September 30, 2011

Happy

• Practice piano
• AWANA verse
• Played online at various learning game sites include Star Fall

Lego-Man

• Watch "Basic Multiplication" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Correct pages 23 & 24 and complete pages 27-30 in Math Mammath
• Complete cursive handwriting sheet for "m" words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete pages 5-7 in Spell & Write workbook
• Complete Easy Writing pages 65 & 66
• Practice piano
• Work on 8notes website
• Complete Easy Grammar page 21
• Read Proverbs 30
• Read Crisipin: The Cross of Lead for 20 minutes

Conductor

• It was a frustrating day for me with Conductor. I found out he was not completing his work and yet lying to me about having done so. We'll be addressing this character issue over the next few weeks. He may find himself doing extra work as a result and doing his work with me at the table. Not much fun for either of us really. As a result he will also need to redo work from today.
•  Watch "Adding Decimals (Old)" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Complete pgs. 15-17 "Ordinal Numbers and Roman Numerals" from Math Mammoth (he did not understand this concept and will need to redo the pages)
• Handwriting - write each word once on the "l" cursive words sheet (if the boys do not write their names on their worksheets from now on - they will need to redo them - this is the case with this page)
• Complete handwriting cursive words - "m" words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 65 & 66 (this page is too messy to read - he will redo it)
• Read intro and chapter 1 in Grammarland and complete worksheet (nouns)
• Complete Preposition page 21 from Easy Grammar (will redo - did not do correctly)
• Finish "Solar System Detective" pages
• Finish 4H Record sheets
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes
• Complete Spell and Write workbook - pages 3 & 4
• Work on AWANA verses
• Read Proverbs 30
• Practice piano
• Work on 8notes website
• Complete 20A & 20B in Wordly Wise

Day #28/175 Days

September 29, 2011 - Field Trip L.C. Bates Museum

Instead of our usual science co-op class, today we headed over to the natural history museum. L.C. Bates is one of my favorite places to visit. Their educators are fantastic and they have all kinds of great programs for kids. We use them frequently.

As a tie in to our science, however, we planned a visit to learn about birds. Once there we did split in to two groups to make it easier to tour and learn. All the high school age children went with one instructor outside to start their learning (so I have no photos or much knowledge about what they did) and the younger set stayed inside.

The children listened to some lecture but there was a lot of hands on learning going on as well. Once Deborah had spoken for a bit, she set up a few stations for the kids to work on. One was dissecting an owl pellet, another was creating a nature journal (stamping bird feet molds), doing bird plate rubbings, and creating a owl out of pom-poms. The kids had a good time with all of these activities.

We then switched with the older kids coming in and we all headed out for a walk to see what we could find for bird evidence. While we did see a few birds here and there, this isn't the best time of year for birding. However, the kids still had a great time.

Evidence of a yellow-bellied sap sucker.

Getting ready to head out on our walk.

This was a nice break from regular schoolwork and it was a gorgeous fall day so it was lovely to spend it outside.

Day #27/175 Days

September 28, 2011

Happy

• Completed Math Mammoth page 20
• Practice piano
• Completed Day 5 of Easy Grammar
• AWANA verse

Conductor

• Watch "Why Borrowing Works" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Correct pgs 13 & 14 on Math Mammoth
• Handwriting - write cursive "l words" twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 53 & 54
• Practice piano
• Go to www.8notes.com and work on "Note Trainer" (under Tests & Games)
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes
• Work on AWANA verses
• Read Proverbs 28

Lego-Man

• Watch "Subtracting Decimals" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Complete math worksheets pages 23-26 (Math Mammoth)
• Handwriting - write cursive "l words" twice and say out loud to me
• Complete pages 3 & 4 in Spell & Write workbook
• Complete Easy Writing pages 53 & 54
• Practice piano
• Go to www.8notes.com and work on "Note Trainer" (under Tests & Games)
• Read "Grammarland" pages (Intro & Chapter 1) and complete worksheet (nouns)
• Read Crispin: the Cross of Lead for 20 minutes
• Finish Lesson 1 of Visual Latin
• Read Proverbs 28

Day #26/175 Days

September 27, 2011 - Art Class

Last year we were able to take monthly art classes at a studio about 40 minutes from where we live. They were fantastic. Karen does a great job with the kids. I love how she shows them the technique they are learning and gives minimal instruction. The kids are then allowed to create to their heart's content. The price is definitely worth it.

