3-31-09 Our daily things...

I always look at my posts and think "Man, it feels like we did so much more today than that!", it felt like we were non-stop all day long! I made myself sit back and think about just WHAT we do on a daily basis. So, I made a list (to make myself feel better) and I do feel accomplished.

On days that we have things planned, it's a crap-shoot and we stick chores and tray times where they may fall. We usually have planned events three to four days of the 'business week'. On days we don't have any "out of the house" activities planned, things just sort of fall into a loose schedule (not planned, it just sort of happens).

On a daily basis, Ryan will help me with whatever "chores" I deem necessary (or let's say, I deem 'hey, let's keep the hubbie sane' - haha) for the day. Cleaning out the dishwasher or filling it, reboot some laundry, general straightening/decluttering/putting away toys/clothes/socks/last week's-just-found-milk-sippy, etc. Ryan is in charge of feeding Lindy (the dog) every morning and letting her in from her "morning constitution". He is recently making his bed "all by myself" also. He loves to help me cook or prepare whatever meal we are having.

We listen to some sort of music during breakfast and he usually starts in asking for tray time right after breakfast - if he makes it that long. A lot of times he is asking as soon as we walk into the kitchen or playroom. We do a tray or two (depending on how long he's interested in each particular one) and if he's stayed dry all night long, he gets a show (Sesame Street, Dora, Blue's Clues, Little Bill, Backyardigans, Wiggles, etc.) at some point in the morning. Music may or may not still be playing - depending on the length of the cd, the interest level of the boy and if I think about hitting play again or putting in another cd.

During all this, I briefly check my email, shower and get ready for the day, feed Cassada a couple of different times, stick some cereal and fruit in her somewhere in there, stretch her neck here and there (torticollis), dress the two of them for the day, clean up the kitchen/playroom/living room from whatever may be there the night before and the chaos of breakfast and probably more laundry. Ryan has spent this time doing trays, free play, puzzles, coloring (he likes to color outside of the shower while I shower and put make up on) and/or watching a show.

After we are all fed, dressed and for the most part cleaned up we will either run an errand, go to a park, a friend's house or do something in the house (it never seems to get all done) - usually involving some more tray times or cleaning up after the previous tray times. We sing songs, sometimes out of the song notebook, look through his previously done artwork, I have floor time with Cassada while playing with Ryan, read books to both and Ryan usually wants some computer time on starfall.com (or he calls it star-dot-com) or some video off of youtube.

At some point in here, I have fed Cassada (again) and put her down for a nap that'll range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours - we never know. At this point, it's time to start lunch 'festivities'. Ryan usually helps me with lunch and Cassada is usually awake by this point, so she's up wanting to be nursed/fed. After lunch, we play for whatever time we have before a loose nap time of 2:00 or 2:30-ish. If Cassada short-napped in the morning, then she'll usually go down around this time too. If not, she'll wait until 2.7 seconds before Ryan wakes up and then she'll go down...leaving me with 2.7 seconds of me-time... But, if they miraculously nap at the same time I get ME time - usually equating to another brief check of email, rebooting laundry somewhere, cleaning something, thinking about/starting dinner and whatever else strikes me that day. It's rarely something fun - like a hobby, tv or whatever. Some days, I will knit, but that's pretty rare now.

After nap, we do a variety of things - if we didn't do anything outside in the AM, we use this opportunity to go outside. If not, he usually asks for his 'after nap' tv time (another 30 minute show) and more tray time. A snack, free play (while I attempt dinner - usually it's more like I'm defending myself from a starving baby) and daddy comes home shortly after. Then it's all chaos - could be any number of things - outside, puzzles, finishing up any leftover crafts from the day, running around like a crazy man (and that's daddy), dinner, baby-time, reading, etc. Dinner, clean up, reading, tumbling, baths, night-night time (8:00-ish for Cassada, 9:00-9:30-ish for Ryan). We ALL clean up the house for 15 minutes-ish (this is new - I like it) and determine if we have any energy for projects (usually no). So, that is when I put together the next day's tray times and then get on the computer for more email time, blog time and reading other blogs for more tray time ideas. This is when Eric unwinds and watches TV. I used to knit or sew during this time - but it appears that HS research is now my new hobbie.

