Tonight I looked for Ainsley's bunny for 20 minutes. Running upstairs and downstairs. Ainsley is sitting on her bed waiting. Finally I give up and tell her she needs to sleep without Bunny tonight. She wails. "I can't sleep without Bunnnyyy! Whaaaaa" ....and then silence... she sniffs... sniffs again...."I smeeeelll something" she says all serious. "I think it's Bunny. I smeeeeeelll Bunnyyy!" "Ainsley we're not going to find her tonight so..." (I'm interrupted) SNIFF SNIFF "I smell Buuuunnnyyyyy. I think I smell her in the closet."
"Ainsley Elane... do you know that Bunny is in the closet?"
"I smell her there." she replies with the biggest grin on her face. Sure enough Bunny is in the closet...
...where Ainsley put her.
The worst part is that this isn't the first time she's done this.
I'm a little slow on the uptake.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Happy Birthday Ainsley!
Dear Ainsley,
Happy Birthday Little Bit! You're 3!
Every year on every birthday I seem to have a different emotional response. Today I'm happy, proud, excited, worried, and sad. Yes, sad. My baby is THREE! I have always pictured in my mind that I'd have a 1 year old when you turned 3. It is hard for me to see you turn 3 and know that you may possibly be my last, natural child. I'd love to make you a big sister. But on the other hand, I am so excited about this next year with you.
Three is the best and most forming year. Three is when you turn from a baby to a little girl. Three is when people look at you surprised because of something astute or wise you have said. Three is when you will blossom and your personality will be truly formed. I plan to spend a lot of time reading, teaching, and playing with you. I plan to make sure you're not pushed out of the way because of everything else.
Little Bit.... Your Mama loves you so very much.
I love your mischievous grin and that sparkle in your eyes. I love your antics (even when I shouldn't). I love your wit, your songs, your laugh, your hands, your adventuresome spirit, and your excitement over things. I love your impulsive bear hugs where you throw your arms around me and "mmmm" with your eyes closed. They're intense. I love the stories you make up. I love it that you see things no one else can. I love how engrossed you become when you see a movie with action scenes in it. You just light up. "I want to do THAT!" you yell.
But then... your reaction to those action scenes scare me too. Ainsley you are often telling me how you'd like to do *scary* things. One day you informed me that you'd like to jump from one car to another while they were moving. Oh boy! You know, before you were born I read your birthday page. (I have a book that tells you what a person will be like if they are born on a certain day) Well, this page said that you'd have a taste for adventure, would be strong in your emotions, and would need to be firmly grounded. I laughed and said "this baby is going to be jumping out of planes in between classes when she's in college. 'oh, no Mom... I was just hanging out with some friends' " I was so right!! Baby... you're often too fearless. I see years of worry ahead of me.
You love attention. Last night as everyone -unprompted- sang "happy birthday" you just lit up and laughed. You even demanded for Uncle Andy to sing to you too. You are such a dynamite! You also refuse to let anyone push you around and so help it if someone forgets to respect you! You use your voice like a weapon... full, wide-mouthed hollering. I can't even claim you cry... you just holler. Though don't get me wrong... your crocodile tears definitely still exist.
Right now you are really into Strawberry Shortcake. You had to be strawberry shortcake for Halloween and now you're having a strawberry shortcake party this weekend. Your favorite toys are babies, trains, crayons, and polly pockets (your frequently steal Makensie's and then play with them in the bathroom sink although you are not supposed to).
You are about 31 pounds now and 2_ inches tall. You wear 4t shirts and 3t pants.
Ainsley your speech is quite advanced for your age. The sentences and words you use are that of a much older child although you still have the voice and pronunciation of a 3 year old. You do still call your underwear "elmowear " which I don't correct because I think its cute. (your first underwear had elmo all over them). You've just now recently started calling Aidan... Aidan. It used to be "Ay...yan" I could kick your Daddy because he's the one who made you say it correctly.
