Cartoon Network

The boys love playing Cartoon Network...

 

Disney

Nick

Math

Our eight-year-old little man has been having problems staying focused in class (timed math pages). The teacher suggested that we use flash cards, which we have, but the page is first grade math (he's in third). He didn't have any issues the two previous years. I had a "Math Munchers" program but gave it to another parents since we didn't seem to need it.

On Black Friday we found ourselves at Fry's Electronics. We'd been avoiding the crowds and thought that later in the afternoon the crowds would have dissipated. Finding a parking space was still insane, but we did find "Math Skill Builder". Online the week prior it was listed at $14, but in store that day it was $18 (plus tax). ~*Ouch*~.. but cheaper than directly from the company from the looks of it.

I am hoping that having the timed sheets, parents direct which, that both boys will gain a positive. I love the fact this new program is kindergarten through fifth grade. They have the option of practice sheets, print outs, and we can keep track of their progress on charts. But I love that it covers everything from basic math, word problems, How to, and calculation tables.

This will be added to their chore board (both boys)... where they earn magnets that trade for real money. They will probably be mad at me, but I'll be snagging a bunch of educational programs for their computers this Christmas! Plus micro SD cards for their tablets and requiring they keep a few I've found downloaded and played daily from App store.

I hope to see more "Core Learning" on the shelves of Fry's Electronics.

Helping Young Children with Writing Skills

Recently I faced a dilemma that was far too familiar. My eight year old child is refusing do the creative writing portions in class. I came across similar circumstances with our eldest son (around the same age). The downside is that it has been a decade, and feels like a lifetime ago. I have a vague idea of how to positively support our son and only wish the teacher would have offered solutions past, "he needs to do the work". So, here I am searching for ways to fix the problem online.

I initially thought it could be a lack of knowing how to structure a paragraph or story. But during the parent/teacher conference he agreed with the teacher that it wasn't "organizational skills". When my husband and I talked to him last night he stated that he simply has no interest in writing about the specific subjects. He is intelligent but his lack of motivation is absolutely exasperating. He is the free spirited child that folds under conventional parenting.

I eventually landed on a website that uses the thought bubble concepts, but had to make what she created (digital scrapbooking program) after I realized the links were not working properly.

The Reading Momma

Character: Who

Setting: When/Where

Problem: What happened

Solution: How did it end

However it was our other son's teacher that ended up being the most informative. With our six year old he is going to be starting something called "Hamburger Writing". Third Grade Thoughts was a huge help with Hamburger Paragraphs.

* Topic Sentence - What is it about

* Supporting Sentence - Descriptive

* Supporting Sentence - Descriptive

* Supporting Sentence - Descriptive

* Summarize Topic Sentence - back to main topic

I wrote out the basic elements on note cards, than taped to a low hanging shelf on his desk.

* Character

* Setting - Time & Place it happens

* Conflict

* Solution

* Point of View

* Theme - Basic Idea of the story or moral

Laptops 4 Children

This is a subject that has me conflicted. We're going to be purchasing laptops for the boys this holiday season. I love that they will have more space compared to their tablets. Not to mention the fact they can buy and download (CDRom) games. The only thing they can't do on a laptop are those apps they seem to be addicted to. They can however play the PC version of MineCraft (really popular among peers). Although the newest version of windows (like on hubby's computer) allows them to do those versions (Microsoft only).

As much as I wish it would be used for school, the fact is they will probably use them for gaming. They have a normal computer, which isn't used as much as their tablets (they crave new apps).  And by the time they actually need a computer for school these will be obsolete. But on a positive note they can design the outer casing with those sticker deals. I've seen them sold specifically for laptops at Fry's and WalMart.

.~*~._ .~*~._ .~*~.

Decal Girl

SkinIt

CafePress to either buy others designs or create your own

.~*~._ .~*~._ .~*~.

Recently while I was volunteering in my son's class I overheard a conversation. A little girl was saying how she wants an IPod for Christmas, and before I even finished my thought process... I kind of blurted out "How sad is that". I didn't mean it to be disrespectful. I'd just earlier in the day been talking with another person about the differences in generations. How we as parents will drive to different stores to find the one item the child desires. When we were kids you would get the thing you wanted if it happened to be at the store your parents were going to. And the generation after mine lacked taking personal responsibility for their actions. It just makes me wonder with the current generation that is developing what adverse affects it will have. Will it be a lack of self control like those that were teens of the 1970s and adults of the 1980s? But knowledge means I can take appropriate steps in a positive direction.

