CC Cycle 3 Week 3 Highlights and "piggy" pudding

This week we learned in 1773, Colonists dressed as Mohawks, dumped tea from the British East India Company into the Boston Harbor. Why did they dress as American Indian Mohawks? Upon research there are many conclusions, one specifically says the tea dumpers chose their symbol with the upmost care. The tea symbolized imported British oppression and taxation without representation. The Indian symbolized its antithesis, a trademark of an emerging American identity and a voice for liberty against British oppression. The Mohawk, appeared not only at the Boston Tea Part but as an anti-tea protest the length of the seaboard. Others suggested that they didn't dress up at all, that it was merely a fable. Although there are many differing opinions I agree that it's a huge statement to dump 342 chests to be exact. That's enough to make 18,523,00 cups of tea, that was worth 9,659 pounds, which amounts to nearly one million dollars today. Shortly after Intolerable Acts was put into place.

For geography after initial capitals and states were introduced children took their "gummy” on a trip to show me where each one was on their maps.  Since the capitals and states we’ve been learning are in the upper right hand of the United States, they are smaller and harder to find so for review the children played twister on a much larger scale floor map of those states. They also played hop scotch. This proved to be a big hit.

For English we learned a past participle is a verb plus "-ed," used as an adjective or a verb. To drill in the information we marched in place singing the tunes, clapped the beat and eventually marched around in a circle forward and then backward. We even did a little jumping jacks. The children had a lot of fun with this. We followed the same method in math skip counting 5s and 6s. In Science, we learned the three types of muscles, skeletal, smooth and cardiac using hand motions.

Discovering secret messages. 

Fine Arts included review of the Fine Arts OILS (five elements of shape), circle, dot, line, angle and curved line. Using the small white boards the children watched as i drew and drew line for line an upside down image. We discussed which oils were used and when we were finished we flipped over the image revealing a big surprise. Originally it looked like a frog but on the flip side a different perspective revealed a queen. To further the discovery of upside down drawing we drew on paper, using the same method of line for line calling out the different shapes used to reveal the Boston Tea Party. This was difficult for many of the children, however they delighted with the end result laughing and excitingly looking at each others drawings. What is the point of upside down drawing? Upside down drawing creates a shift from left to right brain activity by drawing a picture upside down. We learn to see lines in relationship to each other and develop observational skills. Observational skills dictate that familiar things don't look the same upside down. Our left brain expects to see things oriented in the customary way - right side up. When on the flip side, we see areas of light and shadow and lines instead of real objects. 

This weeks Hands-On Science Experiment explored fingerprints. To begin with I explained how God made each of them special, how they were truly unique and each had their own set of fingerprints. We talked about how when they placed their hands on anything they left invisible fingerprints. First they were to uncover a secret message by using watercolors painted over the surface of their page. The secret message was a huge fingerprint. On the back the scripture references Psalms 139, which I encourage you to read to your child this week. To recreate this or to have them make their own secret messages just use a white crayon on paper, I used watercolor paper, but any thick paper would do. Then use children’s watercolor or whatever acrylic or tempera paint you have by watering it down. Did you know we aren’t the only species to have finger prints? Gorillas have fingerprints similar to humans. Kolas have fingerprints so similar to humans that you can barely tell them apart. I passed around an image of the first index finger of a kola bear and a human. I didn’t know this, but I’m a digger of information. I love to uncover information. I also wondered if our fingerprints were similar to toe prints. I figured this would be interesting for the children as well and as I figured, they were delighted to oblige. I found non-staining ink pads for fingerprinting and in groups of two the children fingerprinted their fingers and toes.  

Sink or float?

Creed and I are focusing on rhymes this week. Among the books we've read so far are books by Jane Yolen, author of the infamous children's book series "How Do Dinosaurs ... Say Goodnight," and so on. She has authored books with rhymes including "Color Me a Rhyme, and " Count Me a Rhyme," but our favorite is Shape me a Rhyme." "Shape Me a Rhyme," is all about finding shapes and forms in nature. Have a favorite book to read with rhymes to your child? Please comment! Dr. Seuss is all about the rhymes and it's been a long since treasure for me. I like to get a subject and run with it collecting books from the library, going through the vast array. My prompt this week was led after reading a link my friend posted on the readiness for reading from The Measured Mom: http://www.themeasuredmom.com/reading-skills-kids-need-theyre-ready-sound-out-words/. Creed has been asking to read and honestly I didn't know where to start. The Measured Mom had a list of five things your kids need before they're ready to sound out words. The fourth on the list was about phonological and phonemic awareness, which is different from phonics because it's about listening, not looking. A child should be able to count words, count syllables in words, rhyme, put sounds together to make a word, and identify the first and last sound in a word. Here's a link from her site one 10 simple activities to teach rhyming: http://fun-a-day.com/rhyming-activities-for-children/. 

Magnetic or no?

Last week Creed asked to do an experiment using water. After filling up a basin of water, we gathered objects to find out which ones would float and which ones would sink. We read the book, "Mickey's Magnet," by Franklyn M. Branley and Crockett Johnson. This book through story really demonstrates how magnets work. A little boy was asked by his mother who was sewing, to bring her a pin from the pin box. During this task the pin box was dumped and he proceeded to pick them up one by one. His father handed him a magnet and to the young boy's astonishment the pins were attracted to it making the task easy. His father explained how only iron and metal is attracted to magnets. Creed and I further explored his experiment using a magnet to discover which ones could be pulled through the water.

If you noticed the title you may be wondering where does "piggy" pudding come into play. For some reason we've been singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas every nap time and bed time since last Christmas. It's fast coming a bedtime tradition. The second verse says,  "Now bring us some figgy pudding, " which the only thing Creed can hear is "piggy" pudding. We've discussed this - he looked at me said said he wanted some cow pudding too.

Reference to Boston Tea Party: http://www.historytoday.com/bruce-e-johansen/mohawks-axes-and-taxes-images-american-revolution http://americanrevolutionstoriesabc.wikispaces.com/Boston+Tea+Party

Helpful notes and links:

Dot-to-dots for each state we learn may be printed from www.makinglearningfun.com They will need to eventually know how to draw them free-hand, so I also encourage you to have them trace them on their maps with a dry erase crayon or marker. 

