Ready to Read at 3 y.o.

Hurray Hurray, it's been just a few months since he turned 3 y.o. and Tot M can
already read by himself.

I was suspecting it for the past few weeks. But of course I wanted to be sure ~
naughty mama! We borrowed Bears On Wheels by Stan and Jan Berenstain
from the local library. I asked Tot M to try reading the book by himself. He
was happy to oblige. Can you see me grinning from ear to ear!?!

I've talked a bit about what we've been doing here. In a nutshell, our reading
program has consisted mostly of reading together for 30 minutes daily and
Tot M watching mostly learning videos. Yes, you don't need to be a homeschooler
to do that.

Of course, we still read together. There are so many more words, books,
and ideas to discover. Here we come world!

2013 Homeschool Curriculum

At the start of the year, I decided that our 2013 Homeschool Curriculum
will be based on the Hubbard's Cupboard and the ABC Jesus Loves Me
curricula --- for ages 3 and 4. Seasoned homeschoolers have said that I
don't need a curriculum for Tot M's current age. Reading books and playtime
fun are sufficient activities for a 3 year old. The curriculum is more for me;
it's nice to have a framework to refer to when I feel lost.

Of course, we are nowhere near The Plan. The activities just don't appeal
to Tot M. I've talked to other playgroup moms about this -- particularly those
with boys -- it's nice to know that we're normal.

To date, Tot M can:
- Recite the alphabet, identify uppercase and lowercase letters including
  their sounds
- Name basic colors and shapes
- Count from 1-20, plus a few numbers beyond 20
- Understand positional concepts
- Spell a few words (using his alphabet puzzles)
- Write a few letters

The 3 things that have helped learn these skills:
- Reading books
- Watching videos
- Having alphabet toys within reach: fridge phonics + alphabet puzzles

Things we're working on this 2013:
- Reading books: still trying to get back to the frequency that we had last
  year!

- Learning how to read: we've started with a few word families and a few 

  high frequency words
- Writing letters: we've used a few manipulatives and worksheets
  Tot M is fascinated with the concept of writing.
- Math: still trying to figure out how to go beyond counting.
- Cutting with scissors: haven't tried this in awhile, let's see if he's ready
- Playing with toys: this fills up a pretty good part of the day


If you're looking for a FREE Homeschool Curriculum for your preschool
child, Truly Rich Mom has a great list that you can start with.


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The 2013 NZ School Year started on the 28th of January and will end on
the 20th of December. Our Homeschool follows the same school year.
Tot M is now 3 y.o.

FREE McMuffin at McDo Philippines

McDo is having a National Breakfast Day on the 18th of March 2013,
5:00 am to 9:00am for the 1st 1000 Customers.

Complete details can be found here


And for your viewing pleasure:

Lent 2013

I've been a Catholic all my life. Lent was a de facto; it just came
and went. Yes, I fasted, abstained from meat, and gave up chocolate.
Unfortunately, I was too busy being a Martha about it.

In recent years, I've switched gears. Lent has become an opportunity
to grow my personal relationship with Jesus. I haven't exactly been
successful in my attempts. I have never completed 40 Days of
intentional living; going about my day with a disposition of prayer
and sacrifice. Even if I managed to do so, I'm sure there is much more
that can be learned about the breadth, length, height and depth of
His love. - Eph 3:18 


Here are a few ideas for celebrating Lent:

Our Sunday Visitor recommends that we go back to basics with
The 1-1-1 Plan
One Sin: Concentrate or focus on one sin or fault that is getting in
                the way of your relationship with God and with others.
One Add-in: Add one positive activity that will deepen your prayer
                     and spiritual life (especially if you think you are too
                     busy to put anything more into an impossibly busy
                     schedule!).
One give-up: Deny yourself something you really like or are
                      attached to.

A Holy Experience has a free Lent and Easter Jesus Tree Devotional. 
There are readings for 17 Days and one just stretches them out for
the entirety of Lent.

The De La Salle Community in the Philippines has a list of
Good Deeds for 2013. The good deeds are acts of kindness
that one can do for others.


Lent 2012  has other ideas on things you can do to celebrate Lent.

Each year, we receive an invitation from the Lord to grow closer to
Him. He invites us to pause, remember and celebrate His passion,
death and resurrection. This is Lent.