For Ryan's trays, I try to do a gross motor activity, a fine motor activity, a crafty-type activity, transferring activity, worksheet type thing (he seems to love to do those), a toddler-logic type thing and whatever else I want to throw in there. I also put out a puzzle on his table that hasn't seen love lately, a coloring sheet/book on his other table, a couple of books that may highlight something we've talked about recently or are just sitting on the shelf and haven't been read lately, a mental list of songs to try and sing the next day (there are thousands of songs out there that I forget about) and ideas to do if we do random outside time. I want to add a bible verse/toddler story into this equation somewhere - maybe a verse a week or something. I'm currently searching for a free online "curriculum" for that.

So, that is our day in a nutshell. Hope this helped anyone else out there wondering how other people "schedule" their days!

3-31-09 Marble and Tea Strainer Fun

(posted 8-19-09) I don't know who had more fun with this one - Ryan or ME laughing at his antics. The things these two year olds come up with! Give one some marbles (under CLOSE supervision, I mean, they ARE choking hazards after all!), toilet paper tube, dish, cup, ice cube tray and a tea leaf strainer and sit back and watch the fun.








And now for some reading time. We got this book at the library - I don't remember the name, but it was about toddlers taking an exercise class of some sort. I would walk in the room and find Ryan re-enacting the class. It was cute turning the corner and seeing him 'reading' the book.

03-31-09 Bamboo Skewers and Foam Block

(posted 8-19-09) This is a favorite. He still likes it when I pull this one out (or variations of it). Original idea from Tot School Tray Times in the Small Spaces section.



Before the foam fun, Ryan had fun "sorting" his giant McQueen coloring pages. Cassada seemed to have fun with it also - he would wave them over her head in a game of Ryan/Cassada peek-a-boo. Not sure what skills to put down for this one, but he sure did seem to work on a few of them (balance, coordination, fine motor by separating the pages, logical thinking for placement, etc. etc. etc.) - I love it when "tray times" just sort of happen with no planning! Especially when it's the two year old that comes up with them.

03-22-09 The Green G

The Letter G - for GREEN GRASS. This one was a lot of fun and Ryan did enjoy playing with the grass in a non-conventional way. I can't take credit for this idea, but I can't find where I first saw it - I will edit this post with that link once I track it down...

Here it is (the link):
The Green Grass G

Color:

Glue:

Play like crazy man with grass:


Sit back and admire:

Needed supplies list

Last update on this list:
I have moved the list to the sidebar of the main page so the subscribers will not receive updates any time anything is added or deleted. This should make your inbox a little more manageable!

Disclaimer - I am trying to figure out how/where to put this list so that you don't receive updates every time I update it. Bear with me - I'll figure it out soon.

I'm going to keep a running list of supplies we need to pick up. I've been asked by a couple of people if they can help with anything (whether it's something they have in their arsenal that we can borrow or a grandparent that wants to pick up a little something, etc.)

I'll keep it updated with things we would like for crafts or other activities. I'll have a link to it in the righthand sidebar.

• elmers glue
  
• eye droppers
• wide mouth funnel
• measuring spoons and cups
• sponges
  
• glitters
• glitter glues (in squeeze pen form)
• colored sand
• colored beads (abcs, colors, sized for fitting on pipe cleaners)
• colorful buttons
• face paint
• small Ryan sized paint rollers
• finger paints
• any type of craft paints
• swizzle sticks
• steam a seam
• paper lunch bags
• interesting/fun containers - colorful, thematic, shaped odd, great for storage, anything fun and unique
• cotton balls
• colored copier paper
• regular/white copier paper
  
• notebook paper
• counting bears
• Patricia Pingry books (we already have the Christmas book and the Easter book)
• thematic stickers - holidays, etc. All shapes and sizes
• all shapes and sizes of baskets for storage (for me or smaller for items I give Ryan on his trays)
• paint brushes (all sizes)
• paint trays (not just for paint activities - we have the round one)
• ABC templates that are simple in design (not a lot of extra - something simple to cut out, color, etc.), about 3 - 4 inches tall
• dot paints (like binger dotters) - refillable kind
• Leap Frog Letter Factory
• Leap Frog Letter Factory 5 DVD pack
  