Print your own floor map for free from: http://www.yourchildlearns.com/megamaps/print-usa-maps.html, where maps can be printed up to 9x9 feet wide. After printing you just lay them beside each other and tape them together. I used laid a white shower curtain over top the image and copied using a sharpie. This would be something fun for your child to remember the states and capitals.

Print your own skeleton for free from: http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2011/06/a-book-a-craft-funnybones-paper-skeleton.html. After printing the parts you can have your child cut them out and fasten them together using brads (metal fasteners).

   

1, 2 skip to my Lou, CC Cycle 3 Week 2

Classical Conversations Cycle 3 Week 2 Highlights

One two skip to my lou ... skip counting anyone? I've never heard the phrase skip counting until now. It of course, makes perfect sense to me and had I known the songs that went with the skip counting I may have been able to master them long ago. This week we worked on 3s to the tune of "Jingle Bells" and 4s to the tune of "This Old Man." Skip counting is counting by a number that is not one. Learning to skip count helps you count many things quickly and learn multiplication tables.

This week we learned in 1620, the Pilgrims from Plymouth, England signed the Mayflower Compact before landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts. If you're curious like I am you're wondering what is a Compact? Turns out it was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by Separatists, sometimes referred to as the "Saints," fleeing from religious persecution by King James of England. For more about the Mayflower Compact and those who signed it click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower_Compact. 

Taped together sheets of the United States outline.

 Completed United States outline using sharpies.

Geography was a little different this week. I found a site online where you can print a United States floor map up to 9x9 feet wide. After we identified each state and capital, students showed me where they were on the big map. Eventually after learning all the states and capitals I’m hoping to play twister with it. To print your own for free visit http://www.yourchildlearns.com/megamaps/print-usa-maps.html After printing you just lay them beside each other and tape them together. I used a white shower curtain over top the image and copied using a sharpie. You can usually get a liner for under five dollars at Wal-Mart, you may even find one at the dollar tree. This would be something fun for your child to remember the states and capitals. Dot-to-dots for each state we learned, which also include the state capital can be printed from www.makinglearningfun.com Classical Conversation students will need to eventually know how to draw them free-hand, so I also encourage you to have them trace them on their maps with a dry erase crayon or marker. 

 Kid-sized skeleton with movable joints.

This week we learned about the axial skeleton. We made a duplicate kid-sized skeleton using Creed's hands and feet and downloaded the rest for free from here: http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2011/06/a-book-a-craft-funnybones-paper-skeleton.html After printing the parts you can have your child cut them out and fasten them together using brads (metal fasteners used for paper to make movable parts) or snaps. I used some left of diaper snaps that worked out quite well. For review we've played bingo in a very unique way. One side the spaces included images from the axial skeleton, so I'd say something like, "B Cranium, O Ribs." The other side featured the hand motions for the science we learned last week, so I'd say something like, "I Connective (picture with clasped hands), N Muscle (picture of flexed muscle). Keep in mind this is for itty-bittys, that aren't reading yet. This is proving to be a bit of a challenge, however it's working out so far.

Fine Arts this week focuses on mirror image. The process of drawing the opposite side of an object. We practiced duplicating the symmetry in objects accurately using our white boards. We also used paint to draw half a Mayflower, (tying in the history sentence) and then folding the paper together when finished to reveal a mirrored image. At home you could practice using scissors by folding a paper in half and cutting an image on the fold, such as half of a heart, when opening revealing the whole heart. Another great way to teach your children about symmetry is using a mirror. Visit http://www.housingaforest.com/mirror-symmetry-drawing for an en example of mirror symmetry you can do at home. In addition, a great resource is a book by Author Marilyn Singer, “Mirror Mirror,” which I skimmed through class showing the children different pictures of mirror images. This book uses clever poems which are read top to bottom and then in reverse, giving the stories a new spin.  

Our hands-on Science experiment was exploring the convex and concave eye lens using a water drop. We shaped a piece of wire into a circle with a handle, like a bubble wand, after which dipping it into water and looking at texts or images. The water drop is curved outward and acts like a convex lens. This type of lens is used as a magnifying lens and is the type of lens in eyes. Sometimes the water drop stretches so tightly between the wire that it curves downward forming a concave lens. This type of lens causes the letters to look small. We had a second experiment using a metal spoon. When you look at one side your reflection is upside-down, caused by the concave shape of the spoon and when you look at the other side it's right-side up, causes by the convex shape. Try it at home. The only thing you’ll need is a shiny metal spoon, clear enough to see your reflection. 

Next week we will be on break for Labor Day. This will be a great time to catch up on what we've missed so far or need to fine tune. I'm in the process of making a "Candy Land" math floor game using a shower liner. I'm still looking for fun ways to review Latin for a non-reading group. If you've got any suggestions please comment! We finally received our Song School Latin DVD set so hopefully this will be a great inspiration.

Building a Foundation. CC Cycle 3 Week 1

This past Monday was the start of our Classical Conversations Cycle 3, Week 1. I wasn't sure how well Creed would receive the information, let alone retain it. It's a different way of learning through repetition, but when I think about it that's really how we all learn since I've never known anyone to be introduced to new information and instantly retain it. Creed is on the Foundation level, ages 4-11, Classical Conversations believes a great education starts with a firm foundation. Agreed, starting on the foundation of the Gospel. 

Columbus puppet.

We started off with the timeline. From the beginning to present, of course, we are learning it little by little. This week we learned about Columbus. In 1492, Columbus sailed the first of four trips to the Caribbean on three spanish ships named the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. I'm going to be honest. I don't remember much of what I "learned" in school. In fact, I can tell you no facts from history. I am learning alongside my four-year-old child, as well as the other Foundation level students I tutor. I've always loved school. I've always loved learning. Retaining any of the information, however ... that's a different story. Creed made a Columbus paper puppet found from a link at Half-a-Hundred Acre Wood, an awesome resource for fellow Classical Conversations families. To make a Columbus puppet click here:  http://superteacherworksheets.com/cut-outs/columbus-cutout_WMDMN.pdf. You'll also find other free resources for Cycle 3 here: http://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/2014/06/classical-conversations-cycle-3-resources.html. On a more personal level, I'm trying to incorporate learning new grammar into our every day life, such as singing about Columbus in the bath tub, sailing three ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. It's only been a couple of days and Creed is asking me to sing him that song. 