Photo credit

Hello February 2013!

Whoa, that went fast. Yep, we're now at February!

How does one sanely manage 2 kids (3y.o. + newborn) while homeschooling
and working from home? Inquiring minds want to know...

Nope, we're NOT having anyone come over to help, nor getting help, nor sending
anyone to childcare.

Ahh... here's to better planning, organizing and executing :)


Photo credit

Christmas Activities for Kids 2012

Last year, I attempted to make an origami Nativity Scene. In a nutshell, it didn't go
very well. So, I decided to look for more "artistically-friendly" projects for this year.

Here's a round-up of activities that really got me inspired. Click on the links for the
how-tos :)

Nativity Scenes

This DIY Nativity Scene by Marloes de Vries is one of the easiest projects around.
All you need to do is cut, fold then glue the images. How simple is that!

If you've got spare toilet paper tubes, Catholic Icing's Nativity Set is the project for you.

Christmas Calendars

Here's a cute Santa Calendar from Maestra Valentina. The kids can cut off the portion
of Santa's beard that corresponds to the date. You know it's Christmas when you've
reached Santa's nose!

This Santa Calendar from Busy Little Bugs is great for the little kids. They can put a
pompom ball or sticker on the dates leading up to Christmas.

This is one of those things on my wish list. Homemade by Jill's Advent Calendar
is one of those labor of love projects. It's all hand sewn. The tree ornaments stay
in the box and a new one is hung up each day.

Jesse / Christmas Trees

Tired and Need Sleep has a Jesse Tree 2012 printable: included are the readings,
prayers and ornaments needed for your Jesse Tree.

Here's another project for the little kids. This Felt Christmas Tree by Sol and Rachel
allows your little one to decorate and redecorate the tree.

Activity Packs

We'll be using some of the activities here for our homeschooling this December.
But kiddies who're on "traditional school" holiday break can join in on the fun!

1+1+1=1 Christmas Tot Pack

1+1+1=1 Nativity Preschool Pack

Nativity and Winter Wonderland Packs by Over the Big Moon

It's beginning to feel like Christmas in our home. We've been listening to Christmas Songs
and finalizing Christmas plans.  All we need is our Christmas Tree. Yes, I'm still hopeful
that we'll get one this year.


Photo Credit


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Christmas Traditions 2012

If I had my way, the Christmas Tree would already be up. Unfortunately, we still haven't

had time to buy the tree. And with all the other stuff that needs to be bought (we have a

baby on the way), I have considered making our own Christmas Tree.

It's sad how many have become disillusioned with Christmas. For some, Christmas has

become one giant party gone overboard. One thing I've learned is that you don't have 

to do what everyone else is doing. Just do what makes sense.

The Gingerbread House

Every year, I look forward to Market Manila's Christmas posts. I must admit, Christmas

at Market Man's home is a bit grand for my current budget. But I can still dream right.
I love the decor, the tables, the menu, and all the little details that lovingly go into their
Christmas celebrations.

One thing unique about their family is that they make their own Gingerbread House.
They also create a few for select organizations to spread some Holiday Cheer.

The Advent Wreath
When I was younger, the Advent Wreath served as our family's reminder that Christmas
was just around the corner. We would gather as a family, sing "O Come, O Come,
Emanuelle", light the candles and say the prayers. This is one tradition that I just might
bring back this year. Church Year has a weekly guide that is easy to follow.

The Advent Activity Tree
Speaking of Advent, The Imagination Tree has this beautiful post on how their family
is celebrating Advent. The family does one activity daily together; all these leading up to
Christmas day.

The December Daily
The December Daily is Ali Edwards annual December scrapbooking project. It's a
great way to document the many activities that go on in your family in December.
You might want to read Ali's must read post on the simple things that make for nice
Christmas memories. The things we take for granted that can count too.

The Christmas Mini Album
I know, not all of us are ready for daily scrapbooking. Paper Vine has this How To
on creating a Paper Mini Album. This can be a special way to store your favorite
Christmas Photos.

Yes, having a Christmas Tree is tradition on both sides of the family. But it is just icing 

on the cake. In our family, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. Come to
think of it, we don't need a tree to celebrate that.


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