Reading Journals

With reading goals for 2018 set, we each selected a notebook for a reading journal, bought some book-darts, and gathered pens.  The idea for keeping a reading journal originally came from Sarah MacKenzie at The Read Aloud Revival podcast.  Of course after she inspired me, I made modifications to fit our family.  

Our goal for the year is highlighted on the front page of our journals, then a key for the symbols used to give information important to teach individual is outlined.  This information includes symbols for first time reading, first book in a series, nonfiction, graphic novel, rereading, and so on.  After the first 10 or so pages, we placed a clip to indicate a place to note quotes from the books we read. I told the kids as they read to place book-darts where the words move you, make you laugh, or make you think.  Once the reading of the given book is complete the title, author and page number is recorded in the front of the journal.  Then the quotes are recorded in the notes section.  This seems simple enough, yet once reading began I could tell everyone was reading with a purpose.  Looking for phrases that move them, made them laugh, or caused them to think.  I was told early on that more book-darts were needed.  

If you are looking for a simplistic way to motivate meaningful reading, look into creating a reading journal.    

Virtual Reality

After spending hours at our library programs, I was beginning to feel that our kids had grown out of the current programs.  So I was shocked when I mentioned the Virtual Reality gaming they were excited to participate.  

 Learning from experiences is my motto, which means I was game as well.  Both kids enjoyed the virtual reality play so much that once we got home, we marked the calendar to return next time.

My message here is throw some ideas out to see what sticks with your kids.  You may be surprised at what they latch onto in that moment.  Also, check out your local library.  Libraries today are so different from the libraries we grew up using.  Now, libraries have STEM projects, games, crafts, clubs, and evidently virtual reality.  Try something new this year and learn from the experience.

Board Game Discovery

Around our home, we love to spend mornings or afternoons together playing board games and card games.  So when I find an amazing one that captures the attention of each member of our family, I must share it.  

This one, Lost Cities, is a new game to us.  It took a few rounds of play before I really understood how the game works.  So much mathematical strategy is involved as you try to make a profit and check that your opponent is not.  Once the game is over scoring the game involves adding, multiplying, and working with negative numbers.  All that to say if you home-school in a way that applies skills learned to real life, this is the game for you. 

Reading from December

It is no secret that our family loves a deep dive into series that interests them.  This month was no different in our reading choices.

Bubba completed the Alex Rider Graphic Novels.  He usually does not show much interest in graphic novels but the kid-spy story line was captivating for him.  I was thrilled to see him expand his horizons and enjoy a different genre.  

Sis easily gets drawn into stories with action, so this past month completed Gordon Korman's On The Run series.  She was determined to finish before Christmas Eve since it is tradition to get a chocolate bar and new book that night.  I was impressed by her diligence once she read the series a week before her goal.

At the recommendation of a friend, I began reading the first book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, The Lightening Thief.  I literally could not get enough so I completed the 5 book series over Christmas break!

Another great month of reading in the books!

December Round-Up

With December over, I reflect on exactly how thing went or did not according to plan.  The first week of December I explained to each child that they could enjoy their Christmas vacation as soon as they completed requirements for December.  This meant complete their current book, writing assignment, and math unit.  While we would still continue with our read aloud as well as various experiments in baking and slime making as well as crafting.  Each of the two kids completed work within that first week.  It was a lovely time to hang out, spend time playing games, and exploring interest in crafting and hunting.  

We certainly can not work this way each month, but it is nice to look back and see how a busy month can be productive when kids complete work and take their learning personal.  

My son completed 3 books in a series he was enjoying before Thanksgiving as well as listed to 6 audio books by his favorite authors.  He explained he enjoys audio books because he can listen to the story while doing other things like working out, computer gaming, and helping clean up.  Not only did he accomplish lots of reading, he also went bird hunting (ducks, quail, chuckers, pheasant) everyday from Christmas through New Years.  

Reading 8 books and listening to 3 audio books, my daughter enjoys reading to discover the story and focusing on one thing at a time.  She will happily use audio books for hiking and long walks, but often can be found cuddled up reading with her rabbit or family dog.  With a love for creativity through crafting, she completed 20 homemade gifts for friends and family independently using directions and YouTube videos to help her develop the skills she needed.