Year 8: Fall Break and Pumpkins

     "We were on a break!"  If you pictured Ross from Friends as you read that then you and I are buddies!  I'm a big fan of Friends, as you can tell.  Yes, this was our break week.  I'm sure some are thinking, "A break already?"  Well, since we homeschool I am in charge of their schedule and roughly every six weeks we take a one week break.  It's been seven weeks so it's time!  Now, that doesn't mean that we aren't doing any teaching/learning.  It just means I lighten the load a bit, take some time to review the past six weeks, make adjustments as needed and maybe throw in a few fun things.  I spent some focused time on vocabulary with A380 and Little Toughie chose to work on an art project:

     I also took some time to clean out my email box, listen to a couple of podcasts/sermons I've been missing, run a few errands that included a couple of trips to the library (dropping off a stack and picking up another) and trying to decide on the layout of my next Plum Paper planner.  I also did the necessary prep work for the upcoming weeks' lessons.  Since I had more time I also decided to extend a few of my at-home workouts a bit to master the footwork.  If you can't make it to the gym (or don't want to because of Covid) and want to work out at home leave me a comment and I can help you out!  I'm currently doing a boxing program and having so much fun with it.     

Since we're on this break I thought I'd pass along some fun Fall things to do with your kids.  This is especially good for little ones!  First up is The Masterpiece Studio.  I love that they have different themed bundles for you to chose from and that it ties creativity in with learning.  Click on the picture for their latest bundle!

     If there are littles ones in the home that can't read yet, Printables Fairy has a Fall Scavenger Hunt sheet that you can bring with you on your next outdoor adventure.

     If you're looking for something to bake that's easy for everyone, check out these Pumpkin Muffins from Modern Mom Life.  I made these years ago when I found it on a site called Cooking With My Kid (no longer available), but I made a point to print out the recipe and saw that Modern Mom Life had the exact same one with the exception of leaving out 1/4 cup of milk that the CWMK recipe called for and making regular muffins instead of minis.  When I made the original recipe they were very light and fluffy, not too sweet and perfect for little hands.  Oh, how I miss the widdle, teeny tiny hands!

     If you want something gluten-free Nom Nom Paleo has a great option here using almond flour.  She's one of the few Paleo websites that I use regularly.

     Prefer something on the cooler side?  I make a smoothie with 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of vanilla or regular almond milk, half a teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ice.  If you have a favorite vanilla protein powder you can add that too!  Throw it all in a blender and voila!  Quick pumpkin smoothie.  I also like to freeze the leftover pumpkin in ice cube trays (I pop them into bags after they've frozen) and keep them handy for future use.

     That's all I have.  Time to go bake some Paleo Pumpkin bread.  Have a blessed week!

Year 3: Exploring Countries and Cultures, Bonjour France!

     Our study of France began with saddened hearts and prayer.  It just so happened that after the tragedy in Paris, we were leaving Norway and making our way to France.  Even the librarian asked if our study was prompted by the attacks.  It was not.  It just happened to fall on our calendar that way.  We prayed for those affected by the attacks.  So, so sad.

     Our Thanksgiving break was in the middle of our study, so I feel like we didn't do enough France "stuff".  However, if you can tell by my posts we are a foodie family so we will always get the FOOD part in.  Ha!  Here my kids are having their first bite of escargot:

      Since it was so close to the holidays the restaurant had a special dessert, a Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log.  We shared this along with a Mille-feuille, more commonly known as a Napoleon.  We all agreed the log was better.

     The kids dabbled in water colors, painting a bunch of grapes.  You know, because France is known for wine.  (They knew this already because The Principal could also be a sommelier [a wine steward]).  My daughter also drew the Eiffel Tower, but I have no idea where she put it!

