I can't believe that I have not posted here since the beginning of December! Not to say that we have not had a TON of stuff going on, we have.... I will try to be better about coming back here.
Let's see... updates.
We did have the Science Fair (as mentioned in a previous post), and DD10 did do her project on insects. She started an ant farm and continues to love watching them. DD4 did her project on Worms & Plants. She had a worm farm and a bean sprout, and was quite proud of herself for participating with the "big kids". DS12 (who, by the way, is now taller that me!!!) did a project on The Power of Air - focusing on generating wind energy. I was very proud of the amount of research that he put in to his project. This was really the first time we did an intensive, focused research project that included multiple library books, Internet research, and involved the use of note cards and bibliography cards. Did you know that the first windmill was invented in Persia? That was news to me. See, even the teacher learns. :) He could have done a fifteen minute presentation on all the info he dug up, but ended up nervously skimming the highlights for his oral presentation.
Today, I finally finished setting up our new school room. It has only been four months since we moved. LOL. Of course, we have been doing school in the mean-time, but mostly it has been where ever the kids could find room to put their books, and has not included much arts and crafts. (Mostly because I could not find the paint brushes/glue/construction paper/etc.) Now, they have a dedicated table (that will hopefully stay de-cluttered). And, I think I know where most of the craft supplies are.
In addition, starting this week, I have the privilege of utilizing an assistant teacher for our studies. (My husband is one of the many who's job went over-seas without him.) So, in the spirit of silver linings, I have "hired" him as assistant teacher. ;) I now have great plans to finally get a zillion things accomplished that we always seem to run out of time for when it is just me teaching. He will be in charge of supervising independent work, PE, and making sure all the subjects are completed before play time. He will also probably have a big share in "project activities" and kindergarten classes. This will be our first week trying out the new plan, so I hope that it goes well.
In the move, I apparently lost the lap book that DD4 had started. I kept hoping that I would find it, as I finished organizing our school area this weekend, but in never showed up (along with several other important documents. ARRGH!) Anyway, I feel awful about it because she was really enjoying it and doing well putting the little books together. I guess, at this point, we will just have to move on to something else. I am thinking of doing one on birds since she enjoys watching the birds on our back deck. I just bought one of the DK Eye Witness books on birds. It came with a poster and clip art CD which looks promising for use in making some lap book fillers.
That is just about all for updates. I am anxiously awaiting the results of our CAT tests which we took last week (they always make me nervous). And will try to remember to come back here more often. :)
New Chicklettes !
10 years ago