Minecraft Homeschool, Sploder and Mardis Gras History

I am always looking for ways to make school more enjoyable, yet still educational.  I also like to let the kids pick some of their interests to learn about.  I would prefer they do them together, but they really have different interests now.  So, I asked them each to pick three things they would like to learn about.  DJ picked:  training the dogs, space and game making.  I kind of knew he would pick game making, lol.  So, I introduced him to Sploder, and he began making a game.  Sploder is free, but if he really loves it, I will look at other options for next year.  Once his game is live, he can play other games to earn power ups for his game, and updating it.  Kind of cool if you ask me.  Most likely both kids will get this free time on Tuesdays. 

I found on Educents, a Minecraft set on sale, for Writing and Math.  The math is all angles and Geometry, which makes sense considering the game.  She actually gets to play the game, then complete the assignments.  At only 5 dollars, I would say it is a great deal.  Educents also has a mod game for Minecraft, which if I understand correctly allows them to learn coding.  Not really sure about it, but might check into it for next year.  I have no affiliate with Educents, so I don't earn a thing for telling you about this. 

On Wednesdays, we usually do Art.  But, since I could not decided what I wanted us to do, I skipped it.  I have decided for next week though, lol.  DJ is reading about the Trail of Tears, a book I read first.  So, I think we will do some Native American Art.  Next on his list is 12 Years A Slave.  I also read that book.  We will watch the movie after, and maybe even dabble in some Art for that topic.   Not sure. 


Since Mardi Gras was this month, our first Geography lesson was a history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  We used the materials below, with some entertaining discussions.  For dinner we made some French Toast. 

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras/videos?mkwid=e7x7VoYqi_pcrid_316322708_pkw_history%20of%20mardi%20gras_pmt_e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=history%20of%20mardi%20gras&utm_campaign=M_Holidays&paidlink=1&cmpid=PaidSearch_bing_M_Holidays_history%20of%20mardi%20gras

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history.html

Get Moving With Playstation Move

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you own a Playstation 3? You know Christmas is coming, right? You know we all play too many video games, and not get enough exercise, right? Well now there is Move for the PS3 video game systems.

For just $99 dollars you can add the Playstation Move to your current PS3 system. As you can see in the picture above it is a easy to use hand held remote, that has various attachments for various games. If you have ever played Playstation games with the traditional shock controllers then you know it can be a challenge if you have small hands, or are just not that coordinated to use and remember all those buttons. The Playstation Move solves that problem for you. It is slim and easy to hold, does not have all the buttons to remember, and gives you full range of mobility while playing. You can have family rivalry nights, parties with friends and other family members, plus get all that exercise we are all lacking in our lives. The only thing missing is the fresh air, and if you are real creative you could probably hook it up outside somewhere.

There are PS3 games that are specifically made for the Playstation Move system. For our family I would pick the Sports Champions first, because there is something for young and old alike on this game. There is tennis, golf, and bowling just to name a few. Caitlin would love Little Big Planet, and DJ would love the Sorcery game. They are adding new games all the time, and having events all over the country that you can actually attend to test one of these for yourself.

If you have a daycare, after school program, or youth group then this would be great for cold or rainy days, when kids can not be outside. For the elderly in daycare, nursing homes, or adult homes, the Playstation Move can keep them engaged, active, and supply ROM exercises all at the same time. For one low price, the Playstation Move has endless possibilities.