Each week the children give three to four minute presentations. I wish I had been able to watch Creed. Their topic was about their summer. We traveled a lot this summer, to Lego Land, a couple of aquariums, the beach.  When asked what his favorite part of the summer was he explained it was our new kitten. Creed went into detail about how we had his claws taken out using his tiny little fingers in claw shape for dramatic four-year-old effect. 

For geography we're working on learning the United States and their capitals, in addition to being able to point them out on the map. During the morning while tutors are setting up the director has them trace the United States map. I was really impressed with what Creed was able to do. I used to be able to name all of the states, but not the capitals. We're not only learning the states and capitals, but where they are located. Each week our "gummies" take a trip to different states and their capitals. This week I included dot-to-dots for each state we learned, which also include the state capital. I encourage you to print them each week from http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/50StateDottoDot.htm. If your child is in Classical Conversations they will need to eventually know how to draw them free-hand, so I also encourage you to have them trace them on their maps with a dry erase crayon or marker. For individual states, click here: http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/50StateTraceandColorPages.html.

For English we learned the definition of an infinitive through song. Much information is introduced through song. We're also learning Latin. When I was younger I found a Latin book and tried to teach myself. I found it very fascinating. I've always been interested in learning different languages. It opens another door, that widens the world a little bit. After seeing the Interpreter by Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, I was hooked, line and sinker. Fascinated yes, very much so. In the beginning I wondered why are we learning Latin. From a student's point of view click here: https://www.classicalconversations.com/article/why-study-latin.

For math we learned 1s and 2s for skip counting. Personally I've never heard it called skip counting. Fifth grade was my first official D, in you guessed it, math. When I moved onto high school I continued to struggle, getting my first F in Algebra, followed by a D the next year. This was even with the help of a teacher. I went on to college and received another F in can you guess this time? Algebra. So, I don't really feel at all qualified in tutoring math, but like history and the rest of it, I"m learning right along with the children. If my four-year-old can skip count, so can I! Every night after story time, singing time, praying time and reciting Bible verses, I "throw" Creed into bed. It's a funny tradition that he and I have. We count one to whatever number he comes up with while I cradle him in my arms swinging him back and forth before the final toss into the fluffy blankets. Where he requests a hug, a squeeze and a kiss. We've now implemented skip counting into the mix. Learning is fun!

During Science we learned the four types of tissue, with the use of hand motions. That's something else I'm really interested in, Sign Language. A large portion of the hand motions seem to be Sign Language. I wish I knew even a little, that would be really helpful. Turns out you can get a free app for your phone if you're interested too.

For Fine Arts we learned OILS, The five basic elements of shape: The five basic elements of shape include the circle (O) anything that is roundish and EMPTY, the dot (above the “i” in OILS) anything that is roundish and colored in, the straight line (the straight part of the “i”) a line with no bend, the angle line (L) a line that bends so much that it comes to a point, and the curve line (S) a line with any degree of bending. After practicing and learning the many ways to make these shapes we put it into practical use drawing Olaf (a snowman Disney character), all the while pointing out the five basic elements of shape.    

Our hands-on Science experiment was exploring the Persistence of Vision: The persistence of vision is a theory where an afterimage is thought to persist for approximately one twenty-fifth of a second on the retina, and believed to be the explanation for motion perception. We first explored this theory using two pieces of paper both containing an image of a 50s era man’s face, one with both eyes open and one with one eye shut. As we rolled the first paper (both eyes open) up and down over the second paper (one eye open) it appeared as if the man was blinking. To further explore we made a thaumatrope, a toy in the 19th century made popular by the probable inventor British Physician John Ayrton Parish. This toy was a disk with a picture on each side attached to two pieces of string. When the strings are twirled quickly between the fingers the two pictures appear to blend into one due to the persistence of vision. Make your own thaumatrope using this template: http://slurpystudios.blogspot.com/2010/01/history-of-pre-animation.html. 

A note of encouragement to those of you who are in the middle of Classical Conversations or curious, your creator has equipped me and you. There are times when I seriously doubt my ability to teach, but I'm holding on to the promises, starting with a firm foundation. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Jesus tells us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all else will be added. (Matthew 6:33.) I can tell you that when I start the day off in the Word, I've got the grace to not only get through the day - but embrace it.

do it for Jesus

Trip to the beach celebrating the
end of the handwriting workshop.

Today I finished my 40-day Facebook fast and started a 40-day no spending $ on anything except food and gas. I just opened my email and found a 15% off total purchase coupon from School Aides. Awe. I laughed out loud literally. Here’s a test right off the bat from the enemy. That has to be one of my most favorite stores, besides Goodwill. 

Montessouri Moments Handwriting Without Tears Workshop turned out to be a huge success. Creed was able to spend time going from learning station to learning station strengthening those muscles used for hand writing. The centers were structured in two ways providing practice in finger strengthening, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, as well as letter formation and handwriting practice. His favorite activity was using the light box to trace stencils. To encourage further development I purchased one for the home and he promptly lost interest. Funny how that works out, however I’m sure it’ll be used for years to come. For instance, perhaps all I need to do is show an interest in it and start using it myself, before curious Creed wants to take over for me. 

Mat Man by Creed.

During Montessouri children practiced fine motor activities as a warm up. Ever heard of Mat Man? The occupational therapist explained the first stage of development children are experiencing a growing awareness of their bodies as it relates to the environment. In school children will be asked to represent people especially themselves in their drawings. Without having knowledge of lines and shapes it can sometimes be stressful for them, so Mat Man was created as a person who is drawn from a series of simple shapes which allows the child to find fulfillment in their artwork. For more information on Handwriting Without Tears click here: http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/why-it-works/handwriting-standards/importance-handwriting. For more information on getting those pinchers ready click here: http://therapyfunzone.net/blog/ot/fine-motor-skills/handwriting/. Ten ideas to make handwriting practice fun: http://www.marianhope.org/2012/12/10-ideas-to-make-handwriting-practice-fun/.Get ready for K through play: http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2013/07/55-ways-to-make-handwriting-practice.html.

