Yesterday, I pulled out an old Abeka Kindergarten Science book that I used with Jordan, (who is in the 10th grade now!), long, long ago. I haven't done any formal Science curriculum with Jessie up until this point, we've just read some books from the library that would be about topics that fit into the science category. That is in addition to the trillion books we own. I'm planning to simplify it for her a bit and not do all of the activities that are in the teachers book but she is ready for this now.
The first topic in the book is about Our Senses. Before yesterday, when we've discussed it, Jessie couldn't consistently tell me which part of her body helped her to see, smell, taste, etc. We have to get pretty silly and make it fun, but today she can tell you that her eyes help her see, her nose is what is used to smell, and her tongue is what you use to taste. I would cover her eyes to help her "see" that it is her eyes that help her see. We smelled minced garlic, the kind refrigerated in a jar....gross! It was very strong smelling. We gave a sniff to a couple of other food items that had different smells and talked about smelling flowers, etc. The funniest thing was when I put a couple drops of lime juice on her tongue! I think she now not only realizes that her tongue is what she tastes with, but the distinct difference between sweet and sour. After the lime juice, she tasted/ate some mini marshmallows which she loves.
The book is broken into 6 sections. The book has a mixture of cartoon looking pictures/drawings and actual photographs. The topics covered in this science book are:
God's Plan for Me
The senses, brief overview about safety, what we need to grow, personal hygiene. This is exactly on Jessie's level. It is written in very simple language that I think an advanced typical kindergardener/1st grader can read on their own. Each topic is just one page, with large colorful pictures.
God's Plan for Weather
Very basic. Makes the connection between weather and the clothing you wear. Picture of a thermometer and simple understanding of it's use.
God's Plan for Seasons
We have talked a good bit about seasons and I'm waiting for the puzzle pieces to just fit together. Hoping this be a good addition to help with that. Again, it is simple, and that is good for us.
God's Plan for Seeds
We've read a little before about seeds, it has had no meaning for her. There are pictures of fruit with seeds in them (I've never thought about labeling that for her before!) Probably, we will study this section when we can plant some seeds and help her to understand.
God's Plan for Animals
Discusses animal homes, what they eat (basic, not too detailed). A couple pages about the most common (5) insects, spiders, zoo animals, farm animals, birds and reptiles.
God's Plan for the Seashore
Seashells, crabs, starfish, seahorse, sand dollars, sea gulls. She's read about these things b4. There are few enough topics that she could actually learn this material.
I've had this book forever, and it seems that she is in just the right place now to learn about these things. The book is colorful and interesting and after we read/did it yesterday, she wanted to do it again today. Yay! I am actually excited about this. We may decide to get some library books about each of these topics, but will probably wait until later after this book is complete. I very much like the simplicity of this book and want to keep it that way.
My purpose in giving this thorough description is in hopes that if you are looking for a source to cover this material, if you aren't able to get your hands on a copy to look at it, you would be able to evaluate it by reading this review. Hope this helps someone!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LUKE HAS A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!
Luke, that I blogged about recently, has a family that has committed to adopt him. It was major rejoicing/silly victory dancing at my house! Ok, I was the one doing all the silliness, but my kids had known about Luke and were excited to hear about it too. If not adopted, he was destined to be transferred to an institution that doesn't allow the children to be adopted. This probably would have happened next month, as that is when his birthday is. Thank each of you that may have prayed for him and that might have passed on the word!!! Gotta go now as Jessie is in the tub and hollering my name, "Mom, come here!", "I need more water", " want to bathe", every 30 seconds a new announcement but I had to let you know!
93% of people won't repost this, will you?
Wondering if anyone else feels the way I do about all the status updates on Facebook where you are taunted with the fact that 93% won't repost this, will you? Many of them are about being Christian. I GET the idea that we should be willing to acknowledge our faith, that (reposting) just isn't the way I prefer to do it. Often my status is about my faith....it is so important to me in my everyday life that talking about it in person or on facebook, wherever, is natural. What we say ALL THE TIME is out of the overflow of our heart. I can't help it, but those statuses daring you to repost or feel like a jerk, feel a little like bullying to me. I 100% know that isn't the intent of the person sending it, they have probably NEVER given it the level of thought I am giving it, that would be because I analyze all things to an annoying degree, even to me!
Having said that, anytime someone posts an authentic, individual post about their faith, that is always meaningful to me. Today, people are desperately looking for THE REAL THING and we desperately need to HAVE and BE the real thing. Many people will repost a precomposed status...who don't live a distinctively Christian life. Many that live a distinctively Christian life don't need to repost that status for you to know they love their Savior. I'm not talking about going to church. I'm not talking about participating in Christian events. There are people that within moments of knowing them you know they love their Savior. I want to be one of those people.
