MOSH Homeschool Classes: What’s the Matter, Anyway?
What’s the matter, anyway? We learned all about matter at last week’s MOSH homeschool class. We recently studied matter in science, so this was a perfect opportunity to reinforce the concepts we learned and to watch lots of awesome experiments!
Alex was eager to show off her knowledge!
I was surprised with how much Alex remembered from our lessons! She didn’t seem to grasp it when we studied it at home, but she sure knew the answers to all of the teacher’s questions. Her hand was raised practically the entire time. Alex is seriously the smartest 7-year-old I’ve ever known. I hope she continues to love science and learning this much as she grows up!
While learning all about the four states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma), we got to see all sorts of great experiments. They were so interesting that all four kids were completely enthralled! This is the best kind of learning. The kids learned a lot!
This class was our favorite of the MOSH Homeschool series, and also unfortunately the last. I’m really glad we participated in these classes! They were awesome and so educational. If we are still in Jacksonville this fall, we’ll most certainly take them again! I love to see the kids so excited about science.
Each of the kids learned a ton. Even Ethan, who has difficulty retaining new information, was able to tell me the states of matter and about his favorite experiment. Three-year-old Derek also knows the states of matter and how they change states! That’s pretty awesome. He loved the experiment where they turned the balloon into a ball of ice. We may try something similar at home. He loves learning and is so eager to try new things.
If you live on the First Coast and homeschool, MOSH’s homeschool classes are an amazing learning opportunity. I’m so glad we participated. It was definitely worth the time!
Related articles
- MOSH Homeschool Class: Happenin’ Habitats! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- 5 Reasons I Love Homeschooling My Kids (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
Alex is a Published Book Reviewer! Check Out Her Reviews in This Month’s San Francisco Book Review!
For the second year in a row, seven-year-old Alexandria is a published book reviewer! Her three book reviews came out today in the San Francisco Book Review’s Children’s Book Week. Here’s the link:
http://1776productions.com/docs/SFBR_May2012.pdf
Alexandria’s reviews are on pages:
Friends Forever 2: Page 29
Dinosaur World: Page 30
Dinosaur Pet: Page 33
I also have a few reviews in this month’s issues:
In the King’s Name, pages 14-15
The Homeschool Experiment: A Novel: Page 18
The Art of Duke Hunting: Page 93
The Scandalous Countess: Page 94
I am so proud of my little writer! She’s proud of herself too. She treasures last year’s copy of the paper and was really excited to see herself in this year’s issue. Not only did she get three new books, but it was the perfect opportunity to practice writing skills. These book reviews made up more than one school lesson. I’m hoping she can continue to do this for years to come. It’ll look great on her college application one day to have been writing book reviews since kindergarten!
Check out Alex’s reviews and let her know what you think! 
Celebrating Spring and A Terrific Two-Year-Old at the Jacksonville Zoo
On Monday, we spent the morning at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to celebrate Bella’s second birthday. It was a chilly morning and the animals were very active. We got a couple of great shots and had a nice morning out!
Bella’s BFF Evie came with us and the girls had a great time together exploring and daring each other to touch or eat the grossest thing (in baby/ toddler language of course). We brought cupcakes to share (after washing hands!). The kids got a ton of exercise. This was one spring day we thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend it than outdoors!
Bella had a great birthday week and enjoyed all of the well-wishes and presents. I don’t think she knew exactly what was going on but she liked the attention. My sweet, sassy little lady is quite a handful! Her favorite part of the zoo (besides trying to eat gross things) was to run and make me chase her. When I tell her “No, stop!” she goes faster and farther. Ah, I “love” this stage. 
Awwww! If Cheetas read romance novels, this would be the cover.
Alex and her BFF Sophia
Catch me, mom!
Mmmmm! Cupcakes!
Bella and her BFF Evie
How would I describe Bella at two? Silly. Sweet. Loving. She’s absolutely obsessed with baby dolls. Sometimes I call her the baby horder, because she’ll have one doll in her purse, one in a backpack, and one in her arms. She simply can’t get enough of her baby dolls. She loves feeding them, dressing them, and carrying them everywhere. At the park, she loves to put them down the slide and swing them in the baby swing. She also loves rubber duckies and playing with her neighbor and best friend Evie.
Bella loves doing school. She colors, does stickers, and adores reading books with mommy. She likes music a lot and dances and sings for us. She’s a very active, opinionated little monkey who refers to herself as “Tiny” or “Tiny Cookie.” I’m really not sure where that came from.
Alex, Age 7
LOVE!
An Interesting Bird
Friends
Best Friends Forever
We love our zoo, especially in the Spring. Sure, we’ve seen everything a million times now. However, it’s always great for a walk. This time of year everything is blooming. There are baby animals (I love babies!) and the weather isn’t yet too hot to be comfortable. There’s not much we’d rather do than walk the zoo. The kids get exercise, mental stimulation, and take naps afterwards. Hooray!
I hope Bella had a great second birthday. While I don’t know if she’ll remember it, we took lots of pictures to help her. I wonder if she dreams about the interesting things we do and things she sees. What would it be like to see inside the mind of a two-year-old? It may be interesting.
Bella's Pouty Face
Look at this, mommy!
Proud to be an American
Plants, Plants, Plants!
Spring marks new beginnings. New baby animals frolic on the farm. New baby birds tweet from their nests as their parents search for the perfect fat worms to nourish their tiny, growing bodies. At our house, new plants are born. I love filling the flowerbed with colorful flowers and nutritious vegetables each Spring. It makes it feel so homey. Hopefully I’ll even be able to keep them alive!
The kids have been learning all about plants this month, so this is a broad post encompassing our unit.
The children have learned all about the parts of a plant, different types of plants and why they are important, and what a plant needs to grow. Not only have we read scores of plant-related books from the library and done lots of great worksheets from enchantedlearning.com, but we’ve also done science experiments and planted lots of seeds. Ethan’s LIFEPAC science unit this month was on plants too. Each of the kids has learned so much!
I asked each of the kids what they know about plants.
Me: Ethan, tell me something about plants.
Ethan: Plants have, like, stems, roots, and leaves on them. Plants need sunlight, soil, and water. Some types of plants are trees, flowers, and stuff. Plants that we eat are vegetables and fruit.
Me: Good. Derek, what can you tell me about plants?
Derek: We water plants. We plant seeds in our flower bed. Then they grow and we water them. We eat some plants, like we eat tomatoes, bananas, grapes, bread (wheat), cucumbers, and lettuce.
Me: Good job, Derek! What else do you know about plants?
Derek: Birds help pollinate plants. Birds eat fruit. Then they poop. New plants can grow because they poop out the seeds and they fall in the dirt.
Me: Good job, buddy! Who grows plants?
Derek: Farmers!
Me: Awesome. Alex, what do you know about plants?
Alex: Well, in order for a plant to grow, it needs food, water, and sunlight. The type of dirt is important too. A plant also needs rain.
Me: Do you remember how a plant makes its own energy?
Alex: Photosynthesis!
Me: Excellent. What else can you tell me about plants?
Alex: Well, pollination is important. First, bees and butterflies can pollinate. Flowers need them to help pollinate to make more flowers. Animals and birds that eat fruits and flowers can also help pollinate. The animal poops the seed and it helps a new plant grow.