We didn’t make it through all of "Before Five in a Row,” by Jane Claire Lambert this summer, however I’ll tell you the book that most stood out was “If Jesus Came to My Home,” by Joan G. Thomas. The story is about a little boy imagining Jesus coming to play with him at his house. Near the end the little boy says he knows Jesus could never come play in the way he imagined but he can go to his house (church) and kneel and say a prayer, and sing and worship him and talk with him in there. The story goes on to explain that we can make Jesus welcome by doing all we would for him for other folks instead. He talks about picking flowers for someone for Jesus’ sake, also sharing with Jesus the nicest of his toys by lending them or giving them to poorer girls and boys. This was a treasure for me. Do it for Jesus, I kept thinking. In everything I do, do it for Jesus. Driving the point home once more, during the 40-day break my son asked me to get him something that he could easily get himself. I replied you can get it. I’m not your servant, asking him in turn to get something for me. See the irony? He then asked me if he was a servant. I said you know Jesus said he came to serve, not to be served, so we must all be servants. I’m in awe the grace God gives me in teachable moments I have, even when my flesh fails.

After attending the Classical Conversations Practicum we’ve decided to start Classical Conversations K4. We’re not just wading in we’re sinking neck deep as mama will also be tutoring a class of eight on our campus days, once a week. The main attraction for me with Classical Conversations was the direct contact and recognition in all things are made from God, all subjects as they relate to not only God, but one another as well. With a little apprehension, I’m looking forward to this school year starting in just 10 days! Classical Conversations won’t fulfill the 180 days required by state, so we will supplement continuing "Before Five in a Row" by Jane Claire Lambert and following up with "Five in a Row," also by Jane Claire next summer. For more information on Classical Conversations click here: https://www.classicalconversations.com/what-classical-conversations.

Classically speaking ...

It's  been nice taking time, being leisure. I've been praying lately for God to help me be a good steward of my time, the indefinite continued progress of existence, measured in hours, specifically 24. Usually I work myself into a tizzy, making lists about what needs to get done, which needs to get done first and how to do it. Then I feel guilty when the plans don’t pan out, getting behind of the schedule I’ve set for myself. In general, I think I may expect too much from myself. I know that with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) So, instead of making lists and strapping on needless guilt, I’ve been doing the opposite. There is no list for me - this is new. Little by little it’s all getting done and I’ve been happier than I’ve been in a while. I also started making art a priority. I remember when it used to be something of everyday life and somewhere life took a turn and that part of me got lost in the shuffle. Hooray for art and hooray for life! 

As anticipated we took off the last two weeks in June for summer vacation. Prior to this, however, we attended a three-day practicum for Classical Conversations. Their mission is to know God and to make Him known. There was so much information at the end of each day I felt drained. During the day I felt confused, like my head was spinning. Even though it was stressful and the months ahead will probably be challenging, I was able to see though the onset of a panic attack and know it was the right choice for our family. It’s how we build courage right? I mean, if there’s no need to ever be brave, how will we ever build courage? Creed was able to meet littles he will be in class with later and I was able to meet other homeschool mamas, directors and tutors, some of which were just as overwhelmed as me. This fall our family will start a new journey with Classical Conversations, one of the many ways to homeschool your child. Basically there’s five different ways to approach homeschooling, including the Charlotte Mason method, the Classical Education (Classical Conversations) learning approach, also called “The Socratic Method,” Eclectic Homeschooling, Unit Studies and Un-schooling. And then there’s your way. There really is no wrong way to do it, there’s only what works best for your family. Homeschooling for our family will look different than homeschooling for your family. For a more in-depth look at those five types of homeschooling visit a page from The Pioneer Woman, http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeschooling/2010/08/five-different-approaches-to-homeschooling/. For more information about Classical Conversations visit http://www.classicalconversations.com/common/what-is-classical-education. 

Itty bitty family builds an itty bitty house
from some pretty awesome foam leggos!

After wrapping up the three-day practicum, we set off on our first journey of rving. We traveled around 850 miles to Tampa, Fla., to Lego Land, a hot steamy mess of fun in the middle of summer. Creed and I both started to feel under the weather and slowly progressed to actual sickness. Finally, we decided to stop at a doctor’s office and were diagnosed with Strep Throat. Creed had scarlet fever. Gasp! I thought scarlet fever was something people got in the 1800s and didn’t they die from that?! Turns out it’s a symptom of strep throat. In the 19th century, scarlet fever, measles, roseola, impetigo, fifth disease, yellow fever, chickenpox, and rubella were among the many diseases that causes rash and fever in children. Scarlet fever being the most common of these diseases. Unfortunately, scarlet fever was often severe, and in the 19th century, it was a leading cause of dearth among children in the United States. Thank God for modern medicine and living in a day-in-age, where getting something like this isn’t a near death-sentence. Creed started getting a red rash on his front and back side at Lego Land. We thought he was just getting hot, so we took breaks inside the air-conditioning every hour. Meanwhile, mama was having a hard time swallowing. Then Creed started scratching, which led us to believe it was the detergent we had been using on the trip. Next up was a fever that came and went for the both of us. After two shots, one in the hip for mama and one in the thigh for itty bitty (sniff sniff) we were sent on our way with a 10-day prescription of antibiotics. Not reacting to the pointy end of the needle, I wanted to put on a brave face for my little guy. I asked the nurse how they administer shots to children, since it was a walk-in clinic, not a pediatricians office, and he explained that usually one person takes the legs and the other takes the arms above the head. :-( Hubby held down Creed’s little legs while mama looked into Creed’s eyes telling him to give mama a big hug. The sheer pain from his shriek broke my heart the same it did when he was a baby. I cradled him in my arms the same way and told him how proud I was of him for being brave. “But I wasn’t brave,” he cried, “I was scared.” “You can scared and still be brave, “I told him. “That’s how you get brave.”

