September 7 - 11

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

PRESTON

Preston had his belt test for karate on Saturday, September 12.  He worked so hard and was only one out of four blue belts testing this time around.  The physical test with katas, self-defense and weapons lasted about two hours and then he completed a written test.  It was difficult with karate only being held twice a week because of Covid-19 restrictions, but he worked really hard and will receive his purple belt Monday night (September 14)

MARISSA

Marissa has been working in her language arts' book this week.  She's been working on the different sounds of the letter "y" and when they are used.  She is also learning when to use "ou" and when to use "ow" in her spelling words.  She is also practicing spelling using "Teach, Type, Read and Spell."  It is helping a lot to have multiple approaches to help her reading and spelling.  She has been reading "Sophie Mouse" books and really enjoying them.  She just finished "Sophie Mouse: A Surprise Visitor."  

CALEB

Caleb's new favorite subject is World History/Geography.  He loves putting stickers on the map and reading about the different icons.  This week we learned about Bartholomew Diaz, a Portuguese explorer and his journey around the southernmost tip of Africa, setting up the route from Europe to Asia later on.  We learned that he called the southern most tip of Africa "The Cape of Storms" but it was later renamed "The Cape of Hope" by the King of Portugal because he hoped to find trade routes to India.  

OTHER

WINDSTORMS

We made it through the crazy storm days okay.  My kids were so sweet on Wednesday morning.  They woke up and told me they were Lantern Girl and Warm Boy (equipped with flashlights and hand warmers) and were ready to go help clean up our community.  They went outside with garbage sacks and set to work filling bags with branches and leaves and garbage (including shingles from multiple roofs).

ART

Marissa is eagerly awaiting her Virtual Makerspace Doodle Crate.  In the meantime, she's creating on her own.  She made a squirrel house out of an Amazon box and made multiple creations with play dough.  

Grandma gave us these fun art projects called diamond dots.  I was surprised how well it kept Caleb's attention.  It is helping so much with his fine motor skills (which is something he struggles with quite a bit).  We can't wait to complete this fun, colorful pineapple!