Well… evidentially the poop lesson really sunk in.
Hard at Work!
Studying the parts of a plant-- Science!
Ethan's drawing of the parts of a plant
Some of Alex's Plant Worksheets and Books
Look What We're Reading!
Planting flowers and vegetables out front was the most exciting part of our plant unit. The kids enjoyed helping plant the seeds and have been good about caring for them. Our carrots, spinach, and tomatoes are growing nicely! It was great for them to be able to see how the plant cycle works. We have been eating entirely vegetarian meals this month too and gaining a greater appreciation for plants and how they nourish our bodies. I hope these little lessons stick with them.
Our Organic Carrots!
Mama's Helper
Sorting Marigold Seeds
Seeds
Derek Plants His Seeds
I helped Derek transform his Easter pail into a pot by punching several holes in the bottom with a hammer and screwdriver and filling it with potting soil. I gave him a pack of Marigolds to plant. When we carefully poured the seeds on the table, his eyes opened wide and he said, “Are these real seeds?” He didn’t quite believe they were. Alex and I showed him how to plant his seeds and he did a very good job.
Derek and his Marigolds!
So Cute
My Buddy Waters His Flowers
Plants are vitally important not only for our healthy, but also for our planet. Without plants, we could not be able to live. They produce the oxygen we need to live. They are an easily renewable food source. I love that the kids are learning where their food comes from and how it grows. We don’t have the space to plant a large garden now, but someday I hope we do. I think every child should learn to garden. It’s relaxing. It’s fun. It teaches respect for nature and the wonder of life. Plus it creates a useful, tasty, healthy, product. Really, does school get much better than that?
Related articles
- How Do Tulips Disperse Their Seeds? (proflowers.com)
- Why Do Flowers Need Pollen? (proflowers.com)
- Learning the Parts of a Flower (proflowers.com)
- Oct 13, How Do Flowers Grow? 4 Stages of Flower Development (growinganything.com)
Kids Can Cook Too!
Alex is taking cooking classes throughout the month of April and today was her first class! We streamed her class live to our kitchen and had all of our ingredients ready to go. Alex did the lion’s share of the work and I helped her with the cutting and stove. Today’s menu was spinach cheese pasta. It was labor intensive but amazing!
Alex and her ingredients!
How cute is this?
With lots of supervision, Alex wisked together a cheesy sauce for her pasta dish. She learned how to preheat the oven and boil a pot of pasta too. She learned lots of new vocabulary words today and new skills as well.
Mixing and adding a crunchy topping!
Our spinach cheese pasta baked at 350 degrees for 25 minutes and was ready to be served, hot and steaming and delicious. We chopped up some yellow squash and sauteed them in olive oil and garlic. So many lessons in one day!
Dinner was absolutely amazing. You should have seen the pride in Alex’s face when she ate the dinner she made herself. She was so proud of herself, and I was too. Cooking not only teaches children life skills, but it also boosts their confidence. This class gave us the opportunity for much more in depth cooking lessons than we would do on the average day. I don’t usually get Alex this involved. I mean, she likes to mix fruit salad and spoon cookie dough onto a cookie sheet, but this is real cooking! I love how enthusiastic she is to learn. She is going to be a very capable young woman. I love my little chef!
All done! Hot and ready to serve.
Look what I did!
Adorable Footprint Butterflies to Brighten Your Spring Day!
If you follow my blog, you know that I think baby hand and foot-print art is beyond adorable. I love turning tiny hands and feet into adorable and seasonal keepsakes. I found this idea on Pinterest and knew we had to try it, with our own personal flair of course. Bella wasn’t the most willing participant, but she loved sitting on my lap as I turned her little footprints into adorable Spring butterflies.
To make your own footprint butterflies, all you need is some paint, a brush, construction paper, and little feet. 23-month-old Bella was my artist of the day. She certainly did not like the paint on her feet, but she did like seeing the results. Cause and effect! Paint the bottom of your little artists’ foot and gently press it onto the middle of your paper like this:
Repeat with the other foot, overlapping slightly like this:
Now it’s time to add your own flare! I added a butterfly body and antennae, grass and button flowers, a colorful border, and the words “Happy Spring!” I also added Bella’s name, age, and the date so that I’ll know how old she was when I enjoy the artwork years from now.
Here is the final product:
I loved this project because it is so darn cute and easy too. I think it looks perfectly adorable on my kitchen counter ledge and look forward to displaying it there for the next few months before tucking it away into our scrapbooks for posterity. I love my little Bella feet and know I’ll adore our little Spring keepsake when she’s much to big for her footprints to be adorable. They do grow up too fast.
I hope you enjoy our project and have fun making your own footprint butterflies!
Searching for Fairies in Butterfly Hollow
There isn’t anything much in the world that Alexandria loves more than fairies, so we were very excited when the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the opening of their newest exhibit, Butterfly Hollow. Not only are there butterflies, but there are also fairy houses throughout the exhibit just waiting to be discovered. We celebrated the first day of Spring with a fairy hunt in Butterfly Hollow.
Alex and her friends navigate the zoo
Alex and her BFF, Sophia (and the back of Derek's head)
My Beautiful Alex
Aw, look how cute! Not. She's actually throwing tiny rocks into the air. Her head was coated with them!
Butterflies!
Butterfly Hollow is an enclosed butterfly garden full of spring blooms, interesting recycled art, and lots of colorful butterflies. The wine bottle tree was an interesting touch and the tiny fairy houses were very cute. The little kids liked the water fall. Bella liked picking up the tiny white rocks that made the pathway and throwing them in the air. Oh joy.
An Adorable Fairy House
Bella and her friend discuss the best pebble throwing techniques
Brothers
Beautiful Spring Blooms!
Cute!
We visited the zoo today with our homeschool group and made some new friends! It’s so amazing meeting new families with which we have so much in common. The kids love seeing their friends and having fun. We’ve made so many great friends here in Jacksonville.
Ethan, Age 5 1/2
Alex watches the butterflies
Overall, Butterfly Hollow was very cute. It really paled in comparison to our visit to the Butterfly Rain Forest in Gainesville last month though. There were not many varieties of butterflies, the exhibit was very small, and the garden leaves much to be desired. It was very inexpensive, though, so you get what you pay for. It was only $6 for the kids and I to tour the Hollow.
Would we recommend it? Sure, if you’re already visiting the zoo. The fairy theme was cute but left a lot to be desired. The gift shop was small but had a few cute things. Alex got a butterfly ring and a fairy sticker book and Bella got a butterfly board book. It’s nothing like last year’s Dino Alive exhibit… but it’s not a bad way to spend some time.
My Four Babies
Isabella, Age 23 months
It’s a glorious first day of Spring here in Jacksonville. Sunny and 80+ degrees, we’re blowing up the pool this afternoon for a little neighborhood backyard pool party. It should be fun. After a morning walking the zoo, it’ll be the perfect way to start the season. I love the blossoming leaves and blooming flowers and crave the outdoors this time of year.
What did you do today to mark the start of Spring? Did you spot any fairies?
