I think it's about time for an update...as much for my benefit, as anyone else who might happen upon this blog.
To recap the first 3 months of 2011. There were 3 BIG birthdays in our family. Gareth and I turned 30, and Ebony 5. We celebrated with a joint BBQ lunch in the park with family and friends. Ebony had her first ever 'friend' party. Up until now we have always just had family parties. She had 10 friends join her at Mc'donalds for her celebration.
Homeschooling has been going well. We have pretty much learnt all the sounds in the Jolly Phonics course. It is now a case of practicing blending those sounds together to form words. That's pretty much how we read and write, the synthetic way!! I have ordered her first set of readers and am looking forward to seeing how she goes with them. I was able to do the on-line teachers course for Jolly Phonics the end of last year to help me in teaching Ebony. I love this course! It is well laid out and easy to follow, and Ebony loves it too, which is a bonus.
For Maths we are using 'Math U see'. It is an American programme, designed by a Christian homeschooling Dad (who is also a teacher/principal). It uses blocks with ever lesson to enhance learning for the tactial learner.
Next term we will be adding Society and Environment, Science and Health and Values to our weekly programme. I also plan on doing Sign Language for our LOTE. So needless to say, I'm learning a lot too!!
Ballet...My girl began ballet at the beginning of the year- the same week she turned 5. She is really enjoying it.
Tobias has been going great too. He had intensive wheelchair training for a while. Doing things like going up and down hills, around obstacles, trying to get in and out of chair.etc. It was interesting, helpful and fun!
Gareth calls him a little cruiser. He cruises around our house. His favourite forms of transport are his wooden trike and ladybug (which he makes move using his arms).
He may need some surgeries soon, on his legs, but we are trying some new splints first, before we go down that road. We pick up the splints on Monday. Up until now he has had splints that go below his knees(AFO), these ones will go above and have hinges on the knees. We are hoping that they will help to keep his feet in position for walking. We did try this type of splint (KAFO) 6 months ago and they weren't successful, but it is definitely worth another try before subjecting him to surgery and all that entails.
So there's our last 3 months in a nutshell. What will the next 3 hold...Let's wait and see...Bye for now x
