom!
THEN, visit this link to see if you can crack a secret code! Be a sleuth!
THEN, visit this link to see if you can crack a secret code! Be a sleuth!
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