We had our own Shark Week!!!
My kids love sharks, and they are ALWAYS watching shark week on the tv (we have the dvd's) so it made sense to do a unit all about sharks.
We covered the different types of sharks on our worksheets, and for our book I took DK Eyewitness: Shark out of the library. I read them parts of the book to give them a rough idea how sharks lived, where they lived, how they had babies, what they ate, etc. The book gave a close-up to some sharks, like the Great White, as well as mentioning some shark relatives, like the Manta Ray.
And, of course, we covered the prehistoric Megalodon! The book even had a picture comparing the Megalodon's mouth to a Great White's mouth - the Great White's was tiny in comparison!!! It also showed how a kid could stand up inside the Megalodon's mouth and not reach the top teeth!!! Crazy!!!
We learned about sharks, but, most importantly, my kids had a BLAST! :)
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Two Week Review: September 14 - September 27
Well, Scooby-Doo is in speech therapy. I'm a bit pissed, sorry, ANNOYED at the school, but that's neither here nor there. Long story short, they were mad at me for not dropping him off. Apparently having all new therapists in all new offices with all new phone numbers meant I was supposed to wander around the school looking for them, not they call me (since, they have my number) to set up appointments to get it started. Moving on. Scooby-Doo HATES his new therapists. Hopefully he'll warm up to them. Otherwise I might have to consider pulling him out... He's only going twice a week this school year. I wish he could go five days a week, but that was a three hour round trip and I can't do that everyday again this school year. We're still working on his schoolwork here at home, however he's completely clammed-up speech-wise. I'm hoping it's just temporary...
For Optimus Prime and Bumblebee English was a bunch of 1st grade standardized-style practice tests. I hated them, they hated them, thankfully they are done now. Then we moved onto a new workbook and started beginning and ending consonants. Nice and easy. In Math did one of those character addition and subtraction workbooks from the dollar store. It was a little hard for Optimus Prime, but he managed to get through it. Next two weeks he'll have an easier one. Spelling is still long a words, Art and Sign Language are the same as always. In Religion we learned about the Greek goddess Nemesis and the Indian goddess Daena. Geography was more land forms and regions (such as swamps). Handwriting was practicing handwriting (like always!). In Logic we FINALLY finished off our picture find book from last year! The next few weeks will be some easy review books. In Science we are still doing science - learning about the parts of animals, what a mammal is, invertebrates, spiders vs. insects, etc. I'll be both happy and sad when we finish this book... Reading is the same as always, nothing new to report there. Optimus Prime is still in physical therapy. It doesn't seem to be doing much to help him...
For Optimus Prime and Bumblebee English was a bunch of 1st grade standardized-style practice tests. I hated them, they hated them, thankfully they are done now. Then we moved onto a new workbook and started beginning and ending consonants. Nice and easy. In Math did one of those character addition and subtraction workbooks from the dollar store. It was a little hard for Optimus Prime, but he managed to get through it. Next two weeks he'll have an easier one. Spelling is still long a words, Art and Sign Language are the same as always. In Religion we learned about the Greek goddess Nemesis and the Indian goddess Daena. Geography was more land forms and regions (such as swamps). Handwriting was practicing handwriting (like always!). In Logic we FINALLY finished off our picture find book from last year! The next few weeks will be some easy review books. In Science we are still doing science - learning about the parts of animals, what a mammal is, invertebrates, spiders vs. insects, etc. I'll be both happy and sad when we finish this book... Reading is the same as always, nothing new to report there. Optimus Prime is still in physical therapy. It doesn't seem to be doing much to help him...
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Two Week Review: August 31 - September 13
* I know, all of my Two Week Review posts are SO LATE! I'm working on getting caught up here. Most of them are already written, they just need to be edited first. I'm five behind, I'm hoping to have them all up within the next week. *
Scooby-Doo is not in speech therapy yet, the school still hasn't contacted me. I might have to go there and ask... Meanwhile, he's doing fine working on his numbers, letters, coloring, and logic. And, he's still a little chatter-box!
Optimus Prime & Bumblebee are doing good. In English we finished up reading comprehension and moved on to practice tests. One of their first grade textbooks has a bunch of practice standardized tests. None of us are too crazy about them, but we'll get through them. In Math we covered time, calendars, graphs, greater than/less than, and measurements. In Spelling we've moved on to long a words. Art and Sign Language were the same as always... In Religion we learned about Chang-O, a Chinese moon goddess. In Geography we've moved beyond "The World" into "Places and Regions" - basically land forms such as mountains, valleys, etc. Handwriting was Handwriting, Logic was picture finds. In Science we finished up Favorite Pets and moved on to some actual science stuff, like classification systems and learning what vertebrates are. Reading is the same as always. Optimus Prime switching between level 1 and level 2 books, Bumblebee working on level 1. We also covered our Concept Week on Prehistoric/Early Humans. Lastly, Optimus Prime is still in physical therapy.