While traveling on the road I started and finished an Inktense (colored ink watercolor pencils) owl series. I was really surprised how each of them turned out, especially when painting during bumpy roads. After doing string art, inspired by Pinterest, with a group of church women, I had a thought of using them on wood. I had tried them on the familiar watercolor paper medium and wondered if it would even work on this type. Yes, they do, and they’re beautifully vibrant! I have plans to do some more work on wood and then figure out what else I can try! 

Up next this month is the much anticipated Handwriting Workshop from Montessori. We’ve been working on holding the pencil, using our little pinchers and tracing highlighted letters of the alphabet. The goal of the handwriting workshop is to introduce or improve your child’s handwriting skills in an enjoyable and fun learning environment, on which, will count as a homeschool day for us, twice a week for three weeks. Montessori uses a multi-sensory approach developing strength, coordination and dexterity that is required to complete the writing process. This includes pencil grip, letter formation and letter placement on paper. Taught by a licensed occupational therapist, the workshop will be based on techniques and activities used within the Handwriting Without Tears writing program. These goals will be met through muscle strengthening games, fine motor activity, and pencil and paper practice. My favorite part, one-on-one instruction. It couldn’t get any better.

Pssssssssst … want to hear a secret? (Maybe the jig was up with the last blog entry, “I don’t have it all together.”) During this past school year, I have been putting an extreme pressure on my abilities to homeschool, one the enemy tells me I’m ill-equipped to handle. And for the umpteen time, God says that just isn’t so, for me or for you because with God, all things are possible. That’s a promise. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, but it does mean we don’t have to do it alone. And when trying times happen, and you know they will, he’ll be there to lift us up time after time.

I don't have it all together ...

Pinterest inspired artwork for Father's Day 2014.

Did I mention I don't have it all together? If I seem like I have it all together it's a great coincidence, I'll put a big fat gold star next to the imaginary tiara I wear everyday. Oh wait, yes, I actually did buy a tiara because it was a good day about a week ago and I felt like the King's (Christ the King) princess, that I am. I've yet to put it on my pretty little head. I feel unbalanced to put it lightly. And all untogether, which I'm pretty sure isn't even a word, but describes me perfectly … at least today. I don't think there are really any mommy fails. There are mommy mishaps and stellar mommy temporarily lost her cool moments, but fails, not so much. I really and truly believe that, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28. When there's a big gap between my posts … I'm trying to keep it together. Today I'm writing in my untogetherness. This is a new thing for me. Guess what? Turns out untogether actually is a word, meaning disorganized; confused; chaotic … yep. That pretty much sums it up. All things were working together for good this morning when I lost my patience with my son, paused for a moment to really soak up the guilt and walked into the next room sinking down to his level to ask for forgiveness, which he gave immediately, because he'd forgotten what had happened just five minutes earlier. The life lessons we're both learning here is not only forgiveness, but learning to let go of the guilt involved with our mistakes. The lovely gift the enemy freely gives in huge amounts attached to acts when our sinful flesh becomes weak. The enemy intrusively planted countless thoughts of failure and unworthiness. And when I rebuked the enemy he fled - period, because he has to. Sometimes I'm really just tired of battling. It's like, enough already! This is exhausting, but the war will wage on whether I fight or not. I choose to keep fighting.

Volcanic action,
hand's on science experiment.

The past three weeks we've worked on h, i, j, k, l, m, n and o. We've also learned a great deal about volcanoes, constructing one ourselves out of the Crayola Air-Dry Clay. Creed carefully measured out the baking soda and I waited for his expression as he poured in the white vinegar, knowing all along the bubbly action soon to happen. It was, of course, a big hit. He learned about chemical reactions during our hands-on science experiment. Deep inside the Earth, between the molten iron core and the thin crust at the surface, there is a solid body of rock called the mantle. When rock from the mantle melts, moves to the surface through the crust, and releases pent-up gases, volcanoes erupt. Extremely high temperature and pressure cause the rock to melt and become liquid rock or magma. Liquid rock. Can you imagine the heat that would turn rock into liquid?! When a large body of magma has formed, it rises through the denser rock layers toward Earth's surface. Magma that reaches the surface is called lava, which we can buy in bags at our local hardware stores for landscaping. The red lava rock, technically called scoria is formed during eruption due to the oxidation of iron.

We took a field trip to another great aquarium in search of sting rays, among other aquatic wonders. Through the vast majority of ocean wildlife we saw the Creator's detail and beauty he put into these sea creatures and fish made on day five of creation. Also, members from day six, penguins. We all watched in quiet awe as a penguin created some pretty fancy footwork, coloring canvas, that they sell donating the proceeds to wildlife preserves. 

We bought five new chickens and Creed had his fourth birthday (sniff sniff) and his first visit to the dentist as well. All of those books really paid off because Creed was not anxious at all. He was telling the dental hygienist and dentist what things were around him, how the chair went up and down, etc. I sat quietly listening to the banter. At the end the dentist blew up a balloon with the air hose they use during examination and made him a yellow dog. The hygienist completed the trip with a goody bag filled with a transformer toothbrush, bubblegum toothpaste and a prize from the treasure chest. Big inward sigh of relief from mama. So I guess these past three weeks have been pretty busy. So busy, in fact, that I hadn't had time to stop and really think about what had taken place.  When do we slow down? I don't know about you, but I've got to take the time to do it because the non-stop really wears on me, I think it wears on itty bitty too. It's very nice to stay home … and do absolute nothing, of course that really doesn't happen, but staying home really is nice. If we could stay in our warm bubbly home for a while longer, I wouldn't mind. 

Pinterest inspired artwork.

At the prompt from a loving friend, Creed created footprint butterflies and I'm glad, because they turned out precious. There are always these really great "pins" from Pinterest that I want to do, but never seem to make the time for, because I have the time, I just haven't slowed down enough. This inspired me to go on to make a Father's Day present for daddy from mama and Creed, another great idea from Pinterest. Thanks mama friend, you're a great inspiration to me and I need that constant encouragement. We all do! 