     We also watched Kings of Pastry which we found fascinating.  I used to work at well-regarded culinary school (in the admissions office) and my favorite chef happened to be French.  He would always send someone down to the offices when the students made Bouillabaisse so that we could have some before it was all gone.  It was my first taste of it and it was scrumptious!  Working there was probably one of my favorite places of employment for many reasons (I made a lot of wonderful friends there and still keep in touch with them).  The employees also got free food!  Can you imagine a cafeteria loaded with foods from all over the world, made by up and coming chefs; you didn't have to pay a dime for it AND you can come back for seconds?  I  mean these weren't samples.  These were full on meals, made by the students for the students and staff.  They put in 8-hour days, sometimes longer, so they deserved a nice hot meal!

     We enjoyed our study of France, despite the sad beginning.  I think if we were to travel anywhere, France would be my kids' first choice.  Some day.  Au revoir!

Year 3: Exploring Countries and Cultures, Hallo, Norway!

     When I was in the sixth grade we had to partner up with another classmate and report on a particular country.  I remember that the country my partner and I reported on was Norway.  We also had to do an oral report on what we learned.  We even presented food from the county.  Other partners would share food, art or something the created specifically for the report.  I remember that we had crackers and some other food item.  I remember my dad helped me draw the map of Scandinavia and that my report cover was red.  I feel like I still have it somewhere.

     Anyway, as you can tell we spent a couple of weeks in Norway.  The kids tried a little Rosemaling.  Here they are practicing:

     I found a print for them to actually paint:

   

     We opted to do it on paper since I did not have a box for them to paint on.  Plus, my son wouldn't know what to do with that box (I guess he could have given it to someone for Christmas) and my daughter likes to hang her art up.

     We end every country with a summary report.  Since my son sometimes has difficulties organizing his thoughts and putting them onto paper, I created a simple sheet that he has to fill it at the end of the study.  My daughter, however, likes to be a little more creative and chose to make a travel pamphlet this time around:

     The top off our study we made Risgrøt (Rice Pudding) for breakfast.  The recipe I used was not from this site linked.  We got ours from a Norwegian cookbook we borrowed from the library.

     The rice pudding smelled creamy and cinnamony (not a word, I know).  Oddly enough, the time which we had it coincided with the time in Norway that this would typically be served (I believe it was first dinner, around 5 pm).  This is also sometimes made for Christmas, as a dessert.  We made it in our slow cooker.  The consistency reminded me of a chocolate version I used to have for breakfast when I was little, which I promised to make the kids some time.

     Later that evening. I made a simple seafood stew and luckily we had in our freezer some cookies from Solvang:

     All in all we enjoyed our adventure in Norway but can't wait to move on to France!

Kindergarten, Week 33

     Three more weeks!  Just three more weeks and our first year of homeschooling will be done.  Well, actually 4 more weeks because we're taking one week off for Spring Break.  I tried to convince my daughter to just push through but my Little Toughie wanted to take the same week off as her big brother and so it will be.

     This week we finished The Story of Dr. Doolittle.  It was such a wonderful read, even with the editing done by the publisher.  My daughter and I enjoyed this one very much.  The next book will have to be really interesting to top this one.

     We also took a field trip this week.  Our Classical Conversations group headed out to a local museum.  It was a perfect day for this outing.  At one point we stopped and looked at Renaissance furniture.  We happened upon a huge Baroque style bed.  The kids were given a picture and crayons to color their own bed.

     Below is her finished piece:

     This week we also began our exploration into space.  We started off with studying space shuttles and the gear astronauts have to wear in order to make their journey along with the equipment needed.  We have a toy from our trip last year to see the Endeavour which we used with our reading.

     That's all for this week!

Kindergarten, Weeks 31 and 32

     I'm seeing a pattern in these last few weeks of school.  Do you see it?  I have so many things going on at once (not intentionally) that I haven't had the time to sit and write every week.  I'm having to catch up and summarize two weeks instead of one!

     Let's start with Week 31, shall we?  We continued our reading of Dr. Doolittle (LOVE it) and can't wait to finish it.  My husband just told me that there's a movie as well (not the Eddie Murphy one).  I didn't know that.  So, I'm going to see if I can get a hold of a copy and watch it with my Little Toughie.

