The Ancient Mayans, and Taxco Mexico

Tomorrow is Social Studies, and we are still studying Mexico in our journey around the world. Some of you may know the story of the Mayans, and some may not. It is very interesting, and the short video below highlights their journey. Taxco, Mexico is called the silver capital of the world. View the video to learn why. DJ is also still doing his Story of the World Ancient Times lessons, and Caitlin will pick up something that I have not decided yet. I think I might have her do some geography games. I can not believe at the end of December, we will be half way through our school year. It doesn't seem possible.

Lesson Plans For 12/1/10:

DJ:
Social Studies: As above plus map skills
Math: Fractions, mixed math
Spelling: List 9, put words in alphabetical order
Sign Language

Caitlin:
Social Studies: As above and possibly geography games
Printing Practice
Math: Addition
Spelling: List 9
Language Arts: Blends, compound words
Read sentences to color the picture WS

Biomes: Life In The Grasslands

Tomorrow for Science class DJ is starting Biomes, which is basically a fancy way of saying animal habitats. This will be an easy four weeks for him, because he can probably teach it. Tomorrow's biome is the Grasslands. The video below is for him and his sister to watch. Use it and enjoy it in your lessons. Caitlin is doing insects and the Grasslands. Since the first is on Wednesday I will be sharing our two new ideas for Advent Calendars for the 25 days of Christmas. Be sure to check back, I am ultra frugal, so anyone can make these.

Lesson Plans For 11/30/10:

DJ:
Science: Biomes: Life in the Grasslands
Math: Fractions, mixed math
Spelling: List 9 write each word three times each
Sign Language

Caitlin:
Science: Dinosaur lapbook with last drawing, Grasslands, insects
Printing Practice
Spelling: List 9
Language Arts: Blends, compound words
Read sentences to color the picture: WS
Sight words, clock work, calendar work, skip counting

Verbs Helping and Linking

Well I am glad this very busy week is beginning anew. I am ready to get some school time in. If you have a child that is learning about verbs, including linking and helping verbs, then a quick review video could be helpful to you. I try to review grammar lessons already learned frequently, because quite frankly they are easy to forget. Caitlin will be beginning her Winter season door tomorrow by making snowflakes. This is a simple craft, that all kids love to do.

Lesson Plans For 11/29/10:

DJ:
Spelling: Chapter 9 write each word three times each
Writing: Fishy Monday: Princess Damsel Fish blog post on DJ's blog
Writing: Sensory details in writing
Language Arts: Verbs helping and linking
Sign Language
Math: Fractions, mixed math
Reading: Comprehension with worksheet
Proofreading WS

Caitlin:
Printing Practice
Math: Addition, estimating
Language Arts: Blends, compound words
Read sentences to color pictures WS
Dinosaur lapbook with art work
Site words, calendar work, clock work, skip counting
Spelling list 9

Division, Long Division, Division With Remainders

These are four videos to help your child learn long division. DJ is being challenged right now with two digit by three or more digit division. He can two by two with no problem. I hope the videos will explain it a little better. It starts with level one and goes to four, so there is something for all levels. This gentleman talks a lot, but once he gets going it is good.

Native American Shirts, Fall Door

First off I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. My kids don't eat pie, but they love cake. So I made them the cute pumpkin cake shown.

We have been studying Native Americans their dress, culture and customs, for some time now. I decided to have the kids pretend they were part of a Native American tribe and to design their own clothing. You can see the results below. I forgot to make the headpieces though. The door is Caitlin's Fall door, with all things related to Fall. She will be starting a Winter door next week. These are more fun than some of the other ways to teach and learn about the Seasons.