I was thrilled to learn we were going to have classes again this year. Today was our first one. The kids worked with pottery and a technique called "slumping." They were given flat, thin pieces of clay and told to create bowls or plates. The "slumping" is when you take a mold of sorts and "slump" the clay in to to get the shape.

Conductor constructing an intricate plate.

Lego-Man's final piece

Happy "slumping" a shell shaped bowl.

Happy's "polka dot duck"

After class we headed to a nearby park with a couple other families from class. The kids enjoyed time playing on the playground and the adults enjoyed some conversation. It was so nice to enjoy a wonderful day outside.

Finally the boys and I headed over to our piano lessons to end our day.

Day #25/175 Days

September 26, 2011 - "The Three Little Pigs" Play

The boys and I love going to see plays. Thankfully we have a couple of theaters that do plays for children. This year we were able to attend one for the first time at Lakewood Theater. 

The play was a take on the classic "Three Little Pigs" story. In the play the three little pigs were rather naughty and did not obey the Farmer's Wife. The smallest pig was called "Hamlet" and spoke with a definite "Shakespeare" tone. Most of the adults caught the funny spots even if the kids missed them. 

There was singing throughout.  

One of the "villains" 

The "big bad wolf" was a bit "tender-hearted" even though the

vulture kept trying to get him to catch the pigs.

The wolf attempting to grab the pigs.

I found the play hilarious and even the boys loved it. In fact, while I was loading photos for this post, my youngest saw them and again commented on how much he liked the play! We'll definitely continue to try to see more as we can.

Day #24/175 Days

September 23, 2011 - Common Ground Fair

I love the Common Ground Fair. While I don't love the large amount of people there, I do love the fair. It is hosted by MOFGA (the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association). It is an "old-fashioned" country fair. The best part for me?? No midway to contend with! Yeah!

Another reason I love Common Ground? They have "educational day" on their opening day - Friday. All educators - including homeschoolers - can get in for free. They also specifically included homeschoolers in their travel stipend reimbursement program this year. That makes it worth it for me to go.

There is a ton to see and do. This year I told the boys they could do some fun stuff but I had to go to some "sheep talks" in order to learn as much as I can (we are getting sheep soon). They agreed and did overall pretty well with this. Here are some photos of our day. We arrived shortly after the gates opened (9:15ish) and stayed until about 4pm.

High flying hay jumping

Mad Science had a few tables set up. This was super fun!

Decorating his flag banner. Each younger boy made one.

Trying their hand at threshing real wheat.

They had hoses stuck on sticks as their flails. 

He didn't realize I was taking his photo.

We all sat on the common for lunch. It turned out to be a hot and warm day.

He didn't know I was taking his photo either.

Neither did he.

Near the end of the day we ended up in the "Wednesday Spinners" tent.

My "unsocialized homeschoolers" struck up a conservation with this 

spinner. They had a great time chatting.

Another thing I love about the fair is things like this.

Near the spinning tent was an interactive community weaving craft.

There was a "loom" set up and a bowl of yarn.
Everyone was encouraged to add to it.

Happy is concentrating on his weaving.

All the younger boys working on it.

Another favorite spot - the sliding hill!

They wanted to do this first thing in the morning but

the hill was too wet. It was perfect in the afternoon.

I love the look on his face!

And yes, I did make it to one sheep talk at least - about lambing. THIS is what the normal presentation of a lamb being born should be.....

Due to the fact that we were talking breeding and birthing, the younger boys were sent off to play nearby. They did fantastic for the hour I stood in the sun and listened to this very informative talk. My teenager chose to stay and listen so he'll be helping with the lambing in the spring.


Day #23/175 Days

September 22, 2011 - Science Co-Op

Today the high school group worked on flower and fruit anatomy and dissected both. They also looked at chick development slides.

