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.

The Mustangs’ Reading Books

The boys are learning to read this year & as part of our Language Arts lesson plans with Winter Promise they are each to have their own personal reading dictionary.  There were a few other things I wanted to keep track of in addition to the new words they are learning, so I added a few things to it:

Here is the actual dictionary part.  Click here to download the page template I created.  I used one of the LIFE alpha’s from Weeds & Wildflowers for the letters on the side & stapled them on each page with a mini stapler.  I did the binding using my proclick.

They add each new word they learn to read to it & draw a picture of it above:

    

I also added a reading review section & sight words lists with all the words they will be responsible for.

They are so proud of their new books & are doing fabulous with learning to read. 

Momma’s Boy Sea Adventures

Tyler is absolutely LOVING his Sea Adventures Winter Promise is taking us on. 

He has discovered how a submarine rises:

 

He made “dandyfunk” – a sailors snack:

And made an “ocean pie” to get an edible visual of how much of the earth is covered in water:

My Mustangs . . .

    

I mean, My Mummies . . . 

         

           

My mustangs mummies are having a lot of fun learning about ancient history!

Reading with Partners

Reading with Partners is a great way for young readers to build fluency.  I was very hesitant to pair my son & daughter together for reading time, but after much thought I gave it a go . . .

They have been reading Magic Treehouse’s, Eve of the Emperor Penguin, to supplement our Winter Promise, Animals & Their Worlds study of Artic animals.  (Penguins are Momma’s Boy’s favorite!!)  At first, this experiment didn’t start off well.  Daddy’s Girl tends to be just a little bit too bossy & was overly excited about being “the teacher.”  - Tyler grew frustrated with her quickly!  So I listened in & suggested that she listen more than correct.  This time was NOT for her to teach him to read, but rather to LISTEN to him read.  If he misses a word say, “try that one again.”  If he continues to miss it tell him the word & move on.  Once some ground rules were in place their partnered reading time became very successful & she would tell me, “he is doing so good!”  This encouragement from his big sister has been great & it has been a wonderful bonding time for the two.

After they read (usually 1-2 chapters) I will ask them questions like:

• Who is your favorite character?  -Describe them in 10 words.
• What is the setting like?  Would you like to visit there?  Why?
• What Godly Character Traits do you see the characters display?
• What do you like about the plot?

I also had them pick an unfamiliar word from their reading, look it up, & make silly sentences with it. 

*Winter Promise curriculum includes “Great Ideas for Narration” with over 2 dozen discussion prompts that are fantastic for creating teachable moments in a low-key way.

Science

During our Winter Promise, Animals & Their Worlds, study the boys did a fun experiment with water, soap, & a tad of vegetable oil.  They blew bubbles like the paradise fish to protect its eggs (the oil).  They got a little carried away, but it was so much!

H: Humming Bird

Last week was H week at our house & our animal of the week was a Humming Bird.  The mustangs made humming birds *with Hearts on them I might add!  Then we all helped daddy fill the Humming Bird feeders.  The boys have been on the lookout for Humming Birds ever since.  Last year we had over 20 at one feed all at the same time.  We are hoping we break our record this year.

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Sunny & Hot

  Last week marked the last of our dessert study.  It was awkward studying the dessert with snow in our yard :)  I had hoped to take the boys to a snake farm in South Texas, but the weather didn’t cooperate.  We had fun reading all about them though. 

Here is Momma’s boy’s dessert diorama.  He did this ALL on his own!

Sunny & Hot!

Winter Promise LA - “Phonics”

I have mentioned several times how much I am enjoying using Winter Promise curriculum this year, but have hesitated on posting a review. Mainly because there are soooo many things I love about it I just get overwhelmed & I’m afraid I won’t do it justice. In the comments of one of my recent posts Jennifer asked:

“Okay, so I've been trying to figure out what to use for next year for my almost 5 year old. Winter Promise has been one I've been looking at for LA. She knows all her letters and their short sounds, and most of their long sounds. She doesn't yet know blends, digraphs, all that. Would the PK/K level be too easy for her? What is your experience with the LA with your mustangs?”

Because I aim to please & I am so pleased with WP I promised to post a review of my experience & answer her question. So here is my attempt Jennifer . . .