Interesting
The Kids and their friends
Some of our homeschool friends
Related articles
- A Rainbow of Glorious Butterflies Surround us at Gainesville’s Butterfly Rainforest (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden (proflowers.com)
- Bye, Bye, Butterflies, Bye! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
5 Reasons I Love Homeschooling My Kids
Every day is a new adventure at our house, full of learning, laughter, and a little squabbling too. Homeschooling has been on the news a lot lately, even making it into Newsweek magazine in a positive article. Homeschooling is thriving across the nation, growing at 15% annually. More parents than ever are looking for an alternative to the public school system. Yet considering homeschooling can be scary. I know. I was in your shoes a year ago. We began homeschooling Ethan last march and have learned a whole lot through the process. There have been moments of sheer frustration and moments of joyous triumph. Overall, it has been an amazing and life-changing experience. Here are the top 5 reasons I love homeschooling my kids:
1. They Get a Solid, Well-Rounded Education
Academics are hugely important to me, and as a homeschooling mother and teacher I have the ability to make sure that my kids are learning everything. I want them to be familiar with all the classics of children’s literature. By the time they graduate high school, I want them to have a grasp on the best classics of the English language and to be able to discuss them intelligently. Reading is a vital part of every day in our house. We’re making our way through more books than we ever would have had time to read together otherwise. Not only are they learning, but we’re bonding and making memories too.
We study history and science with a passion. Math is practiced daily and each of the kids is at least a year above their grade-level. Foreign language, music theory, art, geography, religion, life-skills and more fill our days. I want the kids to have the best possible education, something they won’t get at our local public schools and something that can be tricky with our mobile-military lifestyle. Did I mention that I tailor our curriculum after the best prep-schools in the US? It’s true. We may not live in New York City or be able to afford to send each of the kids to a $40,000 per year prep-school, but we can teach them the same subjects and do the same projects at home. The Internet provides amazing connections and resources. Why shouldn’t my kids have the best education available?
Our curriculum has vision and focus, and also room to explore the children’s current interests. We do more hands-on-activities and go on more field-trips than any school I know of. I want the children to gain a solid, well-rounded education. I want them to have a grasp on the world around them and to be thoroughly prepared for college and real-life. Our version of homeschooling is a lot more academic and rigorous than some, but it suits us well.
2. Each Child’s Education is Tailored for His or Her Level and Learning Style.
Alex is an auditory learner who can hear anything and remember it months or years later. She quotes books we read months ago! For her, I’ve discovered that reading aloud really helps her retain information. This is an awesome tool! Ethan, on the other hand, is a visual learner. He has to be shown exactly what to do numerous times before he grasps something new, but once he has it down he’s great. Because we have freedom and flexibility, I can tailor how I teach to best suit each child. They learn more this way.
Homeschooling allows us to teach each child at his or her own level as well. Alex’s classmates are in first grade, but she’s cruising through second grade with flying colors. In public school, she was frequently in trouble for talking because she was so bored. She was simply not challenged. At home, I can make sure that there is a constant challenge. When things get dull, I shake them up a bit. She loves a challenge and is always rising to meet it.
Ethan also does well working at his own pace. He too was in trouble in school largely because he wasn’t challenged. While his peers are in preschool this year, Ethan is doing first grade work and is excelling. He reads with ease and has a true gift with numbers. Homeschooling gives us this flexibility. By tailoring curriculum to a child’s academic level, not their age, they can excel at their own pace. It works really well for us!
3. We Can Focus on Academics!
My neighbor has a sweet third grade son. He’s one of the best kids I know, yet instead of worrying about learning he’s worried about having a girlfriend, because everyone in his class is obsessed with who is going out with whom. The kids at the park talk constantly about “dating,” despite the fact that they’re in elementary school. Homeschooling allows my children to have an actual childhood that involves playing, exploring their passions, and learning. Boyfriends, drugs, sex, alcohol, and political agendas are not a part of our educational life. This lets us spend more time learning.
When Alex is much older, we’ll discuss boyfriends and those other issues. However, there’s no real place for that in elementary school. This is the time for kids to develop a basis for their education. This is time for laying down educational building blocks. It’s not the time to worry about which boys like her and which don’t and what the other girls are wearing. I’d much rather she gains a solid understanding of multiplication. Which will serve her better in the long run?
I also don’t have to worry about perverse teachers such as those recently on the news from Los Angeles. I don’t have to worry about school shootings or abductions. I don’t have to worry about bullying or cliques. That is simply not part of our life. How nice is that?
4. Our Family is Closer Than Ever.
I was once one of those parents who enjoyed sending the kids to school because it gave me free time. I wasn’t all that thrilled at the prospect of being together 24/7. What happened? I learned to truly enjoy my children. I learned to have more patience than I ever thought possible. I learned to listen to them and to love spending time with them.
Now, I can’t imagine not being with them. What amount of free time would be worth missing those triumphant smiles when they master a new skill? What amount of free time would be worth missing cuddling and reading a classic novel? None. Our family is closer than ever. I enjoy my children more than I ever did before. That is a true gift.
5. The Kids are Thriving!
Each of my children is thriving in their own way. This makes me so happy I can scarcely express it in words.
Alexandria discovers more each day about who she is and what she likes. She has become an accomplished piano player and tears through chapter books like they’re going out of style. She’s an excellent writer and a sweet little girl. She’s up for any adventure and loves going out into the world and pursuing her interests. As homeschoolers, the world is our classroom. When something new and interesting tickles her fancy, we go out and learn about it.
Ethan is a smart, studious little boy who has emerged from a cocoon of behavioral issues into an inquisitive, intelligent, and interested young man. This transformation has been spectacular. He still has issues, but we’re moving forward.
Derek is a ball of energy, but learning so much. He knows all of his letter names and sounds and is learning to write them too. Because of the freedom and flexibility homeschooling offers, I can make sure that Derek gets all the active play and exercise he needs to focus. Between lessons, we take long breaks for play and running around outside. Once the energy is out, he’s ready to curl up in my lap to read or steady himself at the table for some cutting practice.
Bella is a smart little cookie too, always ready to try new things and copy the older kids. She gets up at the table too and wants to “do school.” I let her color and participate just as much as she can.
Yes, there are moments when it’s hard. There are days when I don’t really feel like it. Then I look at how far we’ve come and the great times we’ve had. Each child is learning in the way that comes easiest and most naturally to them. They are smart, polite, creative, and capable children. I am thankful for this opportunity. I am happy that we have the resources available to provide them with this education. It has been the journey of a lifetime.
Related articles
- Watch Out, Fashionistas! Homeschooling is Now the Hip Thing to Do! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
Symmetrical Cutting Valentine’s Heart Collages!
Preschool time was fun and full of learning yesterday morning. After two lessons in our Horizon’s Preschool Curriculum (which we love!!!!), it was time for some extra scissor practice. Derek’s scissor skills have improved dramatically over the past few months and it’s possible for him to cut for longer periods of time (more than 2 seconds). I let him choose two colorful sheets of construction paper and we folded them, then drew half-hearts along the seams. I taped the edges closed so he wouldn’t get confused and helped him get his scissors in position correctly. Cutting time!
