Enrichment Science

Science is my daughter's favorite subject.  She is an artistic learner and I try to keep that in mind when choosing curriculum for her.  For science, we use Cut and Paste: Science which is wonderful for her because of the involvement of art, manipulatives and science.  Since this is catered to her learning she retains so much more than when we used a very route science curriculum.  We also supplement it with science experiments for every lesson and the occasional enrichment class.

We are members of the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa or MOSI as the locals call it.  We take several enrichment classes throughout the year.  For only $12 per class it is a great deal. 

Yesterday she did a class called Blossom Buddies.  In the class they learned the parts of a plant, diagrammed a plant and dissected a flower.  They also made a flower and took home seeds that they helped prepare for an ongoing project.  This worked out well for us because this is exactly what we were working on at home so we were able to bring it all together.



MOSI normally publishes the class schedule at our local homeschool convention in May so it is easy to align the curriculum with the classes that you want to take.

Having two very distinct learners I love finding the things that will boost their learning and passion for learning.  What do you do to boost your homeschool experience?

Pumping Up History With Liberty's Kids

This year I chose to teach the same history to both my homeschoolers.  For most subjects I have two completely separate and different curriculum but history is a place I felt I could easily teach on both of their levels.  Saving me some work!  :)

Currently we are covering the American Revolution.  I purchased the full dvd set of Liberty's Kids with the idea that it could help out my 3rd grader reinforcing what we were learning in our class time.  We did history Monday to Thursday and on Friday we ate lunch and watched a few episodes of Liberty's Kids.  I have to say I was really surprised that it wasn't my 3rd grader asking to watch more throughout the weeks but instead my 7th grader.  He absolutely loved it!  If I would have allowed it, he would have stayed daily for the Liberty's Kids marathon.  For him, it brought the historical figures to life and gave them personality.  With the combination of classroom learning and the dvds he was a walking history buff.  He would go places and engage in conversations about the American Revolution.  He wanted t-shirts with Ben Franklin and George Washington.  He was "living" through it and it stuck!  What more could a parent educator want?


As for my 3rd grader, once the Marquis de Lafayette made an appearance, she was on board too.  He helped bring a certain life to history for her as well. He certainly was a character!  Her favorite subject is science so when she was also talking to people about history and drawing pictures of the American Revolution for fun (gasp) I felt a sense of accomplishment.

The Battle of Trenton - Win! Win!  Poor Hessians :(

In the final episode where George Washington became president and Ben Franklin was reciting the Constitution both my kids sat with tears in their eyes.  You could see the impact of the moment.  The amount of bravery and fortitude they witnessed leading to this point really was compelling.  It gave them a greater sense of what their country is, where it came from and what it can mean to them.  It also foreshadowed the impending civil war.  All in all the dvd set really was a wonderful addition.  I wish they made something like this for every era!

Now you can find us reading and learning the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 

Junior Achievement Biztown: Update

Well the day has come and gone.  All his preparation for this one day!

 

 

He did a great job as the Security Advisor.  He presented the Safety Award to Busch Gardens that day but he tells me Met Life was a close second. 


As his sits behind me cooking mac & cheese for lunch, I have to say I am one proud mama.  I received so many compliments of his behavior and he had such a great time.  All those early mornings were worth it I suppose.




No.  I still have not updated my phone :)

Thank You Cards

We live in sunny Florida and we have a large family spread all over the country or the world for that matter.  It used to be very hard to keep in touch with everyone.  I'm "young" enough to remember the days before the numerous social platforms we have (like Facebook).  Constantly having to send pictures, cards, etc. to each address.  Digging out the big address book that has seen better days.  Not my cup of tea but now we can use social networking and the various tools to keep in touch with everyone and we have the ability to say things we need to say - instantly.  Great for a person like me!