Electronics appear to be the hot Christmas gift items this year. If you are interested in purchasing an Ipad if you could use my link below, I would greatly appreciate it. I did some Black Friday shopping right here from home, on my computer. Toys R Us has some awesome toy deals, just none I wanted. I picked up PJ's for the whole family for only $4.50 at Walmart, and a digital photo frame for me for only $29 dollars at Target. Some of these stores are extending their sale times, and inventory is running out, so be sure to check around before they are all gone.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Barkonomics Tips For Frugal Fidos: A Book Review

I was given the opportunity to read and review the wonderful book, Barkonomics Tips for Frugal Fidos. First let me say, yes I have a dog. Matter of fact until just recently we had two. We also have a rabbit. So we are animal lovers. I am also very frugal, and learning new ways to save money, yet keep our pets healthy and happy is wonderful.

If you want helpful dog tips, in all areas of caring for your dog, then Barkonomics is the book for you. It was an easy read, without complicated words and phrases. It laid out step by step how to save money on feeding, toys, vet visits, flea control, plus accessories for your pooch. I do not want to give away too much information, but some of my favorites were ways to make dog beds for like next to nothing, those dog beds are expensive. Because we also have a rabbit, I found this also helpful in teaching me how to make a small bed for him to keep warm. I also liked the chapter on where and how much to spend on choosing a puppy. This was a great reminder that all dogs need love, not just purebreds. Be sure to pay extra attention to the dog treat section. Dog treats are another very expensive thing people buy for their pooches. You don't have to spend a ton of money for your pet to be healthy, happy and loved. To purchase Barkonomics Tips for Frugal Fidos, click the link below, or you can head to Dog Tipper to purchase there.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Desert Plants and Animals

Tomorrow we only have a half day of school, and a good part of it is History and Math. The video below is quite long, but suits the needs of both of my children. We have been traveling around the world, learning about different countries. We are currently on Mexico, and tomorrow they are learning about the Mexican peso, and plants and animals of the desert. Since I couldn't find a video directly on Mexican deserts I chose this one because it is NM and AZ, close enough to Mexico. Plus Caitlin is learning about animals, and habitats, so this suits her needs as well. I will be doing a review on a cool dog book tomorrow, so be sure to check for that. If you have cable be sure to record History Channel's show on Thanksgiving, it is very good. We will also be making Native American shirts and dresses, to be worn on Thanksgiving Day. If you buy a plain white Tshirt then cut the bottom and sleeves to make fringe, then let your kids paint and design them you can have Indians for dinner too. The hats are easy. Just measure around your child's head then cut construction paper to correct length. Glue or tape to fasten. Then either make a feather, or print one off and fasten to the headband. Then we bought some big bold jewelry to go with the outfit. The kids are excited about this, and I will share pictures.

Nebulas, Galaxies and the Milky Way

Because we have a short week this week, DJ and Caitlin are doing Science today, and History on Wednesday. Tuesday is our play date in the park, so there are no lessons. No school Thursday or Friday.

Today DJ is continuing learning about space with nebulas, galaxies, and the Milky Way. The assignment in his book focuses on the Hubble telescope, so I have included a video below with pictures from the Hubble telescope of galaxies and nebulas. There is also a cool video of the Milky Way in 3D. Watch them and enjoy them, they are really cool.

Lesson Plans For 11/22/10:

DJ:
Science: As above, and About 4H
Reading Comprehension with worksheet
Reading: Viking Ships at Sunrise with book report
Writing: Bee poem, blog post
Math: Reducing fractions, mixed math

Caitlin:
Reading: Wet Legs, and Crab Trap
Math: Addition, beginning fractions
Moses coloring page
Phonics: Blends, same sounds
Printing Practice
Read sentences to color pictures correctly
Science: Dinosaur lapbook with art work, pond animals
Clock work, and calendar work

Printable Christmas Games

How many Christmas parties will you attend this year? Are you hosting one? Then some Christmas printable games would be a good way to keep your party exciting and fun.