Not much to say I guess!
Scooby-Doo is not in speech therapy yet, the school still hasn't contacted me. I might have to go there and ask... Meanwhile, he's doing fine working on his numbers, letters, coloring, and logic. And, he's still a little chatter-box!
Optimus Prime & Bumblebee are doing good. In English we finished up reading comprehension and moved on to practice tests. One of their first grade textbooks has a bunch of practice standardized tests. None of us are too crazy about them, but we'll get through them. In Math we covered time, calendars, graphs, greater than/less than, and measurements. In Spelling we've moved on to long a words. Art and Sign Language were the same as always... In Religion we learned about Chang-O, a Chinese moon goddess. In Geography we've moved beyond "The World" into "Places and Regions" - basically land forms such as mountains, valleys, etc. Handwriting was Handwriting, Logic was picture finds. In Science we finished up Favorite Pets and moved on to some actual science stuff, like classification systems and learning what vertebrates are. Reading is the same as always. Optimus Prime switching between level 1 and level 2 books, Bumblebee working on level 1. We also covered our Concept Week on Prehistoric/Early Humans. Lastly, Optimus Prime is still in physical therapy.
Not much to say I guess!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Quarterly Curriculum: August-October 2014
This past quarter was very crazy. My doctor put me on a new medication which made me incredibly sleepy. Think sleeping 12+ hours a day sleepy. It also killed my appetite leading me to lose over 12 lbs. So this past quarter was very hectic. Because of this, next quarter is going to be VERY basic. VERY, VERY, VERY basic. Trying to do a full schedule was too much for me while adapting to this medicine, so I need a nice break.
Anyway, here's last quarter's schedule.
Optimus Prime & Bumblebee:
Schoolwork on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Wednesday & Saturday off.
Subjects:
Handwriting - Practicing letters and some letter sounds.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Brain Quest Workbook: Kindergarten (Workman Publishing Company).
Number of Pages - 5-6
Science - Our final unit on animals, covering farm animals, pets, science and animals, and animal fun facts.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - The Complete Book of Animals Grades 1-3 (American Education Publishing).
Number of Pages - 2-3
History/Geography - A geography unit that covers the world, laces and regions, physical characteristics, and an introduction to humans.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Down to Earth Geography (Teacher Created Resources).
Number of Pages - 2-3
Logic - Same/different, patterns, opposites, mazes, dot-to-dots, word searches, crosswords, etc.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Big Puzzle Play (School Zone), Fisher Price: First Grade Workbook 1, Fisher Price: First Grade Workbook 2.
Number of Pages - 5-6
Math - A serious review of basic addition and subtraction, with a small introduction to second grade math.
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - Summer Link Math Plus Reading Summer Before Grade 2 (Brighter Child Publishing), Bendon: Disney Addition and Subtraction, Let's Grow Smart: Addition Grade 1/Bendon: Disney Princess Addition and Subtraction*, Bendon: Disney Addition and Subtraction.
Number of Pages - 2-3
English - A unit based on reading, reading comprehension, and language arts.
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - Scholastic Success With 1st Grade Workbook (Scholastic Teaching Resources), Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Grade 2 (American Education Publishing).
Number of Pages - 4-5
Spelling - Spelling words & units
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - None, just loose worksheets.
Number of Pages - 2-3
Other "Subjects":
Reading - Reading simple storybooks on their own. Levels 1 & 2 for Optimus Prime, Level 1 for Bumblebee.
Sign Language - Learning basic sign language to help Scooby-Doo communicate better, and to help us communicate better with him.
Religion - A weekly class where we take a closer look at current religions, mythologies, and holidays.
Art - This quarter we are making a book!
Final Notes:
Scooby-Doo:
This schedule is a hold over from last quarter. Scooby-Doo only did half of his schoolwork in the end (which is fine) so this quarter we did the other half.
Schoolwork 2-3 days a week, on any day.
Subjects:
Numbers - Reviewing the numbers 1-10, reviewing counting, each day will have it's own number that we focus on.
Days - Everyday.
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Letters - Reviewing the alphabet, each day will have it's own letter that we focus on.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Logic - Reviewing Colors & Shapes, learning Same or Different and other similar concepts.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Art - Coloring and painting.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Coloring books.
Number of Pages - 2
Other "Subjects":
Story Time - Reading a book every afternoon, even on days off.
Words Review - Going over simple words with him to help his speech. This will be everyday, even on days off.