• Melissa and Doug Beginner Pattern Blocks
• Hands On Learning: Match, Trace and Write Alphabet Mats
• Melissa and Doug Geometric Stacker
• Aquadoodle Mats and Accessories - he loves the big mat, so we would love one of those
• Stacking Pegs and Board and another variation, variation, variation
• Melissa and Doug Lacing Beads
• globe
  

Repurposed items:

• dasani water bottle blue caps
  
• butter containers
• white or opaque water bottle caps
• yarn

IKEA items that I would like to get next time we go (or if a friend goes sometime) - call me - I will update this list with links sometime soon.

Found/Discovered Evernote.com

Loving it. It's a great way to organize ideas/websites/clippings/etc. and add tags so you can do a quick overview of activities you would like to do. For instance, I have found several Easter activities over the last couple of months that I would like to do with Ryan. Now that Easter is approaching, I can go to my evernote.com account (or the local copy on your computer that you sync with the online version) and click on my Easter tag and VOILA! Or, I want to do a lamb "unit study" (spoken loosely) - click on my lamb tag, etc. So far, I really like it. Best of all? It's free, has online AND local copies that are synced (I lost all my "hard" work when the laptop died) and simple to enter things in (highlight, click a button and add your tags).

www.evernote.com

03-27-09 Reading Nook

(posted 08-19-09) It isn't in this spot anymore, but we still have the same little reading nook (across the room). He loves to sit and read in it, which I love.

3-26-09 Felt Board

Ryan loves this! He woke up on 3/26 to it on the sofa and he went nuts. He pulls it down a lot and wants to play with it. Sometimes he puts things on the board, other times he just goes through the box of cutouts, sorts them, dumps them, etc. He always wants me to come and "build the truck", so I try and comply. Since the felt board creation date, I've done a few different things (Five Little Monkies, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, foods, clothes, etc.).

The set up when he woke up from nap:

He ran right to it.



Crazy face guy (with very little help from mommy).

Ryan decided to make me lunch (with some help from mommy):

The truck that mommy made:

Five Little Monkeys

Homeschooling Ideas and Activities Article

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/homeschool-ideas.html

Homeschool ideas can spice up a mundane routine, and make learning fun for parents and kids who are experiencing burnout.

When considering homeschooling ideas, look for activities that are inexpensive, require few supplies, and are easy to set up and clean up. Choose activities that are enjoyable, and don't make your children think of school. Here are some homeschool ideas that students of all ages will enjoy:

• Poetry Night - Teach your children about poems and poets by hosting a poetry night. Have each member of the family recite a favorite poem, and provide background information about the style of poetry and the poet.

  As an alternative, take turns reading poems from a favorite book or place poems written by family members into a book of your own.

• Family Business - Starting a family business is a great way to build math skills and encourage entrepreneurship. Let your children sell homemade items, wash cars, walk pets or perform odd jobs for neighbors.

  Teach them to develop a business plan that includes choosing a valuable product or service, setting a fair price, estimating their expenses and setting realistic goals. Help your children think of creative ways to market their business.

  Remember to carefully supervise younger children when they are performing services for others.

• Special Days - Set aside special days in your home to let your children spend the day in their pajamas, wear a specific color or dress up as a favorite character.

  For fun, let family members experience each other's lives by switching roles or impersonating each other. Have an appreciation day where family members state what they appreciate about each other, or a day of service where siblings try to brighten one another's day.

  Once a month, have a "mental health" day where everyone sets their duties aside to relax and have fun.

• Go Outside - Taking school outdoors is a simple homeschool idea that adds sunshine to a dreary day and builds habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle. Read or complete lessons outside in your back yard. Take lunch to the park, or head to a local pond to feed ducks. Ride bikes around the neighborhood or take a few laps around the block to allow wiggly students to burn off energy between assignments.
• Book Club - If you no longer read aloud as a family, set aside one night per month for a family book club. Have every member of your family read the same book, or choose a topic and let each child select a book on their level.

  Have your children present background information about the subject and the book's author, and prepare a list of open-ended questions to discuss. These meetings will help your children develop conversation skills, and look forward to reading.

