How I Taught My Child Multiplication

Chloe entered third grade this last fall and I knew this was the year they would start learning multiplication. I wanted her to know her multiplication tables before they started learning them in class for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted whatever she learned at school to be extra practice and two, I thought if the tricks I taught her didn't work, she would surely learn different ones at school. When Nash was in third grade he attended an amazing charter school. I remember that his teacher used stories and pictures to help the kids remember the facts. I had no idea what lesson she used, so I began Googling.

I found Multiplication.com 

I purchased the book, Multiplication In A Flash.

It's actually on sale right now for $21.95.  

The book starts with several schedules. You can choose one to fit your needs and desired pace. I picked the 3 day schedule. When it was time, Chloe and I would sit down at the table with a white board, our printouts, and some m&m's for motivation! I would talk her through the short lesson and whatever else.  I used the whiteboard during the lesson, then she got to use it, to show me what I just explained. The book walks you through everything and it is VERY EASY to follow.

The best part about the book is that it has different teaching approaches for each kind of learner. It teaches with funny stories that are easy to remember, pictures that tell the story, games, and cookie graphs.

Here are a few snapshots from the book:

Teacher Gift Idea

See the eight and skate picture below? I printed that and all the others like it off onto white cardstock. I printed the story that goes with it on the back. Then, I had Chloe color the photo. We did this on a few cards each week. When they were all done and we completed the book, I had them lamenated. We gave the cards and the book to Chloe's teacher.

At times, we struggled to start the lessons, but we got through it. The m&m's helped. So did the bribe. I promised Chloe that after she was done with the lessons, I would get her the Marbleworks toy from Discovery Toys. I'm so happy I took the time to do this with her. It definitely gave her an edge. She never had any trouble when she did multiplication in class. In fact, she was the best in the class, scoring 100% on every timed test before any of the other children. Aren't those bragging mom's so annoying?

*I was not asked to write a review for this product, nor did I receive any compensation.

I'm just sharing something with you that I really loved!

Dress To Impress

Just a quick note to let you know that I am completely swamped with to-do's while trying to get ready for this wedding tomorrow. Things should calm down next week and I will be back to posting next Tuesday. I did want to share a little talk I had with Chloe and Nash last night.

We attended the rehearsal dinner last night for Ian and Kate's wedding. I wore a spring dress, cardigan, and wedge sandals. Chloe wore a casual dress with leggings, which is out of the norm from her regular t-shirt and jeans. Nash wore dark jeans and a collared button down shirt. Dad wore jeans and a long sleeve button down. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, on the drive there, Chloe asked if her cousins would be dressed up, or if anyone else would be. I said probably not because it was at my cousins house, BUT that it didn't matter in this case what everyone else was doing. The soon-to-be bride and groom requested us to look business casual.

I preceded to explain that it was a sign of respect to Ian and Kate and ourselves to take the time to make ourselves look nice. I told them that not everyone may feel that way and that it may not even occur to other people, but our family was going to observe this theory. With all the work everyone put into to make the dinner happen, the least we could do was invest some time in making ourselves look presentable. I said I didn't think they would appreciate us in all their rehearsal dinner photos in scrubby clothes! They agreed and I think they had a bit of pride in themselves.

I would never consider leaving the house in my pajamas, without make-up, or without my hair brushed. Again this is just a personal issue I have, but I honestly feel better, when I feel I look "put-together." Chloe opened up dialogue and I took advantage of a teaching moment with them. I look for those opportunities with them all the time. We often have important conversations and I'm proud to say they have a very open and honest relationship with me. I think they feel comfortable talking to me about anything. That makes me very happy!

