Motivating Math Mavens

Math used to be one of my favorite subjects in school outside of science.  However, I have not taken a math class since my first year of college.   My kids have used an online program at school, IXL.com, for the past year.  I have seen from their homework the various math problems they were used to as well as the practice provided through IXL.  I would not have a problem teaching them the concepts, but unfortunately, it would not be me each day.  It would be my mom and even perhaps my dad.

That being said, exploring math to incorporate into the weekly themes has been a bit harder.  You have to stretch your mind a bit to figure out how math will fit in with an “ocean” theme.  I think this particular subject might have to stand on its own each week.  So far I am trying to reinforce concepts they have already learned, such as counting and simple math for my soon to be first grader.  My daughter has received worksheets doing three digit addition thus far. 

I would like for my daughter to start to learn multiplication.  We have talked about the basis before in regards to grouping and how multiplication works.  My mother-in-law provided her with a multiplication table (12X12) from which to start.  My dad saw it was excited to talk to her about it.  Maybe it will work out okay. She will also need to learn about fractions.  I always think about cooking when it comes to fractions.  A day (or five) of making cookies or a special treat with grandma might just be in order.

As for my son, I’d like for him to learn about money.  He started today, but I think he will need a lot more time understanding how it works.  Knowing that five pennies can equal a nickel or even just learning the names of the money is something in and of itself.  I think that is going to take some time.  I would also like for him to learn how to read an analog clock.  He has a clock made from paper and fastener to move the clock hands.  Hopefully he can work with one of my parents to manipulate it to at least learn hour and 30 minute increments.  I know I found a clock online when my daughter was learning time so she could do route practice.

This subject is going to take a little more time, but math is so important to learn and understand.  You really do use it every day of your life even if you do not realize it.

Sultry Science

Science is not my mother’s forte.  Many moons ago, my father was into science, but I think as the years have passed, his affinity for it has waned.  This being said, I don’t want my children to miss out on Science this summer due to their lack of interest.

Thus I have turned to technology and the internet to provide me guidance.  There are many sites geared toward children where I was able to gather ideas.  Scholastic has the Magic School Bus, which is a fun animation, albeit a little older than the flashy cartoons of today.   Nevertheless, I was able to find episodes that were geared toward my summer educational topics on Netflix.

PBS Kids also has a lot of fun games to play inspired by science and fun.  Cyberchase has math and science topics.  Lunch Lab has games based around food.  Cat in the Hat had a space themed game.  I also found some space games at the NASA kid’s site I thought my kids might enjoy.  These options might provide a good compromise and possibly a few moments of rest for the grandparents while the kids are at play on the computer.

I also included some simple Science experiments that I think my mother can implement without too much hassle.  For instance, on the inevitable hot summer day, the kids can try their hand at sun melted crayon art.  During the weather themed week the kids can build a tornado in a recycled plastic bottle.  To understand how force can propel a rocket into space, they will be making balloon rockets in the house.

An ongoing activity they can embark on with their grandfather would be gardening.  He grew up on a farm and is constantly puttering around the backyard.  I remember having to recall which type of plant was growing in the backyard based on the leaf, flower and smell of the plant.  I would love for my children to have that same knowledge so they are aware of where their food comes from, how it is grown and to be cognitive of what is edible.  I know their grandparents have discussed bringing them to a farm in Mentone.  Hopefully it is possible to take a field trip there, to Amy's Farm in Ontario or even the Rancho Botanical Gardens in Claremont.

I’m sure we’ll be able to offer some good options to keep Science on the agenda and as part of their weekly fun.

Field Trips

What is summer vacation without a field trip?  Every summer camp I looked into prior to my parents agreeing to watch the kids included at least one field trip a week.  They were near and far, from Knott’s to the educational museum.  I know my parents aren’t big on traveling far, and my mom does have issues walking for too long.  With this in mind, I started to look for local parks, museums, etc. that the kids would enjoy going to and that would match with my weekly theme.

The city library offers a program once a week that also can provide respite from the summer sun.  Assuming their swimming lessons aren’t scheduled for the same time as the library event, this is a great local field trip that the kids have enjoyed during summer’s past.  

Alas, I needed to stretch my search outside of my parent’s comfort zone.  Whether or not my parents are up for the trip is another matter. Hopefully they will also want to do something a little different and enjoy seeing these places with my children.

The internet is a great resource to find possible local field trip locations as well as special events that might be taking place over the summer.  It is special for the kids to get out of the area and do something out of the ordinary.  Some options that are available in the Southern California region include the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, LA Arboretum in Arcadia and the Planes of Fame in Chino.  

