Cork Boats

This idea was suggested in the archives over at the FIAR Message Boards. I handed the boys some toothpicks and corks and let them create. They stayed busy for a couple for hours! At first Nathan thought it was going to be too easy. Then he realized that there needed to be balance and the wheels started turning. They also discovered that they could sink each other's boats by wetting the sail. A wet sail was then heavy enough that it would tip over.

Nothing fancy, nothing genius. Just fun!


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Artist Study - Rousseau

Nathan - age 10

Seth - age 8

project idea inspired by Art for Kids.

A fun, online Jungle Interactive game, inspired by Rousseau.

Since we do not have access to an English library I was thrilled to find some examples of Rousseau's Jungle art in books that I already owned. These are the books I pulled from my shelf and was able to use:

SpellQuizzer - A Review

I have never been able to successfully implement a spelling program in our homeschool. I have tried several different programs but, quite honestly, did not take the time they required to be consistent with them. If we were going to spend time together I would much rather use it doing history or reading together, not running through a spelling list.

My latest spelling failure was Sequential Spelling. After reading up on it, I love the organization and the principles behind it. I really wanted this one to work for us. But once again, I was unable to put in the time to implement it. Until now...

I was recently approached and asked to try SpellQuizzer. SpellQuizzer is a computer program that reads the word to the student and the student types in the correct spelling. If the spelling is incorrect, the correct spelling is flashed on the screen and they are given another opportunity to spell it correctly at the end of the quiz. Read more here from the website.

It is not designed to go with one spelling curriculum, but can be used with ANY spelling list or program. It can even be used alone as there are spelling lists available on the website. Because you can record your own spelling lists easily, any student can use it.

This is how I am using it: I have the Sequential Spelling books 1 & 2. It was very easy for me to go through and add in my own spelling list with my own voice recording the word. I can even make the lists personal and throw in inside family jokes and family names.

My 13yo son then goes in daily and selects that day's list and listens to his words and types in the answer. It is that easy. He can now do his spelling without waiting for me. I can set up the month's spelling lists late at night or whenever I have time to do it. The best part is that the lists are saved for my other two boys to use when they are ready.

One thing I would like to see in the future would be a partnership with Sequential Spelling that would allow me to buy their word lists along with pre-recorded sentences and cues.

Some variations on using the program:
Vocabulary lists: record the definition and your student will enter in the vocabulary word.
Quizzes for other subjects: record your questions and the answer can be used in place of the spelling word. (idea from Lisa)

I see this as really being a valuable tool for my family and am thrilled that we were introduced to it! You can check out the Free trial HERE.

Rainforest

We have truly been so blessed to live near the rainforest. We find it so fascinating and revisit the topic often. We are finally doing a rainforest lapbook that will be a culmination of our learning from many different family field trips and books read.

Here are some of the 'rainforest-y' pictures I've taken over the last few years:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Volcano Lapbook

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Free lapbook templates found here.
I also pulled a couple of mini-books from this unit.

And don't miss our Volcano model with which we finished off the week!


Books we read this week:

Volcano Model

We've been reading about Volcanoes this week. We finished up our study with a model of a volcano. The boys really had fun with this and it 'erupted' several times (until I started to run out of vinegar). The first time I measured carefully, but after that we used about 3 spoonfuls and a little bowl full of vinegar. The first time we used red food coloring, but after that Seth wanted to experiment.

They also wanted to add lego men to the scene and eventually wanted to see if the volcano would 'blow' with enough force to shoot one out of the top. It didn't, but they had fun watching.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Climbing Kansas Mountains - Salt Dough Maps

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

We followed Jimmie's instructions and used her free flag templates. You can find them here.