Things we're learning

Today I am looking forward to taking the boys to a place called Steninge Slott, a beautiful 18th century palace just 30 minutes north of Stokcholm. A lady from our church told us about this place and wanted to go there because they have glass blowing. Supposedly, with the help of an instructor, you can blow your own glass! We all want to try our hand at this and see what we come up with.

I banned my boys from using the computer all this week. It seems I have let them get into the habit of logging on whenever they want. Very untypical of my mothering style. They have always had to ask permission to watch t.v., play video games or play on the computer. But then we bought a new computer and all of us were so excited about it that my "rules" sorta flew out the window. Now I've got to reign them back in and get them interested in real life again. Sometimes I'd like to toss all the techno gadgetry in the garbage. I think its the #1 reason why my oldest doesn't like to read. He'd rather play on the computer.

I like both reading and using the computer. My son likes to use the computer to play games, search eBay for interesting toys to buy (he currently wants to get the Lord of the Rings version of Risk), and also enjoys changing the backgrounds on his desktop. He has a good understanding of how to use a computer at a young age. But I guess we're raising a new generation of extremely computer-literate children, aren't we? Since computers are so commonplace in the home now, I wonder why we aren't teaching children how to type? Last year, when my boys went to the international school, they spent hours each week in a computer class, or using the computer in their classroom, but they never received any formal training about how to type. Seems to me, if kids can navigate the computer with such ease, they might also be ready to begin learning some typing skills.

I just had the boys complete their first entry in their new portfolios. I asked them to think about our trip to Denmark and draw a picture/write about something related to our adventure there. This little exercise was originally meant to give them something to do since I took away computer privileges. I also wanted to begin giving them small but meaningful assignments to give them practice taking directions from their new teacher - MOM! Oldest son was reluctant at first, but is thrilled with having his own notebook to store his stuff.

They both watched Muzzy this morning and I'm pleased at how easily ~D~ is picking up the language. After watching the DVD, he'll come to me and speak something in Spanish, wondering if I understood him. Of course not. Then he's so proud to tell me what he learned!

Now ~N~ has decided on his own that its time to clean out the gerbil's cage. Taking care of his gerbil has been a great way to learn responsibility. I am especially pleased when my children take the initiative and do things on their own, without prompting and nagging from me.

Rejoicing
because of the gift of my children,
Marla