So, for the record, I love my Savior. He is as real, and living, and present to me today, as anyone that I can touch, and see and hear. It wasn't always so for me. I live every day now so very thankful that when I asked, "If you are real, show yourself to me, prove yourself to me, I want to believe." that he was faithful to do that.
Having said that, anytime someone posts an authentic, individual post about their faith, that is always meaningful to me. Today, people are desperately looking for THE REAL THING and we desperately need to HAVE and BE the real thing. Many people will repost a precomposed status...who don't live a distinctively Christian life. Many that live a distinctively Christian life don't need to repost that status for you to know they love their Savior. I'm not talking about going to church. I'm not talking about participating in Christian events. There are people that within moments of knowing them you know they love their Savior. I want to be one of those people.
So, for the record, I love my Savior. He is as real, and living, and present to me today, as anyone that I can touch, and see and hear. It wasn't always so for me. I live every day now so very thankful that when I asked, "If you are real, show yourself to me, prove yourself to me, I want to believe." that he was faithful to do that.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Buy A T-Shirt To Help Orphans in Africa and Haiti
Only a couple of months ago I learned of the site 147 Million Orphans. Any time you purchase clothing from them you help feed a child in Africa. I love that the front of the shirts (almost all of them) say 147 million orphans and on the back is Feed 1. By purchasing the shirt you are doing just that, how easy is that? Click here to read more about the feeding program. Theirs is an amazing ministry. It doesn't sound like purchasing a tshirt would generate enough profit to be very helpful...that is because we are thinking of the cost of a meal here. They can provide a healthy meal for 15 cents and a weeks worth of meals for $2.10, less than the cost of a happy meal. So a tshirt really can make a difference. For the next four weeks 50% of all purchases will go to help an orphanage in Haiti. I'd already been trying to decide which shirt to order and finally ordered my shirt today.
There are 3 blogs associated with this ministry to Uganda. I have been reading Katie's blog for a few weeks now. She is only 21 and is mom to 12 adopted girls in Uganda. Did you get that I said she is 21? Get your tissue ready before you visit her blog...but not for the reason you might be thinking. I have loved reading her blog. My eyes are soaked, but my heart is inspired to be more like her when I grow up. Her heart, her perspective and writing are unique. Although she does tell of difficult circumstances, you can tell by reading she is one of the most joyful people you would ever meet. Every single time I read her blog I am encouraged and inspired. When I say I want to be like her, I mean completely available to God and tuned in, clearly hearing His direction, willing to be obedient, joyful in whatever task He assigns.
I first read her recent post about her daughter Grace (a must read!) and a few entries that came before it. I then decided that I had to know how she came to be doing what it is she is doing. I have finished reading through 2007 and am now reading 2008. What was wonderful to see was that God lead her one step at a time, she didn't instantly become mother to 12 (it may actually be 14 now, that is unclear to me) and she didn't know all of his plan when she went to Uganda. She makes herself available to him and He is using her in a mighty way.
The other two blogs are by by moms Gwen and Suzanne who run things here in the states, who are neighbors with Katies parents in TN, and both have or are in process of adopting children from where Katie is. Between the two of them they have 13 children. It is amazing how God has brought these people together and the stories they have to tell.
Be prepared to be inspired! Don't get sidetracked and forget to buy a shirt!
There are 3 blogs associated with this ministry to Uganda. I have been reading Katie's blog for a few weeks now. She is only 21 and is mom to 12 adopted girls in Uganda. Did you get that I said she is 21? Get your tissue ready before you visit her blog...but not for the reason you might be thinking. I have loved reading her blog. My eyes are soaked, but my heart is inspired to be more like her when I grow up. Her heart, her perspective and writing are unique. Although she does tell of difficult circumstances, you can tell by reading she is one of the most joyful people you would ever meet. Every single time I read her blog I am encouraged and inspired. When I say I want to be like her, I mean completely available to God and tuned in, clearly hearing His direction, willing to be obedient, joyful in whatever task He assigns.
I first read her recent post about her daughter Grace (a must read!) and a few entries that came before it. I then decided that I had to know how she came to be doing what it is she is doing. I have finished reading through 2007 and am now reading 2008. What was wonderful to see was that God lead her one step at a time, she didn't instantly become mother to 12 (it may actually be 14 now, that is unclear to me) and she didn't know all of his plan when she went to Uganda. She makes herself available to him and He is using her in a mighty way.
The other two blogs are by by moms Gwen and Suzanne who run things here in the states, who are neighbors with Katies parents in TN, and both have or are in process of adopting children from where Katie is. Between the two of them they have 13 children. It is amazing how God has brought these people together and the stories they have to tell.