Cutting is definitely a skill that requires patience to learn, on both of our parts. I find myself getting frustrated after telling him for the 50th time, “Don’t cut the heart in half! Cut around the lines!” He gets frustrated having to slow down and cut careful, concerted lines. He did it, though! Derek was so excited to unfold each new heart! Once they were all cut out, it was time for some gluing! Derek made a lovely symmetrical cutting Valentine’s heart collage!
- Gluing is so fun!
Ethan joined in the fun once he finished his penmanship and phonics lessons. He’s a much quicker and more accurate cutter than Derek and loves rubbing that in. Stinker.
When Derek finished cutting, he wanted to paint. That boy loves to paint EVERYTHING. I got him his paint set and a variety of brushes, rolled up his sleeves, and let him at it.
This was a fun and easy project that kept the boys engaged while also honing their fine-motor skills. Who doesn’t love a little Valentine’s Day art?
So proud!
February Homeschool Classes at the Jacksonville Zoo
Love Is In The Air
This morning we went to the first of our first two homeschool classes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens this month! Alex and Ethan both participated today and had so much fun. They learned all about habitats, including the jungle, the Savannah, and Florida. There were three animal encounters per class, for a total for nine animals! Two happy, smiling kids came running back to me after their third class was complete, homework packets in hand. We love the zoo’s homeschool classes and will be sad when they end this month.
One of the best parts of homeschool class is that after I drop Alex and Ethan off for class, I have just two kids to take through the zoo. Our neighbors Jordan and Evie came along with us for some exercise and exploration. It was the perfect day for some walking: temperatures in the mid-60s, sunny, and not too many other people. Here are some of my favorite photos from today’s adventures:
This is Derek's "I'm being a stinker" face
Derek, Age 3 1/2
Checking Out the Animals
I asked Alex what she thought about today’s classes:
Me: So, what was the best part of today’s classes?
Alex: Petting the bunny. I like the bunny. It was black and white and it was a shy bunny.
Me: What did you learn about today?
Alex: I learned that many species of animals that live in the rainforest could get killed cause we cut down too many trees. Lots of our food comes from the rainforest, like chocolate, nuts, and some oranges. Isn’t that weird?
Me: What other animals did you see?
Alex: I saw three snakes, a dove, a hedgehog, and a live armadillo. It was kind of bumpy and furry! We touched its shell. We couldn’t touch its face.
Me: Did you touch any snakes?
Alex: I touched all the snakes! Every single one.
Me: What did they feel like?
Alex: They feel kind of bumpy. One felt like a football plus a basketball plus it was soft and squishy.
Me: Okay, then. What was the most interesting thing you learned?
Alex: The most interesting thing I learned is that toucans can hear their friends from very far away. It’s hard to see other Toucans through the rain forest, I suppose.
Me: Did you have a good time?
Alex: Yeah, I had a really good time!
Love!
Our friend Evie loved the animals!
Look at that!
My cute little monkey!
I want to do it too!
The animals were all very active this morning. The Kudus ran and frolicked about their habitat, chasing birds and having fun. The monkeys made all sort of racket. The lions roamed their den and birds and small creatures were abundant. I love taking the kids to the zoo because it’s a great chance to get get some exercise, connect with nature, and gain an appreciation for and understanding of the vast world we live in.
I’m kind of sad we won’t be here to take homeschool classes at the Jacksonville Zoo again next fall. We still don’t have orders, but should PCS out of here in September. It’s a bittersweet thing to look forward to. I hope wherever we may end up will be as educational and fun as Jacksonville. This duty station has been good to us.
Eating Evie's snacks
Jordan and Evie
Snacks are always better with friends
My learners!
Love Is In The Air!
Watch Out, Fashionistas! Homeschooling is Now the Hip Thing to Do! :-)
Watch out, fashionistas! Homeschooling is now the fashionable thing to do. I came across a cool article today about “Why Urban, Educated Parents are Turning to DIY Education” and couldn’t help but sharing:
I remember when my mom homeschooled us, there was very little support. It wasn’t the mainstream thing to do and people could be pretty critical. Today? There are several million successful homeschoolers in the United States and this number grows by 15% yearly. Chances are you know someone who is homeschooling their children. With the Internet and local support, homeschooling is not only easy, it’s a vibrant opportunity for families to grow and learn together.
It’s refreshing to know that more people like us are choosing to educate their own children. We’re not the stereotypical homeschoolers: rural, blue-collar, very religious, etc. Most aren’t. We’re highly educated professionals who live in the 13th largest city in the US. We’re modern parents who realize that factory-style, one-size-fits-all-education doesn’t fit our kids.
What do you think of this trend?
Sure, Play With Your Food. Promoting Play in a Fun, Pre-School Kinda Way.
Play is vitally important to a young child’s development, yet is something that modern society pushes to the wayside. Did you see the recent study stating that today’s preschoolers spend 97% of their time NOT playing and running around? Since the 1970s, kids have lost an average of nine-twelve hours per week of free playtime and are spending less free time outside than ever before. Sad, isn’t it?
If you’re like me, it isn’t easy to just let the kids play for hours at a time. I’m a go-getter who is on a constant mission to get things done. I have to keep telling myself that free play is important. Also important is creative play time. What’s a mom to do when the ideas run short on fun new playtime activities?
With Bella and Derek shunning naps, I needed some new creative play ideas to occupy our time and I needed them fast. I picked up some fun books about toddler and preschool games at the library and cracked open “365 Games Smart Toddlers Play” by Sheila Ellison. The first thing I found was “Sorting Pasta.”
I gathered several boxes of differently shaped pasta from the garage and mixed a small amount of each together into a bowl. I set it down in front of Bella and gave her three more small bowls, then attempted to teach her to sort them. That… didn’t work so well. She had a blast putting pasta in bowls and pouring them from one bowl to the next. She was occupied for at least 20 minutes! Derek joined in too and had fun making a big, pasta-y mess all over the rug.
I let the little kids play their pasta sorting game in their way for as long as they liked, biting back any urge to push them on to something else. They didn’t play the way I had anticipated, but they had a ton of fun! Who would have thought something so simple could keep them busy for so long!
Once they lost interest, we went outside for some active play and then had lunch and naps. While Bella took a small rest, I prepared rice for our next creative play activity: “Rice Fun.”
I cooked a large pot of rice and allowed it to cool while Bella rested, then set up a picnic mat with lots of pans and utensils. When Bella got up, we headed outside for some fun. I dumped the rice onto the center of the tablecloth, making a hill. The kids used spoons, cups, and other kitchen supplies to mold and play with the rice. Derek and Bella made lots of rice cupcakes!
The project was messy and sticky, but lots of fun! Derek played for about 40 minutes, a record for him! He ate a lot of it as well and wasn’t hungry for dinner. Once he tired of the game, I hosed the ricey mess off the drive. The kids ran up and down the driveway squealing and shreeking in the water.
Play is essential to a child’s development. It contributes to their emotional, cognitive, social, and physical well-being. Many children today are being raised in increasingly hurried and pressured lifestyles that limit the time available for play. As parents, it’s up to us to bring play back. If you’re like me and run out of ideas, there are many resources out there to help you out! You’d be surprised how many cool ideas you can get from a simple trip to the library. Get out there and let your kids play. They’ll be happier and healthier for it.
Finger Painting Preschool Madness!
