Happy New Year!

To celebrate the New Year, Asher and Savannah were able to stay up after Rosalynne went to sleep and play a rousing game of Scaventure with Mom and Dad.  It was a blast! They didn't want the fun to stop, and if Trevor didn't have to work so early tomorrow, I think we would have continued to play for at least another few rounds and just planned on starting school a little later than usual tomorrow.

The kids are having a pretty good week in school so far.  They don't seem to mind not taking more time off to celebrate the holidays.  Since we aren't traveling to visit family this year, a shorter vacation works well into our plans, and we might take a slightly longer spring break when the weather permits traveling.

So far we have a little over two weeks to complete our Ocean Animals Research Project.  This week we are devoting to learning more about five select animals.  Next week we'll be typing up the information we've learned and the week after that we'll be putting it all together, either in a book or a presentation poster.  Stay tuned for pictures. Asher seems to be really interested in snails and jellyfish, whereas Savannah is leaning towards whales and starfish.  I'm excited to see their final projects.  We've spent weeks learning about the Ocean, water cycle, pollution, and animals.

Progress in reading seems to be going well.  Savannah is already an avid reader.  She has been reading Chapter books for the last few months without a struggle.  It's amazing.  Asher's strong suit is more Math, but his reading is improving more every day, and what's even better is that his attitude about reading is improving.  He's always loved books, but devoted his time entirely to the pictures before, whereas now he will make a concerted effort to read the words.  In the last couple of weeks it seems like something has clicked and his reading skills seem to be improving rapidly.  He is able to read Chapter books, but for him it seems like a tedious task, and he often prefers to read leveled readers more.  I don't think it will be long, however, before we will be saying good-bye to all the leveled readers.

At my last count, Asher and Savannah have learned about 200 words/phrases in sign language.  They are proficient in fingerspelling, numbers, and ordinal numbers.  I would estimate that after this week, they will know approximately 250 words/phrases.  Signing is becoming more and more natural for them, and they often respond by signing and verbalizing simultaneously. 

Grammar and Writing is going well.  They both have very active imaginations, the only problem seems to be writing fast enough to keep up with the thoughts in their heads.  It is clearly difficult for them at times.

This month, they will be starting CFK (CrossFit Kids).  We thought it would be a good way for them to socialize with other kids, but also to learn about the importance of physical activity, eating healthy, and exercising.  They are looking forward to their first class. We are still trying to find a music tutor, but haven't had much luck in that arena.  Savannah is also expressing interest in Dance, so we have been looking at local studios. 

Anyway, I hope everyone has a Happy New Year, and is able to spend some time with friends and family to celebrate; I know we'll be doing some special crafts and activities to celebrate the New Year tomorrow.  I hope your New Year begins with a bang!