Homeschool W35: 14 Hours Outside Before It Gets Too Hot

What We Studied

We took advantage of the decent temps this week and spent 14 hours outside exploring. June is my month to enjoy the outdoors before I retreat back into the air conditioning. Unfortunately, next week we are getting a heat wave. At least we spent this week soaking up the sun.

Literature and Poetry

We finally finished reading through the entirety of The Chronicles of Narnia. I am glad to have read it, but man does Lewis get very heavy-handed toward the end of the series. Also, I’m still a bit confused as to the finer points of his theology.

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review. Arthur finished his logic book last week and I didn’t want to start the next one until August. So it’s review and games for the summer.

Social Studies

Arthur’s slowing working through an introduction to economics packet I saved. it’s very light and breezy taking about 5 minutes a day to complete.

Arthur Independent Time

To allow for one-on-one time with Quentin, I have added an hour of independent work time for Arthur. Each week, he will have a mix of packet work (mostly grammar and math review), independent reading time, and special projects. Many of his projects will be aligned with our literature selections (some taken from B&R Language Arts curriculum) and history.

Science and STEAM Coop

No formal science, but our activities have all been about exploring nature this week so I’m counting it.

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry
Rocket and the Perfect Pumpkin by Tad Hills (Q reads)
Drop It, Rocket by Tad Hills (Q reads)
Corduroy by Don Freeman
A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy Lost and Found by Don Freeman
Corduroy Takes a Bow by Don Freeman
A Christmas Wish for Corduroy by Don Freeman

Math

Other

Field Trip

We started the week off with a field trip to pick strawberries with all our coop friends. This activity was definitely better with friends and cooler temps than usual. We picked over 4 pounds of strawberries to take home and make into goodies!

Wednesday we spent 6 1/2 hours at the zoo. We walked around the entire outside portion, visited the desert dome, rode the train, splashed in the splash pad, and played at the playground. We got to see one of the baby elephants outside and visits Arthur the baby giraffe inside the barn. It was a good zoo day.

Thursday was park playdate morning. We didn’t spend a really long time at the park, but a bit of running around was needed.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies.

We think baby elephant Sonny (could have been Eugenia)

Misc. Picture Books Read

Just Right Cat by Lori Haskins Houran
Storybots: The Best Christmas Gift

High

Berry picking! I look forward to it every year, but struggle through the heat. This year it was much cooler and we had all our friends to chat and play with. The boys loved getting away from me and picking near their friends instead. Such a good day!

Low

Friday we all hit a wall and needed to take a bit of quiet time individually.

Next Week

Arthur is taking three camp class through Metro Community College. He will be learning about LEGO creations, roller coasters and robots, and food around the world.
Quentin and I will be spending some time together doing errands and going to the park before the temps hit 100 degrees.
Starting and finishing our next read aloud (it’s a short one)

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

I got a bit of sunburn yesterday. I really need to get in the habit of always sunscreening…
Guess I need to get a move on with my summer bucket list soon. Time is almost upon us.
Two books that have made me laugh out loud in a row has been great for my mood.
Making book recommendations may be my favorite thing right now.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #10

Reading: Deep into The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton. I loved the first in this series and this one is just as delightful. I love it!

Watching: We finally started Obi-Wan Kenobi and it just very good. I love the character of Third Sister.

Listening: Still rocking the giant shuffle of all the songs in my Apple Music account.

Making: I’ve made two batches of gazpacho so far this month. I may just have to make this every week or two weeks. It’s that good!

Feeling: After a few crazy busy weeks, things have calmed down a lot lately. I’m feeling a little calmer lately.

Planning: We’re getting so close to the retreat which means that I’m to the point of planning the games. We are doing a matching game and a pub-style trivia.

Loving: We’ve been spending less time inside and more time outside which is always great. Even better, most of the days have been spent with friends. Love it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W34: That Summer Feeling Has Hit

What We Studied

Memorial Day has passed and we are in high summer mode here. The temperatures have been cooperating and so we have spent a ton of time outside. We racked up a decent number of hours playing outside and exploring nature. The friends that we have made through coop have played right alongside us. We are definitely taking it easy with regards to book work. And July will be our month off for the most part.