If you haven't seen, "Moms' Night Out," a movie starring Sarah Drew from the TV Series Grey's Anatomy, Patricia Heaton and Trace Adkins, you should put it on your to-do list, because you know you've got one. Moms' Night Out is an American faith-based comedy film directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin and written by Jon Erwin and Andrea Gyertson Nasfell. I was nodding along with the other mamas in the audience and laughing because it's all true. It felt good to laugh about what usually makes me want to cry - you know, the laundry that never ends, piles of dishes, clutter that doesn't go away just shifts from one place to another. Despite all of it, all the mess, I still would have signed up for it. Because being a mom, I signed up for this and I'd do it all over again!

Chrysalis or Cocoon?

Moth cocoons.

Our fuzziest white caterpillar and black caterpillar has formed cocoons. This is a sign that we will seeing a moth in the next few days. A cocoon is spun from silk and surrounds the pupa of many moths. "Look!," exclaimed Creed, "They're eating it," peering at the chewed holes in the leaves we'd left in the butterfly habitat. "Yes," I said, "They're very hungry caterpillars!" "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Cole, is one of Creed's favorite books and a great resource in explaining the phenomenon of metamorphosis to young children. Creed gets them out and plays with them, feeling their fuzzy bodies, some smooth. He says they're his friends. I'm looking forward to seeing his expression when we set the butterflies and moths free.

This week we worked on the letter g as well as top-to-bottom lines, slanted lines, circles and curved lines. We're working from a book using letters and sounds, with another one of Creed's favorite characters, Little Critter. Since he loves Little Critter so much he's eager to complete the pages. Throughout the summer we've got two more Little Critter preschool workbooks to work on, beginning reading and basic concepts. 

Yesterday we watched a movie from the Schlessinger Science Library, Earth Science for Children, "All About Fossils." We learned all about fossils being the evidence or clues from the remains of living things that once lived on Earth. Fossils, most often found in sedimentary rock, can be preserved body parts or impressions left during an animals lifetime. Among other things we learned how to make our own mold, described as an imprint left behind by a living thing that has decayed. Instead of using Plaster of Paris, like suggested in the video, we used Caryola Air-Dry Clay. After completing several molds using small plastic dinosaurs, skeletons, seashells and actual fossils including a shark tooth, trilobite, sea-urchin and brachiopod, once they become hardened, we'll made a cast, also described as a fossil, formed after a living thing leaves an impression in mud or sand that becomes hardened. Creed had fun making dinosaur "tracks", impressions and molds of fossils.

Shell mold. 

Sea-urchin mold.

Shark tooth mold.

"Making dinosaur tracks."

Parasaurolophus impression.

Creed's godmother introduced us to an amazing book, "My ABC Bible Verses, Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts," by Susan Hunt. The book includes 26 verses, coinciding with the alphabet to "hide in your child's heart" along with stories perfect for reading to children for further explanation. We're using it in addition to our studies each week. We've been spending time on the first verse for a little over a week now and as I was laying Creed down for a nap I asked him about his verse which he parroted perfectly, "a soft answer turns away wrath, Proverbs 15:1" I asked him if there was anything he wanted to say to Jesus and he said, "Thank you for helping me to remember." "Very good," I said. "Is there anything you want to thank God for?" "Thank you God for Mama and Daddy, and Bella (our Siberian Husky) and Big (our Chihuahua mixed breed) and Buddy (our new Siamese kitten)," he said. I "heart" him so much! We're busy hiding God's word in our hearts and I encourage you and your family to join us through this easy to read and understand book for children. It's recommended for ages three-seven, but you can certainly use it as you wish. 

"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11

The back cover states "the ABCs are the building blocks of your child's formal education. And these verses are the building blocks of the soul - the building blocks that can lead to eternal life," and I must agree.  

As I searched online I found another book by the same author and an additional author, Richie Hunt, "My ABC Bible Verses from the Psalms," which you've guessed it, follows the same guideline as the aforementioned book. These verses are a bit longer so right now we're just reading this book and discussing the content. This one is geared towards ages three-eight. For more information on these great reads visit www.crossway.org.

F is for flap and footprints!

Daddy and Creed at the local aquarium.

"It flapped me!" Creed squealed as the sting ray went by his hand at a local aquarium. Friday wrapped up our fantastic week with the letter f. Creed had been talking non-stop about sting rays asking to go see one and touch one. Lately he's been watching Sesame Street Elmo's World "The Great Outdoors!" and learning a wealth of information while Elmo explores the great outdoors and learns all about wild animals, fish and weather. I asked him what it felt like as we were watching and petting the string rays. "Jelly!" he said. It certainly did feel like jelly as we slid our fingers over the string rays head and down it's spiny back. I loved feeling their "flaps" as they went by, which were about 1/4 or less inch thick. It felt slick and slimy in the water. We both enjoyed feeding them fish, watching as many gathered anticipating their next snack. 

Creed posing by his favorite dinosaur, along with the stuffed dinosaur on the ledge.

The next day we visited the paleontology hall at the Natural Museum of Science. Creed's love of dinosaurs is getting contagious. We were gaily enthusiastic pointing out the skeletons of those dinosaurs and reptiles we recognized. I asked him if he wanted to take a picture by his favorite dinosaur, the T-Rex, and he agreed noting that his stuffed blue dinosaur needed to be in the photo as well. Before I knew it he had hauled off climbing straight away on a clear mission scaling the exhibit. Just as his little legs were clearing the top I swept him back into my arms, in the nick of time explaining that dinosaur bones are really old and we were not allowed to touch them. I get it. It really would be cool to stand under a real "live" dead of course, Tyrannosaurus Rex. It'd be doubly cool to run your hands up the bones of those massive legs. Moving along, after a brief understanding and battle of the strong-willed child we weaved in and out of the exhibits, discussing which one was this and which one was that. I was really surprised to see how big some of those bird species were and not at all surprised to see how small some of them were. One grand adventure was watching as Creed rode their mechanical T-Rex. That was icing on the dinosaur cake. To further explore we brought home a bag of our very own fossils, which included 19, plus a larger shark tooth. Later on that evening as Creed was peering through his magnifying glass he'd say, "Hmmmmmmmm …. interesting," moving on to the next specimen. Did you know that researchers announced this week they found fossils of a sauropod dinosaur, one of which was the largest creature to ever walk the earth? Dr. Ruben Cueno, director of Museo Paleontologico Egidio Feruglio in Trelew, Argentina, said the dinosaur would have weighed at least 77 tons and grown to triple the size of a T. Rex. "Hmmmmmmmmm … now that is interesting!" For more on that story click here: http://abcnews.go.com/International/researchers-discover-fossils-largest-dino-believed-walk-earth/story?id=23762377.

