Math Dyslexia

Malik often experience issues with mathematics. Somehow no matter how much he tries, he struggles with the multiplication tables. We have been studying the facts for years using flash cards, songs etc.

I am aware that he has a form of Dyslexia but never thought it crossed with his math until now. It is important for math to sound interesting to him. To effectively teach I have to, adopt new techniques.

This week he practiced his 3's time table. 

Our Backyard Biology Lesson

Math Vocabulary

With Jaedan entering middle school this year I want to focus on math vocabulary. My plans are to spread the terms out over the course of the next few years as he works his way through Pre-Algebra. 

Vocabulary instruction is essential to effective math instruction. Not only does it include teaching math-specific terms such as "percent" or "decimal," but it also includes understanding the difference between the mathematical definition of a word and other definitions of that word.

You can find the above vocabulary cards here

Happy First Day of College

When I see you....

When I see you, I see a combination of your father and I.

When I see you, I see our dreams for you coming true.

When I see you, I see hope for our next generation.

When I see you, I see strength and determination.

When I see you, I see our love manifested.

Wishing you much success on your new journey. 

Happy first day of college.

Mom

Makers Lab Relocation and Update

This school year I decided to relocate our S.T.E.M supplies to our dining room. Last year every thing was upstairs in our makers lab closet organized but not easy to access. Now I feel we can be more productive with our learning. 

My boys are kinesthetic learners which means they learn through touching, feeling, experiencing the material at hand. Their education is more a hands-on approach; with manipulatives and other "props" incorporated into almost all our school subjects. 

Our makers lab is equipped with the latest technology and constantly being updated. I consider reading and research a part of my job description among other things. I really enjoy learning with my boys as I have always had a love for technology. 

For this school year we purchased a XYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 3D Printer. I look forward to teaching the boys the fundamentals as their adventure in the 3D world begins. 

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 Below are a few of things we have printed so far.

Transitioning

I am happy to report we are transitioning our oldest son Ben from home school to college. Ben is a senior this year and will be dual enrolled in classes this fall at our local community college. We are extremely proud of him for passing the Compass Test.

I know some may say that the compass test is not that big of a deal. But in our house on our journey it is major.

This journey has not been an easy one. It was filled with good days and bad day. So thankful that God did not allow us to give up on our son and gave us much direction.

Summer Update

Summer wood shop class with daddy.

We attended Makers Faire Detroit.

I was taught the art of Japanese Cooking.

The food was so amazing.

I had some wonderful lunch dates with friends.

Geocaching Fun

I prepared this meal for my oldest 17th birthday.

Some crafts that were made this summer.

I hosted a few craft classes in our home.

 They all did a fantastic job.

Malik's Simple Circuit

Battery Powered Bottle Car

Lego Mindstorms Ev3 Record Player

Shodou (書道)

Bennett has been taking vocabulary and Shodou classes. We are very pleased with his progress and thankful for the support he has been getting from his wonderful teacher "Mari".

He plans to take the (JLPT) next year. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the main test of Japanese ability for non-native speakers.

Shodou (書道) is Japanese Brush Writing or Japanese Calligraphy. The term shodou translates as "the way of writing" although more commonly it is translated as "the way of the brush." The use of the character "DOU" (path or way) implies that Shodou is a philosophical pursuit as well as an art form.

Flower Pot Greeting Cards

Last week I shared my love of crafting in my home. They made beautiful flower pot cards.

LED Bracelet