Friday, September 28, 2012

Delaware Memorial Bridge

Since Artsy Girl has been learning about the state of Delaware this week, we made a large replica of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.  It's the largest twin suspension bridge in the world.  We used a heavy piece of cardboard for the bottom and blue foam paper for the water.  We then went crazy with the popsicle sticks, glue and craft rope.  I think it turned out pretty cute and she learned a lot about the amount of engineering and design it takes to make such a large structure.  Thanks to Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and her Road Trip USA Geography curriculum for the great idea!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Week #10

Artsy girl had a terrific week finishing up her Science study of weather. We have been using The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane book. She completed her Weather Lapbook thanks to Homeschool Share.  I came across lapbooks last year, and I have to say that they are a great way for the kids to creatively share what they have been learning about.  I chose to just simply use a blue folder and we taped all the pieces rather than using glue.  With our larger lapbooks, we usually use two file folders.  But this one easily fit onto one.  They do take a little prep work to print, cut, etc.  But, we really enjoy looking over these from time to time.  I try to have her create one every chance I get.



She also learned about our very first state, Delaware. We built a very large replica of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the largest twin suspension bridge in the world. Pictures to come of our bridge with details on how we made it.  We are also using the Which Way USA by Highlights.  These are great little books filled with activites...one for each state and a map too.

Soccer Boy finished the letter Tt and started Uu. He practiced being a turtle and we spent a beautiful Fall morning at the zoo examining turtles close up. The letter Uu is all about the wonderful way God created "us". We have been testing out our five senses, which we will continue with on into next week.    

He had one of those "a ha" moments this week.  We began putting together 3 letter words of some of the sounds we have learned thus far.  He read the word "sat" by himself and the excitement he portrayed will be something I will never forget.  Learning to read actual words is a very big step and I am so  fortunate  blessed (would be a better word) to be right there beside him every step of the way:)  We are greatly enjoying the My Father's World Kindy curriculum so far.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

A Trip to the Apple Orchard

What a beautiful week we have been having! We have been doing our school work outside some days enjoying God's beautiful Autumn weather.
I decided to take the kids to a nearby orchard for some apple picking. Soccer Boy recently learned about apples, so this was a great experience for him. It was a little competition between the two as to whom would find the biggest, prettiest apple.
What a wonderful blessing it is to homeschool our children. I get to spend my days romping through apple orchards, visiting the zoo and playing chase around the park. I wouldn't change my "job" for anything in the world.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Week #9

What a beautiful week!
The days are a little cooler now and the nights have gotten a little chilly...my favorite time of the year.

Artsy girl has been learning all about the state of Connecticut this week. Our special food this week was hamburgers, since this is where the very first hamburger was created.
She also began a study of the weather in Science. We are using several books we already owned about weather, plus we are reading "The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane". These are really enjoyable books for this age. She is working on a Weather Lap Book which should be completed next week. I will post finished pictures and details then.
Since weather is all about air, we also did a little experiment using a glass bottle, boiling water and a balloon. She learned that as air is heated, it expands and rises. She was amazed that the balloon inflated on its own. I explained that this is how hot air balloons work too.
A very good week...a post to follow detailing Soccer Boys adventures.

Rainbow Pancakes

Since we are studying about weather this week in Science, why not have "Rainbow Pancakes" for breakfast. These were a huge hit with the kids!! All you need to do is mix a little food coloring with your pancake recipe. I tried to incorporate all the colors and the kids even ate two platefuls;). It's these little moments that make life special. Have fun!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Craft Table Remodel

I received a very nice table from my Mom when she closed her shoe store a few weeks ago.  I decided it would be a perfect fit into my new craft room.  I was in need of a table to put my sewing machine on and with a large enough work surface to cut fabrics and sew without being confined. It just needed a little TLC.




I have been thinking for a couple of weeks on how to redo it a little.  I decided to get out my favorite craft item...Modge Podge (any excuse to use this stuff:).  I also took some scrapbooking paper that I already had and got to work.  I cut the pieces to fit the top (in a random style) and used the Modge Podge to adhere them to the surface.  I then went over the whole top with another layer of Modge Podge and let it dry for two hours.  I then put two coats of polyurethane on the top to seal it and make it so I could wipe it down easily.
I think it turned out great!  It fits perfectly into my crafty-kind of room.  An afternoon project for a total cost of = FREE!!  Doesn't get any better than that :)

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Week # 8

A very busy week this time!  With Labor Day on Monday, we had a very busy next four days.

Soccer Boy jumped into "a nest" as he practiced the letter "Nn".  He learned all about different types of animals and their homes including birds and their nests.  We talked about how God protects us and takes care of us just like a mama bird takes care of birdies by building them a nice warm nest.  He also began learning about money, Nickels to be exact.  Up until now, all coins were simply referred to as quarters by him.  We are really enjoying The My Fathers World Kindergarten curriculum so far!

Artsy girl began her journey to Massachusetts this week.  Each week we will be "visiting" a new state as we continue our study of American History & Geography.  We spent the week learning about Ben Franklin (born in Boston) and his amazing contributions to our early nation.  We also learned about the state bird, flower and interesting facts about Massachusetts.  We made homemade chocolate chip cookies, since they were first invented at the Tollhouse Inn.  We also finished our week making Boston Cream Pie, the state dessert...the kids greatly enjoyed this treat!  For science, we read about the layers of the earth and the seasons.  She spent a beautiful afternoon outside painting a tree.  She will paint this same tree each season.






Cooler weather is on the way...fingers crossed we can begin enjoying some fun outdoor adventures:)

Monday, September 3, 2012

Week # 7


Soccer Boy spent some time this week practicing the letter Aa.  We read some books about apples, added another piece to our quilt and even cut an apple open sideways to see the surprise God left inside.  Hint...a perfect little star with five seeds:). Part of the math portion of his curriculum is using Cuisinaire Rods.  These have been really great with teaching him to think logically.
We plan on visiting a local orchard in a couple of weeks to pick apples.


Artsy Girl spent some time this week reading about American artist, Georgia O'Keeffe.  She made her own re-creation of a beautiful close up of red poppies.
We completed our overview of America by studying about the Statue of Liberty and Pledge of Allegiance.  Next week, we will be "visiting" each of the 50 states beginning with Massachusetts.  We are adding in Roadtrip USA to our American History & Geography curriculum.  I have decided to make our study of American History last two years.  I want to spend lots of time learning about our wonderful country and all the great things that make each state unique.  Our study of the book of Luke is going well.  We are using The Dig for Kids: Luke Vol.1.  It is really easy to follow and only takes a few minutes each day to complete.  All in all, a great week!