Be prepared to be inspired! Don't get sidetracked and forget to buy a shirt!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sweet Big Brother
Evan has always been a sweet big brother, the sweetest, but watching some of the ways he has played along with Jessie's pretending this week has been the sweetest thing ever. This big maturing boy, who will be 14 in two months, who looks more like a man every day, has pretended to visit different hotels (going from one bedroom to another was going to different hotels), helped dress baby dolls, pretended Jessie had a baby (you just go to the hospital or hotel to get one!) pretended Jessie adopted a baby (she obviously has overheard much conversation about adoption lately!), um, had to tend to the baby doll on baby potty after Jessie gave her a bottle, he routinely has to be Jessie's dance partner. Now, don't get some crazy impression that Evan LIKES to do these things, but he knows that it means a lot to Jessie and makes her happy. I left the three kids home together while I was gone several hours last week for a board meeting for our FRIENDS group. I had hoped that Jordan and Evan would spend some time playing with Jessie AND spend some time getting their homeschool work done. When I got home and asked about their school work, they had spent much of their time snuggling, tickling and playing with Jessie. How can I complain about that?
I asked Evan to write as a writing assignment the other day a letter for our new parent packet that includes stories from siblings who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome. This paper surely needs some editing, some perfecting (he's ALWAYS hated to write, period) but the heart he expresses toward his baby sister is pure and sweet and loving. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. Below are his words:
Well my mother asked me to write about how my life is impacted by my little sister having down syndrome. To me, having Jessie (my sister with down syndrome) as a sister is one of the greatest things that could have happened in my life, and I truly believe that. Having Jessie as a sister has really made me have to grow up a bit faster, most brothers and sisters don't have to worry about an eight year old getting out of the house and accidentally hurting themselves. I think that it is good for me that I've had to take the more responsibility that I have, it has matured me a considerable amount. I would say that having a sibling with down syndrome is a good thing, they are smart, funny, entertaining, and most of all extremely lovable. For all the teenagers out there that think that having a sibling with down syndrome will not leave you enough time for your social life you're wrong, having a sibling with down syndrome just means that you will have to spend a little more time worrying about the needs of them instead of yourself. If I could change Jessie from being special to a normal kid, I wouldn't do it for the world I love Jessie just the way she is, to me Jessie is awesome. To several people I know Jessie is awesome to them and they see nothing wrong with her.
This was a first draft that has corrections that need to be made, but is an accurate picture of the way he feels about her. When he says others don't have to worry about a sister getting out and hurting themselves...we have a pool in the back and Jessie a couple of times has stepped out the front door without us realizing it (she wasn't going anywhere but was in the front yard) so we are nuts about keeping the doors chained or listening for the door. When he describes her as lovable, I think he truly means lovable...not loving as you hear others describe people with DS. Calling her special....he hears us use the words special needs...he considers her special as an individual but isn't referring to her as special in the ways some use it (I don't think). "To several people I know Jessie is awesome to them and they see nothing wrong with her." Funny to me, the words of a 13 year old boy...nothing wrong with her? The heart of this 13 year old boy by his words and actions every day is this....I wouldn't change Jessie if I could..I love Jessie just the way she is, to me Jessie is awesome. I wouldn't change Evan if I could either...I love him just the way he is, to me he is awesome.
I asked Evan to write as a writing assignment the other day a letter for our new parent packet that includes stories from siblings who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome. This paper surely needs some editing, some perfecting (he's ALWAYS hated to write, period) but the heart he expresses toward his baby sister is pure and sweet and loving. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. Below are his words:
Well my mother asked me to write about how my life is impacted by my little sister having down syndrome. To me, having Jessie (my sister with down syndrome) as a sister is one of the greatest things that could have happened in my life, and I truly believe that. Having Jessie as a sister has really made me have to grow up a bit faster, most brothers and sisters don't have to worry about an eight year old getting out of the house and accidentally hurting themselves. I think that it is good for me that I've had to take the more responsibility that I have, it has matured me a considerable amount. I would say that having a sibling with down syndrome is a good thing, they are smart, funny, entertaining, and most of all extremely lovable. For all the teenagers out there that think that having a sibling with down syndrome will not leave you enough time for your social life you're wrong, having a sibling with down syndrome just means that you will have to spend a little more time worrying about the needs of them instead of yourself. If I could change Jessie from being special to a normal kid, I wouldn't do it for the world I love Jessie just the way she is, to me Jessie is awesome. To several people I know Jessie is awesome to them and they see nothing wrong with her.