First, I am using WP Pre-K/K Basic Phonics. I chose this level to begin with my Mustangs (at the time they were just turned 5 & 3) mainly b/c they showed very little interest in letters & sounds the year before & this is where they were (boys & age). I love Explode the Code books & have search high & low for a curriculum that expanded on these workbooks. WP uses ETC, but it is not it’s foundation. In fact, I’ve found that it is a little bit of everything – phonics study, reading, workbooks, hands-on activities, writing skills, & spelling. We don’t always do EVERYTHING listed, but the options are nice & the layout makes it easy to choose from. Here is a basic week:

• Phonics Study
• Letter & sounds (short & long) intro using cards *the cards are wonderful & include tips for introducing sounds & formation.
• The program begins with one letter per week for the first 26 weeks. It does NOT go in alphabetical order. The following weeks introduce blends & phonograms.
• Optional GeoSafari Phonics pad
• Worksheets
• ETC: Get Ready, Get Set, Go (avg. of 3 pgs daily)
• Language sheets that are included (*mostly handwriting sheets, but a few activity sheets)
• Jump Right into Reading workbook (1-2 pgs daily)
• Activities
• WP includes an awesome list of hands-on activities. “25 activities to take on the go” Some examples are: “Macaroni on a String, I am thinking of…., search and sort, cupboard search” – everything you need for these activities is included in the activity pack you purchase with the basic package. *alternate ideas are offered for use with Advanced K. 2 activities are suggested each week; however, you could add more if you wanted by just looking at the list.
• Readers
• These are making your own phonics reader by drawing picture of things that begin with the letter you are learning. (my boys skip this)
• Lifeskills
• I love this addition to the program! Some examples of lifeskills are measuring, 911 info, calendar skills, tying shoes, etc. *This is NOT included in the Advanced K program
• Creative Composition
• This is the section that ties in other WP programs (*Animal Worlds, AMER 1 & 2).
• Handwriting/Spelling
• 2-3 days a week suggested handwriting is suggested. 2 lines of current letter, & 1 line of 2-3 previous letters. *I didn’t start this program using this – I supplemented with HWOT b/c my boys weren’t ready for the small lines; however, they are begging to do it now & are doing great with it. We just had to work our way into it.
• Spelling begins on week 28; however, it is only suggested for students that are ready. 10 words & a list of activities (similar to the hands-on phonics activities).
• Taking Off in Reading
• This begins on week 9 after you have accumulated a mastery of several letters. From this week on your child will begin to put together some of the phonics cards (I use magnetic letters instead) to make words *a word list is included each week. I also added BOB books SLOWLY! The program progressively increases in difficulty & truly guides your child into reading without any major jumps.
• On week 14 sight words are introduced – 1 word per week until week 28 at which point phonograms begin.

Throughout this program you will not only find excellent teaching tips, but also wonderful encouragement, “Remember: If your student does not seem ready for these exercises, you may want to . . .” , “Make it fun!”, “DO NOT WORRY!”

I am using WP Pre-K/K Basic Phonics with Animals & Their Worlds & have been very happy with how these 2 programs blend together. Basically, a coloring page of animals beginning with the letter are included, Alphabet Art activities & crafts (using Alphabet Art – LOVE!!).

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Based on the pace my boys are progressing at & their attention span, I am planning on using WP Advanced K for the upcoming school year. And Jennifer, you are in luck b/c I have this guide as well. :)

Okay are you ready for this one? Here we go . . . I have found from my overview of the WP Advanced K guide (keep in mind I have NOT used it yet):

• Phonic study
• The first 3 weeks are a review of the basic sounds of all the letters of the alphabet. This part of the program uses phonics cards (did I mention how awesome these are?), & the optional GeoSafari phonics pad. Week 4-14 is an in-depth study of the five vowel sounds. The following weeks begin phonetic rules, phonograms, & blends.
• Reading Program
• WP uses fantastic readers – I’m Reading Now. I love these books & my children have loved these readers. These books begin in week 4, are continued throughout the program & are scheduled twice a week.
• Reading review begins in week 4. This is a list of words that will provide your child with an opportunity to increase their reading recognition & speed. You are also encouraged to add words to the list (ideas are also suggested).
• Workbooks
• ETC: Levels 1, 2, & 3 (avg. of 2 pgs daily)
• The Word Family Activity Book (1 pg daily)
• Read & Write Mini-Books *begins on week 23 & is used for the remainder of the program (1-3 pgs daily)
• Activities
• These are the same hands-on activities as described above; however there is a more advanced option for use with this guide. These activities are scheduled twice a week, with a “work on picture dictionary” day scheduled for the 5th (optional) day. Again, you can do more or less of these activities.
• Written Skills
• Creative composition
• Begins on week 4. This is the section that ties in other WP programs (Animal Worlds, AMER 1).
• Guided Handwriting Pages
• These are included in the program. Again, the lines seem awful thin for beginning writers in my opinion. This guide begins with short sentences, rather than letter formation like the previous guide. The sentences grow increasingly longer as the program progress; however, beginning on week 23 the student is instructed to write their own sentences using a given word. The handwriting activities begin to vary from this point on. (1 pg per week)
• Spelling
• Begins on week 4. You are given 8 words per week, you add them to a picture dictionary & then you have the option to choose from a list of hands-on spelling activities.
• Reading Review
• Each week there is a list of words for reading review.