Derek’s full Horizons Preschool Curriculum arrived in the mail yesterday, and he was so excited to start that he was begging to get out his books before we had even eaten breakfast! His attention span is really improving, and we figured it was time to introduce him to more formal book work (just a bit). He dug right in. Our lesson ended with a cutting, gluing, and painting exercise. He loved spreading the glue with his paintbrush and carefully added colorful paints with another brush… at first. Every time he got a bit of paint on his hands, he would hold the hand out in disgust until I washed it.
Then…. something happened.
“What will happen if I put my hands in the paint?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I replied. “You are supposed to paint with your hands. It’s finger paint.”
He put one finger in the paint, then two. One hand, then two. A grin spread from ear to ear and the mess began. His hands moved at the speed of light, back and forth and round and round, and the paint began splattering far and near. “I made brown!” Derek exclaimed, excited, painting his newspaper like a madman.
One picture turned to two. Two turned to three until eleven colorful Derek creations covered our dining room table. By the time he finished, the entire Derek side of the table was greenish brown, as were his hands, arms, clothes, legs, and part of his hair. I carefully extracted him from his chair and carried him to the kitchen sink for a thorough scrubbing.
It may have been messy, but I haven’t ever seen Derek that creative. I love how much focus he’s developing. He can actually focus on a project for 30 minutes or so now, something we couldn’t have imagined only several months ago. My little boy is growing up. I love him so much, green-paint-splotched arms and all.
My hard working preschooler
Look what happens!
So happy!
My messy boy!
Derek's masterpieces line our table!
Lil’ Miss Goes Rock Climbing!
Hubby didn’t have to fly until this evening, so he and Alex were able to have a Daddy/ Daughter date and attend a rock climbing class at The Edge Rock Gym with our homeschool group. I was so glad! Not only was it an awesome chance for some bonding, but I didn’t have to chase a crazy toddler around the gym the entire time. The rest of us stayed home and did schoolwork while Bella napped. Hubby and Alex left with some comfortable clothes, the old camera, driving directions, and a roaring sense of adventure. They had an absolute blast!
Alex and her class
Alex and her pal Sophie
At first, Alex wasn’t so sure about the whole climbing thing. She’s used to being the best at everything and wasn’t the best climber. Lil’ Miss started crying. Hubby and some of the ladies cheered her on and encouraged her to keep trying. Before she knew it, she was a climbing machine! Hubby enjoyed climbing as well.
I asked Alex what she thought of rock climbing.
Alex: “That was cool. So cool.”
Mom: “What was the best part?”
Alex: “Oh, doing my super goal.”
Mom: “What?”
Alex: “Super goal. The super goal was to get to the low cliff. I won the super goal. My friend Sohpie helped me. But when I was up there I was a little too scared to come down. I was like, “I am too high.”
Mom: “Did you like climbing?”
Alex: “Yes, definitely. First I thought it was no fun, cause, like, I thought everyone was going higher than me. Well, the truth was that some kids couldn’t get very high. Some kids went really, really high and that was too much for me.”
Mom: “What did you learn about climbing?”
Alex: “I learned that I can lean backwards to come down. I learned the Safety rules.”
Mom: “Did you have fun with Daddy today?”
Alex: “I had a lot of fun. Well, I like climbing with daddy cause it’s very fun.”
Mom: “Is Daddy a good climber?”
Alex: “Yes!
Mom: “Would you ever want to go rock climbing again?”
Alex: “Yes! Maybe with you when you don’t have very much work to do. Maybe on a Saturday or Sunday when Dad can watch the kids. That would be fun!”
Climber!
Today’s school day was a fun and memorable adventure. Alex had the time of her life. Who wouldn’t love a curriculum that incorporates rock climbing as PE? I think that is pretty darn awesome. I would have loved that as a child. Heck, I love it now! Our homeschooling adventure is just that… the adventure of a lifetime.
Art Class at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
One of our favorite places to hang out in Jacksonville is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. We adore their Tuesday evening art class. We haven’t been for a while and decided that art class would be the perfect way to top off our day.
Alexandria was thrilled to be dropped off for art class and the other children were excited to explore the museum. There were three other homeschooled kids in her class. Crazy, huh? She had an awesome time giggling and gabbing with the girls. We headed out to the gardens to burn off some energy. I chased Bella around the gardens for almost 40 minutes. That kid is tireless! Between mad dashes after the toddler, I also enjoyed playing with the new camera.
Follow us on a little adventure through the Gardens…
Exploring the Garden
I was surprised how many flowers were blooming in the garden, considering it is January. It has been a very warm, spring-like winter here in Florida. I’m dying to plant flowers at home and have to keep reminding myself it’s winter. The gardens were lovely and refreshing and the kids really enjoyed exploring them. I let them search every nook and cranny. There were few people around and it was a glorious way to spend an evening! Which shot do you like best?
Alex had a great time at art class and talked my ears off all the way home. She made a landscape with tissue paper. She talked more than crafted in class and had to finish it at home. Here are some shots of art time!
Alex’s Art Class
Alex's final masterpiece. Why she taped a flower on it only she knows...
I hope the kids have fond memories of our time in Jacksonville when they grow up. I’m so happy for all the fun, cultural experiences we’ve been able to enjoy. If you’re ever in Jacksonville, you simply must check out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. It’s a true gem.
Celebrating the Beauty of the Seasons Through Poetry
We are learning about the four seasons this week and while it’s a new concept for the boys, it’s old news for Alex. We encorporated our seasons theme into English today by writing poems about each season. I found some great season senses poem sheets at www.enchantedlearning.com and printed them for Alex. I seriously love that website! She not only exercised her creativity, but also practiced her penmenship and spelling. I love her poems!
Alex's Season Senses Poem
Poetry is a treat for the senses. Not only is it fun to read most of the time, but it’s also a unique and powerful way to express oneself. My children love it when I read them poems by their favorite poet, Shel Silverstein. I remember enjoying “Where the Sidewalk Ends” as a child and loving it too.
For Alex, writing her own poetry was a challenging task earlier this year. It took lots of practice and a bit of prodding, but she’s gotten better and better at thinking outside the box. Her poetry offers me glimpses of how her mind works and I plan on keeping her poems forever. I’m glad my mother kept mine!
Spring Poem
Winter Poem
Fall Poem
Summer Poem
So, I evidentially didn’t catch all the spelling mistakes, but that’s part of the cute-factor, right? It’s a good example of where she is right now. I love watching her learn and grow and hope she continues to love poetry for the rest of her life.
I think that most of us love poetry from infancy, even if you don’t realize it. What baby doesn’t love lullabies or nursery rhymes? Mine all did (and do!). Those are all examples of poetry. Poetry soothes us with its rhythm. Its steady pace and predictable repitition speak to a child’s soul.
As we grow older, our definition of poetry changes and grows. Its words can be used in any combination to express your hopes, fears, dreams, and deepest emotions. I find that I can express myself best in free-form poetry when I really need to get it all out. I did not enjoy studying poetry in college and stopped enjoying it for a while, but rekindled my love affair once I had children.
Poetry can be used to teach anything. The rhythm and flow of the words make things easier to remember. Poems introduce us to new concepts and vocabulary. They can be used to soothe a child and lull them to a peaceful slumber. They speak to our hearts and excite our emotions. A peom is wonderful to write because there is not wrong way to do so. Poetry speaks to our souls.