There is nothing worse than attending, or hosting, a very boring party, with everyone standing around wondering what to do. These can be used for office parties, kids parties, or parties with family and friends. If you click the link above you will see some great printable games for both kids and adults. Games like trivia for Christmas movies and songs. These are challenging and will require your guests to thing. There are paper dolls, grammar games, scavenger hunts, Bible, jokes and tons more. There are games for both Christmas and New Years parties. If you click on the free printables section, you can get some cool items for free to try. I really liked the printable Santa Claus letter that you can print and mail back to your own child. DJ and Caitlin have never gotten a letter back from Santa, so I think they will get a kick out of that. I think Caitlin will really enjoy the paper dolls, and DJ and dad will love the Christmas Story trivia. That is their favorite movie. While mine is A Charlie Brown Christmas, for which they also offer a trivia game. So if you want to have a party full of tons of fun, head on over and check out the Christmas game printables.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Red Nintendo Wii Bundle With Two Games

OK first of all let me say there are only 35 days until Christmas. This is a red Nintendo Wii with one controller and the games Wii Sports, and Super Mario Bros. This is an even better deal than the one they offered last year. Not to mention it is this cool red color. The game Super Mario cost 50 dollars alone, at least that is what we paid for it. If your kids have been wanting one of these, now is the time to get one. Hurry before people start sucking them up.

Germ Protection On the Go

As a nurse and mother, I understand the stress of trying to keep your family protected from unwanted germs. Things like MRSA, and the Flu are especially worrisome to parents. I was asked to review a product called Myclyns germ protection spray, and here it is.

First of all let me say, what a wonderful product to make available to the general public. For years these types of products were only available to health care workers. Now parents, children, and first responders can use this product, and feel safe. Why would you use it? Say your child is at the park and another child sneezes right in her face. One quick spray of the Myclyns germ protection spray and you have prevented your child from getting the cold or flu, or something even worse. Or you come upon an accident and you stop to help, the victim is bleeding and grabs your arm with his bloody hand. You happen to have a cut there, spraying the area with Myclyns germ protection spray will stop any germs from entering your system.

So now we know why you would want one, but is it safe, and what exactly is it? The Myclyns germ protection spray is a non alcohol, non toxic, non burning, alcohol free spray that can not only be sprayed on cuts and open areas but anywhere on the body, including in the eyes, ears, and nose. It is FDA approved for effectiveness and safety. Each 6 oz spray bottle is equal to 60 sprays, and is only $9.99. It is the size of a pen and can fit in your purse, pocket, backpack, or even a makeup case. It is convenient and easy to use. After exposure occurs, remove the cap, spray the affected area until saturated, and let air dry. Yes, I did actually try mine, twice. As a lot of my readers know we have a new rabbit. The rabbit scratched my by accident, and left marks. I didn't want to get an infection from his dirty feet, so I sprayed the area with my Myclyns germ spray. Not only did it not get infected but it seemed to actually heal faster than just washing it with soap and water. Also, I took it to the Aquarium last week when we went. Lots of potential germ exposures there. My six year old followed a child with a runny nose up to touch the star fish. The child had wiped his nasal waste from his hands to the case several times. After she got her turn I immediately sprayed her hands with the Myclyns germ spray. No sickness followed in the days to come, and I was a happy mom.

If you would like to read more info about the Myclyns germ spray, to make a purchase, or to see some of their other awesome products just visit the Myclyns website.













I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Fire Safety and Dinosaurs

Today for Health we are doing Fire Safety. We actually do fire safety several times a year, with fire drills. My kids love the Dan Doofus videos. They have been posted already on this blog and your kids can view them here. It is a fun way to teach fire safety. DJ will be doing a writing assignment on fire safety tomorrow. DJ also has the Excretory System today. That video is in yesterday's post. I am posting the rest of the videos about dinosaurs for Caitlin and anyone else who wishes to view them.