You're reading short cvc words but you're not quite ready yet for formal lessons. For a few days you might get on a "I want to learn" kick but then you'll lose interest. You can count to 20 without help and to 30 with minimal help. You've just started trying to write letters. You do love to be read to as long as you picked the book. Otherwise, you tend to lose interest. You also have an excellent memory. You actually know a lot of arithmetic questions because you've remembered them from Aidan. At least... I think you've just memorized them.
I have a natural respect for you Ainsley. You demand it because you have such a natural respect for yourself.
Your humor is excellent! Oh Ainsley... I'm not sure why I'm supposed to raise you because I find you too funny. You get away with a LOT because I laugh and cannot stay firm. You know exactly how to push my buttons. Aunt Bridgett is the only one you cannot overly manipulate. She thinks you're funny too but does a better job at hiding it.
We were sitting on the couch... me, Aunt Bridgett, you... you looked at Bridgett and in a whispery, very serious voice you say "I'm going to do something terrrrrrible to your pillows Aunt Bridgett. Terrrrrrible things." Your eyes were all wide and earnest. Aunt Bridgett and I laughed. " And what terrrrrrible things are you going to do with Aunt Bridgett's pillows Ainsley?" I asked. You, still looking at Aunt Bridgett, put your hand out so that your hand is held up in front of my face. "You don't need to know that" was your firm but very serious reply. Oh what a riot you sometimes are!
Oh the whining! Yup, it's official. Kids turning 3 are big BIG whiners!! Sometimes I feel like smacking you because that high-pitch nasally whiiiiiiiiine gets on my nerves. I remember I had that same problem with Aidan at this age so I'm trying to just grit my teeth and wait it out.
Ainsley... sometimes you are such a mischievous little monster and then sometimes you are such an agreeable, helpful child but always are you just wonderful. Always are you loved. Always do you make me laugh and make my heart smile. Always are you my ray of sunshine.
Love,
Mommy
Happy Birthday Little Bit! You're 3!
Every year on every birthday I seem to have a different emotional response. Today I'm happy, proud, excited, worried, and sad. Yes, sad. My baby is THREE! I have always pictured in my mind that I'd have a 1 year old when you turned 3. It is hard for me to see you turn 3 and know that you may possibly be my last, natural child. I'd love to make you a big sister. But on the other hand, I am so excited about this next year with you.
Three is the best and most forming year. Three is when you turn from a baby to a little girl. Three is when people look at you surprised because of something astute or wise you have said. Three is when you will blossom and your personality will be truly formed. I plan to spend a lot of time reading, teaching, and playing with you. I plan to make sure you're not pushed out of the way because of everything else.
Little Bit.... Your Mama loves you so very much.
I love your mischievous grin and that sparkle in your eyes. I love your antics (even when I shouldn't). I love your wit, your songs, your laugh, your hands, your adventuresome spirit, and your excitement over things. I love your impulsive bear hugs where you throw your arms around me and "mmmm" with your eyes closed. They're intense. I love the stories you make up. I love it that you see things no one else can. I love how engrossed you become when you see a movie with action scenes in it. You just light up. "I want to do THAT!" you yell.
But then... your reaction to those action scenes scare me too. Ainsley you are often telling me how you'd like to do *scary* things. One day you informed me that you'd like to jump from one car to another while they were moving. Oh boy! You know, before you were born I read your birthday page. (I have a book that tells you what a person will be like if they are born on a certain day) Well, this page said that you'd have a taste for adventure, would be strong in your emotions, and would need to be firmly grounded. I laughed and said "this baby is going to be jumping out of planes in between classes when she's in college. 'oh, no Mom... I was just hanging out with some friends' " I was so right!! Baby... you're often too fearless. I see years of worry ahead of me.
You love attention. Last night as everyone -unprompted- sang "happy birthday" you just lit up and laughed. You even demanded for Uncle Andy to sing to you too. You are such a dynamite! You also refuse to let anyone push you around and so help it if someone forgets to respect you! You use your voice like a weapon... full, wide-mouthed hollering. I can't even claim you cry... you just holler. Though don't get me wrong... your crocodile tears definitely still exist.