What does poetry mean to you?
Painting a More Colorful Future– Drawing Lessons!
Drawing is a great way to express oneself. It’s a fun way to be creative, hones fine-motor skills, and stimulates the imagination. Teaching your child to draw not only increases what they are capable of creating, but it also does wonders for their self-confidence and self-esteem. I encourage my kids to draw often and love helping them improve their drawing abilities. I love it when they proudly hold up something they created and proclaim, “Look what I did! Look how good I am!”
This afternoon, I got three of them to gather around the dining room table for a drawing lesson. Today’s topic? Flowers. I was really happy that Derek wanted to participate today. He’s really matured in leaps and bounds lately when it comes to school. Not too long ago, I could barely get him to participate in any project for more than 1-2 minutes. Today he lasted through 30 minutes of art! Ethan has also matured a lot. When we started homeschooling, Ethan scribbled. He couldn’t make a person to save his life, even the circle or stick variety. He would cry or throw a tantrum if I tried to help him or asked him to draw a particular object. Now, Ethan loves drawing lessons! Not only has his ability to draw improved, but so has his self confidence! He no longer approaches art with tears. Now he approaches it with determination.
My little artists!
I demonstrated each step piece by piece on the easel and the kids each did their best. We took it slowly and before we knew it, cute little flowers started to appear on each child’s paper!
Once we had created fields of flowers, it was time to break out the art supplies. Ethan chose to use water colors and spent over an hour carefully painting his picture. Derek quickly painted his and ran off to play. Alex combined crayons, markers, oil pastels, and paint to create a lovely picture.
My example
Alex's Masterpiece
Derek's "Flowers"
Ethan's Drawing and Painting
Some people say that teaching children to draw stifles creativity. I don’t agree. I think that helping children learn to draw more realistically empowers them. It makes them want to learn more and gives them confidence in their abilities. Of course, lots of praise helps too! Art is an important part of our curriculum. I love their little masterpieces!
Bringing Winter to Florida: Homemade Snow and Cool Science
Snow!
All of the snowy pictures from the Pacific Northwest make me long for some real winter weather. Even a sprinkling of snow would be nice. With this 70-80 degree winter weather here in Jacksonville, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon. The palm trees are rustling in the warmish breeze and the robin’s egg blue sky beckons for outdoor adventures… most days. For Wednesday’s preschool time, I thought it might be fun to make some “snow” for Derek.
First, we put lots of ice in the blender and added some water to help with mixing. Derek helped whir the ice into a shaved ice blizzard. It took lots of stirring to get all the big pieces properly shaved. Perhaps it’s because my blender is old and cheap. It works! We drained out the excess water and poured the “snow” onto a large plate for science time.
Derek helps make snow
Derek was so excited for some snow science. He measured and scooped, patted and balled. He separated the snow into piles and into containers of various shapes and sizes. He sloshed it around his plate and made a watery, wintry mess. We had to make a second batch of snow to replace the melted variety and the table ended up covered in towels. He had so much fun, though! He stuck with his project for at least 40 minutes! That’s a whole lot of attention for Derek to devote to a single activity!
Snow!
We talked about the properties of snow while Derek played.
“What do you think snow is made of?” I asked.
“Cold stuff,” Derek replied, swirling his snow into an ever-more-watery circle.
“Do you see how the snow is melting? Do you know what that wet stuff is?” I prodded him.
“Water!” he laughed. “I making it melt by wacking it and stirring it.”
“Kind of,” I answered. “It is water! Snow is made of frozen water. What happens when snow melts?”
“It turns to water!” answered my smart, wet, goofy preschooler.
After the last of the snow melted and Derek ran around for a while to get his energy out, we read a few colorful picture books about snow and winter. We played a few snow-related finger plays too. Here’s one that Derek really enjoyed:
Make a Snowman
Start with a very tiny ball. (Form ball with fingers)
Roll it through the snow. (Push with right hand)
Over and over and over again. (Repeating pushing motion)
Each turn makes it grow.
Now the ball is big and round. (Make ball with arms)
Make it broad and tall. (Indicate with arms)
Add a head and then some arms. (Motion as if setting them on)
Firm so they won’t fall.
Here are buttons for his coat. (Pretend to place)
A broom for him to hold. (Pretend to hold a broom)
Let’s put a hat upon his head, (Pretend to put hat on own head)
So he won’t get cold.
After circle time, I put the Finger Play book on the counter and moved on to help Alex with her project. “Where did you put that book?” Derek asked.
“Why do you ask?” I questioned him. You see, the Finger Plays book keeps disappearing for weeks at a time. I search the house for it and can’t find it anywhere! Then it emerges in odd places, like behind the couch or in the laundry room.
“I pretty much hate finger plays,” Derek replies with a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes, retreating to the play room to dump his cars and trains all over the floor. Hmmm…. that explains things.
Today’s lessons were really run and got Derek involved in learning. A little homemade snow brings a bit of fun to a Florida winter day. I hope that next year they get to see some real snow. You know, the kind that actually falls from the sky.
This is what happens after a morning full of learning!
Great News on the Homefront! Ethan has Graduated from Behavioral Therapy!
We got some great news yesterday. Ethan has officially graduated from behavioral therapy! If you know our story, you know this is a huge deal.
Ethan has always had behavioral issues and has been to one specialist after another trying to figure out what’s wrong. He was sulky and had frequent intense tantrums. He disliked people and cried most of the time. Autism was ruled out. Two therapists diagnosed him with “social anxiety disorder” and the school board said a special-ed preschool program would be the best thing for him. I enrolled him while Hubby was deployed and believed it would “fix” his problems.
We got a whole lot more than we bargained for… and not in a good way. Ethan’s behavior didn’t get better. It got so much worse. He because violent. His tantrums explored into screaming, hitting, biting disasters that were so bad, we had to restrain him until he calmed down. He acted out to get attention nearly every day at school, disobeying, throwing fits, and even hitting and kicking his teachers. I was called to the principle’s office several times a week. Things were out of control and we didn’t understand why. I was so embarrassed and mortified. We don’t ever allow behavior like this at home. What happened to my son? The disaster came to a heated head last March when I got a very, very bad call from school. Ethan had been put in time out for misbehaving and had managed to get across the classroom and stick a paper clip in an electrical outlet, severely burning his arm and starting an electrical fire. Oh. My. Goodness. I could not believe what I was hearing and rushed to his school. Not only did the teacher not take responsibility, but she said it was “both of our faults” this happened. I expected him to be safe at school. This wasn’t the case.
After much debate, my husband and I decided to pull him out and homeschool him. I honestly wasn’t so hot on the idea. Ethan’s time at school was a break for me and I wasn’t too keen on giving that up. Still, what choice was there really? We started homeschooling in March and got his pediatrician involved with his behavioral outbursts. She had never before seen a child like him and referred us out into town. We thought we’d continue homeschooling until Fall and re-enroll him in public school. Perhaps in that time we could “fix” him.
