Explode the Code Annual Plan

 

Last week I shared quite a bit of reading plans & manipulatives I will be using to add a little extra fun to our phonics journey.  Originally starting our current school year I planned to finish Explode the Code books 1-3 this year.  Once we completed the first book I realized we needed to review quite a bit (mainly due to maturity on my boys part, I my desire to ease into reading & not rush them).  So, rather than feeling behind (don’t all homeschoolers hate playing the catch up game?  - why do we do that?  We are on our own time frame!)  I got to looking at the age range of the books & here is my goal for completing these books:

K/1 – Book 1, 1.5, & 2

1/2 – Book 3 & 4 (possibly Beyond the Code Book 1)

2/3 – Book 5 & 6 (possibly Beyond the Code Book 2)

3/4 – Book 7 & 8 (possibly Beyond the Code Books 3 &4)

I realize this is long term planning, & I have seldom seen this entire series used completely.  Both my older kids stopped at book 6, but this at least gives me an attainable goal that is not overwhelming for me or them. 

I am still entertaining the idea of purchasing the online membership for a little extra help & those crazy days.

Reading K/1: Handwriting

I plan on continuing to use HWOT as our main handwriting to guide the boys in using correct letter formation & such, but I also wanted to reinforce their reading lessons with handwriting practice as well.  I used handwritingworksheets.com to create pages that contained words & sentences from their I Can Read It! books.  I tried to keep some kind of flow to my pages, make them increasingly difficult day-to-day, but they do vary slightly each week.  I’ve only made the first 4 weeks of sheets, but here is the flow I have going so far:

*Trevor is only 4 & is still needing wider lines than Tucker.  I used size 3 for Tucker which has 4 lines & size 4 for Trevor (3 lines), but occasionally I printed both using size 3 (to help easy Trevor into a narrower writing line).

Week 1:  Phonics Focus:  short a/ –at ending

Day 1:  Capital & lower case letter review, new word(s), short sentence

Day 2:  New word(s), slightly longer sentence (1 line tracing, 1 line on their own)

Day 3:  Long sentence (1 line tracing, 1 line on their own)

Day 4:  Word reviews (tracing, then on their own, or write a sentence using a few of the words they  traced)

Week 3:  Focus is still on short a, but with different consonant endings

Day 1:  New/Review words, short sentence

Day 2:  Long sentence

Day 3:  Long sentence & short sentence

Day 4:  Long sentence

Here are samples of the pages I made:

Reading K/1: Sight Words

I will be using the sight words listed in each story from our I Can Read It! books & displaying the words using sight word cards in a pocket chart.  I purchased sight word cut & paste worksheets ($8) &  Lakeshore write & wipe sight words cards.

I love the concept of reading a word, building it, & then writing it.  I would like to have this as a regular activity for the boys, but haven’t decided on magnets.
My choices are:
Scholastics Little Red Tool Box High Frequency Word magnets or Lakeshore Sight Word Magnets
                                  
Each set has its own advantages.  I already have the Scholastic word building tiles, but I love how the Lakeshore magnets are color coded by level.  Decisions.  Decisions. 

***update***

After closely comparing the two sight word magnet sets, I decided to purchase the Scholastic's set.  I found that the Lakeshore magnets did not have near as many words.  Even after purchasing all the sets I still would not have near as many as in the Scholastic set.  Plus, I wouldn't even have all the sight words that I will be introducing.

Tomorrow:  Handwriting!

Reading K/1: Phonics “Word Families”

For Phonics (word families with short vowels):

I chose to ETC Book 1 *Focus on short vowel, constant combinations – I’m calling “word families”                 Each week they will do one lesson of ETC, plus add corresponding lessons from book 1.5 for review in between. 

I’m also going to use the following:

Lakeshore Learning Word Family House Pocket Chart Kit, Flip books, & magnets, plus Scholastics Word Family Mats.      

     

^{*pictures from Lakeshore Learning}

                   

These are a great alternative to the magnets I chose.  I may add this awesome pocket chart activity program later down the road.  It took major self-control to not purchase these or this . . . I do have a 20% off coupon . . .

My plan is to introduce new word families using the pocket chart.  They will also use Explode the Code throughout the week & will continue to make the mini books.  The flip cards & magnets will be used to build words.  The mats will also be used for word building & writing.