     Our Bible studies continued into the life of Jesus.  This week we read a lot of the parables that Jesus shared with his disciples and the people, in hopes that they would gain understanding.  My daughter and I had a lot of deep discussions about the parables.  It is during this time that I wish my son were with us instead of at public school.  He's missing out on a more in depth, daily study of the Bible, but that may change!

     Week 31 was also the week of my Little Toughie's birthday.  One of her gifts was a Lego Friends toy which since insisted on putting together by herself.  I have to admit, that I usually don't like the Legos that are put together to create something specific, but I do like the idea of her being able to follow the directions in sequence and the sense of accomplishment she feels when she's done.  I opened it up and laid everything on the floor for her and let her be.  I only had to help her twice and it took her 45 minutes to get it done.

Her finished pieces!

     Week 32 coincided with our break from Classical Conversations, so we took one day "off".  Basically, I used that day to catch up on chores and just play with my daughter.  I completed some tasks from my to-do list, but didn't get to read as much as I had planned.  As you can see, writing up my weekly post was not done either!

     This week also brought us the to the Crucifixion of Jesus.  Now, this lead to even lengthier and deeper conversations with my daughter.  I even shed tears during our discussions (it was hard not too).  I mean, how could I read about what our Savior did for us and not be overwhelmed with the mixed feelings of sadness, gratefulness and love?  My daughter felt compelled to draw a pictures (one with a verse both kids have memorized):

     With that, I bid you a wonderful and blessed week.

Kindergarten, Week 21

     In my last post I mentioned that we were already in the middle of Week 21.  I'm not even sure how we got through that week with all the things I had to cross off of my to-do list, but we did!

     Our week began with a last minute painting party.  We were invited to join other CC families to view the Christmas lights at nearby neighborhood.  Every house in this cul-de-sac goes all out with Christmas lights and décor.  It's closed off to vehicles so only foot traffic is allowed.  We wanted to do a quick, but cute craft with a couple of friends before heading out and luckily I had all the supplies so we went for it!


      We had canvas, paints, foam brushes and paper plates.  We had one foam brush for each kid, which was all we needed to get paint on the their hands.  Can you tell what was going to happen?

    
     My son couldn't wait to get the paint off of his hands, which is why his hands are almost clean.  My daughter, on the other hand, couldn't get enough paint on hers!  Below is their finished pieces.

     I baked Chocolate Peppermint Muffins to share with the other families we were meeting at the block display and asked The Principal to pick up some hot chocolate to share as well.  As soon as he got home we headed out.

     We got to our destination and shared our goodies.  This year the weather was perfect.  In previous years every time we've gone to see this Christmas display it's been cold and wet.  No umbrellas required this year!  We even had enough muffins and hot chocolate to share with strangers after our CC friends had their fill.  That was my favorite part.  People were amazed that we were just giving it away when they tried to pay us.  I think it's something we may do again next year!

     A lot of our stories this homeschool week were about sharing the Good News.  I'd like to think that the small gesture of giving away hot chocolate and freshly baked muffins to strangers reminded them about the Christ in Christmas.

     Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!



Homeschooling, Week 8

     This week was uneventful yet busy.  Well, I say uneventful but we had one big event:  my son started Middle School (gasp).  I have a Middle Schooler.  Goodness!  I'm very proud of the work he's done.  While there is still more to go, he's making progress; slowly but surely.  We're praying that this school and school year is a good and safe one for him.

     This was my daughter's first week of homeschooling without her brother.  I have to say she handled it very well.  Since The Principal took the day off, he was my assistant during class.  He oversaw recess and even participated in art class.  Here she is using acrylics.

     Soon we're going to play with pastels.  During the webinars I received an e-book on using pastels with kids.  I've never used them, so I'm excited at the prospect.