Literature and Poetry

We started the last Chronicles of Narnia book with a a good reading guide I found online.

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review. We finished both our logic book and The School of Numbers this week. One a related project, the boys help me make gazpacho. They practiced reading a recipe and measuring ingredients.

Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers

Social Studies

As we have finished our history curriculum, Arthur did finish a few geography scavenger hunt. He has gotten really into exploring Google Earth. Arthur also started a simple packet introducing economics.

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

Nothing specific this week

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

Eric Carle’s Dragons Dragons
Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things
Wonderful You with The Grouchy Ladybuy
The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Tennant Redbank
High Five April 2021
High Five May 2021

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1

Other

Tinkeractive PreK Science

Field Trip

Along with a park playdate and splash pad time, we explored Fontenelle Forest and the connected Raptor Rescue. Spending five hours out in nature was just what we needed on Wednesday.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies.

Misc. Picture Books Read

High

Fontenelle Forest was an amazing day spent in nature.

Low

Thursday was just a bit of cluster when it came to attitudes from the kids. We had to have a bit of a readjustment.

Next Week

Spending multiple days outside at parks and a zoo visit
Finishing The Last Battle
Watching a documentary or two
Continuing on independent and review packets

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W33: Road Trip Madness!

What We Studied

After only one day of school for the week, we prepped to leave on a 5-day road trip to Kansas. After getting back on Sunday, we were supposed to have a normal school week. It didn’t quite work out that way. We got some school work in, but also spent two days at the park (coop field day and a regular park day), plus errands and unpacking. Good thing we have already finished our history, math, and science curriculum for the year. We’re slowing down a bit, making plans for next year, and enjoying lots of time with friends.

Day 1: Former airfield where atomic bomb pilots trained

Literature and Poetry

We finished our current read aloud and started the next one. Arthur continued with his spelling curriculum and we read a ton of picture books and such.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review

Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers

Social Studies

Arthur did some map work and a few scavenger hunts. He really got into playing around on Google Earth and finding different places. I love when a small assignment leads to more independent research and fun. He even spotted a good restaurant in Wichita for us that wasn’t on my list. We had dinner there and it was great (Wichita Pizza and Brewing Company, if you wanted to know).

Informally we learned a lot from the various museums and attractions that we saw in Kansas. I loved learning more about the Cosmonaut program in the 1950s and 1960s from the exhibits the Cosmosphere. Arthur really got into the exhibits at the World of Treasures Museum.

Arthur Independent Time

Day 2: Liberty Bell 7 at the Cosmosphere

Science and STEAM Coop

Nothing formal but we did go to a lot of science-related spots on our road trip. We learned a ton about salt and mining at Strataca in Hutchinson.

Day 2: Keeper of the Plain Statue in Wichita

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

Eric Carle's Animals Animals
Eric Carle’s Dragons Dragons
The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Hugs & Kisses for The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
Do You Want to be My Friend? by Eric Carle
Today is Monday by Eric Carle
Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite Bug?
A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
The Greedy Python by Eric Carle
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Happy Halloween from the Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite Animal?
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1
Tinkeractive PreK Math

Other

Crayola Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural Work
Tinkeractive PreK Science
Ten Pigs by Derek Anderson

Field Trip

There wasn’t a field trip this week.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies. We watched a great NOVA episode about searching for Life on Mars. It detailed the various Mars rovers and focused heavily on the Perseverance mission.

Day 4: Great Plains Transportation Museum

Misc. Picture Books Read

The Fantastic Fishsitter by Mo O’Hara

High

Kansas Road Trip! What started as a weekend trip to Hutchinson to see the Cosmosphere turned into a 5 day trip to Hutchinson and Wichita filled with many stops. One of my favorites was getting a private tour of the Great Plains Transportation Museum from a former rail worker. Bob gave us so much more information than was listed on the signs and handouts.