 

^{*picture from Sonlight}

I will be using the I Can Read It! books for their daily readers.  These correspond perfectly with the Explode the Code lesson focus & offer sight word lists for each lesson/story.  To expand on this further, I will be creating handwriting pages that also reinforce the lesson focus by using words & sentences from each story.

Tomorrow – Sight Words!

K/1 Reading with Mustangs

So, what am I going to do?  I’ve put a lot of time & research shopping into developing a lesson plan with materials & activities that I know will encourage my boys in reading.  It was important to continue the same approach as WP with different types of material that corresponded a little better & met the needs of my boys more specifically.  I wanted:

• A workbook for phonics & sight word study
• Readers that correspond to the phonics focus
• Sight words that correspond to the reading
• Handwriting that reinforces phonics & sight word concepts
• Hands-on activities & games to reinforce all the above as well as grow a love & interest for reading

Here is my scope & sequence for using both Explode the Code Books 1 & 1.5:

Week	Book:  Lesson	Focus
1	1 : 1	-at
2	1 : 2	a (-n, d, m, p, nd)
3	1 : 3	a (consonant endings)
4	1.5 : 1	review:  a
5	1 : 4	i
6	1.5 : 2	review:  i
7	1 : 5	review a, i (end in s)
8	1.5 : 3	review:  a, i
9	1 : 6	u
10	1.5 : 4	review:  u
11	1 : 7	review:  a, i, u
12	1.5 : 5	review:  a, i
13	1.5 : 6	review:  a, i, u
14	1 : 8	e
15	1.5 : 7	review e
16	1 : 9	review:  a, i, u, e
17	1.5 : 8	review:  a, i, u, e
18	1 : 10	o
19	1.5 : 9	review: o
20	1.5 : 10	review: e, o
21	1 : 11	review:  ALL
22	1.5 : 11	review:  ALL

Originally, I was hoping to just add the 11 lessons of book 1.5 for review before moving on, but after comparing the books I realized that the 1/2 books are slightly more difficult & my boys really need just as much practice of the “easy” stuff as they do the other. 

Winter Promise “Just Learning To Read”

After using Winter Promise PK/K Basic Phonics last year (& LOVIN’ it!!), I decided to move on to WP “Just Learning To Read”.  I especially liked this curriculum because it incorporated Explode the Code (huge fan!) & I love the Now I’m Reading beginning readers. 

*Before I go any further in detail, I want to make it clear that I have not used this curriculum consistently, due to the way life has gone for us it has been more of a stop & go :)

I like Just Learning To Read, but for me (TYPE A) & my boys (well, 100% boys), it jumped around a little too much.  The key focus wasn’t clear throughout the program.  For example the focus may be short a, but a particular word family was not a main focus.  So using Explode the Code the focus could be –at, but the worksheets were –at, –an, & –ap, which were not explained or taught anywhere else in the program.  The readers correspond to the vowel focus, but also contained other blends & sounds that had not been covered.  Sight words were not formally introduced in any particular part of the program either.  For some kids these are not issues, for us it was just too jumpy to master any particular focus.  So that was my main issue with the program.  Here is my overall opinion:

• The guide – wonderful, informative, very easy to use.
• Handwriting pages – the lines were not wide enough for my boys.
• Explode the Code books – love.  However, after book 1 is completed I noticed the program uses book 2 & 3 out of order (a couple weeks on book 2, then a couple lessons in book 3 & back & forth).
• The Word Family Activity book – I liked parts of this, but much of it was over their head & just became busy work.  The space allowed for writing is extremely small & this was a big problem for us.
• Read & Write Mini books – this was my boys’ favorite part.  They took great pride in making their books & we will continue using these as we review.
• Readers Set – I really do like these books & my boys enjoyed reading them a great deal – I just wish they would have corresponded more to the program.

We began the K program this fall & I have seen great progression & maturity for reading, but I don’t think my mustangs are ready to continue on to Explode the Code Book 2 (which is where the program is headed).  So, I decided to take a little break from WP & do my own thang – REVIEW!  At first I thought I’d just pick up ETC Book 1 1/2 (1/2 levels are review).  But I actually think they not only need 1.5, but they also need to redo book 1.  Some of the material in WP was just too advanced for them when we started & I really haven’t pushed them, but would like to see more concepts understood before we continue.  I will be sharing over the next few days how I plan to tie things together more for them.

Live Fully

“I don’t want to survive, I want to LIVE!” 