Lesson Plans For 11/19/10:

DJ:
Math: Test
Spelling: Test chapter 8
Writing: Blog post about fire safety
Art: Draw Write Now: pots and baskets, dragon art
Reading: Christmas in Camelot with BR

Caitlin:
Printing Practice
Reading: Wet Legs and one other book from list
Art: Dinosaur lapbook art, DWN pots and baskets

The Excretory System and Thanksgiving Activities

I saw somewhere to make a Thankful tree for Thanksgiving. I took that idea and tweaked it a bit and cut out large acorns for each person to write what they were thankful for, on them. Then I added them to our Fall themed door. I will take a picture of the door on Thanksgiving for record keeping. Another cute idea my children and I thought up is for them to dress like Native Americans for Thanksgiving Day. I will stop at the Dollar Tree on Friday to see if I kind find some nice beaded jewelry. To make the squaw dress and shirt we are taking an white T shirt and cutting fringe into the bottom and the sleeves. I am going to let them paint them too, they just don't know it yet. I have not decided on face paint yet. They should be cute. The feather band is very simple to make with a feather template and construction paper. Tomorrow for Health we are doing Fire Safety, and The Excretory System.

Lesson Plans For 11/18/10:

DJ:
Health: Excretory System, Fire Safety, About 4H smart shopping
Math: Mixed math, fractions
Proofreading
Reading Comprehension with worksheet
Sign Language
Spelling: Chapter 8
Reading: The Story of Monticello with BR, this was supposed to be done last week
Dragon Art

Caitlin:
Health: Fire Safety, About 4H smart shopping
Dinosaur Lapbook with art work
Language Arts: Same sounds, blends, long vowels
Spelling: List 8
Math: Addition
Read sentences to color the picture WS
Clock work, calendar work, sight words, skip counting

Discover Mexico

Tomorrow for History class we continue our around the world series with, Mexico. First a brief history of Mexico, and the video discovering Mexico. All countries have a history. What do you know about their history? I will be putting up the rest of the dinosaur videos for Caitlin, and any other kids who want to watch them, at the end of the week. Caitlin has counted by fives, all the way up to 60 now, and is telling time to the five minute interval with minimal assistance. This is great progress for her.

Lesson Plans For 11/17/10:

DJ:
History: As above, plus The Story of the World Ancient Times chapter 10, map skills, The Seminoles
Math: This is being changed as the very long division is giving him a hard time, so we will back track to give him more practice. So it will be division, and mixed math tomorrow.
Spelling: Chapter 8 put the words in alphabetical order

Caitlin:
History: As above, plus off to America a pilgrim worksheet
Spelling: List 8
Math: Addition
Printing Practice
Dinosaur lapbook with art work
Language Arts: Long vowels, blends, short vowels
Read the sentence to color the picture WS
Clock work, calendar work, skip counting, sight words

Newton, Comets, Asteroids, and Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Science with a touch of History. If you go to scholastic.com you can watch the live podcast on the first Thanksgiving. It will be showing tomorrow at 1PM.

This week DJ is studying Sir Isaac Newton, asteroids and comets. The four videos below, are all great adjuncts to any lessons you may use. I am curious if any of my homeschool readers have ever used Edhelper.com I really like the themed units as a way to learn, but I want to be sure they are complete enough for my older learner. I put a lot of time into lessons right now, and really am not fond of all the books we have lying around all the time. I would love to try all themed units next year, but am looking for some feedback from others first. Maybe they have some free ones I can try, for older learners, to see how I like them.

Lesson Plans For 11/16/10:

DJ:
Science: As above
First Thanksgiving podcast
Spelling: Chapter 8 write each word three times each
Math: Division
Sign Language

Caitlin:
First Thanksgiving podcast
Math: Addition
Spelling: List 8
Printing Practice
Science: Dinosaur lapbook with artwork, Weather/Seasons lapbook Fall
Language Arts: Long vowels, blends
Read sentences and color pictures WS

Learning About Dinosaurs Velociraptor And Triceratops

Finally we are back on track after a crazy week of fun and excitement last week. Caitlin has begun a dinosaur lapbook. I found a cool art book at the library, and she will be drawing her own dinosaurs to add to her book. I ran out of printer ink, so I won't be printing anything until next week. I will be adding the videos in this series below, as we go along, to help her learn about each dinosaur. Down at the bottom of this blog, are a bunch of free links, in that section there is a website all about dinosaurs for kids to learn with. It is a good site, and you should check it out. Because I use two different math resources for DJ, he will be finishing up division this week in his Spectrum workbook, with no Saxon math. Then after the Thanksgiving break he will begin fractions in the Spectrum math book and mixed math in his Saxon book.