Today we searched for caterpillars at the local botanical gardens. We found two, one white and one brown, both fuzzy, to add to our collection at home. How exciting to see if they'll be moths or butterflies. Metamorphosis is truly something to behold. On the way home we stopped at the welcome center and walked their scenic byways also in search of caterpillars. I told Creed we would have to look for evidence of caterpillars to spot one, pointing out a leaf with chewed holes. He spotted another saying, "Look! Footprints!" "It is like footprints huh?" I noted, "We can definitely tell one has been chewing on the leaves." We did not find any caterpillars to take home, but did find a wasp clutched to one on the railings, without a doubt laying it's eggs on it so the babies can eat it alive once hatched. We've recently read of this in one of the bug books checked out from the library. It was really creepy to behold. The wasp injects a venom paralyzing the caterpillar so this process can take place, all connected in the circle of life. Two ladybugs hitched a ride in our paper bag to bring home to release in our vegetable garden (I seriously want to order a bunch of ladybugs to protect our garden from aphids, but can't find any online. If you know of a site please comment below!) and a sac with tiny white eggs stuck to a leaf, that I'm really hoping is baby caterpillars. I put the prospects in a jar, in case it's a bunch of spiders I wouldn't want loose in the house!

Making a chime that doesn't scare the birds

Drawing fun after crafting alphabet.

Makings of our itty bitty wind chime.

D is for doodleberry. Creed practiced upper and lowercase d with a trusted friend today while mama went to the dentist. Last night I was telling Creed how I had to go to the dentist the next morning and really didn't want to. Creed said, "Don't worry mama. It's OK." "I know, you're right," I said. This morning I told him I was going to the dentist again. "And you're going to get a toothbrush and a star sticker," he noted. A while back we had read about Dora going to the dentist. Dora also received a new toothbrush and star sticker. I talked to the dentist about what age was appropriate for children to go to the dentist and turns out he's old enough now. So in a couple of weeks we'll all go back to the dentist. In the meantime I've got a really great Usbourne Sticker book about going to the dentist. I mentioned my conversation with Creed about going to the dentist myself and they gave me a sticker and temporary tattoo to give him. :-) very sweet.

Later this afternoon we were looking for a wind chime, but they all seemed too noisy. I asked Creed if he thought they would scare the birds and he agreed, so we decided to make our own. I have a great set of letter and number cookie cutters I found at an antique store and they were put to good use today. We had fun rolling out play dough and cutting out the alphabet, going over the name and sound of each. I'm wondering how they'll hold up if they get wet. They're drying outside right now and I'm thinking about getting some sort of clear lacquer to go over them. I'll post the final results! While we were in the Dollar General discussing wind chimes and looking for note cards, Creed brought me a stack of books and asked me to read to him. I kindly obliged sitting indian-style to the side of the aisle. When we read a dinosaur book instead of picking out the colored dinosaurs they book described he identified them by name. I'm learning a lot about dinosaurs. More than I've ever learned in my lifetime so far. In fact, I'm learning a lot about everything! It really is fun! Creed's very fortunate to have five living grandmothers. He helped me pick out Mother's Day cards and for the first time was able to sign his own name, very endearing. The way we've been practicing is I write in a yellow highlighter and he traces the best he can. (a trick I learned from Pintrest) Practice makes progress!

 Signing Mother's Day cards.

 My ham!

Creed and I went to see great-grandma over the past weekend and visited a graveyard. I was trying to explain what was going on to the best of my ability in terms a three-year-old child would understand. "This is where grandpa is," I said, "that's daddy's daddy and this is your uncle. They already went to see Jesus. When they died, they were buried like all the people here. When you die you get buried in the ground and when Jesus comes back you come back up." I showed him great-great-great grandma and grandpa's burial as well. He stayed busy helping us clean around the gravestones, getting rid of dated flowers and replacing them. He noticed all the other vases that didn't have flowers. I told him sometimes they don't have flowers. I kept thinking of part of an old poem, "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep." He didn't question any of it and a couple of days later when we were walking out of Chic-Fil-A he ran around the vehicle after I told him specifically to stay with me. We've got rules about always holding mama and daddy's hand when in the parking lot and crossing streets. I panicked yelling for him and when he came back I said you're not supposed to go around there. You're so little cars might not see you and you'd get squished like a bug. You could get hurt and have to go to the hospital. You could die. "And then you'd put me in the ground," he said. (My heart hurt a little with that statement) "Yes," I said. "I don't want to go in the ground," he said. "I don't want you to go in the ground either honey! I love you!" I said. Point very well received.

Overcoming distractions and finding a nest full of eggs

C is for cat. Practicing upper and lowercase c was more productive today. It's interesting how a task can be dragged out to last a couple of hours, however when attention is held, the very same task can be completed in under 10 minutes. I'll have to admit that I get easily distracted. This is one trait I wish Creed hadn't have inherited. After zipping through c, we practiced writing four and five and then headed outdoors to pick more blackberries. Creed says we're going to make blackberry jam. First we picked the ones within the fence and then headed outside the gates to get the ones that were poking through to the other side. We stopped to break a small oak branch full of leaves for the first caterpillar of the season. 