The Considering God's Creation class worked through Lesson 7 which covered weather. We discussed the "weather equation" and what things affect weather (sun, air, water, rotation & revolution, and land). We broke in to two groups - older and younger. One group worked on creating the notebook page and the other group made homemade kites.

The younger group made kites first while the older kids worked on their notebook pages. The older kids managed to make their kites faster so I sent them to help the younger ones with their notebook pages. This seemed to work well.

I used instructions on this page to make the kites.

Unfortunately, it was raining by the time we were done, so I saved all the kites and we'll fly them the next time we get together if the weather cooperates.


Day #22/175 Days

September 21, 2011

Conductor

• Watch "Level 4 Subtraction" in Khan Academy & do all exercises.
• Complete pages 13 & 14 in Math Mammoth
• Complete Easy Grammar page "Prepositions: Prepositional Phrases"
• Complete Handwriting page - "k" cursive words - write twice and read out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 51 & 52
• Complete 19C & 19D in Wordly Wise
• Practice piano
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes
• Work on AWANA verses
• Work on "Solar System Detective" pages
• Work on 4H Record sheets
• Science Jim online class

Lego-Man

• Watch "Adding Decimals" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Correct errors on pages 18 & 19 - Math Mammoth worksheets and complete pages 20-22
• Complete Easy Grammar page "Prepositions: Prepositional Phrases"
• Complete Handwriting page - "k" cursive words - write twice and read out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 51 & 52
• Practice piano
• Read Crispin: The Cross of Lead for 20 minutes
• Read Biology book - pages 489-503 and answer all questions
• Complete 20C & 20D in Wordly Wise (book finished)

Happy

• Complete 22C in MUS
• Complete Math Mammoth pages 18 & 19
• Practice piano
• Complete Day 3 of Easy Grammar
• AWANA verse

Day #21/175 Days

September 20, 2011

Lego-Man

• Watch "Why Borrowing Words" on Khan Academy and do all exercises.
• Correct errors on pg. 13 of Math Mammoth and complete pgs. 18 & 19
• Complete handwriting worksheet - "j" cursive words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing page 49
• Complete Easy Grammar pg. 11 & 13
• Practice piano
• Read Crisipin: The Cross of Lead for 20 minutes
• Read pages 477-489 in Biology book and complete all "On Your Own Answers"
• Complete 20A & 20B in Wordly Wise
• Finish 4H Project record sheets

Conductor

• Watch "Level 4 Subtraction" on Khan Academy & do all exercises
• Complete pages 11 & 12 in Math Mammoth
• Play Grammar Blast and complete Prepositions page 13 from Easy Grammar
• Complete handwriting worksheet - "j" cursive words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing page 47-49 (didn't finish work from yesterday)
• Wordly Wise - complete 19A & 19B
• Practice piano
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes
• Work on AWANA verses

Happy

• Complete 22B in MUS
• Complete Math Mammoth pages 16 & 17
• Practice piano
• Handwriting
• Grammar 2/3 - Day 2
• AWANA verse

Day #20/175 Days

September 19, 2011 - Mini-Co-Op

This week we headed to my sister's house for our mini-co-op. We're slowly getting in to a routine with our new studies.

• We watched a couple of fun videos about John Adams to give us all a background. I found a neat children's series on YouTube so we'll try to hit as many as we can. We watched "History Videos for Kids: Getting to Know John Adams" and "The American Presidents: John Adams." 
• Handed out coloring sheets of John Adams - I'm using the ones found at Apples 4 the Teacher. The ones I pick have the presidents name and which number they were (1st in office, etc.)
• Read one chapter from George Washington's World by Genevieve Foster - "John Adams: Farmer boy" about Adams' youth.
• Handed out informational sheets, notebooking sheet and clipart.
• Read from the Encyclopedia of Presidents & Their Times by David Rubel
• Listened to speech that John Adams made while in office

• Moved on to Thomas Jefferson and again, watched a couple of YouTube videos. One was called "History Videos for Kids: Getting to Know Thomas Jefferson" and the other was "President Thomas Jefferson Biography." 
• Handed out coloring pages
• Read one chapter from George Washington's World by Genevieve Foster - "Thomas Jefferson and His Mountain."
• Handed out informational sheets, notebooking sheet and clipart.
• Read from the Encyclopedia of Presidents & Their Times by David Rubel
• Listened to speech that Thomas Jefferson made while in office

We then took a break and the kids began working on their cookies for their state study. We made cookies from Pennsylvania - Sour Drop Cookies. Each boy had a hand in making them and they were delicious! We even used gluten-free flour this time so Happy was able to eat some as well. 

