*drum roll*
went great ... besides the fact that his teacher gave him an Afrikaans reader. Now I don't have a problem with Afrikaans, BUT he is in an English class. He does understand Afrikaans. He can speak Afrikaans and YES he can read it.
My concern is: isn't this going to make him confuse his words more then he already is doing?
I'm so concerned about this, because all the books we buy for him is in English. We talk to him in English, but his friends talk to him in Afrikaans.
Sjoe, I'm so confused. I'm thinking of writing that teacher a letter or better yet setting up an appointment to go and see her.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
So proud of my boy!!!!!!!!!!
He has finally been given a new reader at school and he is so excited and wants to read to me tonight. Wow!
My prayers are being answered.... Thank God!!!!!
Now for that teacher of his that told me if he doesn't concentrate on his reading she will fail him this year. This is for you:
Ages 6 to 9
Learning to read:
When children start school they are usually excited about learning to read and can't wait to read stories for themselves. Often, though, they are disappointed because reading turns out to be more difficult then they expected. Many children, even very clever ones, take quite a long time to learn to read. Also, the books they learn to read at first are not nearly as interesting as the stories you have been reading.
What can you do?
The golden rule is not to make an issue of children's difficulties with reading. The last thing they need is to be made to feel anxious; what they do need is encouragement and praise. Pressure to succeed may just confirm for them that reading is difficult and unpleasant. The whole idea of books and reading may become a nightmare - an attitude which can remain with them for life.
Practise with your child by all means, but practise only with homework reading, not when you are reading to him for pleasure. Read aloud with your child, occasionally pointing to the words, until he or she feels able to continue alone. If he begins to struggle, join in again immediately in a supportive way. This helps to build confidence and establish a fluent pace. It also helps the child to understand the sense of the story, which is what will capture his interest and inspire him to persevere.
Reading aloud
There are two levels of reading: the level the child can manage on her own, and the level she can understand but cannot read by herself. Don't worry if the level she can manage on her own is lower than you would like. Continue to read aloud to her, choosing stories she enjoys but which are too difficult for her to read on her own. The more a child enjoys listening, the more likely he is to want to learn to read at the level by himself. The Winnie the Pooh stories (A.A. Milne), Thomas the Tank Engine stories (Rev. Awdry), the Just So stories (Rudyard Kipling), and Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass (Lewis Carroll) make ideal choices for reading aloud.
First Readers
A reading series is often a good introduction to story books which can be tackled independently. In a series, the language and vocabulary are kept at a consistent level, even if the titles are by different authors. For example, the Beginner Books series includes titles by Dr. Seuss, like Hop on Pop and The Cat in the Hat; it also includes titles by other authors like The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman and The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins.
Young Fluent Readers
At this stage children will start developing their own tastes. You can help them assess whether a book is likely to appeal to them by teaching them to look at the cover, dip into the story, or read the synopsis on the back cover or at the front of the book.
Some children go through phases in which they will read only books on a particular theme or by a particular author, or books which you might not consider worthwhile. Leave them to it. It is the pleasure of reading that you want to encourage. Discrimination can come later. So, if they want to read every single title in the 'Animal Ark' series by Lucy Daniels, or they are hooked on the Famous Five or the Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton, be prepared to take them to the library once a week (they should have their own library cards by now) to show your support.
PS: tomorrow I will update on how the reading went ...
My prayers are being answered.... Thank God!!!!!
Now for that teacher of his that told me if he doesn't concentrate on his reading she will fail him this year. This is for you:
Ages 6 to 9
Learning to read:
When children start school they are usually excited about learning to read and can't wait to read stories for themselves. Often, though, they are disappointed because reading turns out to be more difficult then they expected. Many children, even very clever ones, take quite a long time to learn to read. Also, the books they learn to read at first are not nearly as interesting as the stories you have been reading.
What can you do?
The golden rule is not to make an issue of children's difficulties with reading. The last thing they need is to be made to feel anxious; what they do need is encouragement and praise. Pressure to succeed may just confirm for them that reading is difficult and unpleasant. The whole idea of books and reading may become a nightmare - an attitude which can remain with them for life.