Northern Mockingbird nest

On the way back I noticed a nest. I called Creed over to look at our newest discovery. A beautiful twig nest full of bluish-green brown speckled eggs. What a treasure! I wondered what kind of bird laid those eggs. Then as I went back to take a photo, I caught a glimpse of mama bird sitting on the nest. As soon as she heard me she flew away (unlike their territorial nature so I've read) and I noticed how the branches swayed in the gentle breeze. What a wonderful serene setting for soon-to-be baby birds. From what I can tell our fine feathered female friend is a Northern Mockingbird, which I found on the "Nifty-Fifty for Louisiana." The Northern Mockingbird is a conspicuous, slender gray and white bird. This bird may sing day or night and continues to make new songs as they grow older. This well-known vocalist may know as many as 200 different songs and can imitate the sounds of many other birds as well as man-made noises. The mockingbird nest is a bulky cup of twigs and stems lined with leaves, bark, grasses and sometimes trash, usually placed three-ten feet high in a tree or thicket. The eggs usually number three-five and are bluish or greenish with marking of brown or reddish. The young hatch at about 13 days and leave the nest in 12 days, but continue to associate with the adults for some time. At the beginning of spring I put out a bunch of fuzzy yarn strings in a net pouch to encourage the birds to use them in their nests, so far no takers. There's a second bird nest being built in the pear tree behind our house. Soon we'll hear the baby cheeps. How exciting!! There's so much to learn in our own backyard. For more about the "Nifty-Fifty for Louisiana" and Northern Mockingbird look here: http://www.birdzilla.com/nifty-fifty/louisiana.html.

 

Tonight will be another adventure with "Jesse Bear What Will You Wear?" by Nancy White Carlstrom, the first book on the reading list from "Before Five in a Row," by Jane Claire Lambert. Jesse Bear enjoys the thought of stars overhead and moonlight streaming through his window, so tonight we'll pull out the telescope we've been saving for such a special occasion and explore the nighttime sky.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry?

We started the day outside working on upper and lowercase b, after which Creed played in the rocks. He spent a looooooong time talking about writing the letter b, instead of doing much work this morning. So, we took a break, ate some snacks and had art class. I watched as Creed told me a story while painting a picture. With every color and every brush stroke, his imagination let loose - beautiful arches of rainbows and dark rain clouds with rain drops. Near the bottom he painted a lion with one leg and a tail that beat the rainbow. It all made perfect sense to him and as he described it, it made perfectly perfect sense to me as well. It was nice to relax and listen before a quick bath, promised by a longer bath later this evening, where we washed off the ruckus from the rock bin, before nap time.

Talking about writing the letter b.

One of the books we read gave us much pleasure in learning, "Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry?" by Tish Rabe, one from the series The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, that I didn't know existed until this afternoon. I've always known "Cat in the Hat," and the silliness that ensues, but really delighted in this edition. We learned that a mesquite tree has roots that reach 40 feet down for water, how plants, insects and animals survive in the desert. One of the most interesting facts was about the crowned sandgrouse. This bird flies miles and miles to find water. He soaks his feathers until they are wet and his babies, upon return, drink from his feathers, which dry soon and then he must take to the sky to find water again. We learned how sand dunes were made and the crescent shapes they leave in the sand. Did you know that in the Mojave Desert, there are lilies, primroses, and sunflowers? We also read of mirages and oasis'. An interesting fact is that not all deserts are hot! You'll find ice and snow in the Gobi desert. Where there's also a Bactrain camel with two humps, which store fat, not water. They can drink 30 gallons of water and then go an entire week before drinking again. The longer they go without eating or drinking the smaller the humps get. Surprisingly Antarctica is the largest desert of all. For anything and everything Seuss visit www.seussville.com. It's amazing what's available there from books, videos, games & activities, to everything you've ever wanted to know about Dr. Seuss, plus a link for parents and educators and of course, everything imaginable Seuss paraphernalia. I've been reading so many Dr. Seuss books, I'm thinking in rhymes.

We resumed the upper and lowercase b in the afternoon, taking turns making b's, also going on to the number 4, shapes, sequence recognition and finally games. Tic, Tac, Toe isn't as much fun, turns out, when you can't tell the other person where you plant their target! It's all about learning the game, and mostly having fun.

We drove the tractor around for a while before retiring to pick some plump blackberries. Creed's getting a hand at the wheel and quickly learning to maneuver left to right. While we picked berries, I asked him if he remembered why we didn't pick all the berries and he said, "Because we leave some for the birds." "That's right," I agreed. "Do you know who takes care of the birds" I asked. "God," he replied. "Yes," I said, "God loves the birds so much he makes sure they're taken care of. Can you imagine how much he must love us, if he takes care of the birds so well!" "God also told the people not to pick all the grapes, vegetables and grain, so people visiting would have something to eat when passing through. That's how God takes care of us," I added. We walked along the path moving to another blackberry bush. "It's getting dark," I said. "Let's get some of these berries and get in before the bugs start biting." "Do you know what kind of animals are out at night," I asked. "Nocturnal," Creed answered. "Can you tell me some nocturnal animals," I asked. At this point he started naming the ones listed in the Dr. Seuss book we had read earlier, owls, foxes, bats, coyote, rabbits, mice, deer and kangaroo rat. Just when I'm not quite sure he's really listening he parrots something back that stumps me again! I love it.

First caterpillar of the season.

We came back inside and enjoyed some blackberry and chocolate chip muffins we had made last night from the berries we picked yesterday, before the long promised bath. He wanted to hold the caterpillar we had found before reading our night time stories. And so begins another life cycle of a butterfly or moth. We so enjoyed them last year. We've never seen the eggs or larva, but have found plenty of caterpillars. 

The last BSF (Bibles Study Fellowship) meeting we had the speaker told us how disciples are learners and how we are to disciple others. I looked up the definition and behind a personal follower of Jesus, the second meaning said a follower or student of a teacher, leader or philosopher. Creed's a great imitator, especially things I don't realize he's taking in, which is everything! He looked at me one day and said, "Mama I crack you up!" and started laughing. I say that a lot to him. Every day now I think, have I talked to him about Jesus today? I'm very aware of getting the word into his heart, while we walk by the way, sit in the house and lie down at night. If this is all I ever do, it would be a life well lived. Deuteronomy 6:5-9