They had a maple flavored frosting that when on them and Lego-Man made that all by  himself. The other three boys - with my sister's help - made the cookies. I took photos. Actually, once the first batch came out and a sample taken, the boys began their state study and I finished cooking and frosting cookies.

The boys learned about Pennsylvania and New Jersey today. We are learning our states in order of their admittance to the union. 

The boys are creating notebooking pages that list the state motto, have a picture of the flag, flower, bird, and animal. They also are doing mapping skills for each state as well. (And yes, I can't find my checklist so I can't get more detailed than this.)

Day #19/175 Days (note the actual day! It will be like this all week - cool!)

September 16, 2011

Conductor

• Watch "Alternate Mental Subtraction Method" on Khan Academy & do all exercises
• Correct errors on pg. 9 of Math Mammoth and complete pg. 10 (Addition Review)
• Play one lesson on Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" page 11 from Easy Grammar
• Complete handwriting sheet for "l" cursive words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 47 & 48
• Fix 18D in Wordly Wise
• Practice the piano
• Word on AWANA verses

Lego-Man

• Watch "Level 4 Subtraction" on Khan Academy and complete all exercises
• Correct errors on pages 13 & 14 of Math Mammoth worksheets
• Complete "Ordinal Numbers and Roman Numerals" (Math Mammoth)
• Play one lesson on Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" page 11 from Easy Grammar
• Complete handwriting sheet for "l" cursive words - write twice and say out loud to me
• Complete Easy Writing pages 47 & 48
• Practice piano
• Read book for 20 minutes
• Finish leaf identification pages in science notebook
• Read all information here and watch all videos - relates to Biology
• Wordly Wise - complete 19C & 19D
• Work on finishing up 4H Record Sheets

Happy

• Watch Lesson 22 in MUS and complete 22A
• Complete Math Mammoth pages
• Practice piano
• Handwriting
• Practice & Learn book 
• Handwriting
• Reading
• Alphabetizing
• Work with me on 4H Record Sheets

Day #18/175 Days

September 15, 2011 - Science Co-Op

The high school class continues to work their way through the Apologia Biology labs. Today they worked on Experiments 14.1, 14.2, and 14.3.

Experiment 14.1 is "Leaf Collection and Identification." To makes things work a bit more smoothly, each student was to bring in a sixteen of one leaf in order to share with the class. We had each of them also take a photo of the tree and a close up of the bark. We are working to get inexpensive copies made to add to their lab notebooks. (This did eventually happen thanks to one of the moms who willingly printed them out for cost of paper and ink.) Experiments 14.2 & 14.3 looked more closely at the leaves. Lego-Man is still enjoying the class and doing well from what I gather.

In the Considering God's Creation class we looked at talked about earth and it's atmosphere. This was a VERY quick overview of everything. We also created the CGC notebook page on the earth and rainbows. This showed the layers of the earth.

After break we headed outside - admist some rain - to do a couple of fun experiments. The kids were broken up in to groups of 3-4. Each group was given a small glass piece vase and I went around with a box of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar. Yes, they all got to "explode" a volcano which they thought was great! To top off the morning we had four of the older boys do the "Diet Coke and Mentos" explosion. Needless to say, they loved it - as evidenced by the photo above.

Overall the co-op continues to go well. Although, I am looking forward to late November when we don't have to be up and gone quite so early in the morning.