Practise with your child by all means, but practise only with homework reading, not when you are reading to him for pleasure. Read aloud with your child, occasionally pointing to the words, until he or she feels able to continue alone. If he begins to struggle, join in again immediately in a supportive way. This helps to build confidence and establish a fluent pace. It also helps the child to understand the sense of the story, which is what will capture his interest and inspire him to persevere.
Reading aloud
There are two levels of reading: the level the child can manage on her own, and the level she can understand but cannot read by herself. Don't worry if the level she can manage on her own is lower than you would like. Continue to read aloud to her, choosing stories she enjoys but which are too difficult for her to read on her own. The more a child enjoys listening, the more likely he is to want to learn to read at the level by himself. The Winnie the Pooh stories (A.A. Milne), Thomas the Tank Engine stories (Rev. Awdry), the Just So stories (Rudyard Kipling), and Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass (Lewis Carroll) make ideal choices for reading aloud.
First Readers
A reading series is often a good introduction to story books which can be tackled independently. In a series, the language and vocabulary are kept at a consistent level, even if the titles are by different authors. For example, the Beginner Books series includes titles by Dr. Seuss, like Hop on Pop and The Cat in the Hat; it also includes titles by other authors like The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman and The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins.
Young Fluent Readers
At this stage children will start developing their own tastes. You can help them assess whether a book is likely to appeal to them by teaching them to look at the cover, dip into the story, or read the synopsis on the back cover or at the front of the book.
Some children go through phases in which they will read only books on a particular theme or by a particular author, or books which you might not consider worthwhile. Leave them to it. It is the pleasure of reading that you want to encourage. Discrimination can come later. So, if they want to read every single title in the 'Animal Ark' series by Lucy Daniels, or they are hooked on the Famous Five or the Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton, be prepared to take them to the library once a week (they should have their own library cards by now) to show your support.
PS: tomorrow I will update on how the reading went ...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My life is a rollercoaster
Or at least it feels that way...
All these ups and downs and turn around. Feels like I'm on a rollercoaster going at 240km/h.
I have so many things on my mind.
1. Devandre: okay so most of you know he is not coping at school. I have discovered that his self-confidence is low. He reads to me perfectly as a grade 3 scholar should read, but seems that at school its a whole different story. He sometimes jumbles his words up, but then corrects it. But, honestly and sadly, when it comes to maths he is struggling. I feel so bad about this and sometimes I hate myself for shouting at him. I have made an appointment at and eye specialist, as well as, with our pead. Will update on what they have to say. Okay so that's school. At home, he is a happy child, although he does not have everything his heart desires we try our best to spoil him as to our definition of being spoilt.
2. Work: I cant say I'm unhappy, but then I cant say that I am with my job. It is starting to get too much of a routine and less of a challenge lately and it bores me although it keeps me busy for at least 2/3 of my day.
3. Family: so my family as usual has had a feud and my mother was once again caught in the middle. But, the one thing that pissed me off is that none of my brothers or sister spent Mother's Day with my mom. They didn't even bother to make it special or anything and my brother L did not even call to wish her. So I don't know how she feels in her heart or what's going on in her mind. I'm just happy that me and my family could spend the day with her.
4. My marriage: I don't know why I feel so stressed and anxious about my marriage lately. We not arguing more then we used to, in fact we had our last argument and make-up on Saturday, but somehow my mind is withdrawing from it all?????? Anyways, it might be because our spare time is being utilised by other interests like Randy and his exercising and me and my books. I hope we're not drifting apart. Or it might be this whole budget thing that is making me feel this way, or even the fact that we no longer share interest in making a baby.
5. My health: I think I'm sick or something. I've been having flu like headaches and sore hips since Saturday. I don't know what it might be or how to put my finger on it. I hope I feel better soon.
