BigBoy is in Kindergarten this year. Since he is already reading I thought we would jump right in with some handwriting and math along with picture book science and history. Well, as most of you experienced homeschooling moms know, natural strengths in one area can mean weaknesses in others. In BigBoy's case, it's his fine motor skills. He can grab the pencil and hold it just fine, but doesn't quite have the strength or control to maneuver it well. There is nothing wrong with him developmentally, it's just the problem of being #4 and having three obliging older siblings to do everything for him. I came to that realization while talking to a friend who asked if he played with Legos. I said, "Well, yes... um, after his brother builds them for him." Clue phone... it's for me! (I'm dating myself, I know.)
So, as often happens, my plans were put on hold and revamped so that we could do an intensive fine motor skills workout. I am thrilled though because I had hoped to get to travel along the Alphabet Path and this seems likes the perfect opportunity! Now, I am super excited to share with you some of our journey down the alphabet path (lots of things like sticker activities and coloring will go undocumented). Our jaunt will be heavily focused on fine motor skills and of course, all boy!
A is for...
Architecture
Ants
(Kimberlee's idea was just too good to pass up.)
Apple blossom stamps
Alligators and Alabama (for the big kids)
(This activity included an alligator hunt for all things A. Bigboy had to use the puppet to collect and chomp the things he found.)
(This activity included an alligator hunt for all things A. Bigboy had to use the puppet to collect and chomp the things he found.)
Next Week...B Week!
Thanks for sharing this. Great ideas to store up for my sweet babe.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an awesome mom! These photos are just too precious. What a darling boy! Sounds like he is going to have a wonderful kindergarten year!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Those muffins sound so yummy.
Dear Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a fun week.
Love the giant Ant!
i think i would love to try those Muffins, yum.
We have just finished our first Letter on the Alphabet path as well. Hope you enjoy having a look at our little girls work.
What a great week Charlotte!!! I loved seeing all the pictures! The Architect legos are such a FUN idea too... I will have to remember that for when my little guy is ready for the Alphabet Path in a couple years!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see B week... =)
looks like great fun. I'll have to remember these ideas when we do the alphabet path in a couple years. Looking forward to "B" week. I had an idea for fine motor skills practice, although maybe it's too advanced for a kindertgartener, but maybe instead of coloring your saint pictures, he could trace them onto tracing paper on top of the drawings. have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteExcellent A week photos! It was fun to see an all-boy version =) I think I'm beginning to see what you mean about the 4th child. My 4th is the oldest of my twins, the only boy, and he is spoiled. Definitely. The older girls, one in particular, dote on him so much ... At this point, he can do no wrong in her eyes. We'll see if that ever changes ... But it's good to be aware of this, so that he can learn to do things for.him.self!
ReplyDeleteYes, great ideas. Sounds like fun too.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Charlotte, I am totally blown away by your plans. What an awesome way to bring a boy down the Alphabet Path! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOur oldest son had trouble with fine motor skills and the only thing he suffers from now is not great handwriting. But it does improve.
ReplyDeleteThose are great ideas. One thing we did to help with fine motor skills was cutting playdoh and also letting him go "crazy" with the chalk outside as long as he was practicing his letters.
Too cute!
ReplyDeleteYay for another Alphabet path mama! I'm excited to read about your fine motor workout...I'd like to pass the info along to a friend!
ReplyDelete