     Other than that, we're moving along with our curriculum.  She's enjoying all of it, though she likes it most when I read to her during our Bible studies or story time.  She asks intriguing questions and I love how her imagination comes out in those questions.  We were talking about Machu Picchu and how high it was.  She asked if it was as high as a giant!  I explained that giants aren't real, so there's no way for me to know.  I pointed out that if she were to compare the tallest building she's ever seen to Machu Picchu, the mountains would be taller than that.  She seemed satisfied with that answer.  I hope she always, much like me, asks questions.  Not that I question everything.  I just like to learn.

     Next week we start our Classical Conversations class (I'm so excited!).  I get to share that experience with you as well.  Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Poetry Anthology (The Runaway Egg)

     When Summer began I wanted the kids to get a break from school work but still do something educational and creative.  I decided to help them create a Poetry Anthology.

     We did this by borrowing a couple of books from the library; It's Raining Pigs and Noodles and Where the Sidewalk Ends.  We started with me reading the title of a couple of poems.  They chose the one they wanted to  hear.  I did not show them the illustrations in the book.  Instead, I asked them to close their eyes and imagine what the author was trying to convey.  Then, I asked them to draw what they had imagined.

     Eventually, this led to my Kindergartner choosing to write her own poems (She dictated them to me.  I just typed them up.)  Below is one of her original works, including the illustrations, which I scanned to share with you:

     Eggs and bacon.  You can't go wrong with that!

Homeschooling, Week 4

     Yawn.  That is how our homeschool week started.  My daughter was extra sleepy after a very active Monday.  She woke up late and said, "I'm tired." then laid her head back down.  On Monday we headed out to meet with our Classical Conversations family to discuss The Core while the kids played on the field.  If you are interested in homeschooling or even just supplementing your child's education, I highly recommend reading The Core, now.  While your little ones are still little.  It will make a huge difference as they get along further in school.

     During our book club discussion we covered Math and Geography.  Admittedly, math was not my favorite subject in school.  I was a fan of English and Art.  My husband is a math whiz and I find myself being lazy and turning to him to calculate something instead of taking it upon myself to solve.  That bad habit ends now.  Or, at least I'll try.

     Anyway, the wonderful moms shared some great ways to incorporate math into daily routines:

• Cooking, especially teaching kids how to halve or double a recipe.
• Flash Cards (for speed and accuracy)  You can make your own and personalize to your child's level.
• A deck of cards (or two) which you can use to have your child either add, subtract or multiply as you lay the card(s) down.  I actually want to play this myself.
• Use a ruler to measure things different things and then either add or subtract the difference (again, depending on your child's level).

     While shopping I give the kids our budget and then as we put items into our grocery cart we add things up and see how close we are to either meeting our budget or going over it.  This isn't easy for my Kindergartner since she can't add yet, but this also serves as a lesson in smart purchasing choices and how to stick to a budget. My son adds things up (with the help of my husband, the walking calculator) and lets us know when we're over our budget.

     Our group also discussed Geography and I shared with the lovely ladies a great website that provided printable maps.  I'm currently working with the kids to help them learn the Continents and their location on a World Atlas.  Worldatlas.com is another source for larger, colorful maps.  We have a map of South America printed out and in my school binder from this site.  Last year in CC, thanks to a delightful song taught by my daughter's teacher, both of my kids have the countries of South America memorized.  There was even a question on Jeopardy last week about South America and my son was able to answer it because of the song (my daughter was napping and missed out).

     That was just part of our Monday.  The rest of the day was filled with activities, before and after the book club meeting.  We were so busy that when Tuesday morning came around, both kids were still feeling the need for rest.  Our school day started slowly (and later than usual).  I could tell that they weren't ready for class, so we took it easy; only doing our Bible study and some reading.  Afterwards, I let them relax.  My Little Toughie opted to draw and this is what she came up with:

     We just finished our study on weather last week and while she didn't have the energy to go over new material that day, I was happy to see that she wanted to share what she had learned with a picture.  She explained to me that the girl got caught in a thunderstorm.

     This is the prettiest thunderstorm I've ever seen!