Sign Language - Learning basic sign language everyday, even days off.
Final Notes:
Anyway, here's last quarter's schedule.
Optimus Prime & Bumblebee:
Schoolwork on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Wednesday & Saturday off.
Subjects:
Handwriting - Practicing letters and some letter sounds.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Brain Quest Workbook: Kindergarten (Workman Publishing Company).
Number of Pages - 5-6
Science - Our final unit on animals, covering farm animals, pets, science and animals, and animal fun facts.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - The Complete Book of Animals Grades 1-3 (American Education Publishing).
Number of Pages - 2-3
History/Geography - A geography unit that covers the world, laces and regions, physical characteristics, and an introduction to humans.
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Down to Earth Geography (Teacher Created Resources).
Number of Pages - 2-3
Days - Three days a week.
Textbooks - Big Puzzle Play (School Zone), Fisher Price: First Grade Workbook 1, Fisher Price: First Grade Workbook 2.
Number of Pages - 5-6
Math - A serious review of basic addition and subtraction, with a small introduction to second grade math.
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - Summer Link Math Plus Reading Summer Before Grade 2 (Brighter Child Publishing), Bendon: Disney Addition and Subtraction, Let's Grow Smart: Addition Grade 1/Bendon: Disney Princess Addition and Subtraction*, Bendon: Disney Addition and Subtraction.
Number of Pages - 2-3
English - A unit based on reading, reading comprehension, and language arts.
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - Scholastic Success With 1st Grade Workbook (Scholastic Teaching Resources), Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Grade 2 (American Education Publishing).
Number of Pages - 4-5
Spelling - Spelling words & units
Days - Five days a week.
Textbooks - None, just loose worksheets.
Number of Pages - 2-3
Other "Subjects":
Reading - Reading simple storybooks on their own. Levels 1 & 2 for Optimus Prime, Level 1 for Bumblebee.
Sign Language - Learning basic sign language to help Scooby-Doo communicate better, and to help us communicate better with him.
Religion - A weekly class where we take a closer look at current religions, mythologies, and holidays.
Art - This quarter we are making a book!
Final Notes:
- Since Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are at different levels for Math & Reading, their schedules were slightly different.
Scooby-Doo:
Schoolwork 2-3 days a week, on any day.
Subjects:
Numbers - Reviewing the numbers 1-10, reviewing counting, each day will have it's own number that we focus on.
Days - Everyday.
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Letters - Reviewing the alphabet, each day will have it's own letter that we focus on.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Logic - Reviewing Colors & Shapes, learning Same or Different and other similar concepts.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Various.
Number of Pages - 2
Art - Coloring and painting.
Days - Everyday
Textbooks - Coloring books.
Number of Pages - 2
Other "Subjects":
Story Time - Reading a book every afternoon, even on days off.
Words Review - Going over simple words with him to help his speech. This will be everyday, even on days off.
Sign Language - Learning basic sign language everyday, even days off.
Final Notes:
- Scooby-Doo's speech therapy will resume sometime in August/September. We will work on his speech at home. Obviously.
- We are all working on sign language to help Scooby-Doo's communication.
* Let's Grow Smart: Addition Grade 1 was completed by Optimus Prime, Bendon: Disney Princess Addition and Subtraction was completed by Bumblebee.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
2nd Grade Reading List Part 2 & Book Reports
Okay, we still have our reading goals:
- Optimus Prime is alternating between Level 1 and Level 2 books. I mostly let him guide me here. If the Level 2 book is so hard he isn't reading it but just stumbling and guessing then I tell him to pick something else out.
- Bumblebee is reading some Level 2 books, but only the really easy ones and just because he is jealous of his brother! He is still struggling at Level 1.
And, we have our book goals for this quarter:
- The Hardy Boys Secret Files: A Rockin' Mystery
- The Hardy Boys Secret Files : Sports Sabotage
- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths
- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Pony Problems
- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle
- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos
- Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cooking Camp Disaster
- Magic Tree House: Revolutionary War on Wednesday
- Magic Tree House: Twister on Tuesday
- Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Horse Heroes
- Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Magic Tricks from the Tree House
- Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Soccer
- The Magic School Bus: The Great Shark Escape
- The Magic School Bus: Penguin Puzzle
- The Magic School Bus: The Insect Invader
- The Magic School Bus: Amazing Magnetism
Still a goal of 16! And, since we did 30 books last quarter I don't imagine we'll have a hard time meeting this goal!!!
Lastly, we are still doing book reports. I was going to have them give me their favorite character and their favorite scene on top of the sentence and picture they already had to do, but in the end we just went with their favorite character. I'll save the favorite scene for another quarter.
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