Magnetism

Robin got really into an experiment we did with magnetism:

The paperclip is defying gravity (well, sort of)!  We also visited the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Calvert County with our homeschooling group.  And read a book about owls.

We celebrated Pi Day on 3/14.  Robin worked on Saxon Math K.

I read to Robin and he read to me!  This is still so exciting.  We 'catch' him reading things occasionally, too, although he claims he is just 'guessing'.

We read a book about the Underground Railroad.

Robin and his brother had quite a jam session with a drum and the piano.

Robin walked and rode his bike.

Reading Words

Opening presents Christmas morning!

I asked Robin to try reading some very simple words today, just to see what would happen.  I gave him "rat," "hat," and "bat."  We sounded them out together, since I know he is more confident about what sounds letters make than what their names are.  He felt successful!  And offered to do more right there and then, although because we had other things we needed to do, we didn't actually do more.  Next time!

Saxon Math K topics have included making charts (life-sized, on the floor), experimenting with geo-boards, and writing the numeral 3.

Robin made a pot out of clay.

We read a book about Nascar racing.  And one bilingual book.  Robin also practiced simple Spanish words and phrases with his newly adopted half-aunts (ages 11 and 13) from Bogota, Columbia.

We read a book about Samurai and one referencing Greek gods and heroes.

Robin tried a bean this week and although he did not like it, he did consume it.  His comment was that it tasted kind of like potatoes, which is an accurate description of the texture.

Robin enjoyed experimenting with making drums using a pick-up with his dad.

Robin is active nearly every day, either outside walking or biking, or indoors doing pull-ups, sit-ups, etc.

Robin is learning how to manage a wood-burning stove safely, including how to work the dampers, how to manipulate wood, and how to protect younger children from injury.  He especially likes splitting logs (small, pre-split logs that need further splitting into kindling.)

We read books on turtles and DNA.  One of our favorite Christmas presents (thank you Great-Grandpa & Great-Grandma) was a family membership to the Zoo, so Robin went to the Zoo and observed & photographed animals including apes, alligators, and goats.

A Musical Dramedy!

Robin sat through 1 1/2 performances of his congregation's 50th Anniversary musical extravaganza of a show.  He was enthralled by the song/dance/drama.

Saxon Math K included Robin's first official worksheet - the number 1!

We did lots of reading.

Including a book about the first official national Thanksgiving (declared by Abraham Lincoln.)

Robin went on several long walks.

We also read a book about early mammals.

Elephant & Piggie

Robin continues to work on pre-reading skills.  He does very much enjoy being read to, especially books which are humorous.  One of our favorite authors is Mo Willems, especially the Elephant & Piggie books.  They are at about the level of simple Dr. Seuss in terms of number of words and vocabulary, and quite sophisticated in the emotional subtlety conveyed in the character's expressions.  We also like finding the pigeon somewhere in each book.  I think they're great!

Today we read a book about jazz that came with a cd showcasing each of the instruments in a typical jazz ensemble.  

Robin continues to use Saxon Math K.  Recent concepts include identifying pennies, ordering numbers 0 - 10, and ordinal numbers up to fourth.

We read a book about amazing animals, and Robin is intermittently watching a documentary series about mammals.

We read a book about in-line skating and Robin was inspired to go in-line skating for the first time in a while.  He's also been on several long bike rides recently.

Tree Trimming

Our Sweet Gum tree had a large, dead branch hanging over our rope swing which needed to be removed, and the rest of the tree needed trimming out.  The tree trimmers came on Monday this week and Robin was fascinated and watched the whole thing.  Here are before and after pictures:

We read books about clouds and geologic change.

Robin continues to enjoy Saxon Math K.  We visited the Lego Exhibit at the National Building Museum.  Here is Robin with his contributions (the tall tower on the left and the blue/grey building to the right) to the city-scape they allow visitors to create each day:

We read a book about shapes in art. Robin selected a fabric to use in making a quilt square

And lots of other books.

Including one featuring three African-American spirituals.  We attended a special music presentation at our local library featuring Uncle Pete - sort of karoke on cupcakes.

Robin went swimming, walking, running, scootering, and biking.

Robin learned about the care of insect stings when he and his brother were stung by yellow jackets after 'finding' a nest with their feet.

August Week 2

Robin is really enjoying Saxon Math K.  I think partly he enjoys the subject matter, but mostly he enjoys having my full attention for the length of time it takes to "do" a "lesson".

We read a book about shapes in famous artwork.

I read a lot to Robin.  We also expanded our reading of the Harry Potter books this week by going to the theatre to see the last of the Harry Potter films.  I think he liked it.

We read a book illustrating Mussorgsky's Night on Bare Mountain and listened to a portion of the orchestral music.

Robin walked, ran, biked, and scootered.

We read books about animals, reptiles, snow, and cloning.