Last Christmas, my aunt sent us a Facebook message asking if we were going to be home because we would be getting a package.  The kids were so excited they watched the door until that moment that the FedEx guy thought he was going to ring our doorbell.  Instead, Ella opened the door and said "I was waiting for you. Thanks! Merry Christmas! Bye!" (picture really fast tween speak).  She tore open the package and inside were four Amy's Gourmet Caramel Apples!  Have you ever had these? Oh. So. Good.  Nom. Nom.



We texted Aunt Marlene as soon as we received the package and sent this "thank you" card.  Isn't that great?  Minus the mess on the floor of course.

 

We love sending thank you cards, birthday cards and all sorts of picture messages.  It is so easy for the kids to get creative and it gives the receiver the intended message plus a nice picture of the family or sometimes the family mess.  I really love spelling out messages with Scrabble tiles too!  It is such a cute touch.

 

These pictures or messages are our way of being together even though we are all so far away.  I always love a personal touch!

Homeschooler Socialization and Public Speaking

As a homeschooler one of the most common (read annoying) things you are asked is "Aren't you worried about socialization?"  Short answer: No.

I think homeschooling can provide the most real form of social integration as well as unique opportunities.  If my child were in school for 3rd grade she would only be dealing with other 3rd graders on a social level.  I find that to be a very narrow social category.  As a homeschooler it is necessary for her to interact with children of all ages, races, religions, and abilities.  She has to deal with adults, business people, sales people, instructors and more.  When she is at Target and wants to find something, she asks the associate not mom.  Homeschooling often requires the ability to hold a conversation with an adult the same as a 3rd grader.  It is these experiences that help to build a comfortable and natural confidence which is core to her "social" abilities.  Sitting in a classroom setting for 7+ hours with children of very similar age isn't what bears socialization. 

The mission of public schooling is not socialization but according to congress it is "assuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual".  I even remember a teacher telling my son in 2nd grade "you don't come to school to socialize you come to learn." - wait...what?  Socialization, like education, happens everywhere. 

Standing tall speaking with confidence :)

 

C.J. spoke on Scout Sunday in February about being a Boy Scout.  His small speech really was awesome!  I was sooooo nervous for him.  I knew he was a little nervous too but as he spoke to over 600 people he spoke with a strong confidence in his voice and demeanor.  He was a professional speaking in front of a large crowd FOR THE FIRST TIME!  Part of this is his natural personality and another part is the confidence building that homeschool has provided him.

Some basic keys for confident speaking are:

1. Eye Contact
2. Voice Projection
3. Inflection
4. Gestures / Body Language

There are a lot of great books out there to help build on the strengths your child already has.  Here is one we have used but this also looks great!  Think about including public speaking and oral presentation into your yearly school schedule.

Junior Achievement Biztown

Junior Achievement Biztown "map"
 

Wow it has been a crazy week!

We had a lot to fit in this week for homeschool.  C.J. has been preparing for his JA Biztown trip for the past month and it has kept us busy.  Our co-op has had a class of 45 5th-7th graders preparing for the big day.  JA Biztown is a wonderful program.  The program has been around since 1919 and it's core purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

If you haven't been a part of the program before, it is a mini business commerce district placed inside a building.  JA Biztown is a working mini community.  It has a Mayor and other elected officials as well as numerous businesses.  Here is a "map" of a JA Biztown in another area.  How cool is that?  The JA Biztown in Tampa has sponsors like:  Outback Steakhouse, MetLife, Bank of America, Busch Gardens, Citi Financial, USAA, McDonalds, Tampa Bay Lightning and many more.  The career opportunities are abundant!

"Prior to visiting JA BizTown, students engage in a comprehensive 16-hour classroom curriculum that leads students through the study of business principles, career exploration, banking procedures, business decisions and economic terms.The curriculum immerses students into the exciting and challenging free enterprise system. The goal is to enable students to relate economic terms through the hands-on experience of running an interactive town. Students must demonstrate the skills involved in maintaining a checking account and will begin to identify the various banking services.

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical business practices, teamwork and making sound business decisions. Throughout the program students also begin to recognize that career and job choices are related to personal interest, skills, knowledge and education."

