We’ve been off of homeschool for so long, it really is time that we get back into it with a renewed vigor. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure someone swiped and threw out my homeschool papers I’d had printed out. We won’t name any names or anything, because in all seriousness, it could have been me (on accident). But, luckily I found my documents saved on my computer and should have them all reprinted by the end of this week. And, this time? They’re going in a binder. I’m going to go ahead and start a Lorelei binder and a “Teacher’s” binder (2 separate ones) for each grade/age class she completes. I’m really excited about it! Some things will be nothing more than me journaling in her binder and a photo of her doing some new things, but there will also be artwork and the like.

Anyhow, I have a list of things for each age group (from 3-36 months), and while it’s not really “curriculum,” it does give me a good idea of where we stand and what we both need to work on. I use it more as a guide. But, if L doesn’t know how to do some things that are classified as a younger age, I don’t sweat it either. It’s a guide. Nothing more.

So, our new list (she’s 18 months) looks kind of like this:

Cognitive:

1. Match a cut out piece with its outline. We’ll practice this by cutting things out of construction paper and having her try to fit it. At first, we’ll start with just one choice and move on to 2 or 3, so it’s like a puzzle basically.
2. Practice completing simple 1-3 piece puzzles.
3. Match geometric shapes. I plan to just use some cut outs for this, and maybe even make some flash cards, as well.
4. Distinguish same from different. I will use small clean meat trays to feature things like macaronis and then a raisin and ask her to identify what is different. Eventually, we’ll be able to move up to things like farm animals vs. sea creatures but that’s farther down the road.
5. Trace and match shapes.

Motor:

1. Clip clothespins onto a rim. She KNOWS they clip, but seems more interested in taking them apart. We’ll have to work on this (or buy less cheap clothespins!)
2. Putting objects in and out of a pocket booklet.
3. Taking lids on and off of things. She can do this with some lids already, but not so much twisty lids…
4. Unwrapping objects. We haven’t really practiced with this lately, although last weekend at the grocery she knew how to unwrap the plastic off of the raisins. This will be great for Christmastime
5. Picking objects up with a magnet.

Sensory:

1. Identifying colors. This will be great with our new color magnets we made!
2. Matching pairs of objects by color.
3. Identify 10 basic parts of the body.
4. Identify objects by feel.
5. Take a theme walk.
6. Match objects by pattern/texture.
7. Work with playdough!

Language:

1. Practice the 10 body parts.
2. Retrieve named objects and practice learning new names for objects.
3. Name pictures in a book, perhaps trying to learn a new one every week?
4. Name colors.
5. Begin Basic Counting (1,2,3)

Social

1. Explore a treasure bag (bag filled with random goodies) in a group
2. Imitate facial expressions
3. Watch and imitate body movements
4. Listen to and follow instructions
5. Identify and name others

Practical Life:

1. Unrolling and rolling up work mat
2. Wipe up spills
3. Sorting and matching utensils
4. Using cookie cutters to cut bread into shapes
5. Sweeping up
6. Cut soft food into pieces

To be honest, the language part is what gives me the heebie jeebies. Lorelei KNOWS words but either refuses or hasn’t mastered them yet. And she gets really really quiet in front of people she’s not around alot (even if she knows them). At some times, she is totally ready to practice repeating her ABCs or trying a new word, and other times she’ll act like you have 80 eyeballs or just ignore you. I’m a little sensitive about her language skills as is, but I’m trying to keep in mind that between 18 and 24 months, there are some HUGE changes regarding language she’s going to go through. On the other hand, despite the fact I’m a SAHM and playdates are hard to come by (since we live in the middle of nowhere) Lorelei has all of the things listed for Social down. All of them. I’m keeping them on the list for now, though, just to keep her practicing them. She’s pretty social as it is, though, especially with other children and kids. As far as the other areas go? I’m delighted to start trying them with her, she generally loves trying new things and absolutely LOVES the practical life stuff. We REALLY need a mini (but well made) broom/mop/cleaning set for her.

Welcome back!