We began seeing a great therapist at Behavioral Pediatrics in April or May. Therapy helped almost immediately and both Ethan’s therapist and I was huge improvements the longer he was out of that school. We were doing therapy 6 times a month for quite some time and worked through so many behavioral issues. After initial issues, homeschooling Ethan became easier and easier. He knew he couldn’t get away with that bad behavior at home and instead focused his energy on learning. There were set-backs along the way. However, the child blossomed and started to discover who he was and the amazing things he was capable of. He did so well, we decided to continue homeschooling. We both found a balance and learned so much along the way.
Yesterday was Ethan’s last day in therapy. He was excited to bring a book to read to his therapist and also brought her a story he wrote and a page of addition he accomplished. She was so impressed with him! This Ethan was an entirely different child from the troubled young man who walked through her door months before. This Ethan doesn’t act out much at all, and if he does he’s able to get his behavior under control without it turning into a full-blown outburst. This Ethan is proud to express himself and his intelligence. He doesn’t hide behind poor behavior and try to get attention in negative ways. This Ethan is friendly, talkative, and happy.
“This is the hard part,” she said. “I hate to say goodbye. Ethan, there’s nothing more I can do for you. You’re doing so great. I am so proud of you. Your mom can call me if anything comes up, but I don’t think it will. You are doing so amazing, Ethan.” To me she said, “There couldn’t have been a better choice for you to make than to homeschool him. Homeschooling is the perfect match for Ethan.”
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone we’ve enjoyed confiding in so much. Ethan has transformed in the last year. Not only behavior wise, but academically. I found an ornament he “signed” last Christmas (2010) and you could sort of make out an E and nothing else. Now he’s writing stories in neat handwriting and spelling most things correctly. He’s reading everything and is a little math whiz. We are so incredibly happy with the changes we’ve seen.
Not every day is easy. Sometimes I fantasize about sending the kids to elementary school and having the day completely to my self. Then I realize how amazingly far we’ve come. It’s hard work and some days are really frustrating, but the results are astounding. We could not have made a better decision than to homeschool Ethan. I hope he continues to grow and develop into a smart, well-rounded, and behaved man. One day I’ll tell him his story. I wonder what he’ll think.
Learning About Hanukkah with Jacksonville Homeschool Kids!
After two and a half hours of book time this morning, the kids and I met our homeschool group, Jacksonville Homeschool Kids, at a local park for a fun learning activity and some socialization. My friend Elyse offered to teach the kids about Hanukkah today and we gathered for some fun learning activities. It was a windy, drizzly day but the kids couldn’t wait to get out and play, visit, and try something new!
Alex and Derek learn all about Hanukkah
Lots of friends turned out for today's activities!
Bella snacks on gingerbread cookies
Miss Elyse taught the kids all about Hanukkah and handed out some handy worksheets to bring home as well. The older kids each read a portion of the worksheet to the others. Reading-aloud practice is so great for building reading skills and Alex rocked it! She also answered lots of questions correctly, applying knowledge she’s acquired from our own holiday celebrations. I was very proud of her!
Alex Reads to the Group
Ethan reads along too
We made edible dreidels out of pretzels, marshmallows, Hershey’s kisses, and a bit of frosting. How adorable! Ethan and Alex really enjoyed this project and couldn’t wait to eat their masterpieces. Derek crammed his supplies into his mouth as soon as he got them and ran off to play. Baby steps.
The kids busily work on their dreidels
Miss Elyse is such a great teacher!
Alex's Edible Dreidel!
Learning to play dreidel was a super-fun part of the day. We played last night too, so my kids had a pretty good idea what was going on. Alex loved sharing her newfound vocabulary words! That girl knows her dreidel game. The kids all gathered into a big group, then broke into several smaller groups for games. Alex and her friends played for such a long time! They probably could have played all afternoon long. The kids were really proud to bring home their chocolate gelt coins and colorful dreidels to play with. Elyse went all out preparing for this event and we’re really thankful! We had such a great time.
Alex and some friends play Dreidel
We had an excellent morning out, full of fun, friends, and learning too. That’s the best kind of morning, isn’t it? We love being part of an active community of homeschoolers who are so ready to share their knowledge and plan exciting activities. Our school year has been rich and decked out with all sorts of great learning experiences. May 2012 bring lots more to do and see.
Related articles
- Happy Hanukkah! Learning About the Past Through Latkes, Literature, and Dreidel Matches for Chocolate Coins (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- Day Four of the Miracle! (ceceliafutch.wordpress.com)
- Skulls, Fur, and Creative Kid Scientists (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- Our New Adventure: Homeschooling! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
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Making Time For Me While Teaching 4 Kids and Running a Household… Is It Even Possible?
Derek and a "gift" flower
When my two older kids were in public school, I spent a good part of each morning at the gym. I lost my baby weight and was in great shape. There really wasn’t much to do in the morning besides workout and chat with the ladies while Bella rested in her car seat and Derek played in the play area. Then, things changed. Ethan’s school situation needed to be addressed immediately. When we started homeschooling, my mornings could no longer be devoted to working out. Keeping Alex at home as well was an amazing decision and has made us very happy, but I did lose something in return. I went from working out 4-5 times a week to working out at home only when I found time. The results were nothing to be proud of.
We are 4 months into homeschooling all 4 kids now and love it. However, I have been very unhappy about one thing. Most of the weight I fought so hard to lose last year has crept back on. I hate it. I don’t like the way I look or the way my clothes fit. Yet, how’s it possible to workout and teach the kids at the same time, not to mention write in the evenings and run a household? If I don’t workout in the morning, I’m too tired by the time night comes around. If I exercise in the evening, I don’t feel like I’m teaching the kids long enough.
Last week, I decided I had to figure something out. Things needed to change. I promised myself I’d take classes at the gym twice a week. I needed to find a way to make time for me. We headed to the gym on Tuesday and it went well, then Thursday too. This week I did some heavy-duty circuit training twice, plus lots of extra walking. I’m sore and the scale hasn’t budged yet, but I’m really proud of myself for getting out there and trying again. It would be much easier to throw in the towel.
What’s the compromise? Gym class starts at 9:15, and if I let the kids play outside we can be back by 10:30. That’s still 1 1/2 hours of lost time. Therefore, school starts later and ends later. This was perhaps most challenging for Ethan, whose disorders cause him to be obsessed with following a strict schedule. He wasn’t happy to try something different in the least. Today was the 4th time, though, and he was much more accepting. We started school at 10:30 and we until 2:30, taking a break only for lunch. He was tired and ready for his nap, but we both felt accomplished.
So far, the older kids are enjoying our morning excursions. We walk to the gym and pass through three playgrounds on the way. If we leave early enough, we can play before gym class as well as on the way home. They’re getting more exercise too. Bella is more than ready for her nap when we get home, which leaves us with uninterrupted school time. Nice!
I’m finding it really challenging to fulfill multiple roles, that of the healthy and in-shape young woman I want to be and a devoted teacher whose children are getting a fulfilling and well-rounded education. It will take some work but I know it’ll be worth it. Plus, Alex is allowed to work out with me and that counts as PE, right? Hopefully if she sees me trying to be healthy she will do so as well as she grows up. Now, if only Bella would be more cooperative and not cry the entire time. It’s going to take some work to lose the weight again, but I’m going to give it all my effort. A happier mama makes a much better mama.
