Writing with Baby Girl

I read on a blog that it's a good idea to have preschoolers write "horizontally" by placing a dry erase board at their level. I thought that was a great idea, especially for visually impaired children. I have found that Baby Girl really enjoys writing this way as opposed to sitting at the table to write. Here's a short clip of some of the "writing" that she did today.

Nature Study with Baby Girl

"Studying" a tree

Examining a smooth green leaf

"Crunching" dead brown leaves

Baby Girl and I enjoyed the cooler weather this morning by having nature study in our yard. Since she is visually impaired, it is very important that she uses all of her senses to explore the world around her. We listened to the birds and to the wind blowing through the trees, and I made a point of telling her exactly what she was hearing & used my voice to mimic what we were hearing as well. She felt fresh & smooth green leaves, crunchy & dead brown leaves, and the rough bark of a tree. We talked about the feel of the green grass as we walked in it-barefoot. With each day I am learning more & more about what works for her. I have to do even more "thinking outside the box" than I've done previously as a homeschooler, but we are both learning as we go.

Guest blogger: "Doodles"

My daughter will be blogging this post. She is sharing a recipe that she created herself. Enjoy!

Hi! Ok, the recipe I am showing you is called "Salsa Circles." First, you take three or four pieces (Depending on how much you want to make) of bread. Then, you take a round cookie cutter out and cut as many circles as you can in the bread. After that, you put two or three eggs into a bowl and dip the bread circles into eggs. (Make sure you cover as much bread as possible.) Then, put them on a plate and stick them in the fridge for about five minutes. While you have them in the fridge, put some salsa in a bowl and get out some cheese. (You can use shredded or just little squares of cheese.) Then take the circles out of the fridge and dip them in the salsa. Then, top them off with your cheese. (If you use shredded cheese completely cover the circles. If you use the little blocks of cheese then just set them on top.) Then, you put them in a frying pan and fry until brown on both sides. Then you will have a tasty dish! :D

Frying the circles

"Doodles" is proud of her recipe

The finished product

My guest blogger: my precious "Doodles"

First Picnic of the Fall

I love, love, love fall!!! It's my favorite time of the year. The heat & humidity fade away, and I can enjoy spending time outside with my kiddos. We took full advantage of today's nice weather and had a wonderful picnic lunch. I'm looking forward to many more picnics now that fall is on the way!

Homeschooling: September 12-16, 2011

We had a good week. We are learning lots & lots, but here are a few highlights I'd like to share.

Baby Girl's letter "I" practice and creative writing

Baby Girl's magnetic letter board work for letter "I"

Baby Girl make the letter "I" with her Alpha Dough

"Bug" does a bark rubbing for science

Baby Girl's fingerprint activity: "I" is for insect

"Bug" and "Doodles" act out The Boston Tea Party after reading about it in our current Sonlight read-aloud Johnny Tremain. *Note: this was NOT an assignment, but rather something they did on their own just for fun. I just happened to catch them. ;)

Muffin Tin Monday-Letter I

We made Jello Jiggler insects and letter "I's." My older daughter came up with the idea.

Day at the Park

It was great to be outside enjoying the cooler weather we're experiencing this week. We had a blast at the park!

Baby Girl and Bug hang out together

Baby Girl loved the swing

...and climbing the playsets!

She also enjoyed making silly faces...

and standing on her head.

And Doodles proved that you're never too old to have fun at the park!

Halloween Sensory Tub for Baby Girl

Thanks to this blogger for the inspiration and idea for this activity. In Baby Girl's Halloween sensory tub I included:
pumpkins, "squishy porcupine" ball and creature, Halloween dish towels, Halloween cookie cutters (good for texture as a stand alone, but also to use in the making of Play Dough "cookies), artificial fall leaves, feathers, lima beans, pinto beans, and pumpkin erasers. Most of the items came from Target and Wal-Mart.

More Preschool Activities

Here are a few other things that Baby Girl has done this week:

Stamping activity: letter "H," numbers 1-3, 3 "finger dots"

Matching bears and blocks according to color

Riding a horse for letter "H"

Baby Girl-What Has She Been Up to this Week?

Mostly she's been enjoying the last week with her oldest big brother before he heads overseas again. Still, though, we've managed to squeeze in some schooling. She's still learning about the letter "H," and we've been reading this book:  A Book of Hugs. We also sing "If You're Happy and You Know It." Also, as you can see from the video, she's busy learning some Christmas songs...it's never too early to get ready! Remember to scroll down to the bottom of the blog to stop the playlist so you can hear Baby Girl sing.