Hmm....

Today Lexi took it upon herself to log onto a kids farm website (with my supervision of course).  There she discovered she could submit questions to the site and hopefully get answers!  So, here are some questions Lexi generated today in regards to chickens:


1. How much noise will 10 chickens make?
2. What types of human food can I feed my hens?
3. How many times a day do I need to feed them?


She has been reading her library books, along side us throughout this adventure.  It is great to see our 1st grader so involved!   I went to the children's librarian last week and asked for child friendly chicken books.  If I provide it, the kids may access it - or so I preach as a teacher to the parents of my students.  What do you know - it worked!!


In fact, she even had a writing project due at school this morning titled - My Pet.  She was to write 3-5 sentences about her pet.  Hmmm.... 3 to 5 sentences on one sole remaining hermit crab?  That was tough.  So, she opted for chickens!  She cut her favorite pictures out of one of our hatchery catalogs an then posted them at the top of the page.  She began to write.  This child couldn't be any more motivated by the topic at hand since she was able to fill a page in no time!  
Eager to know how the assignment was received, I questioned her at dinner time tonight.  She told me she read it since it was her work and everyone liked it.  "I did a good job and they thought it was cute!" Mission accomplished!


So, as I wind down and enjoy the peaceful quiet house (minus the various snores from each bedroom that musically fill the air), I can't help but sit here and reflect.  This week Lexi learned some amazing things.  Yes, her mother is a teacher, but yet I didn't spend a second of time "teaching" her or using specific strategies.  Instead, I spent time exposing her to materials, and allowing her to think freely. I didn't force her to read 20 minutes each night, only to wait for the battle to ensue.  Instead Mike and I quietly led by example, as we sat and read our books and she naturally attempted to "do as we did".  


And wouldn't you know - it's contagious - as the troops climbed into Mom and Dad's bed tonight, as we always do for 5 minutes of cuddle time before crawling into separate beds - Lincoln crawled in with a book in his hand.  
  "Read this Mommy".  
Together we all cuddled and enjoy the picture book, Where do Chicks Come From?. 
Sure they could have opted for a few minutes of watching SpongeBob or some other cartoon, but instead, they preferred to hear a story read to them...


"I say to my child, I will explain to you as much of life as I can, but you must remember that there is a part of life for which you are the explanation." ~Robert Brault