What do you do to balance “Me Time” and homeschooling?
Derek at the Youth Activity Center Playground
Alex Plays after Gym Class
Bella colors with chalk before heading into the gym
Bella is silly on the walk home
3…2…1… Blast-off! NASA Salute to Homeschoolers at the Kennedy Space Center!
If you’ve ever wondered about the marvels of space or the possibilities of space travel, then you’d probably love to spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Astronomy isn’t my thing, but my husband loves it. When I found out that the Kennedy Space Center was offering a Salute to Homeschooling full day NASA experience, I knew we had to sign up. We decided that just Hubby and Alex would go because the others are a bit young for such a detailed and lengthy program. Also, it is expensive! I shipped my husband and science-loving daughter off in the car this morning, 2 1/2 hours south to the Space Coast. They had the time of their lives!
- Alex in front of the Kennedy Space Center
The day began with Shuttle Astronaut Roger Crouch telling the group all about his adventures in space. He was a payload specialist, a civilian brought in to do science experiments on the Space Shuttle. Alex thought it was pretty cool to meet a real live astronaut! Daddy bought her a colorful Space Encyclopedia, which Mr. Crouch signed and wrote Alex a personal message: “Follow your dreams.” How cool is that? She got her picture taken with him and Daddy bought her a patch with his name on it to keep with her encyclopedia as a keepsake.
Alex and Astronaut Roger Crouch
Next, the group explored Rocket Garden. They checked out lots of full-scale models of spacecraft and had a worksheet of questions to find answers for. They were a bit advanced for Miss Alexandria, though. She had much more fun looking at all the spacecraft. They loved the Space Shuttle! She escaped to the Children’s Play Dome playground while they were outside and loved the big, twisty slide! There were about 15 other children in her group (there were 2 groups), so she had lots of playmates!
Alex poses in front of the Orion Crew Capsule
Alex and Daddy teamed up to build an “Egg-stronaut” from about 11:00 to 11:30. They had to design a multi-purpose crew vehicle capable of delivering an egg safely from a high scaffold. Their available supplies included a cup, plastic bag parachutes, sandwich bags, string, foil, napkins, tape, and other common supplies. Each supply cost a certain amount and they were allotted a total of $1 billion dollars to complete their vehicle. Alex was so excited when her “Egg-stronaut” won, landing on the ground below completely unscathed. Good teamwork, daddy and Alex!
Alex's "Egg-stronaut"
Lunch was a burger, chips, cookies, and soda. Alex thought it was pretty special to get her own soda, which she isn’t allowed to have at home (they tested their “Egg-straunauts” immediately following lunch). Following the “Egg-stronaut” drop, the group went back to the classroom and learned about NASA inventions that have been transferred to civilian life. Cordless drills, disposable diapers, and insulation are all things invented for use in space that have since become very popular for everyday usage.
From 12:30-1:00, my space nerds got to tour a full-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Explorer and learn about astronauts living and working in space. They went on an amazing simulator ride—The Shuttle Launch Simulator. Alex could hear all the noise of the shuttle lunch, feel the vibrations, and see it all on a screen. Alex and daddy both thought it was great!
Class let out around 2 pm, and my scientists spent many more hours touring the Space Center. They had a great time at the gift shop and listened to lectures. Alex was so cute.. she sat completely enthralled and listened to lectures about the most detailed things! She was completely into the experience. She shook hands with an astronaut in his space suit and learned lots of new things. My two nerds had the time of their lives!
My kids are very fortunate in all that they are able to see and do. They’ve seen more in their short lives than many adults have in theirs. I’m thankful for that and hope we’re able to give them many more adventures. The Kennedy Space Center’s homeschool program was expensive, at around $45 per person. However, my husband and daughter both gave it a big thumbs up. It was an amazing one-time experience and another great adventure to cross off our Jacksonville to-do list. Less than 12 months left in the First Coast and we’re going to make the most of it. The countdown is on.
- Alex stands in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle
It’s a Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day! Fun Hand Print Sunshine Craft
Who doesn’t love little kid handprints? I know I do. I love the hand print ornaments and projects my kids made in the past because their hands were so tiny. They remind me just how much my kids have grown. I know I’ll treasure these little mementos of their childhood forever.
This morning, we began our school day reading books about the sun. We had a blast with some cute spacey finger plays and had a discussion about our closest star and why it’s important to life on Earth. To tie in an art project, we made paper plate sunshines! They turned out super cute, were very easy to make, and used basic craft supplies. I couldn’t resist sharing this one!
Hand print Paper Plate Suns
Supplies:
Paper plates
Construction paper (yellow, orange, or red)
Pencils for tracing hands
Yellow paint and brushes or sponges
Markers or crayons for making faces
Scissors
Glue
Directions:
1. Paint the back side of a paper plate yellow. We used cut-up sponges and finger paint.
2. Trace your child’s hand on construction paper lots of times. I traced Alex’s hand more than Ethan’s because he has less patience when it comes to cutting them out. Cutting hones fine-motor skills and is very important!
3. Cut out handprints. Encourage kids to do this themselves. Practice makes perfect!
4. Glue the handprints to the paper plate. We glued ours to the front edges so that they peeked around the side. These are the sun’s rays.
5. After the paint dried, each kid drew a face or design on their sun.
That’s it! It’s easy, fun, and builds fine-motor skills. This project could easily be altered to make hand-print flowers too. Enjoy!
Wow! Watch This! Science Fun with Dry Ice!
What frozen substance is used as a cooling agent but can also burn your skin? Dry ice! Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and is used to keep food items cool during transport (among other uses). Today we joined our Science Club for some dry ice experimentation. Boy, was it cool!
Homeschooling mom Kitty led the experiments for us... thank you Kitty!
When dry ice is placed into a pitcher of room-temp water, the result is pretty awesome. Sublimation occurs. Sublimation is when a substance transitions from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. It looks like fog pouring out of the pitcher and rising into the air. For a little video of what this looks like, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_ice.
For our first experiment, the kids watched as dry ice was added to plain, room-temp water. Here’s what happened:
Next, dry ice was added to beakers of apple juice and grape juice. Once the dry ice had completely evaporated, the kids were able to drink a small amount of the juice and comment on how the taste changed (yes, this is safe). The general consensus was that the grape juice didn’t taste any different, but the apple juice tasted more bitter than before.
Science Club had a really great turnout today! There were so many kids to enjoy learning about science with. There were lots of moms to visit with as well! I love that there are so many active, interesting, and intelligent homeschooling families in Duval County. There’s certainly no shortage of friends! The kids got to socialize and learn with their peers.
We also made dry-ice bubbles and did experiments with glow sticks. Alex got to hold bubbles while wearing gloves and thought that was pretty awesome. The kids got nice and tired and talked non-stop all the way home (long drive!!!) about the cool things they did and saw. Derek refused to actually wear the safety goggles, so he didn’t get close to the experiment (he wore them all the way to the community center, just not there when he actually needed to wear them). The view wasn’t bad from the back of the room though!
Look what happened to our glow sticks!
Bella kept trying to excape from her stroller!
We unfortunately had to leave after an hour because Bella was being rotten. We’re so glad we went, though! Learning about science is so much fun. I’m so glad the kids had the opportunity to experience this!