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Well there you have it – a VERY detail description of the Pre-K/K Basic Phonics & WP Advanced K. I would also encourage you to visit their website & read the descriptions of each program. The site offers a very informative summary of all the WP Language Arts Programs – you can even take a peek at a sample of the guides. You may also find the Early Reader Placement Evaluation to be a great tool in your decision making.

I do want to add that with choosing either program one HUGE benefit of this curriculum is the option to use what you want, work at your own pace. Remember to make it work for you – NOT you working for it. You may need to work faster through the Basic Phonics program or a little slower through the Advanced. I hope this post gives you a better understanding for each program. Either way, based on my experience with using this curriculum – you can’t go wrong. I am totally happy with my choice in using this with my boys. I love it! & They love it!

Where are Rainforests

Okay, this really is my last rainforest post! We had soooo much fun I just can’t help but share the activities we did. In the last pages of our spine book, One Small Square in the Rainforest, there is a map of the areas you can find a rainforest. I thought it would be fun for my outlaws to sort through their plastic animals & find the ones that live in the rainforest. Next, I had them place them on our felt map on areas rainforests are. It was a great way to conclude our studies.

Next, we are moving on to the desert! Really!!

Measuring

This year I have been using Winter Promise Pk/K Basic Phonics LA.  One feature this curriculum offers in addition to phonics study that I truly appreciate is the a “Lifeskills” section – which is also helping me reach many of my Kindergarten goals for my Mustangs.  This weeks lifeskills were liquid & solid measurement.  Can you tell how much fun we had?

   

I gave each of the boys a cup & bowl, 1/2 cup & a cup measuring dish, a teaspoon & tablespoon measuring spoons, a measuring cup, a quart & a gallon jugs, & a jar full of rice. 

I used this foam activity mat (they punch out so the kids can manipulate them) to help explain measurements & demonstrate what equals what.

By the end of the week they had a better understanding for a measuring cup & could identify the big cup as a measuring cup & knew to fill it to the number 1 for a cup.  They could also recognize a teaspoon from a tablespoon & a 1/2 cup from a cup. 

We practiced pouring 2 half cups into their bowl & then pouring it into the 1 cup dish.  Was it the same amount?  The boys loved their experimenting with measuring activities.

 

To conclude our measuring lifeskills study I had the Mustangs help me make our Valentine cupcakes.  I showed them the box with directions & they did their own measuring. 

  

They did a great job!  I love watching them grow up!!

Exiting the Rainforest

Last week was the conclusion to our study of the rainforest.  After an entire month of sickness running its course through our home, I refused to surrender to sore throats, coughing, & fevers.  I decided to drug all my kids (I was desperate!) & take them to the Dallas World Aquarium as a finale to our rainforest study.   It was the perfect escape & wasn’t too overwhelming for my sick recovering kids.  They loved it!  The mustangs thought it was a “real” rainforest.  LOL  The aquariums were absolutely beautiful.  My boys thought seeing the sharks being fed was pretty cool too.  Tucker did have a slight melt-down when a monkey busted a grape pooped on his head.

  . . . Feeding a baby parrot made it all better though :)  We all had so much fun playing we the otters.  They were hilarious to watch & were super playful.  Trevor was ecstatic to get so close to a REAL jaguar (his favorite!).  I loved seeing my boys enjoying the wonders of God’s creation inside a mini-rainforest.  I am so thankful I have the opportunity to expose them to these experiences.  It is one thing to spend several weeks looking through wonderful books, but nothing compares to the real-life experiences.  Well, as real as we can get without visiting South America or Africa!  What a fabulous day of memories we made together.  Sick or not! 

School These Days

We have been fairly diligent with our school work these days.  The boys are always super excited to start school each day . . .

I have no idea why Trevor was quietly hiding under Truman’s crib one morning . . . .

Seriously though, if you were to peak through our window here are some of the things you would catch us doing . . .

