Let’s talk about the boys this week, shall we? Silje always gets the attention when it comes to school. So what goes on with these 2 when I’m working with Silje. Well, it used to be that sometimes they’d be with us, and the majority of the time they’d be watching television. I figured educational cartoons are worth something.
However, I hear more and more from mothers who do not use the television to get a half hour in here and there to get things done, and I’ve been taking notes. We’ve given up t.v. in the past, and now we have again. I hate to be so extreme, and normally like to edge things out of our life instead of going cold turkey. However, the kids sometimes do better with cold turkey. When they know our minds are set on it, they don’t ask 2,354 times a day.
By the way, the book they’re looking at in the picture above is the coolest book in my boys’ estimation. Silje actually found it at the library and thought they would like it. They can literally stare at it for hours. It’s all about cars. It has pictures of what seems like each piece of a car. Cars through history. Types of car. Car parts (like I said). The pictures are so bright and vivid, that it’s constantly pulled from hands between brothers. It’s this book
, although I think out of print now. Anyway, I suppose we’ll have to give it back soon.
, although I think out of print now. Anyway, I suppose we’ll have to give it back soon.
One of the classes I took at the convention was occupying your toddlers and preschoolers during school. One of the suggestions was give them construction paper, a brush and a cup of water. Let them “paint” with the water. I wish I knew about this sooner because it’s Elias’ new favorite thing to do and the worse possible mess is spilled water. He’s pretty careful about it, though.
David gets the paints, and Elias doesn’t seem to mind not getting them because he gets the “special” colored paper. Silje was doing her independent reading during this time, but joined them later. She’s been doing school in the kitchen lately because I’m working on a house project in the dining room. So our life has been in the kitchen basically all week. Can I just say, after a week of painting being the favorite thing to do, I have no more fridge space. At least I still think I have a fridge.
He uses his right and left hand, just like David. I still think David is a lefty, but Knut’s in denial and thinks he’s ambidextrous, which is definitely possible. I’m leaning toward lefty, though. Elias uses both so far too.
I’ve been having them bring toy tubs up from the playroom in the basement one at a time and playing in the kitchen while I cook or clean up. Not only to they entertain Solveig, but only one little cubby of toys is out at a time, as they haven’t wanted to play in the playroom since we took away the television. They’d rather be following me.
Although, I won’t pretend it’s all niceness and sweet quiet play around here during school.
I mean…come on.
I mean…come on.
Jessica says
April 22, 2011 at 8:13 pmHi Gretchen! Just wanted to say hi- I enjoy reading your blog and keeping up with what you and your family are doing! Then when we come to MN I feel like I know what’s going on with you and your fam! I thought of you today becuase I made the Potato Cheese Soup recipie you gave me during my bridal shower. I have to say, it’s one of our favorites!
Also, I started a blog of my own and etsy shop- I’m going to be doing a giveaway within in a week or two so I wanted to share the link with you:
http://fifteenevergreen.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful Easter!
Mom says
April 25, 2011 at 3:13 amI see the boys are fighting over Lightning McQueen again. 🙂