6. My car: and the state its in (that's all I have to say about it)
7. My friends: seems that now that we have given up trying all these friend preggy bellies are popping out. Once again I received an email from my other friend who actually wanted to take a bet that she would fall pregnant before me. Well she is about 5 weeks pregnant. That, now makes it 4 friends who are expecting. Though it hurts and I want to hide somewhere, I'm happy for her and I know that we (me & DH) made a mutual agreement to stop trying.
PS: sorry for being such a nag I will try to post something more cheerful in a few days time and hopefully some resolutions to all my problems.
Love ya
Kim
All these ups and downs and turn around. Feels like I'm on a rollercoaster going at 240km/h.
I have so many things on my mind.
1. Devandre: okay so most of you know he is not coping at school. I have discovered that his self-confidence is low. He reads to me perfectly as a grade 3 scholar should read, but seems that at school its a whole different story. He sometimes jumbles his words up, but then corrects it. But, honestly and sadly, when it comes to maths he is struggling. I feel so bad about this and sometimes I hate myself for shouting at him. I have made an appointment at and eye specialist, as well as, with our pead. Will update on what they have to say. Okay so that's school. At home, he is a happy child, although he does not have everything his heart desires we try our best to spoil him as to our definition of being spoilt.
2. Work: I cant say I'm unhappy, but then I cant say that I am with my job. It is starting to get too much of a routine and less of a challenge lately and it bores me although it keeps me busy for at least 2/3 of my day.
3. Family: so my family as usual has had a feud and my mother was once again caught in the middle. But, the one thing that pissed me off is that none of my brothers or sister spent Mother's Day with my mom. They didn't even bother to make it special or anything and my brother L did not even call to wish her. So I don't know how she feels in her heart or what's going on in her mind. I'm just happy that me and my family could spend the day with her.
4. My marriage: I don't know why I feel so stressed and anxious about my marriage lately. We not arguing more then we used to, in fact we had our last argument and make-up on Saturday, but somehow my mind is withdrawing from it all?????? Anyways, it might be because our spare time is being utilised by other interests like Randy and his exercising and me and my books. I hope we're not drifting apart. Or it might be this whole budget thing that is making me feel this way, or even the fact that we no longer share interest in making a baby.
5. My health: I think I'm sick or something. I've been having flu like headaches and sore hips since Saturday. I don't know what it might be or how to put my finger on it. I hope I feel better soon.
6. My car: and the state its in (that's all I have to say about it)
7. My friends: seems that now that we have given up trying all these friend preggy bellies are popping out. Once again I received an email from my other friend who actually wanted to take a bet that she would fall pregnant before me. Well she is about 5 weeks pregnant. That, now makes it 4 friends who are expecting. Though it hurts and I want to hide somewhere, I'm happy for her and I know that we (me & DH) made a mutual agreement to stop trying.
PS: sorry for being such a nag I will try to post something more cheerful in a few days time and hopefully some resolutions to all my problems.
Love ya
Kim
Friday, May 8, 2009
As promised ...
Well, I promised that I would post some of my scrapbook projects so here goes ...
Myself, DH and my son ....
Me and DH ... once again sorry for the blur
Myself and DH
My mommy ... I was just starting out with those whole scrapbook thing (sorry for the blur)
Myself, DH and my son ....
Me and DH ... once again sorry for the blur
Myself and DH PS: I will post some more on Monday of the ones my son did ....
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This is what life is all about ...
Lately I have been so consumed with TTC that I actually forgot what life was all about ... My life revolved around TTC...
My friends: were not friends anymore but turned into my enemies, because I was just too jealous to face that they can fall pregnant by 'mistake', but we were struggling so long ...
My family: was, as I would say it, 'in my business', because they kept on asking why I'm not pregnant yet and all along this was only out of concern ...
My colleagues: I used to shut out every time I saw a preggy belly or when the girls on the floor would plan someone's babyshower ...
My husband: I used to get so angry with when he wasn't into or didn't feel like BDing, when he was tired, especially over my FERTILE period ... I used to throw tantrums and accuse him of all sorts of things ... YES I was a BITCH and I feel bad ...
