Winter Homeschool Activities

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn. 

I would be lying if I said we were doing fine with homeschooling this winter.  In fact it's close to an epic fail.  Rather than doing consistent, organized lessons, I have been throwing together random games, books, and songs whenever I can.  Last year I kept every completed worksheet/activity and organized it in a binder.  This year it goes on the fridge for a week, then...trash can. The only reason I am not freaking out about my lack of success is because even with my inability to get it together, the boys are right on track.  Proof that prayer works!

Here are a few things we have managed to do.

1. Pointing out letters and numbers any chance we get.  Also, asking the boys what sound each letter makes.  We have done Letter Hunts a few times, but I really should do them more.

2. Read one book to each kid every day.  I used to have the lofty goal of reading three books to each kid everyday, but I was never able to get there and it frustrated me.  So, I lowered my standards. Kids still read, I'm less stressed.

3. Flashcards on the ipad.  We use these for sight words, alphabet, numbers, and shapes.  For some reason Ace hates the alphabet ones, so we do the sight words the most.

4. Tracing letters, lines, and dashes on large paper.  With Leo last year I would sit him down and practically hold his hand for him as he attempted to trace each letter of the alphabet.  Now I let the boys each have a large piece of paper and just go at it.  I usually give them several letters to practice, but I don't expect them to do the entire alphabet perfectly.

5. About once a week I manage to do a lesson from Preschool Prep, ABCmouse.com, or Pre K Scholars. Lately I have really enjoyed the ABCmouse.com because the boys love playing on the ipad and computer.  The lessons are great and involve music and science.  Okay, I admit it, it's also a lot easier too.

6. We play games.  All kinds of games.  Made up games, board games, computer games, ipad games, and sports games.

Sometimes just deciding what to play is the hardest part for me.  This little bucket of games and activities gets the kids excited, helps me decided, and lets Leo practice reading. 

When the boys are driving me crazy and it's obvious they need to get out some energy, we pull out the cards.  I have about 15 of them, and they each have a physical activity challenge.  Amazingly easy and entertaining!

Max getting ready to throw the dice for his next move! 

I found this game on Pinterest.  Roll the dice, move to the next shape, say shape and do what the game piece says.  The only problem is we need a bigger house to spread the game out more.

Leo loves building games.  He enjoys following the directions to make specific buildings.  Max enjoys creating his own buildings.  Ace enjoys knocking over buildings. 

Math and Tracing worksheets.