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.