Austin, Aidan, Skye, Aaron & I went for a hike on the Horse Loop of the Baden Powell trail on February 14. It was a really nice day. We were hiking for about 3 hours in total.
The highlight of this hike was when we came to a creek, and stayed for a bit, while Austin and Aidan had about 20 minutes of imaginary play. It was thrilling to hear what they were creating, and to visualize what they were seeing in the scene before us.
They had to do some problem-solving to get to dry land, so Austin moved a large rock for Aidan to use as a stepping stone. I could see how wobbly the rock was, and imagined Aidan falling in, so I coudn't resist the temptation to call out for Aidan to check the stability of the rock before he steps on it. Skye nudged me to let him find out on his own. While I agree, that is a much better way to learn and to integrate what one learns, I wasn't keen for my 8-year-old to be walking home for half an hour in the middle of winter, soaking wet. Anyway, I didn't mention this again, Aidan did slip a bit, but he only got one shoe and sock wet. Seems like a fair compromise.
Their play continued as pirates, finding their way around an island they'd never explored before. It was neat to see how they would play off each other's ideas - the story would magically unfold.
I waited too long to record this event, so many of the details are now lost, but I remember feeling proud of the limitless imagination of our children, and their ability to cooperate in discovery and storytelling.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Falconry
Austin is being taught by a professional falconer, about falconry, at Academie Duello. I know he is well impressed by this experience, as he continues to talk about it throughout the week.
Last Tuesday (Feb. 16), Skye and I were there with Aaron. We saw Austin wearing the falconer's glove and having a falcon perched on his finger. I heard the teacher compliment Austin on his knots, and praise him in front of the group, on how quickly he is learning the new skills.
Falconers have to practice being able to tie knots with one hand, while the bird is being held by the other hand. I'm sure Austin's experience with knots in sailing class, has served him well with this skill.
Last Tuesday (Feb. 16), Skye and I were there with Aaron. We saw Austin wearing the falconer's glove and having a falcon perched on his finger. I heard the teacher compliment Austin on his knots, and praise him in front of the group, on how quickly he is learning the new skills.
Falconers have to practice being able to tie knots with one hand, while the bird is being held by the other hand. I'm sure Austin's experience with knots in sailing class, has served him well with this skill.
Play date
Austin was invited, last week, to a former classmate's house for a play. From kindergarten to grade 4, Kimya was in Austin's class only once in grade 3. She had told her mom that she remembers how nice Austin always was, and how fun. So, her mom agreed for Kimya to invite Austin over for a play.
Skye and I observed with interest as Austin tried to squirm his way out of the playdate, to the points that he planned for Skye to explain to Kimya that something had come up, so Austin couldn't come over, or simply not to show up. I impressed on Austin the importance of keeping your word and keeping your commitments, but it was Skye who showed him some sensitivity and compassion. Skye was able to see that Austin was nervous.
Skye began the questioning, by asking Austin how he was feeling, and where he felt his feelings, in his body. Then, Skye named the feeling as nervousness, and stated that it's understandable for Austin to be nervous about going over to someone's house for the first time.
Skye encouraged Austin to go, try it out, and see what happens. No harm can come from it.
As it turned out, Austin and Kimya both had a wonderful time. They played soccer and piano together. Kimya has started Royal Conservatory piano lessons, and Austin is going to Creativ Music. Austin felt really good about being able to play a few songs for Kimya, and I spoke with Kimya's mom about the differences between Royal Conservatory and how Austin is learning to play.
Austin gave Kimya some soccer "lessons," giving her tips on how to kick the ball so she can get it into the air. I could tell that Austin felt good about being the "teacher," and Kimya enjoyed the companionship.
They both had a really nice time. Austin was so pleased to have been invited over to someone's house. Honestly, he was surprised, because this was the first time all year, even though he runs into former classmates frequently, when he comes to school to pick up Aidan. I think it boosted his self-esteem.
Skye and I observed with interest as Austin tried to squirm his way out of the playdate, to the points that he planned for Skye to explain to Kimya that something had come up, so Austin couldn't come over, or simply not to show up. I impressed on Austin the importance of keeping your word and keeping your commitments, but it was Skye who showed him some sensitivity and compassion. Skye was able to see that Austin was nervous.
Skye began the questioning, by asking Austin how he was feeling, and where he felt his feelings, in his body. Then, Skye named the feeling as nervousness, and stated that it's understandable for Austin to be nervous about going over to someone's house for the first time.
Skye encouraged Austin to go, try it out, and see what happens. No harm can come from it.
As it turned out, Austin and Kimya both had a wonderful time. They played soccer and piano together. Kimya has started Royal Conservatory piano lessons, and Austin is going to Creativ Music. Austin felt really good about being able to play a few songs for Kimya, and I spoke with Kimya's mom about the differences between Royal Conservatory and how Austin is learning to play.
Austin gave Kimya some soccer "lessons," giving her tips on how to kick the ball so she can get it into the air. I could tell that Austin felt good about being the "teacher," and Kimya enjoyed the companionship.
They both had a really nice time. Austin was so pleased to have been invited over to someone's house. Honestly, he was surprised, because this was the first time all year, even though he runs into former classmates frequently, when he comes to school to pick up Aidan. I think it boosted his self-esteem.
The Lightning Thief movie
Austin and I went to see The Lightning Thief http://www.percyjacksonthemovie.com/ in the movie theatre.