Day #17/175 Days

September 14, 2011

Conductor

• Watch "Subtraction 2" on Khan Academy
• Complete "Addition Review" worksheet (page 9) of Math Mammoth
• Play Grammar blast - one lesson
• Complete "Prepositions" page from Easy Grammar
• Complete "h words" handwriting sheet - write twice and say out loud to me each word
• Complete Easy Writing pages 45 & 46
• Wordly Wise - complete 18D
• Practice piano
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes

Lego-Man

• Watch "Alternate mental subtraction method" at Khan Academy
• Complete 2 math worksheets (Math Mammoth)
• Complete "h words" handwriting sheet - write twice and say out loud to me each word
• Complete Easy Writing pages 45 & 46
• Play Grammar blast - one lesson
• Complete "Prepositions" page from Easy Grammar
• Practice piano
• Read book for 20 minutes
• Read pages 461-472 in Biology book and complete "On Your Own Questions" 
• Wordly Wise - complete 19A & 19B

Happy

• AWANA verses
• Practice piano
• Math pages

Day #16/175 Days

September 13, 2011

Together

• Read Mark Chapters 2 & 3 together (taking turns reading out loud)
• Read pages 21-25 in Who is God? and completed worksheets
• Worked on Book of Virtues lapbook
• Went over vocabulary orally
• Read "My Own Self" and answered questions orally
• Completed notebook page and lapbook element
• Completed copywork
• Completed vocabulary page
• Began True to the Last again with chapter 1 (we all forgot what had happened!)
• Sang our Hymn - 'Tis So Sweet

Happy

• Completed 21F in MUS
• Completed Math Mammoth pages 
• Practiced piano and went to lessons
• Completed handwriting
• Used "Practice & Learn Workbook
• Page on rhyming words with reading practice
• Dot-to-Dot
• Page on same sounds
• Maze page

Conductor

• Completed page 1 of Math Mammoth worksheets
• Completed Prepositions page from Easy Grammar
• Completed handwriting sheet - cursive "g" words - wrote each out twice and said out loud to me
• Completed pages 41 & 42 of Easy Writing
• Wordly Wise - corrected pgs. 144-146 & completed pages 146-147
• Practiced the piano and did lessons
• Read for 20 minutes - Robin Hood

Lego-Man

• Watch "Subtraction 3: Introduction to Borrowing and Regrouping" on Khan Academy (getting caught up!)
• Completed handwriting sheet - cursive "g" words - wrote each out twice and said out loud to me
• Completed pages 41 & 42 of Easy Writing
• Play Grammar blast and complete Prepositions page from Easy Grammar
• Practice piano/piano lessons
• Read book for 20 minutes
• Read Biology book - pages 451-461 and answer all "On Your Own" questiosn
• Wordly Wise - correct errors on 18B and complete 18C & 18D

Day #15/175 Days

September 12, 2011 - Mini-Co-Op

Last year my sister & I got together a couple of times a month to do a mini-co-op with just the two of us. We focused on art and music. We did an appreciation course for both as well as learned about composers and artists and even did practical art study using videos.

This year we decided to cover the US States and Presidents. Today was our first day. We did an abbreviated study today as I had also inadvertently scheduled a "Not-Back-To-School" picnic for any area homeschoolers and needed to be there at noon.

We were able to cover one state and one president - rather quickly, however. I am teaching the presidents and my sister is teaching the states.

 For our study of George Washington we began with a video on YouTube (one of my favorite educational sites). We watched Part 1 which was about nine minutes. I didn't think the kids would sit through all 30 minutes, although, if we had time, we probably would have attempted it. Here is the link to Part 1.

I then handed out coloring sheets. Granted, this isn't one of their favorite things to do - especially my teenager - but we find it's good to have their hands occupied while they are being read to. While they colored I read two chapters from George Washington's World by Genevieve Foster (what a treasure this book is!!!). I also read a book called George Did It by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain. It was a fun look at all Washington accomplished in his life.

We ended the presidential time by creating notebook pages. I handed out a one-page informational sheet on George Washington. (I received a free download of all the pages, but I did find them on-line as well from the same site I downloaded from. You can see them HERE.) I then have a half sheet of paper printed with primary lines (I can't find where I got these from originally). It includes a short amount of data such as name, born/died, date served in office, etc. There are eight things included - just enough info for the boys to not balk too much at including. I also found a set of presidential portraits (clipart) and print out enough so that each boy can paste one on each page.

