As everyone in the free world knows, school started today.
Cam started grade 4.
Cuyler started grade 2.
And even though she is beyond ready – I get Eva all to myself for another year (darn January baby!). I will be sharing her with her Montessori that she loves but that starts next week.
I was so excited to get rid of the boys them off to school that, for the first time in 6 years I didn’t take any back to school pics.
I can say that both boys were super excited to get back to school and Cuyler had an amazing first day.
He had such a great year last year and we want to build on the momentum he’s got right now so we thought we’d arm him with another tool to hopefully continue his success in school.
We got him an iPad.
His teacher was pretty excited when we told him (he’s a Mac kinda guy). We thought he could use it as an additional learning tool while he is at school. We’re not using it as a toy for him.
For us – yes (Angry Birds? I am addicted).
For the kids – no.
His teacher was pretty excited when we told him (he’s a Mac kinda guy). We thought he could use it as an additional learning tool while he is at school. We’re not using it as a toy for him. For us – yes (Angry Birds? I am addicted).
For the kids – no.
I’d like to try some language and math apps that he can use with his EA if he needs down time. We have found several language apps but they seem geared to kids who are non-verbal.
I’d like to find some where we can make our own social stories. Y’know…to teach him about proper social graces so he doesn’t go around asking people why their skin is brown or asking overweight people if they have babies in their tummies.
We downloaded Look Into My Eyes – which helps kids become comfortable with eye contact. It’s a cute game and so far Cuy likes it. We also found “Model Me – Going Places“. These are social stories pertaining to community (going to restaurants, parks, mall, hairdresser, doctor and grocery store)
If you know of any others we may be interested in, please let me know in the comments!
One of the apps we set up last night for all the kids is the iReward app.
This morning we explained what the expectations are for each of the kids and what they could expect for rewards, some of which include a new book, $5 pocket money, bowling night, 1 hour of video games etc…
Looking forward to this giving us some leverage in parenting these creatures!
Eva has been enjoying it as a reward for tidying and good listening.
So far her favourite is Talking Tom:
So far her favourite is Talking Tom:
Also. I think she is well on her way to being a famous composer of horror film soundtracks. Thoughts?
(This app is called Virtuoso)
Cuyler is, and always has been, a big fan of the computer. And now the iPad.
I often wonder what kids like Cuyler did before all of this technology was available to help them learn and understand the world around them.
I can only imagine what the future has in store for him.
For us. Very exciting stuff!
Speaking of exciting new technology – you could win your very own Samsung laptop loaded with goodies that UrbanMoms is giving away!!
Head over HERE for your chance to win!!!
Great post!
What in gods name is Talking Tom??? No really….it sort of freaks me out….
I want an iPad…badddddddd
Awesome! Love Talking Tom. Nothing, NOTHING compares to Angry Birds. Addicted.
Speaking of social graces…
Maggie got braces a few weeks back and I made the mistake of telling Ryder they were “Silly Teeth”. Yesterday we went to Tim’s for a coffee, and the drive-thru girl had braces… Ryder (from the backseat) YELLS, “Mommy, that girl has silly teeth too!” Nice. Clearly – my fault… again.
Angry Birds gave me a couple of weeks of pure joy.
“MyFitnessPal” is great too!