Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Make the Date with Money

For several years, each day we have done calendar time. You have probably seen in a number of our homeschooling photos, our lovely and large green calendar.

This year, we are going to spice it up and make it a little more challenging by adding new features and activities.

I found a great idea from Carisa at "1+1+1=1" blog to use money to "Make the Date."

Money is a concept that Lil' Monster doesn't know much about, making it a new challenge.

First, we did our typical calendar work of putting up the day, date, month, weather, etc.
Then we discussed the different coin names.
Using counting blocks to show value, we counted out how much each coin was worth, in columns of 5.
 Then we discussed the date (yesterday was the 9th) and counted out how many blocks we needed = 9.
We formed columns of five.
Then we placed a nickel on the top.
We discussed the remaining four blocks as singular units (as they can not be grouped in 5s) and then placed a coin on each of those.
 I was surprised at how quickly he picked it up.
As Lil' Monster begins to remember the value of each coin, I will begin to phase out the counting blocks.
This is a great way to mix up our calendar time and teach new skills.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Back To School - Kindergarten

copyright © Mamma Sass
copyright © Mamma Sass
It is the first day
Back
to
School
Lil' Monster is one happy boy.
copyright © Mamma Sass

We decided to being a new tradition of celebrating the first day back to school with some fun activities.
copyright © Mamma Sass

Today we began with a delicious breakfast, of pumpkin muffins and doughnuts from our favorite local bakery (The Moose is Loose).
copyright © Mamma Sass

This was followed by casting a hand impression, for future memory.
© Mamma Sass

We then followed this up with reading, some review of materials from last year's school, and calendar work.

Then off to Gymnastics - a fun way to close out the school day.

We then celebrated by having a nice family dinner at a local restaurant - a rare treat indeed.

By bed time, Lil' Monster was exhausted but content.

The rest of this week, our lessons will consist of a review of last spring's education.
Next Monday, we will begin our new Lessons of our Sonlight Curriculum.

Post update: I just wanted to share the finished handprint project:
What a great remembrance this will be when he is older. He is still deciding if he wants to color it or add anything to it or leave it as is. 

*~*

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...