Synthesizing

I don't talk to much about school or the lessons I teach on here. But, I have to share my student's thoughts regarding synthesizing because I don't ever want to forget them.

We started the week talking about adding another comprehension strategy to our busy brains. I wore my Jackson's superhero cape to model "super-sized" thinking. We synthesized many stories together noticing how our thinking was changing and our understanding getting larger.

At the end of the week, after my students had the opportunity to synthesize on their own,  I asked them to think about how they would describe synthesizing to someone else. Their thoughts blew me away.

Here is how they see synthesizing:

-It is like a tornado. A tornado gets bigger and stronger as it covers more ground. It is the same with our thinking. The more we read the bigger our thinking and stronger our understanding gets.

-It is like blowing a bubble or a balloon up. You must work really hard at first, but if you keep trying you will get a big bubble. You may need to think hard at first, but as your thinking changes your understanding will get bigger.

-It is like creating something with play-doh. You must mold many pieces together and sculpt some to get your final project. When reading we must take one thought, put it together with another, change it as we read something new, and finally have our synthesis.

-It is like evolving. We start as babies, grow to toddlers, then children, teens, and are finally adults. We are constantly changing. Our thinking evolves and changes along the way of reading a book just like growing up.

There you have it, synthesizing straight from the mouths of six and seven years old. Pretty impressive, huh?!?!?

Tidbits from our Weekend

Friday afternoon I walked into a spotless house. Brian left work early and surprised me by cleaning the whole house. BEST thing ever!

We met my aunt and uncle for dinner. We haven't seen them in a while, another reason summer needs to hurry up.

Saturday morning started early with kolaches and a latte. Do you know any other 3 year old whose eats two whole kolaches all by himself?

We made a quick run out to the outlets.

Jackson used some of his chore money to go on a few rides.

We spent the rest of the day (and all of Sunday) playing in the pool.

 There is just something so relaxing about it!

On Sunday after church, Jackson had his first swimming lesson for this year.

 He did great!

Only 7 more days of school!

iPhone Dump

These are just some random pictures from my phone that haven't made it to the blog.

Stacy brought me lunch at school one day, such a fun surprise!
Definitely miss her!

Cute gift basket I received during Teacher Appreciation Week

The boy loves his treats!

Flexing to show us his muscles in an Old Navy dressing room

Saturday morning play date with Huntley

These carmel apples were just as good as Little Farmer's!

I help in Jackson's Sunday school class every other week.
Watch out for these 3 boys!

Rainy day fun!

Banana pudding for a friend's birthday

Nightly ritual with my boy

Mother's Day

I am beyond blessed!

I couldn't have asked for a better mom. She has and still shows me what it means to put your children first. She is humble, self-less, and loves unconditionally!

My mother-in-law is another great example of love. She out does herself all the time!

All of us are lucky to have them in our lives.

My boys spoiled me this weekend.

Below are just some of my goodies:

I am so thankful that this little boy calls me "Mommy."

 I am not "the perfect mom". I make mistakes, I don't always know what I am doing, and sometimes my house is a disaster. But, I know no greater joy (or hard work) than being able to be a mom and raise Jackson in the ways of the Lord.

These two make my heart full of gladness. I do not take either of them for granted and love weekends like this where we just spend time together.

Brian put together a video for me. He captured Jackson's personality and it is something I will always treasure. Thank you, my love!

Home Run

Monday night Jackson and I tagged along to Brian's softball game. Jackson was super excited to go. He had his snacks, books, and glove loaded in his backpack!

 Before the game, Brian let Jackson run the bases with him. I was trying to get a cute picture of the two of them. I only had my phone, and I failed miserably both times.

 Jackson also helped Daddy warm up a little before the game started!

Jackson had his cookie and raisins gone before the game started. We also read all his books before the 1st inning was over. He liked watching Brian hit the ball and catch in the outfield when a ball went out that way, but that was about it. After about 3 innings, he played games on my phone. Brian, of course, was a stud. He made a running/jumping catch in the outfield (Jackson yelled "home run" when he caught it), hit the ball to the fence, and got on base each time. I love that I married an athlete!

Next game, Jackson and I will show up half way through and leave before it is over.:)

S'more Fun

When we went camping last summer, we never made s'mores. I thought Jackson needed to try this delicious treat. With no fire, we opted for the oven. Jackson helped me lay out the graham crackers and marshmallows.

The first ones we left in a little too long!

We perfected the next few and enjoyed them poolside!

 I think it is safe to say he thought they were yummy!

It might be time for a firepit in the backyard:)



My Dolphin

Jackson would spend the whole day in the pool if we let him! He is getting more comfortable and confident each day (especially in the hot tub where he can stand).

Mommy and Jackson swimming while Daddy does yard work:)

He likes to swim from side to side, flip over, and glide backward in the pool. Hence the reason he calls himself a little dolphin!

He loves diving down to collect the rings. He usually grabs all four at one time.

We need to get him some goggles he will actually keep on.

Being silly with Daddy

We went to the Splash Pad this weekend and noticed the pool was open. We headed over and Jackson wanted to try the diving board.

The first time he was nervous and wanted Brian right under him. That didn't last long! After that, he would jump right in, swim back up to Brian, and then swim to the edge by himself.