Later the same night I was talking with my husband (and mentioned I felt bad, even though no one was paying attention much less heard me). He asked how old I was when I'd gotten certain game systems. My husband explained that when we were children we might have had the same things as our children if the technology was what it is today (hypothetically). I disagree because each generation of parents seems to spoil their children more than the previous. And now we have schools like where our children attend that have multi-generations helicopter parenting children/grandchildren. And our eldest son has taught us the dangers first hand of being overly involved and not allowing them to learn from mistakes.

Costco Smoothie

We started to buy a yogurt smoothie for the boys from Costco. Primarily because the probiotics are good for the boys. They were out of the ones we started to regularly put in their lunch. When I saw these, which are healthier! Kefir!!! It not only has more probiotics than the previous kind, but it is also 99% lactose Free and Gluten Free. It boasts it is also free from rBST, rBGH, and GMOs... I am more concerned with getting in the various probiotics for a healthier and happier child (children).

~*Luv It*~

Flu and Cold Season Hit

 

Our little boys have been sick for a week. This past Wednesday I had to pick up the eight year old from school. Than both missed school on Thursday and Friday. I've been trying my best to only give them medications at night so they can sleep through the night. During the day they get Halls and Chloraseptic spray.

 

A child's sickness is so drastically different than an adult. Where as an adult you have the foresight to conserve energy... a child will bounce off walls, the fever hits and than they look half dead on the couch. It's like they surge and fizzle. One moment they look like they are healthy and could have gone to school... the next they are dropping like flies, fever, and napping.

The downside is that my little angels will be missing a birthday party today. I looked up the place it is being held. And it sounds amazing! Fliptastic... where the birthday parties are structured around the children truly enjoying themselves. And the woman who invited my children is absolutely amazing and kind hearted. I feel horrible for them being sick because this is now the second party I've had to back out of.

Our little boys are coughing, and it doesn't seem to be going away. They have headaches, stuffy noses, and fevers from catching it over and over again (or it mutating in them). I've been spraying everything with Lysol, bleaching pillows, and washing bedding. I feel like I am spinning my wheels, but trying to keep a positive outlook. They are building a stronger immune system and they "need mommy" (I don't have Munchausen's, after a couple days I am more than ready to be past it all).

11/6/2013 --- Tooth Fairy

This morning my amazing little boy crawled into my bed. He snuggled his cute little face into his father's pillow, and pulled the covers over his small shoulders. And stared at me while I tried to keep my eyes shut and pretend to sleep. It didn't take long before he sat up yelling that he had just lost his tooth... in the covers. He quickly picked it up and asked me if his mouth was bleeding.

This is better than the popcorn incident... a few lost teeth back.

Unfortunately the site I used to snag print outs of Fairy Mail isn't working properly. So I found another for "to" and "from". I did a little note from the Tooth Fairy to him, and double sided tape onto construction paper.

I spent more time out of my day printing out and gluing future envelopes. I would hate to have to come up with it in a pinch, again. I guess with what little time I have left I will do a rush job cleaning the boys bathroom. But, nothing is more important than making sure a little boy still believes in the goodness and magic of the world. I adore that he still believes in fairy dust, wishing stars, and wish flowers. I just hope in my own selfishness that he doesn't grow up too fast since he is "the baby".

Halloween 2013

This is the first Halloween I have been without my kids in eighteen years. My husband took out our little men, and I was home passing out candy (watching Halloween & Halloween II). Tonight I realize that our children have few years left to actually go out and panhandle for candy. Our eight year old said that he'll stop "trick or treating" when he is thirteen. As a parent I know the reality of him being possibly dragged along to "accompany" his younger brother.

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday! And when I was in high school our colors were black and orange. I adored the ability to delve into the deepest recesses of psychopathy. Or the ability to play with various hairstyles and colors without being made fun of. All things that have become the "norm" in our current society. But when I was younger it was taboo and a thrill to see others' reactions. My generation actually thought we were cutting edge.

Although my youngest son takes after me in more ways than he'll ever admit. I too loved fake skin and scars, oozing blood, and to live as most fear. As an adult I still love a good horror novel or fact based psychopath story. There is something to be experienced when well written words make an adult afraid to step on the floor out of fear of what "might" be under the bed. I still adore Stephen King with his twisted thoughts. And what I am taking to heart on a piece I am currently working on.

I look forward to next year... as my children continue to grow. They've matured since the years of super heroes and endearing cartoon characters (at least my six year old has). Before I know it they'll be all grown up and eventually doing the same with their children. Where as parents we try to hang on to their fleeting adolescence and innocence. I am grateful for the video and pictures to reflect on in the years to come! And I hope with all my heart to be snuggling grandchildren while sharing their parents' lives with them.

History.com

http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

American Folklore

http://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween.html

Boo-ography

http://www.biography.com/people/groups/boo-ography

Time For Kids

http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/halloween