The boys worked together to build this rad fort. They're watching a Magic School Bus video in there somewhere.
It's science week in our house. We have an overall pattern of doing four weeks of "core" - history, geography, literature, language arts, and math - and then a week of science and art. Last year we did science each day, and I always felt disappointed with the lack of time we devoted to it.
This year, by scooting things around and giving us interspersed weeks of science, we can dig in and follow rabbit trails. I believe science is a gateway topic for kids. Science naturally leads to so many other disciplines, and it's such an engaging way to get kids hooked.
After the boys finish their video, we'll head to the library. I've chosen a biology curriculum for this year, but I let them choose a science topic they'd like to investigate too. Uno chose physics, Dos chose gold mining (because he had a dream about it and wants to learn more - lol!), and they're always up for experiments. We'll be digging through library stacks to find some books on these topics.
As for art, we're looking at 13 Buildings Children Should Know. Each kiddo picks a building for us to read about that day. It's by no means a comprehensive tome of world famous architecture, but it's a great start.
Okay! What started out as sharing an amusing moment turned into a somewhat monotonous listing of our current homeschool plan. I feel a little vulnerable putting that out there. (insert worried smiley face)
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
Update: Once we got to the library, Uno realized that he indeed did not have interest in physics books. He wisely chose something he truly loves - computers - and picked up a book about building PCs. Our desktop computer is 10 years old (ancient!) and fritzy, so at Uno's suggestion, hubby has agreed that the two of them will build our next computer for us. And hey - he says it's usually a less expensive proposition!
Dos found books on mining minerals and gems and inhaled the books while we were still at the library. He then proceeded to spout off interesting facts about minerals and gems for the next couple of days. Gold is a great conductor of electricity and is used in tons of electronics. Dos pointed this out to Uno, who did not know this and seemed to think it was a ridiculous idea. Then they had a big argument which I had to mediate. Then we discussed the concept of being curious and willing to learn instead of just dismissing something that you don't understand. And so it goes... (which is why I need a 4-week solo vacation to the Mediterranean, thank you)
8 comments:
You're doing what? Don't you know you're doing it wrong and all of civilization will come crashing down around our ears because of it?! And the boys will grow up unprepared for life and blame you forever.
Not really...OK--tell anyone who even thinks that they can criticize the amazing job you're doing to zip it and stick it someplace unpleasant and inconvenient.
(word verification is "mistab" sounds like a bad typewriter accident or a terrible crime gone awry.)
Clap clap clap...can you hear me clapping from here?! LOVE your way of teaching. We could live side by side and do the same curriculum together:)))
Thanks, friends. Dawn - you're cracking me up with the clapping! Yes, I can hear it. :)
I think I want to enroll my kids at your school.
it's funny, 'cause there was a time where this would have been interesting to read, but not for any reason that really piqued my interest... just because it is a friend writing about her family and life.
but now, i have a whole new reason to take an interest... i see my son at that point some day, and i know it will get here a lot quicker than i can imagine. i was just thinking the other day about what it will be like when he starts learning things in school... how he will probably come home and ask all sorts of questions, and i will not know half of the stuff he is asking about... because things are constantly changing in curriculum and advancements in the world in all areas of study... i'm sure he will stump me often.
but i still can't wait! i get excited about him learning things when i think about it. and even though we will most likely not homeschool {the hubby does not want to}, i know i will start teaching him things right away... already have. i want that kid to be SMART and go off and get a good job and make some money for us to retire on! =)
sounds like you have a great schedule going this year. i agree about the science... studying any of the sciences is so important and deserves a lot of continuous study time. what will you do when the get to biology, though? will you go out to the back yard to find frogs to dissect?? =)
Hubbie builds my computers. :) you cna get a lot of good parts on ebay, or check local tech businesses throwing out parts.
Have you been on your solo vacay yet? Maybe we should book something....sigh.
Hi back at you, I see you are all still hiding in the fort? :) Happy Thursday
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