Right now you are really into Strawberry Shortcake. You had to be strawberry shortcake for Halloween and now you're having a strawberry shortcake party this weekend. Your favorite toys are babies, trains, crayons, and polly pockets (your frequently steal Makensie's and then play with them in the bathroom sink although you are not supposed to).
You are about 31 pounds now and 2_ inches tall. You wear 4t shirts and 3t pants.
Ainsley your speech is quite advanced for your age. The sentences and words you use are that of a much older child although you still have the voice and pronunciation of a 3 year old. You do still call your underwear "elmowear " which I don't correct because I think its cute. (your first underwear had elmo all over them). You've just now recently started calling Aidan... Aidan. It used to be "Ay...yan" I could kick your Daddy because he's the one who made you say it correctly.
You're reading short cvc words but you're not quite ready yet for formal lessons. For a few days you might get on a "I want to learn" kick but then you'll lose interest. You can count to 20 without help and to 30 with minimal help. You've just started trying to write letters. You do love to be read to as long as you picked the book. Otherwise, you tend to lose interest. You also have an excellent memory. You actually know a lot of arithmetic questions because you've remembered them from Aidan. At least... I think you've just memorized them.
I have a natural respect for you Ainsley. You demand it because you have such a natural respect for yourself.
Your humor is excellent! Oh Ainsley... I'm not sure why I'm supposed to raise you because I find you too funny. You get away with a LOT because I laugh and cannot stay firm. You know exactly how to push my buttons. Aunt Bridgett is the only one you cannot overly manipulate. She thinks you're funny too but does a better job at hiding it.
We were sitting on the couch... me, Aunt Bridgett, you... you looked at Bridgett and in a whispery, very serious voice you say "I'm going to do something terrrrrrible to your pillows Aunt Bridgett. Terrrrrrible things." Your eyes were all wide and earnest. Aunt Bridgett and I laughed. " And what terrrrrrible things are you going to do with Aunt Bridgett's pillows Ainsley?" I asked. You, still looking at Aunt Bridgett, put your hand out so that your hand is held up in front of my face. "You don't need to know that" was your firm but very serious reply. Oh what a riot you sometimes are!
Oh the whining! Yup, it's official. Kids turning 3 are big BIG whiners!! Sometimes I feel like smacking you because that high-pitch nasally whiiiiiiiiine gets on my nerves. I remember I had that same problem with Aidan at this age so I'm trying to just grit my teeth and wait it out.
Ainsley... sometimes you are such a mischievous little monster and then sometimes you are such an agreeable, helpful child but always are you just wonderful. Always are you loved. Always do you make me laugh and make my heart smile. Always are you my ray of sunshine.
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Pictures
Life Skills
(very important)
Workbooks
 |
For her writing practice this week, Aidan wanted to write a letter to her friend Kayiah. I would post a picture but then Kayiah's Mommy might see it. :-)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Joy!
Just a quick glimpse at what we're doing....
Of course the computer.
Aidan started reading the Flat Stanley collection. She seems to really like it. In fact, I found a note she wrote for all the kids to see that reads "Touch Flat Stanley and you will die!" LMAO. Okay.. okay. NO, I do not at all think this was appropriate for a barely 4 year old to be writing but in her defense... she now lives with much older children and she can't help but pick up on certain behaviors or expressions (always seems to be the bad ones though). Yes, I had a talk with her about it. Yes, the note was thrown away. But... more and more I'm finding her writing on her own. For the longest time she wrote only for school related things. I enjoy seeing all the random things she writes on her own initiative now.
We haven't done any actual lessons in math so far. Mostly Aidan and I have been playing with our little wipe board and I'm going through Singapore 1A for ideas and giving Aidan different math equations or things for her to figure out. She already aced the tests booklet but I'm trying to come up with different ways to present the problems to make sure she really understands it all.
** I realize I need to get a grip with the reality that Aidan knows things without my instruction and need to quit testing her. I'm not sure why my brain doesn't accept this fact but it's really really hard for me. It's like my brain shuts down over the idea that she already knows all these things and she's ready to move into the next level. I think her intelligence scares me sometimes.
