multiplication

okay, so at my friend B's suggestion, due to the current school math curriculum in our state, we have started the ball rolling with teaching multiplication - at home. :-
To clarify, we are presently involved in a mathematics curriculum that educates via investigational learning. definition: word problems, visual cues, and problem solving. Not multiplying or dividing. Addition and subtraction is the foundation, so obviously that has been learned, and continues to be taught. But, no multiplication, and no division.

I am so not a home schooler. It actually makes me kind of sad, and frustrated that I am not that "person". I feel like I am teaching my kids everyday, all day, but the truth remains that school at home is completely different than the "life-teaching".

Math is so hard for me. Conceptually, I am a visual person. I need pictures, and absolutely need to touch what I am learning. Tactile tendencies for sure (aha! maybe that's why I haven't ventured to the dark side yet ... ;o)

But really, I am an art/science/creative writing person. Math is just ... well, it sucks.

Whoops. Did I say that out loud? eek.

And just to add salt to the wound .. the child I am teaching feels the same way about math. It is so obvious he has my genes - he loves writing, and reading, and art, and science- oh, how he loves to figure out "how that works" and "what's that made of" kind of stuff. Just like me.

So, as a result of all of this, I am even more determined to give him a better foundation for the future that he will need, come middle school. I am more determined to allow him the opportunity to have math as a strength. I am more determined to get the math skills up to the other skills he has at this point.

I am counting on S to really bring this one home. I know that he is more math-oriented, not necessarily likes it more, but more inclined to have an understanding. So, because of that, I think I have to turf this one.

Not so bad, right?

And then there's the little squirt I have here .... I'm sitting there, discussing multiplication with C and she says, "Oh, I get that!" Yeah ... that helps the cause.

Speaking of lady K, she caught the bug that C was harboring over the weekend. Good news, she avoided the belly issues. (thank goodness on so many levels!) however, she is not feeling like herself. She has one heck of a runny nose, and the sniffles seem to be consuming her every breath. She did sleep well last night, and that was good. Despite feeling relatively icky, she sure is one good sport though!

I have been so fortunate with the number of times my kids have been sick ... as in close to never! So, when they are, I am so worried it might be an awful one .... but it wasn't!

She is actually, so mellow, and so adorable. She wants to just play on the 'puter, and color, and read. Kinda fun, and kinda bonding stuff. :o)

So that's it for now ... and I am heading to make some dinner. I am also heading to a Southern Living Home party afterwards. I am looking forward to the friends I will be chatting with, but also the house that it is at is supposed to be awesome!

So .. away I go ... have a great Thursday!~