Seed Unit

We are getting ready to embark on our seed unit of study this week. We have randomly collected some seeds this weekend while we were out and about in nature. Hopefully the rain will stop soon. We are to pick apples one day this week and go on a nature hike to see what kind of treasures we can find. The possiblities are endless with how seeds can be incorporated from cooking, weighing, measuring, and the boundless topics of science, math, language can all be covered with such a unique fall blessing. I will hopefully keep up with the pics and posts to let you know where our seeds take us:)

Our First Field Trip--Our State Capitol

Even though my girls are young, I thought they would enjoy going to visit our state capitol. The pure beauty of the building, the artwork, and detail are just amazing. Sorry to all those who don't live in our state, but the Smithsonian Institute says that we have the most beautiful capitol in all 50 states. It truly is over the top in the decorations let alone all the historical significance that is held within those walls. The representative that took our group around and answered questions, said in his opinion, it truly is a wonder of the world and he feels blessed to be able to work there. The tour itself was a little boring for the girls, with all the talking and not much doing at times. They were enthralled with a high school band and color guard that did an ensemble on the steps in the rotunda. But even at there young age, they new this building was and is something special.

Horse and Buggy Ride

This was a really neat one of a kind experience. We went out to the country on a whim the one morning and decided to find this place where you can go on rides. It was such a unique experience. Our driver was a former Amish person, so the stories he told from his past made the ride that much more special. He was like a lovable grandfather, the girls just adored him. He even let them steer the horse on one of the back rodes. They loved holding the reigns, but boy did they make a fuss about some of the smells they had to endure (since the horse's back end was right in front of them!).

Magnetic Painting

We adventured into the world of magnets. This was part of that unit. I was trying to figure out how to incorporate art and the theme of magnets and this is what I came up with. We used a plastic tray, which I use quite often for individual space during some activities, we have a magnet set with some magnetic wands, a magnet, and some paint. I set the tray on four cans so the children could put the magnetic wand under the plastic tray. It raised the tray high enough to manouver the wand, but was not unstable. We dripped some paint, they chose the colors, unto the paper, put the magnet in the paint. They guided the magnet by moving the wand under the tray and the magic began. They were mezmerized as to how they were painting. All three of my girls REALLY enjoyed doing this, even the two year old.

Our homeschooling journey is off and cruising right along. We've, of course, hit some potholes along the way and some detours, oneway streets, you get the picture, but all in all I am ever so greatful God has given me this desire and He has allowed it to come to fruition.
We went on our first 'homeschool group field trip' last week. We went to our state capitol and to the state museum. It was quite the adventure, but you can't beat real life as a means to teach with and learn from. The girls loved all the over the top exquisite decorations, they did not fully comprehend the historical significance, but they had fun and isn't that what learning is all about. They loved meeting new 'friends' and watching the planitarium show together. The state museum also provided a curiosity center for younger children, which my girls ages 5, 4, and 2 had so much fun. The hands on approach was great. They built trucks, picked carrots and cabbage, drove a truck, played in a life size doll house, and so much more.
I have so many pictures to post. I hope to find the time soon to do this. We are going on another fieldtrip tomorrow to a pretzel factory, where they will get to make a pretzel and to a chocolate factory, where we will get some samples--mmmm!

Exhaustion

Everything seems to be starting at once. Today was my middle daughter's preschool orientation, which I had to bring four children along for the 'ride'. I started watching a little one two days a week, which also started this week. The day overall went well, but now the pure exhaustion of the day is setting in. I haven't even thought about dinner yet!! And I am fighting my eyelids from shutting for more than a quick blink, because this fatigued body will end up on the floor sleeping.
Next week, my daughter actually begins her preschool journey and I start back to my part time job, all in the same day. This is in the midst of homeschooling and babysitting. Not to mention my everyday job of taking care of my own children and keep a house semi clean and functional. I don't want sympathy here, I am just venting is all. I am blessed with a great family and wonderful husband, which makes life a little easier. I just need to remember that I am not super woman nor will I ever be. I just need to do what I can when I can--wow if I could only take my own words and put them into action life would be a whole lot easier.
I feel like this short lived homeschool journey is taking on a 'worksheet' only approach, which in my mind is the farthest thing from how I wanted this to evolve. My daughter loves them and in the chaos of live right now, that is how I feel I am at least helping her learn. We did make homemade banana muffins for her science/math/pure fun activity. She measured all the ingredients and mixed everything together. She even filled a tray of muffin tins. The house smelled delightful and it was perfect timing for our afternoon snack.
Signing off now to go figure out what to make this family for dinner, before I head off to work some hours for my part time job, which hasn't officially started yet.