1st Day of School

Up to now, we've been doing a very unofficial sort of homeschooling, the kind I think almost all parents of young children are doing whether they think of it as "education" or not - explaining the world to your child as they encounter it, involving them in daily life at home, and providing material and activities that stimulate their senses such as books, play dates and time outside.

Now that Hannah is 3 and 1/2, I either wanted to put her in pre-school or begin more intentional lessons at home to make sure she was getting focused attention. Home education won out this year for many reasons, not the least of which is that I really enjoy this season while all my little birdies are still in the nest. I like the togetherness and simplicity of our lives right now.

So, dusting off my teaching hat and firing up the printer, I'm back in the saddle again. My wonderful friend Amanda found this great online resource, which will be my guide for the year.

Today's lesson was about sea creatures.

This was our verse:

And our activity, graham crackers covered in blue-frosting-ocean with goldfish-sea-life:

And now I am being reminded of last week's The Office wherein Andy suggests that the goldfish take a swim in the blue cheese dressing and am cracking myself up.

So far, the children really like homeschooling and I think if I can manage to creatively incorporate sugar and artificial coloring into every lesson they will continue to do so.

Signing Time with Adam and Hannah

Our favorite video series is Signing Time with Alex and Leah. OK, the kids would tell you their favorite video series is actually Thomas the Tank Engine, but deep down inside this is the one they really love. Because it's just so stinking amazing.

Early on with Hannah, around 12 months of age, I taught her a few very basic signs to help with communication and manners at the table. After watching the 10 or so Signing Time videos we have, I would estimate her sign vocabulary to be more than 200 words.

To those who wonder if teaching signs impedes language development, I say, have you met my daughter? Chatty McChatterbox! OK, I will stop with the fake Scottish nicknames now.

Here's Adam using putting his signing skills to good use: cookie acquisition.

And now using words, slightly muffled by cookies stuffed in his mouth:

Hannah wanted to show a sign too. Don't blame Alex and Leah; Daddy taught her this one!