Down and Derby
Friday, May 2, 2008
Saturday, May 3rd is Kentucky Derby Day. Why not celebrate with your own Derby party? Even an impromptu get together or family gathering will get the kids in the spirit. Make Derby Pie (save the Bourbon for the mom and dad, of course), put on your big hat and have everyone choose a horse and watch the race. Or, get some neighborhood kids together and have your own backyard race. Let the kids create and decorate their own Derby silks that mimic the race team they've chosen. Tape them on and let them gallop around a predetermined track. If the weather doesn't cooperate, you could conjure up a game of Derby themed charades. The possibilities are endless. Here's a KY unit I found that will give you some inspiration and the official link for the Derby 134. Have fun!
A Trip Downtown
Last night we headed downtown for dinner at a sidewalk cafe and a riverboat ferry ride. It was a beautiful evening, breezy and mild. We had a great time and the kids loved the ferry trip across the river. We caught an opening of the bridge that connects Portsmouth to Norfolk...a road we travel frequently. Aiden thought it was sooo cool to see the highway open up toward the sky. I've added a slideshow of our pictures.
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| A Trip Downtown |
The Daily Dog Bone
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Max...busted after breakfast...helping himself to Bryn's leftovers.The Sunflower Project
We are looking forward to starting a new project growing sunflowers and tracking bees. We've signed up to participate in The Great Sunflower Project and you can too. Check out the link for more info and to get your own starter kit. Ours should arrive any day now and we can't wait. We'll keep regular posts on our progress. If any one else decides to participate please leave comments and let us know how you are doing! Let's hope my black thumb turns green, at least long enough to attract a few bees. Otherwise I'll have to rename to project, "Experiments with The Haphazard Horticulturist."
Arty Schmarty
Just thought I'd post some of the kids' artwork. It seems to take over the house at times...the fridge, countertops and dressers are often covered with paintings, collages, models and the like. I'll post some favorites here and then maybe reclaim some counter space!
Learning At Home - Let's Get Started
Beginning your foray into homeschooling can be confusing and a bit nerve wracking. So I wanted to share some information and resources that I have found helpful. There are many different reasons to teach your kids at home. And, there are many ways to go about it. The important thing is to find what works for your family and your current situation. Be flexible and expect an interesting journey. What works today may not work next year, and what works with one child may confuse or bore another. But the beauty of homeschooling is the freedom to find the best possible solution for each of your children.
If you are considering homeschooling, or just starting out, my first advice is to join a local group or listserve for your area. You can gather a great deal of insight from veterans and find out about events happening near you. Try Yahoo Groups or AIM Groups by AOL. You many want to just lurke on a list for a few weeks and read about what others are doing. Most lists have links to helpful information about state regulations and forms, etc. Also, check out my Favorite Links for homeschooling resources, discounted curriculum and fun ideas.
There are online homeschool social networks for meeting other homeschoolers and joining discussions on hot topics and national groups such as the National Home Education Network for support and information.
You'll also want to visit a local homeschool store or book store to browse curriculum before you buy. There are many to choose from and lots of groups organize swap days or host used curriculum sales. You can find used items for less online too. There are also correspondence schools and some folks, like me, make their own curriculum by using unit studies, the library, the internet, field trips, etc. Gather all the information you can and then choose what seems most interesting to you and your child.
This in just a brief introduction to home ed, but I hope it helps you get started on the right foot. Remember, you are not alone. There is a whole homeschool community to guide you and help you. Most homeschoolers are all to happy to share their experiences with a new family and offer support. Homeschooling is an exciting family journey...enjoy the ride!
If you are considering homeschooling, or just starting out, my first advice is to join a local group or listserve for your area. You can gather a great deal of insight from veterans and find out about events happening near you. Try Yahoo Groups or AIM Groups by AOL. You many want to just lurke on a list for a few weeks and read about what others are doing. Most lists have links to helpful information about state regulations and forms, etc. Also, check out my Favorite Links for homeschooling resources, discounted curriculum and fun ideas.
There are online homeschool social networks for meeting other homeschoolers and joining discussions on hot topics and national groups such as the National Home Education Network for support and information.
You'll also want to visit a local homeschool store or book store to browse curriculum before you buy. There are many to choose from and lots of groups organize swap days or host used curriculum sales. You can find used items for less online too. There are also correspondence schools and some folks, like me, make their own curriculum by using unit studies, the library, the internet, field trips, etc. Gather all the information you can and then choose what seems most interesting to you and your child.
This in just a brief introduction to home ed, but I hope it helps you get started on the right foot. Remember, you are not alone. There is a whole homeschool community to guide you and help you. Most homeschoolers are all to happy to share their experiences with a new family and offer support. Homeschooling is an exciting family journey...enjoy the ride!
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