My son: I think, no I know I neglected him, that is why he asked me "If you have a baby are you still going to buy me toys or is she going to get more things than me?" BAD BAD mom ...
I was jealous and selfish to be sooo self-absorbed in my own little battle that I neglected the people who cared about and loved me for me ... I therefore ask forgiveness from them ...
I ask them to forgive me for everything I have done, not done, said or not said that made them feel bad about who they are and what role they play in my life. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.
Now that I have that out of the way ...
Life is all about ...
Loving:
My friends: were not friends anymore but turned into my enemies, because I was just too jealous to face that they can fall pregnant by 'mistake', but we were struggling so long ...
My family: was, as I would say it, 'in my business', because they kept on asking why I'm not pregnant yet and all along this was only out of concern ...
My colleagues: I used to shut out every time I saw a preggy belly or when the girls on the floor would plan someone's babyshower ...
My husband: I used to get so angry with when he wasn't into or didn't feel like BDing, when he was tired, especially over my FERTILE period ... I used to throw tantrums and accuse him of all sorts of things ... YES I was a BITCH and I feel bad ...
My son: I think, no I know I neglected him, that is why he asked me "If you have a baby are you still going to buy me toys or is she going to get more things than me?" BAD BAD mom ...
I was jealous and selfish to be sooo self-absorbed in my own little battle that I neglected the people who cared about and loved me for me ... I therefore ask forgiveness from them ...
I ask them to forgive me for everything I have done, not done, said or not said that made them feel bad about who they are and what role they play in my life. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.
Now that I have that out of the way ...
Life is all about ...
Loving:
- Love yourself: I have been making time for myself lately. Just to reflect on what I have, what I've lost, what I will love to achieve. I have even taken up hobbies, i.e. scrapbooking and reading.
- Love your family: in saying this I have and will probably still have lots more family disputes ... (Lets face it , this is what family is all about), but I don't regret any one of them. I have devoted myself as a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister and a daughter to my family. I make an effort of spending quality time with my son, my DH and especially my mother. I have forgiven those who have hurt me.
- Love your friends: As you have read above, in this dept I sucked BIG time, but I am making up for it. It used to be so bad at one stage that I would ignore phone calls, sms' and emails from them. That is how selfish I was. Hopefully from now on my friendships will blossom.
- Love UNCONDITIONAL and TRULY
Giving:
Give back to those who have given one simple thing to you ... LOVE ... give back unto them not only your family, but your friends. Give a smile to a total stranger ... giving does not always have to be materialistic ... Sometimes a simple email or phone call can brighten someone's day ...
Become a teacher:
Teach the people around you new things ... even if it is things that you yourself have just learnt ... sharing knowledge can be powerful and it brings you just so much close to the receiver ...
Planning:
not for what God has instore, but just planning your life with the one you love can be so exciting ... Dh and me are planning to start our own little business ... and it is so exciting planning something so meaningful with the one you love ...
Forgiving and asking for forgiveness:
Yes this is probably the most difficult thing to do, especially if someone whom you love has hurt you ... but nothing feels more satisfying and 'light' as for you to let go and forgive that person fully or for someone to forgive you ... You may not forget what was done ...
Positive affirmations:
Write down positive affirmations about yourself, your surroundings and those close to you and share them with those you love
last but not least ...
LIVING:
life is all about living as you dont know if you will ever live to see tomorrow as tomorrow is not promised ... Live your life to the fullest ... enjoy and capture every moment especially if you have a small memory like me ..
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
And so my life goes on ...
Well as you all were aware that this was my last official 2ww and as you know or can guess that it was yet another BFN! AF came waltzing into my life this morning ... and to top it all of ... my tummy is bloated and this one colleague says congratulations on your pregnancy?
I have to admit that my hopes were high seeing that we used meds this cycle and that I was 4 days late. But, I guess that we were not meant to have a baby right now. Maybe somewhere in our path we will experience the joys of having a baby.