  

I’m really hoping the kids get into an early morning or late afternoon swimming lesson, so they can go to some these places.  As I continue to plan their summer, I think about how much I wish I could be with them.  Perhaps if they can’t go on these field trips Monday – Thursday, I can take them on Friday when I’m off.  That is something to look forward to!

Journals and Story Telling

As I start to think about themes, and how to incorporate engaging activities, I realize that I have to accommodate two very different personalities.  Not only that, I have to work with dissimilar learning levels and styles.  As I stated before, my daughter is older and has a wonderful imagination.  She can elaborate on a story with each embellishment more fantastic than the last.  My son is younger and a realist, who is very matter of fact and will not exaggerate a story.  Trying to combine summer activities that would appeal to both of them is challenging to say the least.

Last night I started to think about how to incorporate writing or a journal into their weekly summer fun.  I know my daughter will have a blast and will be able to write over a page.  The little one may prove harder in engaging his attention.  As always I have scoured the internet to find journal topics for kids.  I might have to provide two different scenarios for my mom, one for my daughter, and one for my son.  Many ideas provided and found online are not appropriate for either child due their age and/or emotional state.

I have pulled various ideas from these websites:  Journal Prompts from Daily Teaching Tools, Child’s Journal Jar, 49 Ideas for Elementary Kids and Superteacher Worksheets Journal Prompts.  With so many options

, I then had to figure out which would mesh with the week’s particular theme and be age appropriate.  Some of the ideas presented allowed me to formulate my own topic or suggestion.

I hope they enjoy writing each day or at least each week.  Putting your thoughts to pen and paper has so much value.  Kids express themselves is so many different ways.  I might suggest that my son include a picture that helps tell the story.  Since he is just out of kindergarten, he might feel overwhelmed at a daily journal.  I am really looking forward to see what sentences and stories they include in their journals.

Summer Arts & Crafts

As the school year comes to a close and summer vacation is about to begin, I start to think about my children and their lazy days of summer.  They will not have the benefit of "structured" learning from a degreed, credentialed teacher.  However, that does force me to think of ways to keep them interested and focused educationally.

I would like to delve into ways to keep them interested in reading, writing, arts, science and math.  I also love the freedom that summer brings with hours and days of imaginative play, including getting lost in pretend worlds, on-the-fly rules to real and made-up games and just moments of sheer silliness.  There needs to be a balance so they stayed focus, yet carefree at the same time.

Although you might not expect it, I am pulled towards the arts.  I don't think that I am creative, but I do enjoy cooking, sewing, crocheting, and music.  As much as I would love to be able to take time off with them over the summer, I do have a full-time job.  My parents have graciously offered to watch my dear children this summer.  I can't expect them to keep my children entertained for hours on end.  So how do I incorporate my passion for these things while working a full-time job and providing enough guidance to my parents over the next eleven weeks.

My daughter enjoys writing, drawing and generally being as creative as possible.  My son on the other hand is much shyer in these endeavors.  What types of activities can I provide them that will allow both of them to enjoy the arts, but not set them up for frustration?  I could think of a theme to engage them each week that incorporates each aspect of math, science, reading, writing and arts either as a whole or individually.  It can't take up too much time as I don't know if my mother would be invested in it.  Or it could be less structured and based on the interests of my children.

My mother does enjoy sewing and crocheting, which might be something she can do with both children.  With the help of her grandma, my daughter has started to sew a doll bed and sheets.  The two of them could continue to work on that together.  Both children can engage in these activities with their grandma.  I can see this being not only a learning experience, but a fun way to engage in arts and crafts together.  I could provide some simple samples to either build or from which to pull ideas.  Possible ideas could be gathered from Summer Crafts, Care.com Crafts or Food Based Crafts.

My son on the other hand really enjoys video games.  On hot days I can see the benefit of this, as the Wii can provide physical activity.  Yet left unchecked can go on for hours, which I do not approve of.  However, it is a good outlet for little bodies to expend energy.  Perhaps I can speak with my father about working with my son on soccer skills.  They could go to the park to learn the basics:  dribbling, passing, different types of kicks, etc.  This isn't "arts" per se, but physical activity is so beneficial for children.

I am looking forward to coming up with ideas and themes for my children to stay interested and focused on learning.  Hopefully I can provide my parents with enough activities so the children aren't completely bored, but not overwhelmed either.