Although I like our Math curriculum, it is a mastery program and can be slightly dry at times for a creative soul. While she diligently completed her rote worksheets each day, Belle often added a little flare to her assignments. Even though she mostly worked at the kitchen table, I tried not to make a fuss if she wanted to work on Math in a costume, in a box, in the driveway, in her bed, or in a dirt hole. She did, however, get a little scolding when I caught her reading when she was suppose to be finishing her math work. John usually did a math game or puzzle alongside his big sister. He seems to like numbers more than Belle who dramatically pretended she was breaking out of handcuffs the day she finished her Math book.
Sometimes we took a break from the text and did something random for Math, like cook or play a game. I think she is a born entrepreneur. At least once a week or so, she sets up some sort of shop on her own. I can't possibly remember all the things she has sold over the year, but the list includes everything from snow cones to lego bags. The little miser isn't satisfied with pretend money either. When I tried to buy a movie with a credit card once, I was told, "Well, my shop only accepts credit cards for half of the amount. The other half needs to be cash." Her most recent brainchild was selling water, which upset her younger brother. He was outraged that she and her friend were selling "Dirty water with chemicals!" Every time Belle collects about $2 she is eager to go to the store and buy "bakery bread." The cashier at Bilo even recognizes Belle and knows to ring up her bread as a separate purchase.
