I know, I know… I haven’t been blogging. But that doesn’t mean DJ hasn’t been learning. He’s been doing so much and I couldn’t be happier. I have a lot that I could be posting about but honestly I’ve been enjoying our time together rather than thinking about the status of the blog. But then things like tonight happen and I just have to share!  In celebration of a new year, we’ve posted a linear calendar in DJ’s bedroom. 

I first learned of a linear calendar from a friend’s blog at Planting Peas. From that post, I found the printable calendar which I printed onto cardstock and taped it across 3 walls of his bedroom with the help of my husband. (Note that we just finished painting his bedroom this week and hasn’t put the cover back on the light switch yet). 

I then pointed out each holiday across the year and DJ selected stickers from this book to mark each special day. In the photo above he has marked Flag Day, his father’s birthday, the first day of summer and Independence Day. 

Throughout the year, DJ will place pre-printed labels below each date. Since I’ve been teaching DJ about weekday names, I’ve connected them with images from the original source of each name. So a sun for Sunday, moon for Monday, the god Tyr for Tuesday, the god Odin (Woden) for Wednesday, the god Thor for Thursday, the goddess Frigga for Friday, and Saturn for Saturday. Each weekend is highlighted yellow. 

Ever since DJ first heard of this project, he’s been so excited. When he saw that it took three walls to list the entire year, he was amazed. I could see the understanding of just what a year is dawn across his face. I was so glad I decided to give this to him. 

But a couple of days went by and he didn’t mention the calendar. I wondered if we would find ourselves several months into the year without updating the calendar. 

But after a busy day when he had started his first swim class, he hadn’t been home for very long when he exclaimed “I need to see my year map!”  He added the day labels for Wednesday & Thursday and then placed a yellow check mark under each day. He asked me to write the words “started swim class” and suggested I add waves for water. 

And then I stood back in amazement as my soon drew a little stick figure. He started with the legs and drew a line up for the torso. Then he drew one arm and hand and then a second arm and hand and finally added the head. He finished by writing his name next to it. 

I have a feeling that this 2017 calendar is one I’m going to want to keep for eternity. 😊📅🗓