Oct. 23, 2008
Blogs
I thought I would help the kids start blogs today.  My idea being that it would get them acquainted with things in the internet, it might help them with their writing, and to make new friends. I have noticed from blogging that I need to learn a few things about writing myself.  The first problem is that none of them can think of anything to write about. They don't think their lives are all that interesting. I told them that someone else might think they are very interesting. Until they find something of interest they are stumped unless I think of a topic for them. I am sure they will be pleased with that  . This will be an experience for all of us................... |
Oct. 23, 2008
Black Walnuts
 We collect black walnuts from our trees, every year. We use them for baking and making tinctures for the animals. This year the kids decided to do a project for school. We are collecting the walnuts to make a dye. The project goes along with our unit on Native Americans. They learned that it wasn't so easy for the Native Americans to do the things they did. Everything they did took time. It wasn't as easy as going to the store. The unit explained different things that the Native Americans used from nature, what these things were for, and how they were made. We discussed a lot of the unit while we were making the dye and while we were collecting the walnuts. I try to do a project at the end of each unit, even a simple one. It kind of helps what they learned "stick". |
Oct. 23, 2008
Summer Learning
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This was originally on my first site and then I decided to change everything, so I started a new blog and moved it here. This post was for August 15, 2008. Over the summer the kids have learned a a lot of new things. We built a new run for our dogs. I know a few people have asked me how that pertained to school. I tell them it pertains to learning. The kids put their skills that they learned from school, into a real life project. It showed them that the "stuff" they learn does have a purpose. All of the measuring, the best place to put the posts, the best fencing to use for the type of dogs we have, they even planned the easiest place for their food and water to go(so there isn't al ot of spilling and waste), the easiest way for the doors to open because of the snow. I didn't know there were so many things to think of, they thought it all out on their own (very little help from me). My point is, after all of my rambling, hey had fun and learned that they will use their math and critical thinking skills. They were always wondering about their Critical thinking workbooks. They thought they were pointless. Maybe when we start our school year, this time Critical Thinking won't be such an argument. |
Oct. 22, 2008
October 22 Resolution
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This blog has been so neglected for the past two months. The time it takes to post something is very little, you would think there would be timeto take care of my blog page. Today, I sat back, took a break, and realized that it is completely my fault! I am so worried about getting things done, making things perfect, that there is no time for anything extra. Extra meaning, "anything we enjoy doing or want to do." I realized I am not very good at planning or organizing. I get interested in so many things, that sometimes a little bit of everything gets started and nothing gets finished. Anyway, (if any of this babbling makes sense) New Years is coming early to our house. I am making an October 22nd resolution. Well ,maybe a few resolutions and I am starting out slowly. 1. I am going to organize my time and teach the kids to organize better. 2. Not worry about things so much that I forget everything. 3. Once a day I am going to slow down and do WHATEVER! 4. Not pass on my unorganized, anxiety filled life to my kids! lol |
Aug. 26, 2008
The Sun
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One thing I love about teaching the kids at home is the sun. If the sun is out, so are we! We can do our schoolwork outside, or do our schoolwork later and HAVE FUN! Today, we decided on gym class. We went for a long walk. It took us 3 hours to get back home. We walked 2 miles. On the way, we found some things for science. My youngest daughter noticed some of the leaves are changing already, found some cool rocks, a mushroom growning on the side of a tree, collected some flower seeds, and animal tracks near a puddle. Gym and science all in one, outside in the sun. I told them about the buildings that used to be and aren't anymore. How the land changed since it was mined for coal. A mini local history lesson. The best thing about our gym class is that we get to spend time together and talk. |