Choo choo train

A month ago, I planned a unit on trains solely based on Zech's interest. There were lots of fun and play involved. To begin with, the boys had a blast with the snow sensory play, using a mixture of baking soda, water and shaving cream.

Zech did a couple of crafts with lego, cutout shapes and woodblock patterns to make trains. The most enjoyable one was drawing a train, making snow and dabbing them on black paper.

Zech also made a train using toilet rolls and buttons.

Train for breakfast!

This experiment was a hit with the boys. Zech tested the objects to see which ones rolled best on the ramp.

 

 

Then we tested if the object rolled the furthest distance on a steep or gentle ramp.

 

 

We read many books about trains. All borrowed from the library.

This was the boys' favourite! Mine too! Love this series of books.

 



 



We read 'The Polar Express'. Seems like early Christmas...

Check out this website for the read aloud on video.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/polar-express-chris-van-allsburg/1100303321?ean=9780547626925&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-TnL5HPStwNw-_-10:1

 



Did a couple of post-reading activities. Printed a few activity sheets from this pack - 

http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2012/11/free-polar-express-mega-pack.html

This pack is suitable from toddlers to first graders.

 

Recognising immediately how many items are in a small group is known as subitising in Math. Tried this out with Zech using marshmallows (theme related to 'The Polar Express'). This can be done with number play cards too. An interesting concept for early learning. Read more about it here - http://www.yellow-door.net/blog/what-is-subitising

 



Learning to describe using colours as adjectives.

Discussing the story after reading and getting Zech to rationalise and write the reason for an action.

Zech was really fascinated with the story and getting him to imagine what he would do if the train showed up at his doorstep was no problem at all. A very interesting discussion we had and I was amazed what a practical boy Zech is when he asked me how he could get back into the house again after he came back from the North Pole. You see, we don't use keys here (we installed a number lock) and our door bell isn't working. :)

From the story 'The Polar Express', we also talked about how much the main character believes in Santa and how we should put our trust in Jesus. It's a good chance to discuss who Santa is and what Christmas truly is about. After that, the boys did simple finger painting on a heart shape, signifying their love for Jesus.

We read another book 'Clickety Clack' by Robert Spence. I focused on rhyming words. Zech has some prior knowledge of rhyming words so this time, he got to identify and write down the rhyming words on an activity sheet.

Along with this unit is a field trip to Tanjong Pagar Railway, which we were supposed to go the last public holiday. But due to the haze, we had to postpone it. Hopefully we will get to go next week during the Deepavali holiday. Also found out a train museum (http://www.singmuseum.com/)
 is due to open next year. Another museum for my boys to look forward to...

The heart issue

My boys are active and at times, challenging. Not hyperactive but active. That teacher nature of mine has actually ruled out ADHD, autism and dyslexia for Zech. Still, the 'normal' behavior of boys can drive me crazy. They love to be kept occupied and their pet phrase "I've got nothing to do" is often heard during free time. I had no prior experience during my childhood days of behaving like Zech and Nathanael. As a mother of 2 boys, I start at ground zero. Sometimes, the things they do are simply out of my world.

Recently I find myself getting so irritated with their endless chatter and rowdiness during meals and play I fail to see their goodness. Their conversations, however interesting, are noisy to me. I know I need to adjust my tolerance for noise and I know boys need to be boys. However, it's just so hard to do that in reality! A paragraph from the book 'Shepherding A Child's Heart' came timely.

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever; therefore, your objective in every context must be to set a biblical world-view before your children. From their earliest days, they must be taught that they are creatures made in the image of God - made for God. They must learn that they will only "find themselves" as they find Him. Your child must grow to see that real living is experienced when he stands before God and say, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And being with you I desire nothing on earth " (Psalm 73:25)

It's the heart that matters. I've been so focused on correcting behaviour that I've forgotten totally about the heart. The need to set a biblical world-view and to mould and turn their hearts towards God are of utmost importance. Not reducing noise level and trying my best to keep them quiet wherever we are. It's so important to remember in parenting that we do not change the children's personality to what we want.

On dark and rainy days, when I can't see, I can't deny God's presence and His invisible hand working through it all. And He works in my boys' hearts every day. The little lives in His hands He will see to the end. The joy He has given me, shown daily through work such as when Zech diligently does his work without being reminded to or at play such as in Zech's invented play pretend games where he often teaches Nathanael, are pockets of blessings in my motherhood journey. And so I persevere...