• Word of the Week - Place a vocabulary word on your dry erase board or refrigerator at the beginning of the week. Discuss the word and its meaning, and encourage your children to use it in a sentence. Throughout the week, keep track of the number of times it is used in context, and reward the family member who uses it most frequently.
• Family Newsletter - Publishing a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual family newsletter will help boost your children's writing and computer skills. Prompt your children to write about family news, community events, hobbies, books, movies or subjects they have studied. You can also include artwork and family photographs.

  Assign each child an area of responsibility or let children choose their own topics. These newsletters will help you remember your family's adventures for years to come.

• Celebrate Holidays - Decorate your home, dress up and make special meals for holidays. Research the day's origin and traditions, and how it is celebrated in other parts of the world. Celebrating holidays is a great way to study history and culture, and create memories.

  Here are some ideas for celebrating homeschool holidays.

• Debate Night - Separate your family into teams and choose a subject to debate. Encourage your children to learn as much as they can about the topic. Help them organize the information, and develop and evaluate their arguments.

  Debates help children develop critical thinking skills and confidence speaking before groups. This is also a fun way to teach your children research skills, and help them develop an interest in history and current events.

• Homeschool Games - Set aside one night per week for a family game night. Order pizza or prepare a favorite meal. Turn down the ringer on your telephone, turn off the television, and focus on your family. Chess, Scrabble, Monopoly and other games are great for math and language development.

  Here is some information about choosing homeschool games your family will enjoy!

03-21-09 Tot Schooling on the go...

We were able to capture pics this time - another trip to Lowes to work on our kitchen design. He loves the flat bed and we get some great time in with the designer. I can sit there and work with him in between questions from the kitchen specialist.

These beads are great - they are Noah's Ark beads (arks, lions, elephants, etc.). He had so much fun playing with them, making pipe cleaner bracelets, dumping, sorting, counting, loading in his dump truck, etc.


And, the trusty 'toothpick, popsicle stick, straw, etc.' water bottle. He just loves this and it is so simple. He plays with it forever - he really enjoyed looking at each popsicle stick in detail. These are the ones he painted (see this post). It gave me an idea - I think we'll do more things with pop sticks - wiggly eyes, markers, crayons, glue, collages, etc. and put in a bag to take with us to look in waiting rooms, etc.

03-20-09 Chores made Fun!

Ryan has a few chores he has to do on a regular basis. I started 'chores' with him from the point he could walk. It started with him pushing his high chair back to it's 'resting' spot and putting the dog food bowl back in the laundry room when the dogs were finished eating. This has evolved to him helping with laundry, the dishwasher and cleaning his playroom and room. He has to put his comforter on his bed every morning (he does better at this than I do in my own room!), feed the dog, put his shoes away and put the silverware away when the dishwasher has been run. He does help me with things throughout the day that aren't regular chores, but those are his regulars. He does like to help - always runs in the room saying "I want to help you mommy!".


So, today's dishwasher sorting turned fun when he found my two tea infusers. He decided they were going to CHOMP things!



The chomping led me to pull out the trusty tongs, some pom-poms and a paint tray I had for just this occasion! Thanks again to Tot School!



He has enjoyed coloring so much these past couple of weeks that I have moved his writing table to my room and he colors the entire time I shower, do make up and blow dry my hair. This is our "station" now, with Cassada's toys also.

Cars Lap / Tot Book

This idea was from Tot School, of course! Here is a link to her Cars Tot-Book, which is exactly what we used. I changed the idea a little, instead of using the name cards together, accordian style, I cut them apart and added a card that had his entire name printed out in all capitals - he is working on looking at that card and placing the other ones in the correct order. I did our last name and a card that has both names on there as well. He loves thumbing through this book, but the 'concepts' are review, so he gets a little bored with it quicker than I would like. 1+1+1=1 has created a new twist on the tot-book and I REALLY like what she is doing. We've printed the Monkey one and will be putting that together soon.

Coloring the color cards



Adding the stickers to the outside:




Playing with the counting cards and some of the letter/name cards:



The proud boy with the finished product:


Oh, and disclaimer: May not always be played with the way it was intended...But, what fun!