Lesson Plans For 11/15/10:

DJ:
Language Arts: Linking verbs
Writing: Blog Post: Fishy Monday Coral Grouper fish
Spelling: Chapter 8 write each word three times each
Math: Division
Reading Comprehension with worksheet
Proofreading
Art: Dragon Art or Dinosaurs

Caitlin:
Spelling: List 8
Printing Practice
Math: Addition
Language Arts: Long vowels, blends
Dinosaur lapbook with art work
Read sentences to color pictures WS
Calendar work, clock work, sight words, skip counting

What Is Free Speech and What Does It Mean To You?

In this country we have the right and luxury to free speech. What does that mean, and what does it mean to you? I am not a politically correct person. I am not a conservative, or liberal. I do believe in free speech and our right to have it. I find a lot of things vulgar, offensive, hateful, rude and even disgusting. That does not give me the right to violate that person's right to free speech. If someone chooses to write about disgusting fantasies, violent things, or things they might like to do, or how to do said things, undoubtedly a lot of us will be offended or even disgusted. But does that give us the right to tell them their speech is not protected under our Constitution just because people are offended by it? Why is one person's free speech protected more than another persons? It shouldn't be. We all have the power to not view, read, discuss, yell, scream and holler about things we find offensive. Our will to be stronger than the offending writer to get their material discussed, is what will win in the end. Our will to be aware and know what is going on to protect our families, are the things we should concentrate on. Don't give them the power to win by drawing attention to their cause, but they can have their free speech. Just like all of us who blog and appreciate our free speech to write and discuss at will. It really is no different.

On a more pleasant subject we only have 42 days left until Christmas. I am continuing my countdown to Christmas on all by blogs. Have you started shopping yet?

Story Time For Me Review and Giveaway

Do you have a reluctant reader, especially because they are having difficulty learning to read? I think teaching a child to read is harder than any of the other subjects I teach my children. It is easy for them to become frustrated, and even angry. Repetition and review are the two most important aspects of learning to read, I think. That is why I am glad to tell you about Story Time For Me.


Story Time For Me, will teach your child to read through engaging stories, repetition, and highlighting the words as he or she reads along. The books are completely read online, with no books to be left lying around the house. Your child can read along as many times as it takes to learn the words. There are over 50 titles to choose from, and each of my readers that clicks the link above, will get two free books to try it out. Simply click on the send me my two free books link, and follow the prompts. My daughter loved the book about the elephant. The other book I received was for an older child, and my son found the lesson taught to be a good one. The stories were not too long, as to lose their interest either. The pages turn automatically, or you can turn that option off. I won't give away the stories, and plots, I want you to check them out yourself. I found their pricing to be reasonable and fair. You do need Adobe reader for the books to work, so be sure to download it for free if you don't already have it. I hope you will enjoy these two free books as much as my children did. You can also view the video below, for any questions you might have.




[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Our Visit To The Tampa Aquarium

OK first let me say we had a wonderful day. Then let me say if you decide to ever visit an aquarium take a video camera because it is incredibly hard to get good shots of moving fish, with a flash camera. Anyways I will share some good shots. Our day started out in the wrong direction. We go to the ATM to take off the cash I have been saving for the trip, and it says I have eight dollars. Really? So we went anyway thank goodness for credit cards, we had been planning this for so long. So when we got home I called the bank and they said the ATM made a mistake and withdrew the money from my account but never gave it to me. Geez thanks Mr ATM. All isn't lost, we took the trip, and they will deposit my money back in 24 hours. The Tampa Aquarium is one of the top ranked aquariums in the US. It is definitely worth seeing if you ever get a chance. BTW thanks to all the vets who serve our country, and Happy Veterans Day. I won't tell everything about the Aquarium because DJ is doing a writing assignment on it. No school tomorrow, Yay catch up time.

