Keeping It Simple

Lots of stuff! Ready to read.  Because I want to be able to sit down at a moment's notice, the reading stuff (Barton System) stays out. While it might be considered a step back for Mark and James, I am using this with them too. They have many "dyslexia moments" in their lives, so I am hoping this gives them a step up. They are nowhere near as severe as their older brother, but I am so impressed with the system that I want to use it with all three boys. Mark likes it- he feels that it is able to master each concept more than in the other program (also one that I love) we were using. James is amazed that he no longer reverses his "b" and "d". About the tickets (shown top left)-  The boys would do their reading program anyway, but it is summer, so I thought some incentive would be nice. Each time a section of the lesson is completed, a ticket is awarded. Prizes can be purchased when they earn the "cost" of an item. Really, there is n...

Boat building has been on Paul's mind since last summer. There were a few protypes built, and a few failed attempts discoveries of designs that did not work, but he did not give up. Finally, he decided on this model that dad thought would be a managable project. (Paul painted a varnish on after this.) A tentative first voyage! A revised design is in the works now that this one has made its maiden voyage. There has been talk of making a longer and lighter boat with wheels on the sides so that they don't hang down so low in the water...

My kids love to create---much to my dismay at times! (think big mess :)) I also love that about them, and I love my hubby for helping them find a place to work at it. The boys have wanted to set up shop for while and this weekend dad helped them.  The fun for James is as much about getting to use the tools as what he is making.  Dad was there to provide mini tutorials when needed- this one is how to keep a dowel from rolling around while you drill a hole in it.  Paul has been creating since the shop went up. Today has been mostly weapons of mass destuction (maybe not mass )- swords, hatchets, daggers,... I might need to get him moving in a more postive direction after he gets it out of his system! The project that started it all. Sails and finishing touches are in the works.