They Grow Up So Fast

The other day I walked in the door to find this on the counter of a perfectly clean kitchen. My first instinct was to get annoyed that one of my children had the nerve to leave their toys out, which is nothing out of the ordinary, but always annoying nonetheless. However, in just a short moment I became overjoyed to see it sitting there. Why, you might ask? Well, here's the thing, that toy was something that Nash built the day before. I have no idea what possessed him to dig into a box full of Legos that he hasn't touched in years. I know that with each passing day I am less likely to find his "toys" lying around. Before I know it there will be no more toys, and soon after that I won't have the luxury of finding his dirty socks in the most oddest of places. He's growing so fast. Too fast.  He'll soon be in high school and I know those four years are going to fly by. He'll then be in college and I won't see his stuff lying around. He won't be here for me to nag to clean up. So for now, once in a while, I'll take comfort in his mess. I left the toy sitting on the counter, but it's gone now. I suppose the fact that he is outgrowing toys only means I'm doing my job and he's growing up completely normal. Sob, sob, sob. 

On a brighter note, I enjoyed the most wonderful Saturday with Chloe and Nash. Chloe's baseball game got cancelled so we got to relax during the morning. We had a family lunch of Sushi, where of course Nash had some raw fish and Chloe had plain steamed white rice. The kids and I ran to pick out some wedding gifts for our cousin who is getting married on Friday. Later, I made plans with a friend to take her kids and mine to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. It was the perfect movie to see for us adults, and an 8, 9, 11, and 13 year old. After the movie, I took C & N to the CeramiCafe. I thought it would be cute for them to paint something for a wedding gift. Nash wasn't thrilled, but decided to come along. We decided on a set of coasters. We each painted one and we left one unpainted so the bride and groom can go back together and paint it. Nash really enjoyed himself and asked to come back again sometime. After picking up some pizza we didn't arrive home til almost 10! Since Nash and I are sick, it pretty much wiped us out. I can't wait to go pick up our fired pieces on Thursday and see how they turned out.

 

The Internet-A Parent's Tool For Medical Answers?

I know we all agree. It is the worst feeling in the world when your child is sick and you feel there is nothing you can do to fix it. That helpless feeling, it's heart wrenching. It makes your stomach sick. I've been there. It's a horrible. Once when Chloe was a baby, like I normally would, I put her in the car seat, I closed the van door, got in the drivers seat, and peeked at her in the rear view mirror. At that quick glance, I thought she was dying. I honestly did. Her face and lips were turning blue. Her hands were clenched in tight little fists. Her head slightly shaking while her eyes rolled back into her head. I screamed for help to my husband who was in the house. I frantically dialed 911. At the hospital they ruled it a seizure, not your common febrile seizure. They ran tests. No answers for what caused it. They sent us home and the next day she had another. She was airlifted to Children's Hospital and spent the next few days there under observation and being poked, prodded, and tested. She was only six months old. She had a swollen fontanel which was alarming to doctors. She went on to spend six months under the care of a neurologist. We never did get answers as to why. But she's fine now. Never had another seizure that we know of.

I've gone through it with Nash for years. The doctors have no clue. They all diagnose him with asthma. I know he doesn't have asthma. I even believe I know what the issue is. Sorry, I'm not completely ready to share that yet. But here's the thing...they run their tests, they push their meds, and they forget about you before you're even out the door. At least that has been my experience. I know doctors don't have it easy. But here's the other thing...sometimes we as parents know more. We know our children better than anyone. We know if something is not right even if said doctors don't listen or think we are crazy. AND the Internet has possibly given us as parents, who are seeking medical information the biggest gift ever. Perhaps to the irritation of those doctors when we come in spouting out information that we read and our probable diagnose. Granted, there is also a lot of MISINFORMATION out in cyberspace. And I think any relevant information should be discussed with doctors.

I have to thank my husband for his tireless efforts. He doesn't take no for an answer from doctors. He asks lots of questions and makes lots of requests. But in an age where decisions are made by our insurance companies, then our doctors, we are often the last to have a say. Our current doctor wouldn't so much as order blood tests for our son. In fact, he did nothing except a simple breath test before diagnosing him with asthma and putting him on three different medications! So, we simply went to a different doctor. Before our general doctor even responded to our email, my husband had already gotten a variety of tests and results for our son from the new doctor, a specialist.

