We started a new program with Jacob: Moving Beyond The Page. It's a curriculum for "creative, hands-on, and gifted learners". I looked at it, and the "gifted" part that first scared me off, well... I don't really see it, yet. Maybe later. I hear it's writing-intensive which I like. Writing is so important. The 5-7 program starts slow, the higher levels may not be quite that slow. However, so far Jacob loves it - it is very hands-on which the Sonlight isn't at all. I'm not at all sure about his learning style but he loved the activities todayy. I can see that it will be more work than just sitting at the desk but you know, whatever works.
Today, our lesson was on "My Environment" and he had to remember the three key elements, namely shelter, food, and water. We then went through the concept of his environment, what belongs to his environment, what is important, etc. We walked through the house and talked about the different rooms, and which room is the most important in the house. Some of his answers delighted me: "The fireplace" and "the bed, and the books!" are the important features of living room and bedroom. In his opinion, the kitchen is the most important room in the house, because there he can find food and water. Makes total sense to me.
We wrote this in our activity sheet, and then he drew a picture of the kitchen. I think I'm in love with this program already!
We also did a craft - Jacob doesn't love crafts and often runs out of steam in the middle. He had to put masking tape on a piece of paper, trying to create the shape of a tree. Then he colored over the tape with various colors, and then we peepled the tape of. (If you want to do this really simple and effective craft, do wait until the masking tape is completely dry. Wait an hour or more. Because if you don't wait, you'll peel the paper off, too. Patience is not a family trait.)
Other than that, it worked beautifully. Also, isn't his handwriting nice?
This is Leah's super simple version, btw:
I didn't ask her to create a shape, just stick the tape on and color the paper.
Then, we found a different use for the masking tape:
Truth be told, she thought it was funny and posed for this picture. But really, it helped with the shrieking and there was always a smile on her face.
The older boys did their usual stuff but when we run out of curriculum in January, I am leaning towards MBTP for them, as well. Let's see how the next weeks go. But so far, I'm liking it a lot.
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