Impromptu Science

I was very happy this morning when the kids eagerly chose to read/browse their new library books.

 Taven wanted Eaden to be his "teacher" and when I tried to help he told me "no! You are not my teacher!" Okay. Fine. Eaden is quite capable anyway.

 We had not planned on doing any science today, but as homeschool here often goes, the kids found a dead gecko outside and investigations ensued.

 Boys looking for snails.

 Eaden outside reading her Geronimo Stilton comic book. Susan Wise Bauer (classical homeschooling guru who I very much respect) warns against letting kids read comic books. However, I am pretty sure that Eaden will live, and learn, and thrive, despite them.

 Inside learning about lizards (geckos to be specific).

Photo dump

This post is pretty much a photo dump.

What our science study sometimes looks like. Eaden will simply read and then write what was most interesting to her from the reading.

 At other times science might be a bit more interesting.

 

Grammar study.

 Brothers playing.

 Cousins.

 A typical view from my kitchen window.

 I cleaned the window after taking this next picture.

 Naia had her end of season softball party at Sweet and Sassy.

 Spelling rules. Super exciting.

 History.

Eaden is learning about the Jewish people and reading stories from the Bible. The Old Testament is not presented as complete historical fact, but is still important when attempting to understand the ancient Israelites.

 Joseph's coat of many colors.

Keeping Mirek occupied.

What Eaden does while waiting to go to gymnastics practice.

Dirty Ponds

Although we did test the pH of this water a few months back (see link) and it was fine, the pond is quite gross. It is near soccer fields and I guess their trash blows everywhere. Also, people bring bread to feed the ducks and nutria (let's all feed the invasive species!) and then leave the bread bags on the ground. Ugggh! The kids picked up trash but something needs to be done about the scum on top of the water near the shore...

 Taven really wanted to touch the turtle in this next pic. He didn't.

 Checking out a dead fish. I think I might make this little pond a future Rainbow Warriors deep clean-up project. I think we could do some more water quality tests and definitely clean it up more. I attended a Project Wild training through Texas Parks and Wildlife a few years back when I was working for the library. I still have the resources and I think they could be of great use in our effort.

 Mirek waiting for help.

 Naia to the rescue!

 Fun at the park.

A Typical Day

We had a pretty typical day today.

We usually start with folders where the kids write the day and track the weather. They also put a sticker on a chart for each day we meet. We used to do daily math but it got too repetitive.

Sometimes we skip folders and work on writing/memorizing poems or do some other activity.

Today I added a little creative writing. I thought it was very clever for the girls to connect their stories. This activity came with some pre-writing as well (not shown).

 Writing = hunger.

 On Fridays, the girls always want to do spelling first because it is test day. So exciting right?

 On other days we do math first because it takes the longest.

 Friday is a science day so we learned about turtles.

 Phonics and reading were last today. We did a couple of phonics lessons and then reading. The girls are making their way through Robinson Crusoe.

Today we homeschooled from about 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. There are long breaks in between each subject. Lately, during "free time," the kids play with walkie talkies or play hide and seek. There is always music and dancing as well.

In other news, Naia has started reading! She was never interested in reading much so I was pretty surprised. I was resting on my bed reading Game of Thrones one night last week (rare moment) when Naia walked in and asked to "do reading." We completed a little of her Horizons workbook and the reading just clicked. Then she picked up a Bob Book and read it too! This is one of the most awesome aspects of homeschooling. Waiting until a kid is ready and then watching everything just come together is the best. Amazing!