Side By Side: May 2015

Sunday, 31 May 2015

Letter E Week Reveiw

We had a lovely busy week.

We started the week off with Mom and Tot Zumba on Monday. I bring some small toys, books and snacks for the kids. They generally sit around the edge and watch. Occasionally they do join me and shake their booties. Sweets wanted to dance quite a bit, aka wanted me to dance while holding her. I strapped her into my baby carrier and we both were able to enjoy ourselves. Its good for them to get out meet some new friends and dance. Its better for me but its best for everyone. One word. NAP!!

Our sensory bin was a huge hit. Bee loves his sensory bins. We had him digging in the black beans and when he found an "E" he attempted to say "E" or Elephant. It was great to see him trying to speak more.

Contents of "E" Box

Die Cut Letters

Foam Letters

Elephant Figurine

Letters from Bananagrams

Let's talk purple. Both the kids loved all of the random purple objects. In the Tot Box I Put a paper in to ask Bee which item is purple. Way way too complicated for us right now. Bee liked to talk about the individual pictures but differentiating the colors was to much. So instead we just played. The mics were a hit and we talked about echo's.

Later on in the afternoon we went on a cousin play date to the spray park!!

I have been learning a lot about my kids individual personalities. They are very different and I am excited to watch them develop. Bee wanted to go play but it took him a half hour to even step onto the cement. I try not to pressure him but it is often tempting. After an hour he was playing under the rainbow and even pushing the buttons to turn the water on. Small Victories. Sweets is completely opposite. I was on the bench and she was constantly trying to squirm out of my arms. Once I finally let her in the water she was all over the place. Right in the water and splashing all over. My ying and yang.

Transferring. Bee did so much better. He used the spoon with all of the puffs. He used to get his fingers in the way but not this time. Hooray!!

Friday Bee's Box was letter matching. Sweets happened to still be awake and she would not leave Bee alone. So I got her a box. Alphacubes. Each cube has an object inside that matches the letter written on the outside. Bee couldn't let Sweets have all the fun so he gave up on his bin and played with Sweets. At least they like each other.

Weekly Booklist: But No Elephants, First ABC, ABC, Bob Books E/F

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Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Workbox Wednesday

This week I am starting back up with teaching Bee his letters. This week is letter "E." I have multiple bins to help Bee recognize and become familiar with "E." He loves saying his letters so I bet he quickly picks up saying "E." I have also set aside certain books for us to focus on when Bee wants to read that emphasize letters.

Monday

Glass Gems and the Letter "E"

Tuesday

Sensory Bin with "E" Objects

Wednesday

Purple Recognition Bin

Thursday

Scooping and Lacing

Friday

Letter Matching and Recognition

Check back on Sunday!

Sunday, 24 May 2015

Week Reveiw

We merged our last two weeks into one set of workboxes. I loved that we could make that switch without feeling like I failed. We had two full weeks spent enjoying the beautiful weather and spending time with family.

Monday was about recognizing the letter "E". Bee mostly wanted to enjoy playing with the gems. Not paying attention to the "E". Oh well . We will try this another time. We talked about "E" and I helped him put some gems on the letter. Something may have stuck.

My Baby boy is extremely focused when he wants to be. Especially when stickers are involved. We are still in a very linear stage as you can see by a few pictures below. Bee lines things up very straight and is quite particular. If the stickers don't end up where he wants then he will try and remove them to stick to a better spot. Dedicated.

Thursday is Bee's swimming day which also means its Aunty Becka day. Bee is getting much more confident in the water. He is much better at kicking and splashing. His bubbles are even improving. Gross motor skills check! When we got back home Aunty helped Bee and Sweets with their shapes. We are blest to have her support our home school efforts. Sweets can't match up shapes yet but she sure is constantly trying to get the shapes into their slots. She is so determined. It makes my heart happy to watch her learn and also attempt to catch up to Bee's ability.

The last few days of the week I didn't even attempt Tot School. I was too busy packing for our trip down to the Cabin!!

We didn't go down to play but to work and have Grandpa read stories of course.

Bee learned some life skills! Every boy needs to know how to sweep. He also helped me haul sticks, wash windows and other various tasks. He rode in the Kubota with Grandpa and Great Grandpa. We all had a great time. I am hoping that these experiences set a solid foundation for hard work, teamwork and the importance of family. We will know in twenty years if our character building activities worked. I'm hopeful that they will.

After our long weekend we jumped back into our Tot Boxes. Sponges and Spray Bottles. Bee lined them up, tossed them, jumped on them and squeezed them. Sweets couldn't let him have all the fun so she got right into the bucket of water and splashed around. He loved experimenting with the sponges. She was honestly confused by them. It was so entertaining to watch. Sweets is getting to the stage where you can see her mind working. I love it! Means we are getting closer to designating her with her own activities. They grow up so fast.

We always do a lot of reading. I found a book that have indentations that are in the shapes of letters. They introduce the concept of writing. I love it! Bee enjoyed the books but preferred to use my finger to trace the letters. Good but I would prefer if he traced the letters. Next time perhaps.