A brand new start 2014

Blessed New Year!  Has been some time since I've updated  here. Been busy the entire month of Dec which went past in a flash. A very exciting month for our family, we celebrated Jesus' birth, Zech's 3rd birthday and attended the annual church camp. Was glad to complete 'Truth in the tinsel' with Zech who has grown more mature and is able to do and understand more from the series of lessons.

Most of Zech's craft from 'Truth in the tinsel'.

Beginning from 2014, we have decided (took a lot of courage too) to carry out our plan to homeschool Zech. Initially, I've planned to start formal schooling with Zech at home using 'My Father's World' curriculum. However, based on observation, I feel Zech is not ready for it yet so I'm going to wait for another 5 months. Very brave of Mummy right? When most kids at Zech's age have memorized their alphabets and numbers, here I am taking things slow and easy. If Zech knows his alphabets, phonics or numbers, it's purely incidental learning. I'm still focusing a lot on learning through whole language approach. Reading, comprehending the text and honing fine motor skills stand priority over all else. Though I've not started formal schooling with Zech, this year marks the beginning of more sit down lessons and seat work. It's amazing how a 3 year old has made progress in his understanding and attention span.

A new year spells new beginnings. To start the year right, it's really essential to go back to the Bible. And so, I created mini lessons for Zech to learn The Lord's Prayer. Zech's very first goal for the new year is to memorize The Lord's Prayer. Was very surprised that he has memorized a big chunk of the prayer. Pasted stickers on top of the words he has memorised. His papa sometimes read it to him before bedtime and I suppose that helps.

 

This month, we are also going to watch 'The Gruffalo' (part of Kidsfest). Prior to the show, I've prepared pre-activities for Zech to enjoy after reading the book each time. He likes the story so much we are reading it almost every day.

Another major step I've taken is in teaching Chinese. Wanted to sign him up for enrichment classes but have shelved this for the time being due to transport problem. Can't find suitable programmes around our area as well. So I have to teach Zech myself. We are using Basic Chinese 500 beginning level. It has selected 500 Chinese words most frequently used in books and daily life.

At first, I found it boring but the advantage of one to one learning means I can link the new word to Zech's life. He was immediately very keen to learn. Not sure how this will all progress. However, a positive beginning  motivates us to move on with new hopes. Daunting it may be to teach a child Chinese when I've never done it before, I'm glad we have taken a major step ahead.

Now some updates on our youngest in the family. He loves his solids very much.

He's been crawling since he turned 7 months and now trying to stand up on his own. He likes joining Zech in his lessons. He simply enjoys playing with his brother's toys, not his own toys. Here's Nathanael with his personal set of flashcards and books. He loves them to bits.

Sometimes, his brother reads to him before bed. He's a big brother now!

In this new year, we pray for God's leading and ask for more patience (bringing up 2 boys is a challenge for me!) as we venture forth on our homeschooling journey.