Low

The transition back home after road trip is always a bit rough. We ended up with a lighter school week than I intended.

Next Week

Continuing our read aloud
Playing some math games
Watching a documentary or two
Making a craft?
Exploring outside with friends.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

Here’s hoping the rain holds off this morning for the coop’s field day. Would be sad to have to reschedule…
Looks like my May read pile is going to end up at 21 books. That’s a lot for one month.
That said, I have so many reads on tap for June. We’ll see how much I get read. I do have the retreat at the end of the month which should push me through a few books.
As for the retreat, I ordered the last of the goodies and I’m so excited about the bookish fun we get to have. Now I need to work on recommendations and games and start buying the grocery list.
I think we are going to continue watching Hawkeye with the kids tonight.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spring Bucket List Update #2

After taking a bit of a break from bucket lists in 2021 (seriously, that year was a trash fire), I’m back this year. We have a variety of projects that we want to accomplish this coming year and I want to make some intentions for each season. For spring:

Check off 150 hours of our 1000 hours outside project - 89/150 so far
Two Lincoln Excursion Days - We’ve done one so far!
Three State park Visits - We hit Schramm a few weeks back.
Read 50 books - 35/50
Day trip to Des Moines
At least 6 zoo visits (2/6)
Design board for future kitchen renovation
Monthly bingo/trivia nights - On track!
Do a donation drop
Take the kids bowling or mini golfing
Log 50 miles on the treadmill
Make homemade cinnamon rolls
Plan out curriculum for next year - in progress
Plan out the Bookish Retreat! - in progress
Plan an Indiana trip for summer complete with Indianapolis mini trip - in progress
Weekend trip to Kansas ✓ - We are there right now!
Plan a redo for our homeschool space / playroom - in progress
Do a Closet Cleanout for Me - in progress
Do a Closet Cleanup for the Kids - in progress
Work on a Craft Project

Up Next on the TBR:

Currently #9

Reading: Ali Hazelwood just published three novellas all involving women in STEM. Somehow I got all three right in a row from the library. So I’ve been on a contemporary romance kick.

Watching: We finally started S2 of The Great and it’s still utterly delightful!

Listening: My Chemical Romance dropped a new song this past week! I’m so incredibly excited!

Making: We’re leaving on a mini family vacation tomorrow and I need to finish the packing.

Feeling: After a brief drop in temperature on Sunday, we’re back to very hot temps. I am hot and tired.

Planning: A family road trip needs carefully packed snacks. We have two bags available plus a thermal for cold drinks.

Loving: Sonic’s Cherry Limeade is amazing! It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a hot long day.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W32: Apparently It's Summer Already...

What We Studied

This post actually documents one break week and one regular week. As we get to May, we find ourselves doing less book work and more outside excursions and field trips. This month has followed that tradition to a tee. To be fair, Arthur has finished his history and science curriculum for the year. We are concentrating on reading everyday, some math review, and various random nature-related activities and craft projects. Quentin has his own stuff, but it’s still fairly limited.

Literature and Poetry

We finished the next-to-last Chronicles of Narnia book. Definitely not my favorite at all. Instead of moving right onto the last book, we have taken a bit of a detour with a fun adventure book featuring a library lock-in.

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review. Arthur also did a few projects from the Math and Art book we have.

Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers
Math Art + Drawing Games

Social Studies

We finished our curriculum a few weeks back, but we did work on a map work workbook. We fly through the Grade 2 book.

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

For coop, we covered a week of rainbows and prisms and a week of coding.

Art/Music

We did a few free drawing projects based on the Eric Carle books.

Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite Color?