Free Educational Thanksgiving Activities

Today I am sharing a couple of free Thanksgiving activities for kids. These are awesome. Next Tuesday, on the 16th, Scholastic is having a free virtual field trip called the First Thanksgiving. It is about 30 min long, and you can sign up by clicking here. Then on November 24th the History Channel will be telling the Real Story of Thanksgiving at 8/7 central. You will need to remember to watch it, or record it, Tivo is wonderful for this. If you homeschool your children these are both awesome resources.

Today DJ did the next chapter in his Story of the World Ancient Times book, with activities. I love the Scholastic website, and he did Amelia Earhart, and the colonies on there today as well. This definitely a favorite. He also did an art lesson on drawing dragons.

Caitlin began her dinosaur lapbook by cutting out pictures of dinosaurs from a Nat Geo magazine, and gluing them into her folder. When we took our trip to the library yesterday, I found an awesome learn to draw book about dinosaurs. She drew a beautiful dinosaur for the cover of her lapbook. This lapbook will be an extended activity for her, with new drawings, and printables added as we go. Her weather/seasons lapbook continues as well. Caitlin spent a good deal of time this morning socializing with her new bunny. The bunny now comes to the edge of his cage and even came out to sit by her all by himself. She is still a little nervous holding him. Even though it is a small bunny she has very small hands, and is afraid to drop him.

All in all a great week so far. Tomorrow we are going on a field trip to the Aquarium. This is a first major field trip in some time. I can not wait to share the pictures.

Miquon Math, Play Date, and A Rabbit

Today is our play date at the park, from 12-2. We don't do official lessons on these days. Here are some pictures of the new rabbit. His name is Cinnamon Bun Spot, or just Spot for short. Caitlin is still learning to care for her rabbit. You can see more rabbit pictures on DJ's blog. Last night we had 4H, and it was much less chaotic, and everyone had a good time. I have put the Miquon math link below so I can find it easily. I think this is the math program I will use for Caitlin until she gets older. I love the Saxon math for DJ, but he is older and the Saxon is quite difficult when they are real young, at least I think it is. The Miquon was recommended to me from another homeschooler, and it is very affordable. Though I have not actually tried it yet, I will be using it next year for 2nd grade with Caitlin. The kids are going through some sadness right now, because their friends who live directly behind us are moving. They will be in the same town but they won't get to play with them every day anymore.

Learning Via The Computer And Internet

So today was our first day of learning strictly on the internet. This was actually an enjoyable way to learn, though I am still not convinced that it should be without book work too. Below are the websites we used, that we liked. We tried a couple others that we did not like, and will be removed from my saved list. We focused mostly on Science today because Tuesday is our usual Science day, and we don't have school tomorrow. We have 4h meeting tonight, and that is included in our school log. Caitlin did do some tracing and cutting as well, as she was becoming bored. I think for young learners the internet mode of learning is not optimal, because they learn by hands on doing things, and this is just sitting at the computer. Another thing I have learned is that buying used curriculum can be tricky. I purchased a whole set of videos for 5th grade science, that are basically of no use to us, because they are all just experiments. It isn't what I expected, or needed. But I will remember to ask very specific questions from here on out when purchasing used lessons.

DJ's lessons today:

Math games on http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/ Very good website, very useful, and enjoyable.
Science: http://activities.macmillanmh.com/science/ca/grade5/index.html, and http://www.sfscience.com/english/grade_5/unit_A/index.htm While I preferred the second site more, DJ liked the first site better. He said the videos were better on that site. These both have quizzes at the end of each chapter you can print and put in your portfolio. Then he and his sister took two different leaves from trees in our yard and had to identify them. They are Oak, and Sycamore. Last but not least for his 4H photography he took pictures of his sister and the rabbit, and assisted with care of the rabbit. He watched a lesson on cameras on Brain Pop. DJ also listened to several podcasts on http://kids.learnoutloud.com/Kids-Free-Stuff. He did not enjoy this as much as the sites with the videos, but I like them because it forces him to listen and pay attention.