These words left me in awe this morning as Trevor clearly reminded me of my new dare to live a fuller emptier life.

 _{(and here I sit at the computer…but I have good reason.  I’m making Big Daddy a digital photo book of all his fishing pictures.)}

I am currently reading Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts – A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You are.

I’m following along each Wednesday & Sunday at the Bloom book club as Angie, Jessica, & Ann discuss the book.  I just finished chapter 4 & one word pretty much sum’s it up – A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.  In fact, that’s kinda why I’ve been so scarce on my blog (not that 4 wild & crazy outlaws have anything to do with it either).  I just LOVE this book!  Love.  Love.  LOVE IT!!!  I have a notebook full of notes I’ve taken & I’m telling everyone I know – You must read this book.  It is life changing.  It is wonderful. 

Chapter 1: 

Have you ever been angry with God or questioned Him, when you prayed one way for something & He chose a different way?  Have you ever felt deep pain?  The pain of putting the pieces together after a child dies?

Oh have I.  When our son died it was unbelievably difficult to face God at first.  I’ve asked why a lot!  I love how Ann describes this questioning, “Why did you let something happen . . . that on this side of Heaven looks like a bad thing?”   On this side of Heaven.  At the time I could not see how any good could come from the death of a child.  My baby.  I could not see anything at all past the tears.  But now.  Looking back.  Learning over the years.  Catching small glimpse of possible whys.  Giving birth to 3 more healthy, full term children after being told how difficult carrying a baby to term would be for me.  After building a marriage of almost 10 years on what began on a very rocky foundation.  I might not know why, but like Ann says, “there is beautiful faith through woundedness.”  If nothing more, Talon’s death certainly gave us an opportunity to see life differently.  “. . . the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.  To see through to God.  That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond.  To Him.  To the God who we endlessly crave.”  How?  How do you do that when you feel like God has let you down?  When you feel so empty, when life hurts?  And as you do, how do you hold onto it?  I’ve learned to cling to God, I’ve definitely journeyed down a long path to trusting (and continue), but after the storm, when the sun begins to shine & time begins to heal the pain – I slowly fall back into the busyness of life, forgetting the small things & barely giving thanks for the big. 

After reading chapter one, I am committed to being more satisfied with what God has given me.  I realized that I need to be more conscious of my complaining and continue spending my early mornings with the Lord.  I think the more I bask in His glory the more satisfied I naturally become. I want to trust in God to lead me down the path of righteousness, which will fill me with joy & gratitude, so I feel more at peace with where I am *right now!

- The other day I talked to Taylor for the first time since Christmas.  In the middle of our small talk she asked me how I was with such sincerity.  I smiled & told her,  “I am good.  Really good.”  She could hear it (almost as if she didn’t have to ask).  She hesitated & then responded almost confused, “You sound really happy?”  I am not happy with a lot of things, but I am learning to stop living life like it is an emergency & to find JOY in the moments as I’ve been counting my blessings.  The ones that are happening right now.  Right here.  Life is not perfect & it never seems to go as I have planned, but then again – “There is a reason I am not writing the story & God is.  He knows how it all works out, where it all leads, what it all means.  I don’t.”  God is good!

Truman

 

This sweet boy of mine. 

                              

                        

                    

                    

He’s been so sick for way too long.  My heart break after each weekly/biweekly interval from yet another round of fevers.  I spoke with the immunologist last week & 2 of the 3 Periodic Fever Syndromes he has officially tested negative for.  There is still one that he possibly has; however, there is not a genetic test available to confirm a diagnosis.  Until something points elsewhere we are going to assume this is what he has.  The treatment plan for  him is to continue & increase the medicine he is currently taking, as well as have a tonsillectomy.  Based on his age (2 in May), he is at a higher risk than the typical tonsillectomy patient.  The main increase for risk is dehydration, so as an attempt to prevent this he will be staying over night at the hospital.  This Monday he will have surgery to remove his adenoids & tonsils.

I’m completely at peace with his surgery.  I gave these issues to God a long time ago & I have all the faith in the world that HE will heal our sweet boy in HIS time.  God is good!

A Little Valentine

Everyday LIFE “Homeschooling Highlights” Week 6

 

I’m a tiny bit concerned what week 7 will hold considering there are already 2 days this week full of doctor appointments.  I’m thinking we will split week 6 into week 6 & 7 to relieve as much stress as possible. 