 

I can't begin to explain the wealth of information and the excitement of each class when the students are able to relate their real life experiences.  My son was so disgusted the day he found out that when you buy a car for $25,000 and finance it with an auto loan you can end up paying over $30,000 for that car.  It was such a priceless moment :)



Interview Day!

This week was interview week.  There were so many fascinating positions you had the chance to interview for.  It was very impressive!  C.J. interviewed for the position of head security advisor and was excited that he was selected for the position.  Next week they attend the JA Biztown Tampa location and actually work a full day in their positions (minus their lunch break at McDonald's which is also worked by other students).  I will fill you in on the final process and outcome.  I can't wait!!



Homemade Birthday Cards

Do you have your kids make homemade birthday cards?

I LOVE to have my kids make them! I think it adds a sweet, personal touch and it allows them to be more involved in the birthday process.  Normally I am the gift purchaser $$$ so these original works of art count as their contribution/gift.  I also love to see the crazy things they come up with!!  Kids can be so creative, funny and original!



Momma Birthday Card

Here is my birthday card from my daughter Ella.  It just so happens my birthday is shared with Abe Lincoln and as you can see aside from wearing the same cool hat Abe and I are very different.  Yes, I have hot pink lips but according to this card I am awesome AND cool and poor Abe is just cool.  Sorry Abe!  Wow!  I look so intense!

I'm sure Hallmark is not happy to lose the business but I see too many benefits to do it any other way!  Also, I think Hallmark could benefit from some of our most recent designs :)

St. Patrick's Day

This is what's for dinner!  Well....it will be when it is finished cooking.



Corned Beef & Cabbage

Our dinner menu today (which we are preparing as a homeschool project)  consists of:  Corned Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes.  Don't forget the GREEN Kool-Aid and these yummy treats.




YUM!

For the rest of school, we spent the morning learning about St. Patrick and here are some memorable and interesting tidbits:

•  *St. Patrick was actually born in Scotland.
•  *His parents were Romans living in Britain in charge of the colonies.

 *At 14 he was captured by a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep.

 *Ireland, at the time, was a land of Druids and pagans so during his captivity he turned to God in prayer.

 *He escaped slavery at age 20 thanks to a dream where God appeared.



* As a bishop he was charged to bring the Gospel to Ireland. 

*Why a shamrock?  He used the shamrock or the THREE leaf clover to teach and explain the TRINITY.

Through The Orange Grove

Thursday was perfect weather for our orange grove and packing house tour.  It was a sunny 70 degrees with a slight breeze - FLORIDA PERFECTION!  The kids were super excited and we met up with some home school friends to check it out.


Dooley Groves - Florida

When we entered we were greeted with samples of fresh orange juice and grapefruit juice.  Then we got to sample the different types of oranges that were being picked.  They included pineapple oranges, valencia oranges and my favorite, temple oranges. 


Yummy Samples

While we waited we perused the shop area.  They had local honey, jams and so much more for sale. 

We purchased some local orange blossom honey but another product caught my eye.  It was called F.R.O.G jam.  I have never heard of it so when I read the ingredients it all made sense.



F-R-O-G Jam

                                              Fig
                                              Rasberry
                                              Orange
                                              Ginger
                                                            Doesn't that sound yummy?






We learned a lot about running a grove and packing house.  Some interesting tidbits we left with:

• 90% of the oranges picked in Florida are used for juice and only about 10% are sold as fruit
• Behind chocolate and vanilla, orange is the worlds favorite flavor
• Meyer Lemons are a cross between a lemon and an orange
• Florida is second only to Brazil in orange juice production



YES! Those ARE lemons.

All of this has really inspired us to grow our own lemon tree.  We have officially put it on our home school to-do list!



Rainy Day With The States

During our impromptu spring break this week we had a rainy day :(

After our adventures on Monday and the wonderfully fun chaos of Tuesday, we woke slightly sun burned to a dreary, rainy day.  After deciding to stay in our p.j.'s and do nothing for a while, I figured I could fit in a little school time in the form of a game.  Enter....U.S.A. Bingo.