After a very short break, we then began learning about Delaware.

• Read about Delaware from the book Don't Know Much About the 50 States by Kenneth C. Davis
• Shared a large map of Delaware and allowed the boys to just check it out
• Read about Delaware in Scholastic Atlas of the 50 States by David Rubel
• Handed out an informational sheet about the state and completed two notebooking pages
• Handed out a packet of information on mapping skills using Delaware - questions answered
• Filled in a blank-line map of Delaware - just the important spots
• Tasted "Delaware Applesauce Cookies" (YUMMY!)

My sister has a great book with cookie recipes for each state. Our goal is to actually have the boys help make them, but this week - due to our time constraint - my sister made them ahead of time and we just sampled them. They were very good!

Day #14/175 Days

September 9, 2011

Lego-Man

• Watch "Subtraction 2" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Complete "Addition Review" with Math Mammoth
• Do handwriting sheet for "f words"
• Read to me all "e & f words" from handwriting sheet (trying to each how to read cursive)
• Complete Easy Writing page (working on combing sentences)
• Play Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" worksheet from Easy Grammar
• Practice piano
• Complete 18A & 18B in Wordly Wise
• Play Time4Learning for 30 minutes
• Read pages 445-451 in Biology and complete all OYO questions 14.1-14.4
• Collect 16 cherry leaves and take photos of tree and bark.
• Start working on Principles of Marketing (TOS Crew product)

Conductor

• Watch "Subtraction 2" on Khan Academy and do all exercises
• Correct errors on previous "Addition Review" sheet
• Complete "Addition Review" with Math Mammoth
• Do handwriting sheet for "f words"
• Read to me all "F words" from handwriting sheet (trying to each how to read cursive)
• Complete Easy Writing page (working on combing sentences)
• Play Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" worksheet from Easy Grammar
• Practice piano
• Read Robin Hood for 20 minutes
• Complete 18A & 18B in Wordly Wise
• Play Time4Learning for 30 minutes

Happy

• Complete 21D in MUS
• Complete Math Mammoth pages
• Practice piano
• Complete handwriting page from Donna Young
• Worked on Step 1 for All About Spelling
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes
• Did "first letter sound" worksheet in new Practice & Learn workbook

4-H meeting

Day #13/175 Days

September 8, 2011 - Science Co-Op

The co-op continues to go well. The high school students worked on Module #3 in Apologia's Exploring Creation Through Biology. Lego-Man seems to be doing well with the class - keeping up - completing his assignments - and learning. That's all I can hope for right now.

The younger kids and I had a blast. I just wish I had brought my camera. I was a bit frazzled when I first arrived as I had forgotten to bring the teacher guide for CGC. I had my lesson plan typed up so I decided to just use that as a base. It worked.

We reviewed what we had learned the previous week. The kids did a great job sharing so I know they are listening! We had a rip-roaring Bible drill. They seem to enjoy this but one young man obviously knows his Bible and wins more than the rest. He suggested that those that win sit out a round so that offered up a chance for others to snag the verse. I'm actually surprised how much they like this part!

One verse we discussed a bit more than others was Job 38:7 which says....(I'm sharing Job 38:1-7 for context):

The the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

"Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 

Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.

Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?

On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - 

while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

The CGC book shares how scientists have "discovered" that stars emit sounds. I just found a neat BBC video that actually shares this with actual sound footage from a star.




The we created a fun notebook page from CGC. It was a model of the solar system made in to a notebook page. It did mean a lot of cutting and pasting, but most finished it by the time we took a snack break.

After snack we headed outside to create a model of the solar system. What fun! I found a neat site called "Jump to Jupiter" that had a model I felt we could construct outside. I was just thankful the rain had stopped long enough to create this.

For our sun we used a softball. Most of our planets were represented by pepper flakes and poppy seeds while the giants were represented by marbles. The original plan was to do so many "jumps" before placing the next planet.  For example - it was 600 jumps from the sun to Pluto! However, we quickly ran out of room! Instead we had the children do a "toe-to-heel" step which fit much better. We still used about 500 yards of space. It definitely put things in perspective!


