Observations from Laurel View

Outdoor Hour Nature Challenge #1

We didn't have to walk very far for this one. Literally, right outside the front door!

The girls became quickly attached to the shy little fellow. "Look Mommy, he's hiding, isn't he cute..can we keep him?"

We brought the little guy inside in a large plastic container and let him spend the night. Of course, we released him the next morning. Our little friend has returned to a puddle in the yard several times since this first sighting. At least we think it was him...

workboxes

Workboxes

Today was another full day. I used our workboxes. Honestly, I can't seem to get it together enough to do workboxes everyday. Perhaps, we just need more practice.
There were 10 boxes and 4 centers. Boxes contained:
Journal-topic "Do you have a pet/pets?" ( This entry a little better than the last)
Capitalization editing activity
Math lesson
Summary/main idea activity
bible reading/ scripture
Spelling list 4 practice
Video- Sing and Sign. We have been working on signing : "The Battle-hymn of the Republic"
We started a workbook for vocabulary..."Word of the Day" Today it was " dainty". Little sis is dainty, the scones we made mid-morning were dainty. The monster dog is NOT dainty and smells of...not quite sure... but definitely NOT roses.

We had centers for Language, Math, Art and Geography.


We started at 0800 and finished at 1420. Not too bad, for today. Big sis actually said this was the best day yet.

We did the taste bud science experiment with sugar, salt, lemon and coffee. They loved it. I think it was because of the coffee. The forbidden beverage. I can't live without it, I never let them taste it. Good grief, caffeine is the LAST thing they need.

I guess it is the little things that make it meaningful for them.


We made a trip to the library to collect some books for next week. We are going to take a break from the rigid schedule and do a little Five in a Row. "Owl Moon" I believe. I will include a little more research and information with a unit study on birds...including Owls. I even purchased an owl pellet. Hubby doubts they are ready for that ....We shall see. Add math, phonics and reading and call it a week. Can't wait!

Full Day

Week 4 day 1.

Let's see, what did we do today?

1. Genesis through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt. God promises Sarah a Baby with narration. Big sister is getting pretty good at narration. Entered Sarah into our book of centuries.
2. Character studies- Started "Creative" (Attentiveness week 2, Faithfulness week 3)
3. Goldfish Subtraction file folder game (from Homeschool Share, I think)
4. Math (Horizons 2) Lesson 13
5. Five food groups...in a file folder, I included grocery store sale papers, scissors, glue, a copy of "My pyramid" (free from the USDA) She cut and pasted representative foods from each food group. (She enjoyed this one)
6. Latitude and Longitude...Labeling the Oceans activity ( Enchanted learning)
7. Draw, Write Now..her choice
8. Language Lesson #62- Aesop's Fable- The Pitcher and the Crow- with narration, and we discussed homophones.
9. Spelling test-
10. Journal writing
11. Leveled reading lesson
12. Short and long vowel rules review
13. Reading- Big sister is reading "The End of the Beginning"- Avi.
14. Vocabulary: parched, dismay, displacement, moral, perseverance
15. Nature walk through Aldridge Gardens. Fed the turtles, ducks and huge catfish. We walked the .50 mile trail around the lake. I carried baby boy in a backpack. The girls were like hummingbirds...flitting around from this to that.. chattering and talking.....I am challenged with their short attention spans , boundless energy and inability to just be quiet and listen. Perhaps we should work on that habit in the coming weeks. Oh! I almost forgot. As we were leaving for the outing I spied (and brought to the attention of the kids) a lovely Praying Mantis on the mailbox. I ran back into the house for the camera. How fun..

It has been a good day. Thank You God for he beautiful things that I was able to share with my little ones today.