A New Student

We welcomed a new student to our (mostly) happy homeschool this year.

Welcome Brendan to the world of sitting down and paying attention!

File folder games are a hit.

It's been a few years since I've had a four year old join in with some formal schoolish work and we are very much enjoying having him sit at the work table with us for a few minutes twice a week.  For me, Pre-K is merely about enjoying learning, sitting still for a few minutes at a time, reading, coloring and playing games (turn taking).  Brendan will turn five midway through our year and I may, at that time, give him some more formal kindergarten work, but at this time, like most boys, he isn't too interested in seat work.

Some of the resources in his box for the coming months are:

Early Literacy for Young Catholics   

This is a new one from Seton and I really like it. It's a colorful engaging book of gentle activities all focused on God's creation.  Each page has a little something to color or trace and suggested activities, mostly focused (so far) on going outside.

Another favorite is:

A Very Little Child's Book of Stories.  This has been around my house for years. I think I bought it at a thrift store but I honestly can't remember. The stories are sweet and quick and largely focused on the natural world so it ties in nicely with the Seton book.

The Illustrated Gospel for Children. This is a nice book and it's written in cominc book style so that it's very engaging for the wiggly among us. This coupled with some Bible and Saint stories as well as My Jesus and I, which I just love, comprises our religion studies.

Catholic Children's Treasure Box 
is another favorite.  I have used these for years and they are well worth the investment.

I made most of our file folder games from this book which is now out of print but there are many similar offerings on Amazon and I'm sure in your local teacher supply store.  Staples also carries them on occasion. 

I have also, already begun using Catholic Mosaic and plan to continue with a picture book a month. This isn't just for Brendan but Kelli, Kevin, Bridget and Sean as well. We all enjoy it so much.

In addition to all the books, we read lots of picture books, I make frequent use of the following websites:

Catholic Icing
By Sun and Candlelight (scroll down to the categories and click on Kinder. Or anything. It's all good.)
Apples for the Teacher (great for alphabet coloring pages)
Enchanted Learning

And probably lots of other stuff I'm forgetting.

Enjoying a little person again in our homeschool has really brought new life to our little corner of the world. He's such a funny little ball of energy. The challenges he presents (and there are many) are well worth the laughter and silliness.

Here's to Pre-K!