But for now, we need to concentrate on other aspects in our lives, number one being my son.
He is not coping at school and maybe this is God's way of telling us that we need to focus our attention on him and on family before focusing it on our future child.
Well apart from all this TTC frustrations I am feeling sad and angry, but I know that letting go is something I have to do... not just for me and my well-being but for my son and for my DH.
Well maybe we will try again in 2010 ... we'll have to wait and see when we reach the end of this year. So for now I'm no longer TTC but WTC...
take care readers
xoxoxo
I have to admit that my hopes were high seeing that we used meds this cycle and that I was 4 days late. But, I guess that we were not meant to have a baby right now. Maybe somewhere in our path we will experience the joys of having a baby.
But for now, we need to concentrate on other aspects in our lives, number one being my son.
He is not coping at school and maybe this is God's way of telling us that we need to focus our attention on him and on family before focusing it on our future child.
Well apart from all this TTC frustrations I am feeling sad and angry, but I know that letting go is something I have to do... not just for me and my well-being but for my son and for my DH.
Well maybe we will try again in 2010 ... we'll have to wait and see when we reach the end of this year. So for now I'm no longer TTC but WTC...
take care readers
xoxoxo
Monday, May 4, 2009
Our weekend
Well our weekend was wonderful. We went to the zoo, despite the weather being so awful and Randy being sick. Well he had flu and seems like I'm getting it as well. He was in bed on Thursday and Friday and Saturday we practically dragged him to go with us.
Well our day at the zoo was cool, but we forgot the camera at home (boo-hoo, I could cry) and had to improvise and use our phones. You will see the pictures are not too clear, but here are a few.
This is my best friend Octavia, her son on her right, my son on her left and her daughter. My son and her son are both named Devandre and are both 8 going on 9. (Weird I know! Can you spot the giraffe in the back?)
Well our day at the zoo was cool, but we forgot the camera at home (boo-hoo, I could cry) and had to improvise and use our phones. You will see the pictures are not too clear, but here are a few.
This is my best friend Octavia, her son on her right, my son on her left and her daughter. My son and her son are both named Devandre and are both 8 going on 9. (Weird I know! Can you spot the giraffe in the back?)Devandre x2 and Lamique with the rhinos in the background.
Well as you can see the pictures are very dark and most of the animals were in their 'cages' because of the cold weather, but we had a great time and the kids loved their day out.
PS: next time I will try and remember the camera.
Grilling Goodness
1. My ex is...such a distant memory. Glad we not together anymore!
2. I should learn to...be a better student of the World. I'm guilty of being lazy and sometimes blocking new things out … I should also try to be a servant to our God.
3. I love...spending time with my family and friends – the ones that add meaning to my life!
4. People would say that I am...blessed. I have a great marriage and a good life.
5. I don't understand...how people can thrive on other people’s problems and why family or friends sometimes stab each other in the back.
6. When I wake up in the morning…I open one eye and stretch then make my way to the bathroom.
7. I lost... many friends while growing up, but I guess that goes hand-in-hand with growing up, because people grow apart.
8. Life is full of...ups and downs. But it is still worth living.
I'm tagging Eve, Mandri, Rentia, Mandy-Leigh, Marthie, Hope, Lilian, Twinkles, Nats, etc.
2. I should learn to...be a better student of the World. I'm guilty of being lazy and sometimes blocking new things out … I should also try to be a servant to our God.
3. I love...spending time with my family and friends – the ones that add meaning to my life!
4. People would say that I am...blessed. I have a great marriage and a good life.
5. I don't understand...how people can thrive on other people’s problems and why family or friends sometimes stab each other in the back.
6. When I wake up in the morning…I open one eye and stretch then make my way to the bathroom.
7. I lost... many friends while growing up, but I guess that goes hand-in-hand with growing up, because people grow apart.
8. Life is full of...ups and downs. But it is still worth living.
I'm tagging Eve, Mandri, Rentia, Mandy-Leigh, Marthie, Hope, Lilian, Twinkles, Nats, etc.
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