Caitlin: Used the second website listed above for her Science lessons. DJ read all the info to her, and she learned about animal tracks, and trees. Then she learned to identify two leaves. She right now for Science is focused on learning about rabbits, and their care. She held and socialized with the rabbit, cleaned its cage, gave it fresh food and water, and took pictures with her rabbit. His name is Cinnamon Bun Spot. Because he is a pedigree that is not his registered name but she wants to call him that. She also watched several videos on the care of rabbits, and started her 4H small animals guide book. To round out her day, she traced and cut out Acorns for our Thankful Tree we will be beginning.

A Different Approach This Week

Since we only have two and a half days of school this week, due to other activities planned, we will be taking a different approach to learning.

While I always try to mix it up with different methods of learning, we don't always get time after book work has been completed. I have saved probably 100 or more different websites that offer various methods of learning. So this week we will be working our way through some of them, and keeping the ones we love, and are really helpful, and deleting those that are not. I will share the ones we tried and really like. It will be weird doing no book work at all, but who knows we might love it more.

Hot Toys For Christmas 2010

There are only 49 days until Christmas. Time to start making your gift list. Will these Pillow Pets be the hot toy this Christmas? I think maybe. They are already selling out, and I got mine for my daughter already. I have to say it is the softest thing to touch. The fur is fine and baby soft. I will be adding a new gift idea in my Countdown to Christmas, each day. Happy shopping!

Learn To Draw Easy Art Lessons For Kids

Every Friday we do Art Class. I mix it up, and really don't follow anything real formal. Since I am not an art teacher, and don't have a clue how to teach it, I use various resources to help my children learn to draw. Caitlin drew Minnie Mouse today. While we have an instruction book similar to the one below, you can also use the video below. My kids are especially fond of the videos because they can actually watch the hand movements of the artist. The books show step by step but they don't find them as easy. For DJ today, he drew a picture of Enkidu from his Story of the World Ancient Times lesson. He also wrote a fairy tale with Gilgamesh and Enkidu for his writing assignment today. You can view it by visiting his blog, Through the Eyes of DJ.

A math test for both children, and spelling test for DJ, along with reading lessons round out the day of lessons for today. Both will get computer time if time permits.

The Cardiovascular System

Today is Health class and we are discussing hazards in the home, and how to fix and prevent them. Plus DJ is doing the cardiovascular system. You can use the educational video below as an adjunct to your lessons. We finished our ice sculpture, which was nothing fancy, and is quickly melting in the 75 degree weather. I will post pictures soon. There are only 51 days until Christmas, WOW!

Lesson Plans For 11/4/10:

DJ:
Health: As above
Writing: Personal Narrative
About 4H: Hazards in the home
Math: Division, mixed math
Sign Language
Proofreading
Language Arts: Verbs
Spelling: Chapter 7

Caitlin:
Health: About 4h home hazards
Math: Addition
Sentences and word placement worksheet
Language Arts: Long vowels, blends sl and br
Printing Practice
Clock work, calendar work, sight words, skip counting

Entrecard, and Ice Sculpture Hotel

First I have to tell me readers, after two years, I am removing the Entrecard widget from my blogs. This morning while doing my drops yet again another hack site, and then one with a redirect to a virus download. This is the same virus that nearly wiped out my computer before, and I am not dealing with it again. I use several other traffic exchange sites, and I don't know what they do differently for security but whatever it is Entrecard needs to do it too. They can not protect their members from these sites and that is obvious. I still will do my Blogging for Fun friends as I always do, and I have new group at Mom Bloggers Club. Both widgets are on the side bar, and if you would like to join that would be awesome. I apologize to anyone who used credits on my widget. I will try to get them all reimbursed.