Day #12/175 Days

September 7, 2011

Lego-Man

• Watch "Basic Subtraction" at Khan Academy
• Read Chapter 2 in Mathematicians Are People, Too and complete notebook page (write four things you learned from the story.)
• Complete "Addition Review" page from Math Mammoth
• Write "e words" from Donna Young site and read words to me
• Complete Easy Writing page
• Play Grammar Blast
• Redo Preposition Page (I forgot to give a list of prepositions to work from.)
• Practice piano
• Read My Side of the Mountain for 20 minutes
• Read pgs. 80-94 in Biology and complete OYO 3.9-3.16 questions
• Complete 17C & 17D in Wordly Wise
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes

Conductor

• Watch "Basic Subtraction" at Khan Academy
• Read Chapter 2 in Mathematicians Are People, Too and complete notebook page (write four things you learned from the story.)
• Complete "Addition Review" page from Math Mammoth
• Write "e words" from Donna Young site and read words to me
• Complete Easy Writing page
• Play Grammar Blast
• Redo Preposition Page (I forgot to give a list of prepositions to work from.)
• Practice piano
• Read your book for 20 minutes
• Correct 17B & Complete 17C & 17D in Wordly Wise
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes

Happy

• Watch Lesson 21 in MUS & complete 21C
• Complete Math Mammoth math pages - Lesson 1
• Practice piano
• Work on Step 1 for All About Spelling
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes
• Work on Caps for Sale - Before Five in a Row
• Read Story
• Counted penny page
• Read, build, and write words from story

Together

• Visual Latin  - did Lesson 1A (TOS Crew product)

Day #11/175 Days

September 6, 2011

Lego-Man

• Addition 4 on Khan Academy & exercises
• Read Chapter 1 in Mathematicians Are People, Too and do notebooking pages (This is a great Squidoo Lens by Jimmie for Volume 1.)
• Complete one lesson on Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" page for Easy Grammar
• Complete "d words" handwriting page
• Complete Easy Writing page
• Practice piano
• Read My Side of the Mountain for 20 minutes
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes
• Complete 17A & 17B in Wordly Wise Level 6
• Complete page 10 in Biology Study guide (labeling parts of a microscope)
• Read Biology and complete On Your Own questions 3.2-3.8

Conductor

• Addition 4 on Khan Academy & exercises
• Read Chapter 1 in Mathematicians Are People, Too and do notebooking pages (This is a great Squidoo Lens by Jimmie for Volume 1.)
• Complete one lesson on Grammar Blast
• Complete "Prepositions" page for Easy Grammar
• Complete "d words" handwriting page
• Complete Easy Writing page
• Practice piano
• Read your book for 20 minutes
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes

Happy

• Practice piano
• Play on Time4Learning for 30 minutes
• Complete MUS 21B
• Practice handwriting

All had piano lessons today as well.

Day #10/175 Days

September 1, 2011 - Science Co-Op

Today was the first "classroom" day of our Science Co-Op. The high school students were in the gym. They tackled Experiment 1.2 from Module #1 (Intro to the Microscope) and 2.2 from Module #2 (Pond Life B). While I wasn't able to be upstairs to see what they completed, I know that Lego-Man seemed to have a good time and seems to be doing well with the material. We're moving on to Module #3 this coming week.

I had the younger siblings downstairs for our first Considering God's Creation class. It went very well. We had originally thought to only include those age 7 and up but changed it to have ages 5 and up. This meant a bit more hands-on help from the moms but we decided to continue with this. I had 2-3 moms helping which was nice, but I may ask for more. CGC does a lot of cutting and pasting of pages and little hands sometimes need help with that.

We covered the first 1-1/2 lessons in CGC which went over Creation and Stars. The children created the notebooking pages. We held a Bible Drill a well. I read Yellow & Pink by William Steig (excellent book) which led to a discussion about a Creator vs. evolution. The children also watched a short segment from a Moody Science video about creation.


Day #9/175 days