I also have been testing Aidan on her math facts. Her knowledge of them is random. She of course knows the easy facts like facts of 0 and 1 and then she knows harder facts like of 10 but she doesn't know facts of 8 or 4. She counts in her head to get the answers and I'd rather she knew them... so I will for the first time actually be drilling her so that she'll learn them. I'm going to give her the timed tests of one fact at a time until she can get all of them right without calculating it. Actually, I'm somewhat interested just to see how long it takes her to memorize them all. (my goal is for her to have facts up to 12 down)
Ainsley is doing school by using her learning laptop, Alphie (I LOVE Alphie... she got it from Santa. I had one as a kid), and that's about it. Which really means she's not doing any school except life school. She's been completely uninterested. I'm going to give her some easy worksheets tomorrow to see if that perks her interest. Otherwise... with her I may have to stick with the computer... or who knows?... I may just have to take it one day at a time.
Monday, January 10, 2011
First Day!!
Hell or high water we were starting school today but since we are home I actually had none of our normal schooling supplies/workbooks/etc. (they're all in N.C) So today we used what was available... the computer, my bananagrams game, and books.
AIDAN
Aidan read a few chapters out of a new book: Tree House Trouble (Cul-De-Sac Kids series). I worked with her intonation and enunciation while she read.
Using my bananagrams game I practiced spelling with her. I'd tell her a word and she'd spell it. I also made up a game where I'd take a phonetic sound like "ble" and have her make as many words as she could think of that had "ble" in it.
For math, Aidan played on Dreambox for about an hour. She completed a full story line so was moving fairly fast through it. She also did a full phonics lesson on T4L.
As for writing... Aidan wrote this a few days ago but I love it so much I've added it on.
Happily playing in the rain!
AINSLEY
Ainsley played on T4L and completed 2 1/2 lessons. She's almost finished with all of PreK 1 and will soon start PreK 2.
Again using the bananagrams I built simple words for her to read and we played games with them. For example.... I'd build "cat" "hat" "sat" "fat" "mat". I'd then ask her which word was "sat" and ask her to place something on top of her answer. The more active I make it... the more Ainsley enjoys it. She is such the opposite of Aidan. I'm thinking I'll be spending more money on Ainsley because I'll need to buy her complete curriculum... (such as All about Spelling) and those that I already own will probably not work with her because they're not" hands on" enough. However, it's really fun to teach Ainsley because it's so much more interactive. I actually get to teach instead of just sitting there and only telling her about it.
As for my wondering about Ainsley's math knowledge... she definitely knows math equations. Aidan and I practice only randomly but apparently she has been listening carefully. Last night I caught her in a somewhat serious mood and asked her what 2 +1 was. She answered 3. I then continued another 4 equations (3+1, 3+2, 4+1, & 2+2) and she answered them all correctly. On the 6th equation (5+5) she became embarrassed and "cutesy" and started throwing out all sorts of numbers as an answer. Now, considering her age, I am assuming this is strict memorization. She can and does understand the concept of counting but I'm not sure she's actually counting in her head. She would look up to the ceiling and think a few seconds before answering which gave the impression of calculating but it was probably just memory retrieval. Regardless... I'm still impressed.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Big Breath!
This week I've been testing. Since the girls are TRULY OFFICIALLY DEFINITELY FOR-SURE MOST-ASSUREDLY NOT-A-DOUBT starting school Monday I wanted to see where Aidan is with Math. She has played Dreambox about 4 times since September but I've noticed that she'd doing pretty advanced things on it so it's worried me that she may have moved beyond 1st grade. I also have been testing Ainsley in little ways to see how she is doing with reading and such.
The results?
Aidan...
