I Wish I Could Make CF Go Away!

Handsome is coughing a lot again. He really does try to focus in school more than it appears at times. Between additional treatments and extra meds right now, it is a marvel that he is capable of the kind of focus he has. And yet, some times I wonder just how much he is "getting." Sometimes he remembers things from the lesson that I did not emphasize. Other times it seems he has difficulty remembering the basics. He is very intelligent and capable. He can build just about anything and figure how most things work. He just doesn't like writing his numbers or words. He likes learning new words, just not writing or spelling them. Reading could be left to others too, if he had a choice. But he thrives on science experiments and adventures. Unfortunately, this new medication means he cannot be exposed to sunlight much at all. He loves being outdoors. He can even tolerate heat that most Arizonans would shun. But not right now. He must be careful. So, we focus more on the fun side of learning to read better. This new program is the best I have seen. We recently purchased the lower level for Hunky, and as a review for Handsome. It has a plan to help the children not get their letter reversed as in "b" and "d", etc. Handsome still sometimes makes those errors. So, by helping Hunky learn the alphabet and letters, he is, in fact, reviewing and retaining himself. This program has a unique way of explaining all that the letters do and say. Very creative! It uses videos, books, games, and activities which really make learning fun.

Both boys are counting to 100 daily, but still need help. When Handsome can remember all the numbers without help, we are going to a movie! That should be next week, I think!

We did go on a ten minute nature walk yesterday as part of his Apoligia Science study. We found about one-third of the scavenger hunt items the book had suggested. We will search for the others when it is cooler and he is off this medication. It is only temporary!

So, we are laying aside the "flying creatures" studies for a few weeks and going with a hands-on physcial science, studying light and magnets. Then we will pick up on the birds and bats in time for fall. If I can kkeep up MY energy to prepare all of the creative and fun ideas from these teaching books, and fill in with some of my own as well, we should have a great autumn and winter! I tried to plan further ahead than that, but I got a little overwhelmed. First of all, all of the programs we bought tell you to teach at the students own pace, challenging, but not boring them. Yet, there are certain subject amounts to cover within the school year as well. I am not concerned at all about science and only a little about math. And with this reading program, I have little concern over the reading...in the end of things. Handsome has spurts of cooperation and spurts of resistance. I don't know for sure, but I do think the treatments affect his attitude somewhat.

Well, we have gone fishing for vowels, had a vowel stomp, learned about scared and brave vowels sounds and counted to 100 by ones, twos, fives, and tens, so many times this week already, that I am getting exhausted! Just kidding!

Now the boys want to bake something...I guess that is a good indoor activity...they would rather be outside! Oh, for a cure for CF!