I guess I just wanted to say that I'm thankful we as parents have the tools we need to do something to help our children. I want to encourage any struggling parents not to give up. I'm thankful that we don't have to put all our faith into a strangers hands and hope for the best. Like I said, it's the worst feeling to be helpless to your children. But, it's a great feeling when you figure it out, and are able to be proactive, and make it better. I'm thankful for my husband who never gives up. I'm thankful for the internet and all the stories parents share about their medical journeys with their children. But most of all I'm thankful for my wonderful children who I love more than anything.

Please understand that this is my situation and I know it doesn't apply to everyone. These are just my feelings about what I'm going through in my own life. As I get more information about our situation I will update you. If I can possibly help one person with the information I have found, it's all worth it. To be continued...

Time Management, Lists, and Phrases

We are restructuring our time around here. I'm a list person and without lists I fall apart. If I fall apart, a domino effect ensues and the children become little zombies who spend all their free time on their various mind capturing electronic devices.

I have a list that Nash follows in the morning. It's been posted since he was in kindergarten. It reminds him to brush his teeth and tie his shoes! :) He still looks at it every morning.

I have a list of "Rules of Civility". This is a list of rules and consequences. For example, if the kids are arguing they have to copy the arguing rule the number of times they are years. So they would write, "Strive not in argument, but submit your judgement to others with modesty." 13x's for Nash and 8x's for Chloe. There are 7 rules and phrases on the list.

I have a list of things the kids have to complete before they can watch TV or play video games.

I have bedtime routine list for the kids.

However, these lists are pointless if I don't use them, duh! So, I'm reintroducing the lists. The kids are not happy. But I know it will bring structure and happiness into our lives. We are consumed by our electronic devices. I like Branson's idea of wireless Wednesday. Today's Wednesday and look at me, some example. Note to self: work on being a better example for the kids. I hate the phrase, "Do as I say and not as I do." I get it, it's just not my style, and I think it confuses kids and makes them resent you. To me it's the epitome of hypocritical. I know a lot of people don't agree with me on that.

A phrase I have coined and use almost daily for my kids is, "Do what you have to do, before you do what you want to do." It actually applies to me as well. I love it.

My Aunt's big phrase was always, "BECAUSE I SAID SO!"

What phrases did/do you use for your kids or what did your parents used to say to you?

Natural Consequences

Many years ago when Nash was little, my MIL sent me a book by John Rosemond. I read it and many others he wrote from cover to cover. Nash wasn't naughty, he was just always sidetracked. This made it hard for him to focus in school, to care about tying his shoes, to concentrate on homework, or to remember his lunch. The biggest bit of information I took from his books were to let your child suffer the natural consequences of their actions. If he doesn't do his homework he gets punished at school. If he gets punished at school of course he will then get punished at home. If he forgets his lunch, he will be hungry. If he forgets his jacket he will be cold.

Trust me, it didn't take more than a few times of these natural consequences before he was cured of his forgetful and non-chalant ways. It was harder for me I'm sure. Knowing that he is upset or seeing him cry and knowing I can just fix it in an instant is a hard urge for a mother to fight. But it was for his own good. He has become a very independent middle-schooler. [Even if he did forget his lunch today! It's only the second time this year. I won't take him the lunch, he'll have to figure something out, and he will.] Of course he still uses the list I've posted since kindergarten to help him get ready in the morning. Right down to "put on socks" and "brush your teeth" and "put your lunch in your backpack." Perhaps it's just habit to check the list now.

I didn't agree with everything in these books and I'm sure you won't either. But even if you can find one useful technique, method, or mantra, it's worth it for a happier family. I always say if I use one recipe regularly out of a cookbook, then it was worth the purchase :). I particularly like Ending The Homework Hassle. If I remember correctly, his books are a bit Christian influenced with bible references, so if that is a problem for you it's unfortunate because you'll be missing out on some great advice. But, I thought I would put it out there.