Sweet. ~Pink

 

Everyday LIFE: “Homeschooling Highlights” Week 5

 

This week started off CrAzY!  After close-to 2 weeks fever free, Sunday night Truman spiked a 105 fever.  We were expecting bad weather Tuesday, so I knew Monday would be my only day available to take him to the doctor.  For some reason Monday always seem to set the pace for the week.  I was determined not to throw the towel in just yet; however, a sick baby + bad weather = VERY tempting.  The longer Truman stays “chronically ill”, the more I adapt to the unpleasant circumstances.  I loaded the boys lap-desks with their school work & we took school on the road.  It didn’t all get done, but it was a faithful attempt.  We made it home just in time to meet the rapidly dropping temperatures, thunder, lightening, & rain.  As the cold front approached the rain turned to ice & soon snow was falling.  Another week of school in the house – bundled in front of the fireplace.  YAY!  (Do you sense my sarcasm?)  Praise God Truman’s sick spell only lasted 2 days, which made things much easier.

3 R’s

I have been thinking a lot about reading & phonics with Tucker & Trevor.  They are such hands-on visual learners.  I’ve added quite a bit of manipulatives to our reading time & we will begin them soon.  For now, we continue to work through their Explode the Code books (they are almost done with book 1) & reading their little readers.  I haven’t introduced sight words formally yet, but plan to in the upcoming weeks.  My mustangs dictated their first story to me this week.  I made an idea box with word prompts (farm, ice-cream, dog, etc.) for them to choose from.  Tucker picked baseball & Trevor picked dinosaur.  I wrote their stories in their writing books & they illustrated it above.  Trevor’s dictation:

“There once was a dinosaur who lived in Texas.  He ate my parents.  I went on a dinosaur hunt.        I caught that mean dino & put him in jail.” 

Tyler is still focusing on writing mysteries & we have continued this genre in reading as well.  He finished his first Encyclopedia Brown book this week & will begin another one next week.  The additional work in the Drawn into Reading has complimented his writing well.  I cannot express enough how much we are enjoying our writing curriculum.   Reading his stories has been absolutely hilarious.  He totally cracks me up.  This week he wrote a story about Animal Tracks In The Snow.  To conclude this genre he had to solve a mystery:

History & Science

We didn’t get near done what I had planned; however, we still managed to have a great time on the days we were able to tackle these areas.  The Middle Ages are so fascinating to young boys.  Knights & Castles, Oh My!  Tucker & Trevor listened to the history of Robin Hood, discovered life as a knight, & were super excited about the Samurai.  Tyler learned the dangers of gunpowder on ships & the changes guns made to a sailor’s work. 

My mustangs learned about trees, plants, & flowers this week during science.  Tyler’s science was fully of activities.  He explored the affects pollution on coral reefs with 2 cups of water – we used a flashlight (as the sun) to witness how the sun reflects through to the ocean (the glass), but pollution (adding flour to the glass) prevents the sun from reaching below the surface.  His other experiment was a hands-on “oil spill” which proved to be harder than he anticipated.  We were both surprised after the experiment was over, at how much oil was not cleaned up that we thought was. 

Winter on the Farm

 

Monday night I went to sleep in Texas.  Tuesday morning I woke up in Iceland. 

Inches of beautiful sparkling snow covered the ground

Trees were fallen

Broken branches covered our porch, & vicious winds were still blowing. 

Poor Big Daddy had to work, so Tyler & were left to the farm chores. 

If someone would have told me that one day I would be feeding cows (6) 50lb bags of feed in snow knee-deep out in the middle of no where - I would have called them a liar!

.....But hey, my boots are cute!! :)

The Southern Border of the United States

 

By an over zealous 4 year old.

My boys LOVE memorization through songs – especially Trevor.  For memorizing our geography facts the boys listen to Geography Songs daily.  First, they memorized all their continents & oceans, but there was a major fight in the middle of the making of that video.  Next, we moved on to the southern border of the United States.  We are now working on the northern border which is not near as easy. 

Themed Writing Folder

 

To encourage my mustangs writing, Write Shop suggests creating themed writing folders. 

Words about seasons his our first theme:

In My Livingroom . . .

A Sweet Mission . ..

 

A couple of months ago I took senior pictures for a very sweet homeschool boy who happens to be Mormon & is preparing for his 2 year mission trip in a couple of years.  He is hoping his mission is in Japan.  Wherever he serves, there is no doubt the Lord will use him to do great things!