I thought I had a resistant reader. Turns out the words on the page are not cooperating!

For those of that may have a "resistant reader" ....

I have had the hardest time getting my youngest to read. He can sound out almost any word and he is a good speller, but ask him to read a simple book or even a sentence - forget it! Finally one day he told me that the words "bounced" on the page. After he was tucked into bed I did a google search and came up with this -http://www.childrensvision.com/reading.htm

Low and behold there were pictures of words that showed various vision problems. The next day I asked him if any of these pictures were what he saw and 2 of them were (the ones that depicted eye tracking and eye teaming problems).

So I found on the HSLDA website a link with ways to do preliminary testing at home for problems. I did the tracking test and sure enough, his little eyes bounced and did not seem to track properly. (My little guy was not just being lazy or defiant about not reading!)

Well, while waiting to get him formally tested, I stumbled upon some online exercises to try with him. Here is the link:

http://www.eyecanlearn.com/index.htm#Letter Saccades

I hope this helps someone and I am interested to hear any other suggestions or experiences regarding reading and vision that you may want to share.

Blessings! - Lisa

Today I Will....

Today I will take time for what really matters:

Take time to enjoy God's presence.  To see His gifts everywhere and enjoy the wonder of His goodness.

Take time to enjoy my children, precious gifts from Him.  Focusing on building relationships and enjoying this season that I have been given with them, for time passes quickly and I do not want to miss a thing.

Take time to focus on character before curriculum.  Checking my heart, what do their hearts need today to be successful?  Science lessons they may eventually forget but the heart instruction that forms lasting character will go with them for life, and their success.

Take time to focus on blessing my husband.  What can I do for him today that will bless him or make his life easier or more pleasant?

Take time to focus on others.  Being ready to offer encouragement and help to whomever God leads me.

Take time to receive GRACE from heaven to be the woman that God created me to be.

The Big Move

I cannot believe that it has already been 4 weeks since we arrived in New Mexico.  Time sure flies when you are having fun!  At the same time, it seems like we have been here longer - and it fits.  This is funny because if you would have asked me if I ever would have imagined my family living "out west" my answer would have been a definite no.  Up until recently I did not like the west, cowboys (except my 6 yr. old dressed up as one because he is irresistibly cute), and especially not western movies!  However, God must have been preparing my family because for the last year or so my husband and 4 children religiously celebrate "Western Saturday" by snuggling in and watching shows like "High Chaparral," "The Virginian," "Big "Valley," and "Bonanza."   I have even been roped into "Dr. Quinn" reruns!

Well, I am falling in love with the West, and the people here.  Making such a big move was a giant leap of faith for our family.  Yes, we have moved out by some of our very closest friends whom we consider family and our kids call "aunt" and "uncle" - but everything else was "God, we are trusting that we are hearing from You and that You are leading our steps."  Jeff did not have a job yet and we did not have a place to live.... and I sometimes wondered, "Will we fit in there?"

Well, I am thrilled to share that Jeff does have a job, he is a store-manager-in-training at a local book/entertainment venue.  God has provided in jaw-dropping ways for our family.  We  have a home - a ranch actually - on 6 acres!!!  (More about that later.)   We were blessed with groceries to restock our pantry the night we unloaded our moving truck, which was a huge blessing since I have given most of our pantry items away to friends before we moved.

What we see some mornings in our front yard.

We had been down to 1 vehicle for almost a year and were making due.  Someone came up to us and handed Jeff and I each a key - we were so confused - an explained that we needed a second vehicle so I could get around with the kids while Jeff was at work.  A Chevy TAHOE!  Jeff and I were speechless with our mouths hanging open.  How does a simple "thank you" work in that situation?

The next week our children were given a new trampoline, a big blessing since we live "out" and it gives them lots of exercise and play time.  They are never bored between the trampoline, the long road for bike riding, and the neighbor's horses.

And, best of all, we LOVE our church and it is a FIT for us.  This has been the EASIEST adjustment for our 4 children - they are so happy.  God is just SO GOOD and FAITHFUL.  (Good news - He is no respecter of persons.  He wants you to experience His goodness and faithfulness in your life too.)

I feel like I can breathe again......


How has God shown His goodness to you?  Please share!

Our Homeschool Room!

This is the first year (in 6 years) that we have had a whole room dedicated to just homeschooling!  Thanks to my wonderful husband for the idea and help to make this happen.

Grammar wall with write-on wipe-off area for day's sentence, and weekly Root words and Spelling info.

 15 foot timeline! Plus a space for everyone.  We may switch to individual desks in the future.

 1st grader's area with easel (he likes to move so standing for many things is better for him) and separate desk for 7th grader and mom to share.

 Table for 4th and 5th grade sons to share (and 1st grader too at times)

 My teacher tools crate

 Each child has their own color coded crate with their work inside

 And a mini color coded crate for supplies

School crates are on the floor next to their spaces

Curriculum closet - Top shelf has past schoolwork, Then we have supplies and crafts, to the left are shelves for science, math and history.  In the middle are more supplies and a shelf for language arts.  To the right are shelves for learning games and sewing supplies.  Everything is in here  except for readers.  Readers are in the living room in bookshelves.

Last Days of Summer - Fun - Try This at Home!

It has been a scorcher in the Ozarks this summer and very few days have been spent outside.  Talk about Cabin Fever in a whole new way!  Finally, as our planet is moving on it's orbit around the Sun, we have had a break in the weather with some cooler days and much cooler nights.  (Insert huge amounts of gratitude here!)  And so, the boys (and girl) can once again venture outside for the  better part of the day and I am grateful that our school principal (aka Daddy) has reminded me that school NEVER officially starts until after Labor Day.  This gives the teacher (me) a few extra weeks to prepare for a stellar year (by His grace) and the children some extra time outside gathering in vitamin D while playing and breathing deeply of fresh air.  There are noises of nature all around us, a beautiful chorus singing to our Creator.

And then, what is that EXTRA noise?  We don't have any motorcycles in our neighborhood.
Ahhhh, it is MY boys!   Take 1 bike and 1 empty water bottle and you can transform said bike into a noise-making, motorcycle-imitating machine!

Summer Painting Fun

Here is our painting craft for the summer.  We went to Michaels and purchased canvas on sale 50% off and acrylic paints on sale for 29 cents a tube.  We (or should I say, me) traced the letters onto contact paper and placed them onto canvas.  Then, we had fun painting whatever we wanted.  Finally, we peeled off the contact paper, and voila! Our artwork was done.  

We are all excited to try some more painting again soon.

Leaping for Science

Today, we took the opportunity to do some leaping for Apologia! They are having a fun leap day contest - take a picture of leaping for Apologia and win $100 gift card for their products! 
Apologia Science has been an excellent resource for our family for the past 4 years.  So far, we have studied Astronomy, Botany, Zoology 1 (flying creatures), and now Anatomy & Physiology.....and we do not plan to stop!  We already have Zoology 2 (swimming creatures) and General Science on tap for the fall.

Boy, did we have fun trying to get some serious air!!!