February First Friday

We put decorated and passed out tissue boxes to the residents at a local nursing home.  These once a month trips offer so much to the children.  They are able to attend mass with the residents, have lunch with the other children, learn about a particular topic, and create a craft (that they often give to the residents).  This is also an opportunity for me to get some social time with other moms.  The support for the residents, the children, and the mothers is priceless.

After delivering the tissue boxes to the residents, we decorated Valentine cookies.  Part of the topic included a discussion about storing treasure in heaven.  The cookies represented a treasure on earth.

Candlemas

For the past few years, instead of celebrating Groundhog Day we have celebrated Candlemas.  This has traditionally been celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  The candles remind us during the dark and dreary days of winter that Christ is the Light of the world and spring is just a few weeks away.  Crepes or pancakes are also a traditional meal.  My kids never pass up a chance to have breakfast for supper!  The kids made candles that we hung on the windows and ate their pancakes by candlelight.

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Science Fair in New Albany, IN

We participated in a science fair on February 5 for the first time this year.  I have not been involved with an science fair since high school and had forgotten how much was involved.  Nevertheless, the kids had a good time and next year will involve some better (and earlier) planning.

  

Jonathan's project was on "Magnets".  He had some adorable little frogs racing around the track.

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Samuel chose multiple items to drop in the water.  He made a list of which items would sink or float.  He then tested his hypothesis.

Alaina's project was on "Wind Power".  She created a windmill and attempted to light a tiny light bulb.  She was able to generate power and showed this on a small galvanometer; however, she was not able to generate enough power to light the bulb.

You Can't Go Wrong with Playdoh

Making Playdoh "bricks" during our January rock study in science

In February, we worked on sculptures.  They had to first draw the design and then attempt to create it with the Playdoh.

Jonathan's masterpiece-"The Statue of Liberty"

Samuel's final product-one of the knights from his "Two Knights and a Dragon" drawing

All Saints Day Celebration

On the First Friday in November, our homeschool group celebrated All Saints Day with a "Name That Saint" game.  All of the children prepared clues and dressed in costume.  This has become a tradition for this group and is always an exciting event for the children.  We often have residents from Little Sisters of the Poor peek into the room offering their guesses as well.  There are many prizes for everyone.  We ended the day with a few games of bingo-All Saints style. We presented St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Domini Savio, and St. Gabriel the Archangel.

A Tasty Way to Finish a Unit!

We finished a study on St. Rose of Lima in December 2010.  We thought it would be fun to end with something yummy.  The cake is the shape of a cross, because this was the symbol St. Rose found most significant.  The cross meant everything to this young girl and she did not hesitate to take up her cross for Christ.  She was called Rose because she was so beautiful. (fun fact from www.catholic.org)

       

Doing a Little More in the Homeschool than We Imagined.....

In November, it was time to take our science program up a notch.  We dissected an owl pellet.  To my surprise, Alaina found it very interesting.  i was definitely more"grossed out" than she was.  She took a lot of time carefully pulling out the various bones, identifying them, and then determined that this particular pellet was the result of a rodent the owl had eaten.

Fun with Fractions

Fractions can be fun, especially when they are shaped like pie or pizza!  This was one of our math lessons in October 2010.

Comparing Climates

In October, we compared rainfall and temperature in our area to that of an area in the tropical rain forest using bar graphs.

How's My Elbow Work?

This was a science project that the boys did in October 2010.  I have found science to be one subject that they can do together.  It can be challenging at times because their reading levels range from kindergarten to almost second grade.  Projects like this one are so much more fun when you have a partner and it is worth pushing one ahead and holding the other back a bit.  Within a year or so, they will be close enough and we won't notice those differences anymore.  Boys truly do need the hands on activities.

Christmas Break 2010

This year we decided to take 3 weeks off rather than the "traditional" 2 weeks.  This gave us time for our regular Christmas activities plus some fun educational activities like our visit to the Frasier Museum on New Year's Eve.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for the family season pass!

  

          

They all love to dress up.  I don't think it matters how old or young they are.  They have wonderful imaginations and pretend better than I ever did.  I hope they will continue to love these simple, yet creative activities.