We had one of those stellar homeschool weeks when the kids were overjoyed with learning and could not wait for more. It sure does a Mom's heart good to call "school time" and the kids RUN to the table. So, what was the excitement all about, you ask? Well, this whole year is going better, using my new schedule. The kids just have more time to really get into a subject when we spend a whole week on it, instead of 20 minutes each day the way I did last year in order to fit in 8 or so subjects (the basics sometimes took more time). So now the first hour and half (or so) of school is reading, writing, math, and literature. Then we move on to our weekly theme topic ~ history, science, music/Bible study or art. The time is open ended so that the kids can just enjoy and learn the material in depth. Next, we spend a few minutes doing occupational, speech or vision therapy. Lastly, if time allows, we do one of the following ~ geography or sign language.
This was science week and we are starting chemistry! We are using Real Science 4 Kids. I love this program. We are also using the Basher books for chemistry. My son is obsessed with the Basher books and reads them over and over again.
The kids then made a Periodic Table shadow box with elements or things made out of elements that they found around the house.
They experimented with magnesium ~ sparklers!
They made molecules out of marshmallows and toothpicks. (I see that some of the labels got a bit messed up in the picture.)
Besides science, we almost finished Mary Poppins for literature. It seems like we have been reading this book forever, but we simply got side tracked with some other great books. We are back on track and should be finished next Tuesday. The literature activity for Mary Poppins was making stars. The kids loved this, and we may make a whole bunch to decorate our Christmas tree with this year.
We finished up birthdays with my Dh celebrating his 40th. Little Red Riding Hood also got her last two gifts in the mail. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, and Miss Kristi!
She loves the Analogy Crossword puzzles!
I hope you all have a great week. Please go over to Homeschool Chick to see more weekly wrap ups.
Blessings,
Dawn
Can I come and do Chemistry with you? What cool projects! I was talking to my friend about how I struggled in high school Chemistry and told her that I was thinking of getting Real Science FOR ME before having to do it with my oldest son! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh ... your chemistry study is fabulous! Can I come learn at your house?
ReplyDeleteAwesome chemistry activities!!!
ReplyDeleteWow you're one of THOSE homeschool moms!!! What wonderfully creative activities! I am sooo not creative. LOL
ReplyDeleteHere via the Homeschool Mother's Journal
I am SO impressed with the activities you did wtih your kids for the Chemistry unit! Awesome! :-) I just love hands-on learning activities for kids. I need to keep thinking of more to keep my kiddos engaged.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I'm a new follower, as well!
Many blessings,
Lisa
Awww, Dawn she looks so cute in her new outfit with that hat!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you like that science. I've looked at it before, but wasn't sure about it as I don't know anyone who has used it. Might just have to do that next year. I love how you are scheduling things this year, BTW.
So glad you all were blessed with a great week!
Such fun you guys are having in your Science, can you post about how you guys made the oxygen atom molecule? We've been learning about atoms, molecules, & oxygen so I'm sure my DC would love to do that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog.
I am having a give away on my blog if you would like to stop by & see if the books are of interest to you.
I love the element box! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the story is the same with the microscope at our house.... all sorts of things get examined as soon as it's taken off the shelf and placed on the kitchen table. I love that! :)
Looks like a LOT of fun! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWe just hit the wall with our 8 subjects wearing us out trying to do them everyday. I was praying for guidance, hoping I might find an idea through some blog sites. I've never been here before, but I found you through Eagle Eye Academy.
ReplyDeleteI will revamp our program into a theme week for our science and Geography. The boys just like the idea of being 'off' a subject for the week.
You were an answer to prayer tonight.
TwistedSister is a fellow blogger friend and I read her post first about your themed weeks. I couldn't figure out how I missed that!! Well, gee, maybe cause I moved and didn't have any internet!! drrrr. I think I'm going to look into doing this for us. I find we're glossing over history and science and the kids aren't really getting a good feel for it at all. Thanks for the idea!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
love the marshmallow molecules!
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