This week in Science we will be introducing our section on bird studies. For the next few weeks we will be focusing our Science lessons wholly on birds and answering questions like, what do birds eat? What is a bird's beak for and how are they shaped? What makes feathers unique? We will also learn about bird habitats throughout the world, and we will even build our own bird houses to put in the yard this spring so we can (hopefully) see first-hand how birds develop and live in the wild. We will also be visiting the local Pet Store to see different kinds of birds and talk to staff about bird care and growth. As with our section about Oceans, we will be compiling extensive research about birds during this study.
Not to be overshadowed by the introduction of our new Science section, in Math we will be working on riddles/word problems that are specifically focused on place value. We will be introducing the concepts of not all hundreds but of thousands this week, and working towards comprehending large numerical values. We will be using manipulatives, counters, the numberline, and visual representations of large numbers. This week we will also attempt a canister/jar prediction and estimation using jelly beans.
In Grammar and Writing this week we will be working on combining sentences and creative writing. We will be practicing a few different methods of creative writing, from sentence starters to idea webs, this week we will really start creating our own stories and then editing our finished products so that in the coming weeks we can write and illustrate our own books of fiction.
For Reading this week we will be reading "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and discussing the properties of the story, focusing on vowel sounds. Because Asher and Savannah are at slightly different reading levels, we will start transitioning from completely combined reading lessons to divided lessons, so both kids can be challenged appropriately for their individual ability. Since the kids enjoy being on camera, I thought a fun activity might be to have them read a short story or except on camera to upload on the computer (and facebook).
We are officially over half-way through our school year and starting to consider changes/preparations for next year. As part of my preparations, I will research state standards and expectations for achievement and academic growth. While I enjoy homeschooling and I deeply believe my children benefit from being homeschooled, I also want to ensure that they remain at or above the expectations for the state of Michigan so they can both interact appropriately with like-aged children AND in the event that we enroll them in public school, I want to be assured they won't be behind.
Similarly, I will also be selecting and planning curricula for next school year. Since I have had such a wonderful experience using Jean Wolff's Home Education Curriculum, I fully intend to stick with this program for next year, with a few additions of my own, of course. Currently we are considering adding Spanish to our 'language' elective, while still continuing with our ASL work. The kids have already learned about 300 signs at this point, and they are starting to learn to form sentences. Right now we are looking at language program options, though it appears Rosetta Stone may be the dominant choice since Muzzy seems a bit too simplistic for the kids' age and ability levels and few of the other language programs have such good reviews.
Recently we added a PE (Physical Education) element to school, and it is going very well. The kids really enjoy Crossfit a great deal, and it gives them a chance to exercise and run around in a structured and supervised fashion. After a few more sessions of Crossfit, we may consider putting the kids in dance/gymnastics/martial arts per their interests. We have also started a Healthy Me Healthy Eating 'program' which is encouraging the kids to branch out in their 'tastes' and refine their palates. They are doing an extraordinary job in trying new foods, and learning how to make healthy meal choices. It's also nice that Jill, our Crossfit Instructor, really encourages healthy eating habits and rewards the kids that make healthy and informed choices.
Since Christmas we have been adding a Children's Catholic "workshop" throughout the course of our week to give the kids a deeper understanding of Jesus and our religion. They really seem to enjoy discussing the text and working through some of the more complicated concepts together. I'm excited to see how this period will evolve throughout the remainder of the year.
We haven't quite gotten back into the swing of things since Christmas Break, but I am hoping this week will help us get back on track completely and keep us there. :)
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