Both of us really enjoyed the movie, and noticed many differences between the movie and the book http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655.
Since the movie worked so well with high school-aged characters, I didn't notice that the characters were about 4 years older than they were in the book (Percy was 11 years old in the first book of the Olympians series). Austin caught that difference - he's very attuned to adolescence these days, and often reminds me that he is entering adolescence!
Some of the characters met their demise in different ways from the book, some scenes were missing and some scenes were changed. For the most part, Austin and I agree that the changes made for the screen, were necessary for a good theatre experience.
When the movie ended, Austin and I were initially disappointed that a significant event had been left out, but we were soon satisfied with a twist on what took place in the book, re-interpreted for the film. Great stuff!
I think we'll want a copy of this one on DVD - it's a great movie.
Both of us really enjoyed the movie, and noticed many differences between the movie and the book http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/0786838655.
Since the movie worked so well with high school-aged characters, I didn't notice that the characters were about 4 years older than they were in the book (Percy was 11 years old in the first book of the Olympians series). Austin caught that difference - he's very attuned to adolescence these days, and often reminds me that he is entering adolescence!
Some of the characters met their demise in different ways from the book, some scenes were missing and some scenes were changed. For the most part, Austin and I agree that the changes made for the screen, were necessary for a good theatre experience.
When the movie ended, Austin and I were initially disappointed that a significant event had been left out, but we were soon satisfied with a twist on what took place in the book, re-interpreted for the film. Great stuff!
I think we'll want a copy of this one on DVD - it's a great movie.
Mishmash January 25-30
Austin attended Academie Duello for his weekly swordplay activities and history lesson. They are learning about Germanic Tribes. Austin is quite engaged in these lessons. He was inspired to pick up a book given to him by his uncle, for Chirstmas. The book is about the history of battles. Austin is particularly interested in ancient armour and weaponry.
Austin was sick this week, so was unable to attend Spanish on Friday.
Austin went to Occupational Therapy on Monday. We have been assigned some home exercises, and Austin enjoys doing these. Sumanta has noticed improvements in Austin's muscle tone.
Our nanny has been away for 6 weeks, so there is a lot of housework to do, and Carla is falling behind in her work. Skye has been training Austin and Aidan to help out around the home, mainly by keeping their bedroom clean.
Austin is really enjoying having a student living with us to learn English. Melissa is a good sport, and enjoys playing with Austin and having conversations with him. Austin is doing a good job of helping Melissa with her vocabulary, teaching her how to play board games, and helping her with pronunciation.Monday, February 15, 2010
Fitness galore!
Skye has masterminded a way to fit fitness into every day.
On the days that Austin doesn't have Occupational Therapy (that's quite a good, sweaty workout for him) or Swordplay (another good, weight-bearing workout), Skye has mapped out a route near our home, that takes advantage of the wonderful hills. We go first downhill to the corner of Mt. Seymour Parkway and Dollarton Highway, then walk up to the fire station on the Parkway, and complete this loop three times.
Carla went with Austin on the first trip, and I have to admit it wasn't entirely successful. We left the house around 9:30pm (1/2 an hour past Austin's bedtime), and about 2/3 of the way down the hill, Austin stopped to look at the ground and thought he had lost a small Lego piece he had brought with him. I wasn't aware that he had any Lego along, but offered to stop with him at the bottom of the hill, under the street lamp, so he could check to see that he had everything.
Then, Austin proceeded to methodically empty the contents of his two track pants' pockets into my two outstretched hands, for 15 minutes. Fortunately, we were able to account for every small piece (must have been hundreds!), and Austin felt better. So, we headed up the hill to reach the halfway mark at the fire station. Austin really wasn't in the mood for exercise. He was tired (understandably) and irritable. So, I dropped him off at home after being out for about 40 minutes, and I did another loop on my own.
It was so nice to be getting exercise!
And we have noticed some changes in Austin's body, as a result of the increased activity. Austin prefers to do this walking route with Skye (Mom pushes him too hard, and has too much invested in a good workout for herself), so that's how we'll do it for now :)
On the days that Austin doesn't have Occupational Therapy (that's quite a good, sweaty workout for him) or Swordplay (another good, weight-bearing workout), Skye has mapped out a route near our home, that takes advantage of the wonderful hills. We go first downhill to the corner of Mt. Seymour Parkway and Dollarton Highway, then walk up to the fire station on the Parkway, and complete this loop three times.
Carla went with Austin on the first trip, and I have to admit it wasn't entirely successful. We left the house around 9:30pm (1/2 an hour past Austin's bedtime), and about 2/3 of the way down the hill, Austin stopped to look at the ground and thought he had lost a small Lego piece he had brought with him. I wasn't aware that he had any Lego along, but offered to stop with him at the bottom of the hill, under the street lamp, so he could check to see that he had everything.
Then, Austin proceeded to methodically empty the contents of his two track pants' pockets into my two outstretched hands, for 15 minutes. Fortunately, we were able to account for every small piece (must have been hundreds!), and Austin felt better. So, we headed up the hill to reach the halfway mark at the fire station. Austin really wasn't in the mood for exercise. He was tired (understandably) and irritable. So, I dropped him off at home after being out for about 40 minutes, and I did another loop on my own.
It was so nice to be getting exercise!
And we have noticed some changes in Austin's body, as a result of the increased activity. Austin prefers to do this walking route with Skye (Mom pushes him too hard, and has too much invested in a good workout for herself), so that's how we'll do it for now :)
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