This was a first draft that has corrections that need to be made, but is an accurate picture of the way he feels about her. When he says others don't have to worry about a sister getting out and hurting themselves...we have a pool in the back and Jessie a couple of times has stepped out the front door without us realizing it (she wasn't going anywhere but was in the front yard) so we are nuts about keeping the doors chained or listening for the door. When he describes her as lovable, I think he truly means lovable...not loving as you hear others describe people with DS. Calling her special....he hears us use the words special needs...he considers her special as an individual but isn't referring to her as special in the ways some use it (I don't think). "To several people I know Jessie is awesome to them and they see nothing wrong with her." Funny to me, the words of a 13 year old boy...nothing wrong with her? The heart of this 13 year old boy by his words and actions every day is this....I wouldn't change Jessie if I could..I love Jessie just the way she is, to me Jessie is awesome. I wouldn't change Evan if I could either...I love him just the way he is, to me he is awesome.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
For the love of Luke
My good friend Heather has been burdened for a little orphan named Luke in the same way that I have been for Corinna. He like Corinna, is in Ukraine. He is five and will soon be six. His photo has already been moved to the Older Boys (over 6). Unlike Corinna, however, when he is soon sent to an institution from the orphanage where he currently is, he CAN NEVER BE ADOPTED. I know that I don't have a huge amount of readers on this blog....but you never know what God can use. If any of you reading have a way to spread the word about little Luke before it is too late...please do so. You can see Luke by clicking here. There is currently over $5,000 in the Older Boys grant fund that will be used to help fund the adoption of the next older boy. I believe that is a result of the Christmas Angel Tree fundraiser; $5,000 is a great start! Please help us pray and spread the word to help find a forever family for Luke.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Back 2 School....The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
We started back to school yesterday. I had dreaded it. Not the actual schooling, just the loss of down time and having no schedule to keep. I have mourned it, that's for sure! I did start the day yesterday feeling refreshed, with a real sense of purpose and managed to keep my energizer self going all day...loads and loads of laundry, paying bills, clearing out 2009 files of bills, school with Jessie, made the kind of phone calls I HATE and always put off (making appointments and checking on medical bills and homeowners insurance) an easy but cooked (not sandwiches, etc. I mean!) supper of spaghetti, bread and salad. We managed to go to bed with the house tidy, dishes clean, ready for the next day. I woke up Tuesday thinking, "Are you kidding me? I've got to do all that again?!" So......today was good but no energizer bunny.
Today when we were studying her spelling words, Jessie was so stinkin cute. I wish I had a video of it, I'm just not that high tech to get it on here. I know, however, in retelling it, it can never be as cute. There were a couple of words she had learned but forgotten (from and name). I would ask her how to spell the word and she would react a little bit frustrated. I would cover the written word with my hand, then allow her to sneak a peek. She would quickly try to remember it. Then I would cover it and she would spell it. High fives every time she got it right. We were giggling and having such a good time with it. She (and I) love it when we can make it into a game. We reviewed the words is, my, Boo (our dog's name) from, love, name and introduced did and it.
Jessie's dance class started back today and gymnastics starts back Thursday. Officially back to normal routine. I was so pleased as I watched to see how in the 3 months or so she has been doing this, how much better she is at walking on her toes. As part of the dance they walk on their toes in a circle. When she first started she could barely stay on her toes at all and keep her balance, now she can stay up for the whole time! She still has a ways to go on learning to skip. She doesn't enjoy dance as much as gymnastics but it is so good for her. She does enjoy getting to see all the girls each week. It is a class just for kids with special needs.
Hope all are having a good New Year so far!
Today when we were studying her spelling words, Jessie was so stinkin cute. I wish I had a video of it, I'm just not that high tech to get it on here. I know, however, in retelling it, it can never be as cute. There were a couple of words she had learned but forgotten (from and name). I would ask her how to spell the word and she would react a little bit frustrated. I would cover the written word with my hand, then allow her to sneak a peek. She would quickly try to remember it. Then I would cover it and she would spell it. High fives every time she got it right. We were giggling and having such a good time with it. She (and I) love it when we can make it into a game. We reviewed the words is, my, Boo (our dog's name) from, love, name and introduced did and it.
Jessie's dance class started back today and gymnastics starts back Thursday. Officially back to normal routine. I was so pleased as I watched to see how in the 3 months or so she has been doing this, how much better she is at walking on her toes. As part of the dance they walk on their toes in a circle. When she first started she could barely stay on her toes at all and keep her balance, now she can stay up for the whole time! She still has a ways to go on learning to skip. She doesn't enjoy dance as much as gymnastics but it is so good for her. She does enjoy getting to see all the girls each week. It is a class just for kids with special needs.
Hope all are having a good New Year so far!
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