The mustangs have had a blast with their phonics.  They have gone on scavenger hunts at the grocery store, played alphabet bingo, decorated their jumbo letters, made letters with cookie dough & baked them.  This week they finished their first Explode the Code book :)  YAY!!  They are doing wonderfully with their alphabet & sounds.  I think they have most of the sounds of each letter down.  We are continuing to work on recognition, first letter word sounds, handwriting, & are beginning to put the sounds together.

Momma’s Boy is doing fabulous with his studies.  His math is blowing me away!  Division & finding the areas of triangles have not slowed him down the least bit.  He has be been acing his spelling tests & is growing wonderfully with his dictation skills.  Not to mention, the boys cursive is beautiful.  Reading has still been a huge obstacle for us; however, a wonderful friend of mine from church (who is a retired elementary teacher) has agreed to tutor him.  She will be reviewing phonics skills with him & working on his reading using Pathway Readers.  I will still be doing reading with him at home as well, but having help will ease my worries & hopefully allow me to relax a little.  *more on this soon.

Together we have been eager to keep up with our science studies & have truly enjoyed this area of schooling as a group.  We just LOVE it.  We have one more week left to revel in the Rainforest.  Next we will be off to the hot desert. 

Now just to keep it real I will admit that we have done very little with our Tapestry of Grace studies.  Not for lack of effort, but more time.  Heidi coming has helped, but Tyler has been pretty sick for almost 2 weeks now.  Thankfully, I only planned to do the second half of YR 2, so we still have plenty of time to play catch up. 

And The Fruits Of The Rainforest Are . . .

Last week while studying the rainforest we learned about some of the different kinds of plants & fruits that grow there.  The kids were amazed at how it makes it to Walmart.  :)  LOL  So we decided to have a rainforest taste-testing party . . . .

 

As we were preparing for our taste-testing I introduced the fruit they weren’t familiar with & we talked about the outside appearance of the fruits, what they expected the inside to look like & how they thought it would taste.  I tried to prepare the fruit in a way that they boys would be able to see the outside & inside.  We tried:  pineapple, grapes, pears, coconut, papaya, mango, kiwi, avocado, & pomegranate.  I also had a few citrus drinks with made from a mixture of the fruits so they were able to try the fruits in a juice form & mixed together.  The kiwi gave the best sour look, the the coconut won the bitter award, & the mango was a favorite!  I was very proud of my apple-addicted fruit lovers for trying new things & even happier to find that they discovered more fruits they like. 

After our taste-testing we talked about the different types of seeds in each fruit.  We discussed which fruits they thought birds & bats like & how they helped in the cycle of the rainforest with their seed droppings!

What a wonderful rainforesty snack!

Rainforest Cafe

This year the boys & I have been having a fantastic time studying Animals And Their Worlds.  This curriculum is a great fit for our family & is extremely user friendly.  I like this curriculum soooo much that I am too excited to even give it an adequate review.  There are just so many things that I like about it. . . . The layout is a breeze, there is a lot too choose from, the studies are enjoyable, there are great activities throughout, ALL the boys can do it together, it ties into language arts/reading for Tyler & phonics for Tucker & Trevor. The list goes on & on.  I just really love it. 

Currently we are studying the rainforest.  You can’t study the rainforest without going to the Rainforest Cafe, right?  A field trip to the Rainforest Cafe was just what we needed to get us excited about returning to our studies after a great Christmas break.  The kids where mesmerized by the decor.  Trevor was slightly hesitant of the crocodile out front & even more cautious of the hanging cobra.  Tucker danced away with the monkeys during the forest storms – super cute.  Tyler loved the fish.  Taylor was super excited about the cool chairs in the bar area & a tad disappointed that she couldn’t sit in them.  They all loved the art work & were ecstatic about the balloon lady making them their own animal balloon. 

We had a wonderful time together & reveled in the rainforest atmosphere.  This was a fantastic field trip!!

Dallas Zoo

To end our African Safari we took a trip to the Dallas Zoo. Momma D & the 3 B’s went too!!

The last time we were at the Dallas Zoo was on Trevor’s first birthday & he was this size:

Now he is not so little:

It was the perfect zoo trip day. The weather was amazing! The kids were soooo good. The zoo was fantastic. The animals were all so playful. We had a wonderful day. We even got a few extra lessons. The boys learned about venimous/poisonous snakes & we got to watch the wart hogs get fed. The day was full of adventures.

What better way to leave the African Savannah than on a guided monitorial tour? That’s right, we rode the monitorial around Africa. Getting one more glimpse of all the beautiful amazing animals God created.

Next stop? The Rainforest!!