First Grade Expectations

This is a sample of Erik's recent first grade math homework and a writing sample he brought home.  It really amazes me to see what is expected of our young kids.   Thankfully, Erik is quite bright and capable of meeting/exceeding the expectations, but I'm still not convinced these expectations are necessary at this age.   I'm confident he would benefit from 30 minutes of playtime more than he does from extremely rigorous academics at this point.  

Here is a checklist for kids entering first grade in 1979 (Victor's age).   Man have things changed!

http://www.metroparentmagazine.com/blogs/kitchentable/1979-vs-2015-the-expectations-placed-on-a-6-year-old-300820241.html

Baseball

Erik decided about one year ago that he was done with soccer and wanted to play baseball instead.

He is in his second season and does pretty well.  He is a good hitter and usually gets on base.  He loves the position of catcher and is pretty attentive when there.  In the outfield though, boy he spends quite a bit of time dancing (or kicking the dirt - if in the infield).  Ha!

I love Erik's enthusiasm for the sport!  Although, I admittedly wish he still loved soccer as I don't really consider baseball to be exercise.  It's more of a mental exercise than physical in my mind.   I think I have convinced him to do la crosse or soccer in the fall then baseball in the spring.  (Although, I haven't let him know my preference is that he do something more active and will support whatever sport he ends up pursuing.)

Spring Nuttiness

With four kids I am pretty sure I signed myself up for pure craziness for the next 18 years.
I want my kids to all be active and well rounded people.
Well, in order to make that happen, Victor and I have to be good taxi drivers and cheerleaders.  In addition, to finding a way to keep ourselves active and well rounded people.  (Wish us luck!)

Winter is pretty slow in regards to activities.
But spring and fall are crazy!

This spring we have -
baseball (twice a week)
gymnastics (twice a week)
piano (once a week)
soccer (once a week)
Awana (once a week)
Dance (1-2 times a week)


And our county doesn't allow you to request certain days for sports - so baseball is basically a crap shoot.  You sign up and hope for the best.  Well, one of Erik's baseball practices land on the same night and time as his dance class; and leaves only a 15 minute gap between piano and baseball.

Thankfully, all three activities are within 3-4 miles and after 4 weeks, the baseball schedule changes.  But for now, one night Erik has piano, dance, and baseball.  (Which goes piano, baseball, dance, back to baseball.)   Lainey has dance that night too.  Aww!!

 I see lots of this in our future.