I have a 3rd grader and a 7th grader and they both love it!  My 3rd grader is just learning all of the states and their locations so this is such a fun tool.  My 7th grader gets to master his knowledge and I make him name the capital or a fun fact as he yells off a "bingo".   This bingo version brings color and fun to a rainy day. 

I love incorporating games like this to help secure and build knowledge in a fun way.  Sometimes I'm surprised how much more they learn and retain through these paths. 

We paid around $14 for our version shipped from Amazon.  I've also seen them used or you could use your next rainy day to make your own version with old cereal boxes :)

 

Unexpected Spring Break

One of the great benefits of home schooling is making your own calendar.  Right? We love being able to schedule vacations around our family needs or wants as well as my desire to avoid crowds.  We normally schedule a nice big vacation in the fall when everybody is in school.  For spring break, I try and pick a not so busy Florida week and always opposite of the local school district schedule.  I just like the feeling of having the town to myself.  Is that so wrong?




Spring has Sprung

This year, we took an unexpected spring break and it was the same week as our school district.  Yikes!  Because the kids have cousins and friends in public school there were just too many opportunities to catch up with them instead of trying focus on school.  Ahhhhhhh flexibility. Florida home schooling is wonderful.  With limited restrictions it truly puts the parent in charge.  I hear from parents at conferences every year about certain hours or days they have to register and log and certify and it is head spinning.  I am very thankful!


So, to kick off our surprise spring break during C.J's weekly Boy Scout meeting, us girls had an American Girl meeting for our American Girl Club that we started this month and we made hair bows for our dolls and a few for us girls too!  It was great.  Muffins, juice, bows and a discussion about suffrage since our feature girl is Samantha Parkington.



Our American Girl Club

If that wasn't enough, around 9:45 PM we decided it was a great night for some night swimming!  Again, gotta love Florida!  Sorry for my Pennsylvania family snowed in! 



Night Swimming!

We are really excited for our impromptu break and we have big plans.  A beach party and tennis tomorrow with (gulp) 12 kiddos, gymnastics party, museums and an orange grove tour!  I'll post those activities later in the week. 

Painting A Still Life With Those That Don't Sit Still

Today we tried our hand at painting a still life.  A still life is a work of art (in our case a painting) depicting mostly inanimate objects like food, flowers, books, etc.  It was my job to set up our in-spah-ray-schion (inspiration) piece.  I channeled my inner Paul Cezanne or how I imagine Paul Cezanne speaking and working, to set up the perfect inspiration piece.  This is my fake fruit masterpiece.

Though the children were not as still as the still life, I think their wanderings were a quest for added inspiration.  Everyone really enjoyed having the creative outlet and as a mom it was really enjoyable to see the individuality of interpretation displayed by everyone.

The finished masterpieces.

 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

Art is very important to our family and it is very easy to incorporate into your home school program. The benefits are far reaching and well documented. While many traditional schools have had to limit or cut their art programs, art can thrive in your home school day.  You can take something small and simple like our project and turn it into a full lesson with minimal cost and effort.  In our venture today we learned the definition of a still life,  the history of still life art, the techniques used when painting with acrylic paint on canvas, the color wheel and the nuances of paint mixing.  Hello psychedelic pink!  We also discovered we have a freakish amount of fake fruit and we even had the opportunity to discuss Paul Cezanne as well as his famous works thanks to my horrible French impersonation.  As you can see, my inspiration piece channeled his famous "Still Life With A Curtain" circa 1895 seen below.  Do you see the similarities?  Well it is a loose interpretation.

 

 

For the project today we bought our supplies from Jo-Ann Fabric using a 40% off one item coupon and our 15% educator discount.  We purchased paint, brushes and canvas for just under $20 with our discounts. Use things around the house for your inspiration or go for a walk and pick flowers or gather rocks.