"Three Names of Me"

Today we began our official "homeschool wind-down"! My son had a special day at preschool - a field trip to a local children's museum. So, I decided my daughter and I should take a trip to the nail salon to get a pedicure. We met my dear friend, Karen. We got to know Karen two years ago when she and her husband were just bringing their son, Micah, home from China. We have been blessed in so many ways by knowing their family - seeing an adoption story firsthand has broadened our horizons and given us an appreciation for our precious children really are.

Karen brought a book for Anna - "Three Names of Me". Inside the front cover Karen wrote to Anna: "From our ancestors come our names, but from our virtues come our honors." I am so thankful to Karen for taking the time to explain to Anna all about Micah's (and later in the summer a second little boy's!) adoption journey. Connections like this help my daughter to think so deeply and compassionately about others -- she has a sweet and tender heart and is always willing to help others. When Karen and Bruce brought Micah home Anna said "Can we go get one?" To an eight year old it's just that simple!

So, while we did not officially "homeschool" today, I am certain Anna got a lesson in compassion from a good friend. God is good!

Friendly Letters

Today our grammar lesson was about commas in friendly letters. I remember LOVING friendly letters when I was growing up! My third grade teacher, Mrs. Munz, made them so much fun for us. I also remember my mom getting me a lot of stationary and encouraging me to write. I still enjoy doing that today. So, I definitely want to pass this along to my children.

We started off with the basic lesson out of our grammar book which provides a very basic lesson. I then encouraged my daughter to think about some people she would like to write letters to and what she would like to write about. I gave her stationary that I found on the Jan Brett website (which has FABULOUS resources, by the way!) and the first "person" she chose to write to was actually my sister-in-law's cat! The letter was very cute and funny. She drew a little picture at the end and we addressed the envelope, gave it a stamp, and put it in the mailbox!

Next, I had found a wonderful online activity through Read, Write, Think which provided a template for completing friendly and business letters. I know it is a valuable skill to write a friendly letter in your own handwriting, but it may be even more valuable to learn how to construct one on the computer! This little tutorial makes it very simple and fun - when the child is done with their letter they can choose a cute frame to put around it and then print. My daughter wrote a letter to her grandpa. I'm hoping we get some letters back and that will encourage more friendly letter writing.

Books and More Books!

Yesterday I had the chance to go to a Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale.... wow is all I can say! If you get the opportunity I think it is well worth the time and money to go. Most of the books were 50% off the already low prices, and then through their website I printed out a coupon for additional money off.

One of my favorite books that I got there was "The Pout Pout Fish". If you have a pouter in your house (I happen to have one who has obtained pro status!) this is such a cute book. Up until now we had been affectionately referring to his as "Willy Whiner", but I think Pout Pout Fish will be our new name! I love it!

Another group of books I found was "The 39 Clues". This seems to be for the 'tween crowd. My daughter began the first one two days ago (a neighbor loaned it to us) and I found the rest at the warehouse. There are several of these books, along with the website where the kids can use their clues to win prizes. Looks like fun.

If you are a fan of Froggy, then your little guy will like "Froggy Plays T-Ball". This was my son's bedtime story last night, and he has been chanting the little rhyme about running the bases all day! We love love love Froggy!

As we go through some more of the books I purchased I will share them with you, but just wanted to let you know about the book sale. See if there is one in your area!