The Learning Umbrella

I did some planning before the holidays hit us, but I still don’t feel completely prepared to go into January.  It’s probably not as bad as it feels, though.  Here’s the plan so far:

Preschool

A few weeks ago Daycare Boy decided he was too old to take a nap anymore, and Daycare Girl has followed suit.  They are now participating in PreSchool Time, and consequently I have had to find some easier worksheets and what not to keep them busy while I’m working with Carbon.  This month I’ll have Daycare Boy working on his fine motor skills with scissor work and tracing sheets, and Daycare Girl working on number recognition.  Carbon continues his handwriting, connect-the-dots, and write-to-read.  We’ll be reading about Asia and Hermit Crabs together, and Carbon will be getting pet hermit crabs sometime this month.  I have a new book of rhythm activities to do with kids, so we’ll be trying those out with our box of drums and tamborines, etc.  We are still doing Project Feeder Watch, and all the kids are excited about bird ID at this point.  They sent us a really nice poster of common feeder birds that I’ve hung on the wall right next to the window.  It’s a lot easier for the kids to use than a field guide.

Carbon’s extracurriculars start up again this month.  He’s signed up for gymnastics one night a week.

My sister’s school

J. is studying African Exploration and Colonialism, and Earthquakes and Volcanoes this month.  I’ve got both units laid out for her already, but I need to read up on Africa myself so that I can properly quiz her when she calls for her oral report outs.  It’s the start of a new quarter, so I also need to get the quarter’s syllabus binder created and hand it over to her (I lay all the assignments out on a calendar page and give her daily checklists to complete).

Mommy School

This is the year I’m going to Paris, and I have to kick the French study into gear.  I’m reading Heart of Darkness right now, and I’m going to find a yoga class I can take.

The House

Obviously, it’s time to take down and put away the Christmas ornaments.  We also need to build some shelves for the kids’ room to contain some of the toys they got.  Then, I’ve got a big project starting this month, because we’ve hired my brother’s new roofing company to do our roof.  I think we’re their first job (they are really young - I’m a little scared!).  But the roof is leaking, we get a family discount, I’m helping my brother get started on something, and worst case my Dad will have to come help me redo some of it.  I need to get the permit soon, though.  Yeah, that needs to go on my To Do list.

Church and Earth Scouts

 There are four new stories to tell in church this month, so I have 8 story baskets to make.  One is just pictures out of a book, and another one we ordered premade - so I really only have to figure out the last two stories.  For Earth Scouts, I’m hopeful that we will have more people joining us.  I’ve recruited a father of an older son to co-lead with me and then we can split the group when it’s appropriate to adjust to age differences.  This week’s meeting I’m planning on tie-dying shirts, and then the next meeting I’m planning on exploring styles of leadership (tyrant, democracy, etc) through games of Simon Says.  That will lead us into a badge for Participatory Democracy.

Other

I’ve resolved to spend more time with my friends, so I need to plan at least one girl’s day out this month.  I’m also going to invite at least one couple friend set over for dinner.  I’m going to sign up to sponsor a woman for the year through Women for Women International.  And I have crafting and sewing plans (with my new serger!): a panda bear for Carbon, lots of stuffed and embellished felt hearts, a zoo animal stuffie, a “stuffie for beginners”, an embroidered pillowcase with sushi and “I Dream of Sushi” on it, an exercise outfit for myself (with the organic fabric I mail ordered), and a frilly apron for my sister. 

I think that’s it for the month.