Academic Toolbox news October 2008

 

Tonight is the 7th already and just now sitting down to work on the newsletter.  Had another good month thanks to all the new curriculums in use and the growing number of homeschoolers.  Thanks!  It has been really fun listening to the comments on what is going on.  Another way to teach the fact that 2 plus 2 equals 4, just amazes this old man.  Speaking of old, grandpa and grandma went to Bellingham last weekend to visit the grandkids and their parents.  Grandson Marley, age 5, played soccer in pouring rain and wind.  While his mom and dad got completely soaked his little sister, grandma and I watched from the car.  We had a great visit and even found time to play a little Sequence.   Our son Dean, a high school history teacher, and I had some good discussions about politics and the economy.  I am not so sure what is going on but am sure tired of all the negative talk.  We also attended the first school assembly at the Nooksack Elementary and I was reminded of the work and dedication that our teachers and other staff have to put forth.  They are doing a reading challenge with the prize being that Principal Dave would have to wear purple hair for a day.  I don’t think any other prize would have motivated them more. 

 

POSITIVE TALK

            Sure there are positive things!  Family for one positive and we have the games to bring family together around the kitchen or dining table.  Game playing puts family together like dinner used to do.  Some of the newer games are Settlers of Catan and also Express – the railroad card game from Mayfair Games designed for ages 8 and up.  For the youngsters we have received in 3 games based on Eric Carle books.  The Grouchy Ladybug, The ABC Game, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game.  Also new is Double Shutter a dice game that is fun and can help with basic addition and subtraction skills. 

                                                        

Lastly is a travel version of the Abalone game, which I describe as sumo wrestling with marbles.

            Another positive is our great little valley.  We complain about the traffic but I've sat at a stoplight on the west side for as long as it takes me to get to work from East Wenatchee.   Not to mention the great people we have here, I still am amazed at the number of people who have adopted children that are here in our valley.  God bless you all!  That takes a lot of love and commitment. 

            Also would be remiss not to mention the positive of having your completed frequent shopper card drawn for $25 just like Becky Satterfield did, this month's winner from Wenatchee.  Congratulations Becky.

            Have heard stories about Webkinz also having a positive effect on children as they learn the reality of earning Webkinz cash to care for their animals and not having it "handed" to them.  Many parents use the popular animals as an incentive for chores, homework, etc.  We have a limited supply of black bats and black cats along with some witch costumes and pumpkin shirts (to fit Webkinz not children).

 

NEGATIVE TALK

            Just received in some worm farms called Worm Observatory.  Negative only because I recently heard them referred to as "yucky".

            Have not heard much about health care costs or education help from any of the candidates, as they seem to busy slinging mud.

 

CHARACTER EDUCATION

            A new line in our store is from Life’s Building Blocks a company that has a tag line on Making Character Development Fun.  They have a character doll that is chameleon looking that tells stories to 3-6 year olds.  They also have chapter books, workbooks, and a board game for the 6-11 year olds.  Visit them on the web at www.lifesbuildingblocks.com.                           

 

HOLIDAY PLANING

            We have, with some reservations, decided to open the store the 3 Sundays before Christmas.  It will be from noon till 5 only as we will not want to tempt anyone to miss church services.  A lot of “busy” people have said they can only find time on Sundays or we would not even have considered this. 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

            Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

 

Have a great rest of the month,  Dwight

 

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