Homeschool Olympic Writing Idea

The other day, at the dinner table, I was talking to the kids, and my husband, about watching the Olympics in Feb for school.  Now we will not watch all the Olympics, and most will probably be tivoed and watched the next day.  But, my husband had a brilliant idea to go along with the Olympics.  He said to have each child choose the Winter Olympic sport that they have the most interest in.  Then, they watch those events, and write a report about what happens.  Plus, research the sport to do a report on that as well. I think this is a brilliant idea, and the kids seem to think it was an OK idea.  So, that is what we will be doing for our Winter Olympic homeschool activities this year.  Now, if you want to give it a try, you can find a list of all the Olympic sports, by clicking right here. 

Le t me know if you choose to do it too, and we can share what our kids decide to do, and how they do it. 

International Observe the Moon Night 2013

A few weeks ago, while searching for something else, I came upon the International Observe the Moon Night webpage. I was intrigued as to what it was, and checked it out. I found I could make my own event, in my own backyard, and have some fun doing it. I created it for our local Homeschool group. So, tomorrow night, October the 12 it will take place. It will be beautiful weather here in FL for such an activity, cool and clear. They have a ton of activities you can choose from to learn all about the moon, crafts and other activities. I have decided on a moon phases painting craft, moon pizzas, and of course viewing the moon. If you do not have a powerful telescope, we do not, there are a few apps to help you view the moon up close. I downloaded the constellation finder and the moon map. I wish they had made the event on the night of the full moon, but oh well it will still be a blast. I was contacted by a local reporter, about our event, and we were in an article featuring the Moon event. The kids were so excited. I hope to get some cool pictures to share on Sunday. Be sure to check the website for all their awesome educational activities. Next week, for school, we will be doing some of them for Science, just to learn more about the Moon.

Creative Photography and Abstract Art

Ha, two posts in one week, lol! DJ is taking Creative Photography through FLVS. This is a fun class, and while most days we are limited to what we can take pictures of, DJ finds a way to be creative and complete the assignments. The other day his class, and him, had to browse famous photos from the Great Depression. Their assignment was to duplicate images, of children, that would fit into the Great Depression theme. He took the first picture using black and white setting, and setting the timer. I think it is such a beautiful picture even though the title was, two children looking for a better day. The second one is supposed to look like snow and the little girl is waiting for the snow to stop, so she and her family could go stand in the soup lines for food.

Since I have been painting, I have tried to figure out the art of Abstract Art. Honestly I don't usually see anything. Yet, I thought I should expand my knowledge and thinking, and try it. Yet still I thought I better do some research. In my research I learned that it isn't really supposed to look like anything in particular, and you are not supposed to get it. You are supposed to feel it. Huh? Yes, feel it. The image should make you feel some kind of emotion. Matter of fact the one website I was reading on said to paint to music, since abstract art is like music without lyrics. She suggested listening to music and just let your brush flow with the music, or whatever you might feel while the music is on. OK so Hip Hop my painting will be jumpy and hyper, Ozzy agitated and angry, Country sad and lonely, Classical soft and smooth, Opera hmm I don't know because I can't actually listen to it. Every high note will cause me to keel over dead. So, I might actually try this Abstract Art idea, to music. It might be quite interesting what comes of it.

Some Free Writing Prompts For 2nd-4th Graders

Here are some writing ideas, for a 2nd-4th grader, depending on their abilities.

If you could be one age forever, what would it be, and why?
Aliens have landed on the Earth, draw a picture story.
You can only have one food, times one whole week, which would you pick, and why?
Imagine you are a dolphin, write about your day.
If you could zap yourself into a TV show, what would it be, and why?
You will be meeting Batman, make a list of questions to ask him.
Robin Hood wants you to join his team. What special talent would you bring to his team.
You won the lottery. Write what you will do now that you are rich.
You're are Pirate Camp. Write a letter home telling about your time.
If you could be invisible, where would you go, and what would you do?

I Have The Greatest Idea!

Okay maybe it is not the greatest idea, but it is pretty cool. Yesterday my 4 yr old came to me, and gave me a present. She had taken a piece of printing paper, and drew a picture and wrapped up a couple of her toys. She said Merry Christmas, and handed it to me. I opened her neat little gift, and inside was Build a Bear pink poodle a McDonalds toy, and a My Little Pony, from her Ponyville collection. Anyone who knows these two types of toys knows, they are miniature versions of the full versions. So I thanked her enourmously, and set them up on my stand where I sit and watch TV. As I sat there last night looking at them, I thought these would look really cute on the Xmas tree. So I set them both on a branch, and they indeed looked very cute. So then I went and asked my son for a couple of his Superfriend people, and they fit nicely too. So what was my great idea? After they outgrow these lovely mementos of their childhood, I am going to adorn my Xmas tree with them every year. Rather than buying expensive ornaments, I will use their treasured toys. I have some of my sons favorite Thomas the Trains left, and I can use crafting wire to make a loop to put a hook on them. If you have small children you could do this too. Neat, huh?

4 more days until Xmas, can you believe it. I hope everyone is having a wonderful, Sunday.

Turkey Leftover Ideas

I will be sharing some interesting, and favorite recipes over the next weeks. Not just for Turkey Day, but for Christmas as well. This is my favorite time of the year, and I love to share tips, tricks, ideas etc.

My first recipe, I found in a Womans Day magazine, I had recently purchased. It is a great way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving Dinner. It is a super sandwich, and here are the details. You will need Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, lettuce, reduced fat mayo and thick toasted bread. I personally would leave off the cranberry sauce, as I dont like it, and would use regular mayo. Then you just put all the ingredients on the bread, and enjoy the tastiest leftover turkey sandwich ever.

Today we are doing a Themed Unit Study on Thanksgiving, then no school until next Monday. Happy Tuesday, everyone.