Friday, July 15, 2011

Everything Else...

matching up kites and their tails by color

So, for a while I've been thinking that I wanted to create a separate blog for everything but cooking.  I just couldn't decide if I should commit to one more thing or not.  But sometimes, I want to prattle on about homeschooling, scrapbooking, or other random things, and don't feel like putting in on Alphabet Soup.  Why?  I don't know.  I guess it's just always been a food & cooking blog, and I wasn't sure if I should change that now. 

Anyway, so here I am!  We'll see how this goes, and how long this lasts.  :)  Summer is crazy around here.  I know most people talk about the "lazy days of summer" but we don't really seem to get those at my house.  Most of it is by my own doing, I realize that, but with different camps, classes, and outings, our schedule changes week to week and it just makes for crazy days.  Add in the fact that we live just far enough out of town to make driving a pain (but not quite far enough for me to flat out say "no") and well...I feel like I spend my days going back and forth and back and forth.  Oh well.  It's the life I choose, so I guess I shouldn't really complain...but I do!

I found the Smart Summer Challenge on Facebook, and it's actually what motivated me to finally get this blog up.  The Munchkin has been getting in lots of learning activities this summer, with various camps and classes, but I've been making more of an effort to do stuff with the Sprout that might actually teach him something in the long run, even if he doesn't realize it.  ;)  We're not having structured school by any means.  Just trying to do fun things that get him engaged and keep me from losing my mind. 

Back in May I bought myself a laminating machine for Teacher Appreciation Week.  :)  I love that thing.  I've used it to make several activities for the Sprout so far, and have many more planned.  I just need more cardstock and printer ink.  :)

This week was mostly the letter K, and a few others thrown in because that's what I had printed up.  I've been working on letter recognition with him, as well as counting, colors, and shapes.  You know, typical preschool stuff.  Here are some of the resources I've found. 

Letter of the Week, from Confessions of a Homeschooler
Printables from 1+1+1=1
Printables from Homeschool Creations

And there are so many more!  I've discovered that he loves dot painting, and so I've googled a bunch of those.  I've even created a few things of my own with my scrapbooking software, and have ideas for a few more.  I always laughed at the idea of file folder games, but I printed one up for letter matching, and he really liked it.

he loves lacing cards

A lot of these activities I got ready to keep him occupied during the hour that the Munchkin was at swimming lessons every day this week and next.  He's liked them more than I thought he would, so this weekend I'm hoping to get a few more made up to take next week.  My parents have been watching the Squirt while we're at swimming, so the Sprout and I have had some much enjoyed one-on-one time!

Enjoy!  :)