do it for Jesus

Trip to the beach celebrating the
end of the handwriting workshop.

Today I finished my 40-day Facebook fast and started a 40-day no spending $ on anything except food and gas. I just opened my email and found a 15% off total purchase coupon from School Aides. Awe. I laughed out loud literally. Here’s a test right off the bat from the enemy. That has to be one of my most favorite stores, besides Goodwill. 

Montessouri Moments Handwriting Without Tears Workshop turned out to be a huge success. Creed was able to spend time going from learning station to learning station strengthening those muscles used for hand writing. The centers were structured in two ways providing practice in finger strengthening, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, as well as letter formation and handwriting practice. His favorite activity was using the light box to trace stencils. To encourage further development I purchased one for the home and he promptly lost interest. Funny how that works out, however I’m sure it’ll be used for years to come. For instance, perhaps all I need to do is show an interest in it and start using it myself, before curious Creed wants to take over for me. 

Mat Man by Creed.

During Montessouri children practiced fine motor activities as a warm up. Ever heard of Mat Man? The occupational therapist explained the first stage of development children are experiencing a growing awareness of their bodies as it relates to the environment. In school children will be asked to represent people especially themselves in their drawings. Without having knowledge of lines and shapes it can sometimes be stressful for them, so Mat Man was created as a person who is drawn from a series of simple shapes which allows the child to find fulfillment in their artwork. For more information on Handwriting Without Tears click here: http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/why-it-works/handwriting-standards/importance-handwriting. For more information on getting those pinchers ready click here: http://therapyfunzone.net/blog/ot/fine-motor-skills/handwriting/. Ten ideas to make handwriting practice fun: http://www.marianhope.org/2012/12/10-ideas-to-make-handwriting-practice-fun/.Get ready for K through play: http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2013/07/55-ways-to-make-handwriting-practice.html.

We didn’t make it through all of "Before Five in a Row,” by Jane Claire Lambert this summer, however I’ll tell you the book that most stood out was “If Jesus Came to My Home,” by Joan G. Thomas. The story is about a little boy imagining Jesus coming to play with him at his house. Near the end the little boy says he knows Jesus could never come play in the way he imagined but he can go to his house (church) and kneel and say a prayer, and sing and worship him and talk with him in there. The story goes on to explain that we can make Jesus welcome by doing all we would for him for other folks instead. He talks about picking flowers for someone for Jesus’ sake, also sharing with Jesus the nicest of his toys by lending them or giving them to poorer girls and boys. This was a treasure for me. Do it for Jesus, I kept thinking. In everything I do, do it for Jesus. Driving the point home once more, during the 40-day break my son asked me to get him something that he could easily get himself. I replied you can get it. I’m not your servant, asking him in turn to get something for me. See the irony? He then asked me if he was a servant. I said you know Jesus said he came to serve, not to be served, so we must all be servants. I’m in awe the grace God gives me in teachable moments I have, even when my flesh fails.

After attending the Classical Conversations Practicum we’ve decided to start Classical Conversations K4. We’re not just wading in we’re sinking neck deep as mama will also be tutoring a class of eight on our campus days, once a week. The main attraction for me with Classical Conversations was the direct contact and recognition in all things are made from God, all subjects as they relate to not only God, but one another as well. With a little apprehension, I’m looking forward to this school year starting in just 10 days! Classical Conversations won’t fulfill the 180 days required by state, so we will supplement continuing "Before Five in a Row" by Jane Claire Lambert and following up with "Five in a Row," also by Jane Claire next summer. For more information on Classical Conversations click here: https://www.classicalconversations.com/what-classical-conversations.