So the last couple days I have been having some fun on Photoshop.
Dan and I had a nice long chat about the girl's schooling.
I needed lots of encouragement and we needed to decide on some purchases.
It was really great for me. I was starting to feel really inadequate as their teacher and our "pep talk" was just what I needed.
That conversation spurred on a few projects. :o)
First, I made this cute little interview for Lauren to practice not only her
communication skills but also her writing and spelling.
I also altered it a bit to make: "My Mom", "My Sister" and "Nana" interviews.
I might make more in the future, but I think this is a good goal for now.
The idea was not mine. It was something I
saw on Pinterest. I tried to print hers out (Would've rather saved the time and effort)
but for some reason it wouldn't work. So I had to make my own.
Cute, huh?
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The next project that was born out of our pep talk was this little guy.
Lauren is not super fond of reading. It's hard work for her at this point.
She LOVES to look at books. But reading the words....not so much. Takes too long.
She is doing well but I know
she still needs lots of practice, growth, and improvement.
We decided a little motivation was in order. For every 20 books she reads we will buy her one new toy.
(the rules about the toy have yet to unfold...I am not getting a $60 toy every 20 books...)
She was VERY excited about this! And has actually been asking
to read books on her own!!!
Isn't this little guy cute too?
The owl just looked like he needed to be rained on.....
Thank goodness for free Photoshop brushes online! And thank goodness for
Pinterest so I can find them!
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This last chart was just for fun. I made it for Jake.
My mom made a simple one for him
and I just couldn't help myself. I had to design one for him.
After all, what are Auntie's for?
He gets to make the circles into smiley faces or sad faces depending on his attitude.
Oh my goodness!! I LOVE them! You did a GREAT job! Can you send me the one you did for the dad, mom and sister? If not, it is okay, but it would be so fun to do it! I love the book reading idea. We do the same thing for Zac, but for his chores. He has to earn four stars for NOT having to be told to do his chores and just doing them on his own and he gets a "dollar store" worthy toy out of it. Works great!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say you feel inadequate. I do ALL the time. Sam and I have many talks and if I didn't have such a great support group of homeschooling moms around me, I would probably give up. :o) But then I remember the reason I wanted to home school in the first place, and I wouldn't have it any other way. {Today at least ;o)}
{And if it's any consolation at ALL, I think you do such a great job with those girls!!}
LOVE YOU!
Well, I was surprised that the reading chart motivated her. We have tried these before and all the girls are less than thrilled about them. I would say "you want to put a sticker on your chart now?!" And they would say "no thanks." Weird kids. So I don't know what's different now...but apparently it's cool now.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is the opposite. I can't have a bunch of homeschooling moms surrounding me. The minute I do is when I start comparing and feeling like a loser. I have to purposefully burry my head in the sand and just focus on what's right and good for us. Just because someone else is doing some great thing doesn't mean I am failing because I'm not. Obviously, I have to keep track of if they are within their age of learning etc...but I only have one friend who has as many kids as I do all the same ages. Her opinion I respect the most because I know she KNOWS what my day to day life is like. But...her husband doesn't deploy. So I don't take advice or compliments from people that easily. (About mothering and homeschooling that is). The only person I really believe when they say "you're doing a great job" is Dan. He is the only one that know what I am like when I am by myself in the day to day muck. And I believe my mom...mostly. ;0). She knows me too well. Even if she doesn't see my day to day muck I think she could make a really good educated guess. :0)
Also, every kids learning styles, abilities, and stumbling blocks are different. I get stressed out when I start comparing my kids to other kids.
ReplyDeleteYes, I will email those to you. No problem.
Virginia, thanks for sharing your blog with me. I will enjoy visiting often- baby news is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove to all