We are finishing up our lessons on Canada today. One of the famous attractions in Quebec is the ice sculptures each winter. Below is a video of the ultimate ice sculpture, an ice hotel. It is really cool! We also did a mixing colors experiment where we wrote down different color combos to mix and see what colors we got. We did this using water, and food coloring in plastic cups. Then the cups were put in the freezer, and we will be making our own ice sculpture using the colored water. DJ took photos for his pictures tell a story lesson for 4H. Dinosaur findings in Canada is another topic of discussion. National Geographic magazine has a wonderful article on extinction of dinosaurs and DJ will be reading it and then discussing the different theories of dinosaur extinction. Caitlin will use the pictures to make a dinosaur lapbook in a few weeks.

Lesson Plans For 11/3/10:

DJ:
Social Studies: Chapter 8 Ancient Times, lessons above, and map skills
Math: Division, mixed math
Sign Language
Spelling: Chapter 7 put words in alphabetical order

Caitlin:
Social Studies: As above
Math: Addition
Reading sentences and word placement worksheet
Language Arts: long vowels, blends sl and br
Printing Practice
Clock work, calendar work, sight words, skip counting

Mixing Colors and Copernicus

Today is Science here at Melissa's Homeschool. DJ will be doing more space activities beginning with learning about Copernicus. He has two reading assignments, the video below, and then review questions. Caitlin and DJ both will be doing an experiment about mixing colors. We actually will be doing this tomorrow when we continue learning about Canada, and we get to make an ice sculpture with colors we mix and match. Should be fun, and I will get pictures before it melts. If you have a youngster learning about farm animals, and want something fun to teach it. Have your child draw a farm with all the animals that can be found on a farm. Here in Florida public school kids have no school due to election day. Don't forget to vote!

Lesson Plans For 11/02/10:

DJ:
Science: Copernicus, Solar System, mixing colors experiment
Math: Division, mixed math
Sign Language
Spelling: Chapter 7 write each word three times each

Caitlin
Science: Farm animals with her own drawing of a farm with animals, mixing colors experiment
Math: Addition
Reading Sentences and word placement worksheet
Language Arts: Long vowels, blends sl and br
Printing Practice
Clock work, calendar work, sight words, skip counting

DJ Was The Teacher Today!

This morning DJ got to be Caitlin's teacher, because I was sicker than a dog. I am never sick, migraines once in a while, but not sick. I got up feeling normal, did my usual stuff, got the kids up, started laundry, started school then wham it slammed me like a freight train. For the next six hours I was in bed, vomiting, and with a fever. I have no idea what caused it, but I am certainly glad I feel better, though I got nothing done. Hats off to DJ for being the first grade teacher today. I still have a lingering headache but at least I am in the upright position functioning normal.

I thought I would share today some of the more fun things we have been doing for school. I like to add projects along with book work, movies, and other non traditional ways to learn. I found this neat experiment to determine how salt beds are formed. It is easy all you need is a glass bowl you can see mine is a pie plate, 1 cup of water, and 4 tbsp of salt. Put the water in the bowl, then stir in the salt. Allow the bowl to sit undisturbed until all the water evaporates. This took about two weeks here in Florida, but can take up to 4 weeks according to the book. If you click each picture you will see that the salt turns into cubic crystals and look like squares or cubes. The sides are a thick, white, frosty type substance. Conclusion: Beds of salt are believed to have formed from shallow ponds that were close enough to the ocean to collect salt water, and were then cut off from the sea. Slow evaporation of water left behind clear cubic salt crystals called halite. The frosty substance along the side, forms when water rises up the side and salt in the solution crystallizes as the water quickly evaporates. The faster drying along the sides does not allow enough time for the cubic crystals to form as on the bottom.

We did a whole four week lesson on reusing and reducing waste. So when we would empty glass jars, we would wash them and give them to my mom, who paints them. So I figured we could paint some too. I kept a salsa jar, and a pickle jar. Washed and dried them and then let the kids paint on them. The results are shown below. Then we couldn't decide what to do with them. We have pencil containers, odds and ends containers, what to do? Then my husband suggested sugar, and the kids said no we don't use that much sugar. Then one of them said salt! So they are now our new salt and pepper shakers, and they look quite lovely on the dinner table. Good think I kept the lids. Note if you decide to do this don't cut the holes in the lids too big, the salt will really just pour out.