Well, firstly, the Singapore math was probably a waste of money. I should have bought 2A and 2B instead of 1A and 1B. I have the complete standards edition with textbook, extra practice, tests, workbook, and instructors guide but I'm not going to be using them much. I sat down with Aidan with the text booklet for 1A and she answered the questions correctly throughout the whole book. I had supposed I'd trip her up with things that I've never seen her exposed to before... like capacity and such... but LOL she answered them easily. Sooo.... my plans are to "sharpen" Aidan's skills with arithmetic and addition and subtraction so that she can automatically answer everything without using fingers or the abacus.... but other than for this practice I won't be using 1A. After our "sharpening" we will start with 1B. There are definitely things in it that she hasn't done before. (such as multiplication). How long it will take us to go through the book will depend only on how well we stick to the schooling schedule. If we stick to schooling at least 4 days a week then she'll be done with 1B very quickly. I suppose I need to order the 2A and 2B soon.
Ainsley....
Ainsley is definitely able to read some simple cvc words without prompting. However, she's proving to be more difficult than Aidan ever thought to be about "showing" her skills. She seems to like to play "the dumb cute one." Online games is really the only way I can test her. She loves playing on T4L and Starfall.com. Unfortunately for her I've been so negligent with them that she hasn't played online in months but fortunately for me it has made it easier for me to gauge where her understanding is. One must be careful with hovering around Ainsley when she's playing because she'll "play cute" and deliberately choose the wrong answers. However, because she's so excited to be back online... the false answers were minimal this week. Well, I've been quite a bit surprised this week with how quickly and easily Ainsley can answer questions online. Seriously, on Starfall she can drop and build words to match the picture without a second thought. On T4L the PreK lessons are so easy for her that she just laughs at them... seriously... as in rolling-eyes laughing. (and she's not even 3 yet!) Three times this week I've also had time-stop moments when Ainsley has correctly answered math equations that I've verbally given Aidan. Since it's only been three times I'm chalking it up to coincidences but it has left me wondering. Anyway, I believe I'll enjoy schooling Ainsley this year. Or Maybe Not?? She might decide to never answer me on anything. Hmm? It could go either way.
Anyway....
Ready Set GO.... we're about to START!!
The results?
Aidan...
Well, firstly, the Singapore math was probably a waste of money. I should have bought 2A and 2B instead of 1A and 1B. I have the complete standards edition with textbook, extra practice, tests, workbook, and instructors guide but I'm not going to be using them much. I sat down with Aidan with the text booklet for 1A and she answered the questions correctly throughout the whole book. I had supposed I'd trip her up with things that I've never seen her exposed to before... like capacity and such... but LOL she answered them easily. Sooo.... my plans are to "sharpen" Aidan's skills with arithmetic and addition and subtraction so that she can automatically answer everything without using fingers or the abacus.... but other than for this practice I won't be using 1A. After our "sharpening" we will start with 1B. There are definitely things in it that she hasn't done before. (such as multiplication). How long it will take us to go through the book will depend only on how well we stick to the schooling schedule. If we stick to schooling at least 4 days a week then she'll be done with 1B very quickly. I suppose I need to order the 2A and 2B soon.
Ainsley....
Ainsley is definitely able to read some simple cvc words without prompting. However, she's proving to be more difficult than Aidan ever thought to be about "showing" her skills. She seems to like to play "the dumb cute one." Online games is really the only way I can test her. She loves playing on T4L and Starfall.com. Unfortunately for her I've been so negligent with them that she hasn't played online in months but fortunately for me it has made it easier for me to gauge where her understanding is. One must be careful with hovering around Ainsley when she's playing because she'll "play cute" and deliberately choose the wrong answers. However, because she's so excited to be back online... the false answers were minimal this week. Well, I've been quite a bit surprised this week with how quickly and easily Ainsley can answer questions online. Seriously, on Starfall she can drop and build words to match the picture without a second thought. On T4L the PreK lessons are so easy for her that she just laughs at them... seriously... as in rolling-eyes laughing. (and she's not even 3 yet!) Three times this week I've also had time-stop moments when Ainsley has correctly answered math equations that I've verbally given Aidan. Since it's only been three times I'm chalking it up to coincidences but it has left me wondering. Anyway, I believe I'll enjoy schooling Ainsley this year. Or Maybe Not?? She might decide to never answer me on anything. Hmm? It could go either way.
Anyway....
Ready Set GO.... we're about to START!!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
