Reader's and Writer's Workshop

I know that all of you think that because of my profession, I smother my children in all kinds of literacy activities. Well, that is not quite the truth. Yes, we have lots of books, LOTS! And we have everything needed for an incredible writing center. However, Makinley and Morgan choose to do those things. It is very rare that I suggest they draw, or write, or read. Luckily, they just do it.

A few weeks ago Morgan decided that she wanted to read like Makinley. (I did get excited about that, I will admit!) So, she and I wrote a couple of simple stories. She has only read them a few times, but when I was reading with Makinley tonight, Morgan decided she needed to read too. I told her if she would read I would record her and put her on the blog. Superstar Morgan bought right in to that one! So here she is reading... (4's do that too you know!)




In the meantime, Makinley came up with an idea for a story last night. It was very out of the blue. She was in the tub and said, "Mom, I have an idea for a story. There's this circle who wants to have straight lines, you know, like a square, rectangle and hexagon." WOW! How could I pass that up?!?! It was late, so I told her she could jot her idea down in her journal and then maybe work on it today. Well, as soon as homework was done, she was on it. I helped her organize her her thoughts in a graphic organizer, but all of the details were hers. Of course, she too deserves her time in the spotlight, so here is an original story by Makinley...

Morgan turns 4!

Morgan had her 4th birthday on Monday, September 8th. I can't believe my baby is 4! I think that means it's time for another!!!!! Corey vetos that idea everytime it is brought up. He is happy with the 2 sweet girls that we have.

We had Morgan's party on Saturday. This year we kept things simple with just cake, presents and the jump house. Once again our family and friends spoiled her with lots of toys and clothes. She got lots of princess stuff, at her request, as well as lots of school clothes. Thanks to all of you for loving Morgan and taking time out of your Saturday to come and help her celebrate!

It was good that we didn't have her party on her actual birthday, because we ended up and Care Now for some emergency medical care. Morgan's school called at 4:30 Monday afternoon to let me know that she wan't feeling well. When I got there she was wheezing and coughing constantly. We came home and it continued to get worse. At one point Morgan started crying saying that she couldn't breathe! Yes, I was freaking out! Once Corey got home we talked to the after hours nurse who wanted us to go to Children's ER, where there was a 4 hour wait. We decided that Care Now would see us faster so off we went.

There Morgan had x-rays, a breathing treatment, and we were sent home with inhalers, steriods, and antibiotics. Happy Birthday Morgan!!!!

She stayed home from school on Tuesday, but today she was able to go back. She was so excited to go to school but wanted to know if it was still her birthday?! I guess she felt cheated when she had to leave on Monday feeling bad:)

Morgan did let me know that when you are 4 you get to fix dinner. Corey and I asked what she would fix and she said, "hot dogs or something". I'm thinking it sounds like a great idea to me!