Quentin

ELA

Biscuit's Snow Day Race by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Biscuit and Friends Visit the Community Garden by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Biscuit and the Big Parade by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Bitsy Bee Goes to School by David A. Carter (q reads)
Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle
The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle
Eric Carle's Animals Animals
The Lamb and the Butterfly by Arnold Sundgaard Illustrated by Eric Carle
Friends by Eric Carle
Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle (Q Reads)
Walter the Baker by Eric Carle
1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle (Q Fave; Arthur Fave)
10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle (Q Fave)
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle
Can a Cat Do That? by Eric Carle (Q reads)
The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite Food?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Garden Picnic
Can You Guess Animals with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Can You Guess Food with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Sleep Tight with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Can You Guess Animal Sounds with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Breakfast
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Lunch
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Snowy Hide and Seek
A Day on the Farm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Winter
How Does an Egg Hatch? Life Cycles with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Happy Birthday from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Caterpillar Days of the Week Reader
LOVE with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Thanks from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
The Foolish Tortoise by Eric Carle
Rooster is Off to See the World by Eric Carle
Hello, Red Fox by Eric Carle
High Five August 2020

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1
Tinkeractive PreK Math

Other

Tinkeractive PreK Science
Busy Day Sticker Book

Field Trip

We got to see a glass blowing demonstration at the local artist collective. The kids were really into watching the demo and they even got a scrap piece of glass to take home. Afterward we toured the rest of the building and looked at the art on display.

On Wednesday, we explored the Wildlife Safari. We haven’t been in two years and last time we went, we couldn’t get out of the car. This time we visited the Wildlife Education Center and even got to spy the wolves in their habitat. We will definitely have to go back soon.

On Friday, we traveled to Lincoln for a full adventure day. We started at the Nebraska History Museum (never been there before) and saw the Bison exhibit before it closed. After a quick lunch, we headed over to the Lincoln Zoo for a fun afternoon. Thankfully the field trip kids were leaving right as we arrived and the crowds became very sparse.

On Monday, we went to the zoo on probably the worst day of the season. It was incredibly hot and the kids complained the entire time. At least we got to see some animals.

On Friday, we hit the park for some free playground time. A friend joined us for a few hours. At least the temperatures had gone back down.

Documentary Selection

We finished Terry Jones’s Medieval Lives series

Misc. Picture Books Read

If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, DON'T by Elise Parsley
Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph
Inky's Great Escape by Casey Lyall
How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? by Jane Yolen
Worm Weather by Jean Taft
Spring Parade by Camelia Kay
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Rabbit's Spring Gift by Anita Loughrey
Animals in Spring by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
Party Pigs by Eric Seltzer
Abracadabra It's Spring! by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Westward Ho, Charlie Brown! by Charles M. Schulz
Pterosaur by Jennifer Zeiger
The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf by Mark Teague

High

I loved our trip to Hot Shops to see the glass blowing demonstration. I might have had more fun than the kids but it was a good day. And we definitely need to check out some of the other events at the collective.

Low

The heat this week has really gotten to us.

Next Week

We are only around for Monday and Tuesday before heading south for our mini family road trip. Once we get back, we will have another normal week.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

My short list TBR is all in a jumble right now. I need to get that set right this weekend.
Less than one week until our Kansas road trip. I’m super excited for a break from our usual routine for a few days.
Speaking of, I need to make our snack list. I see a trip to Trader Joe’s in my future.
Getting the retreat planned (so much fun!) and starting on planning our July Indiana trip. Lots of trip planning.
The temperatures can go back down a bit. Highs in the upper 90s this week was not fun.
How am I so excited about a coop field day? I hated field day in school. Oh yeah, we are planning a fun relaxed day full of cooperative games not the terrible competition and stress that I experienced in school.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - I finally picked up Quinn’s 2021 novel about WWII and Bletchley Park. Right in time to pick up her new one from the library later this week.

Watching: We’re deep in Moon Knight and it is just amazing! I love weird Marvel.

Listening: I finally downloaded the released singles from the new Coheed and Cambria album. I cannot get the songs out of my head.

Making: I’m finally in high gear planning the bookish retreat at the end of June. Right now, I’m picking items for the goody bags. I get so excited at this point in the planning.

Feeling: It started raining yesterday and isn’t forecasted to stop until Friday or so. It’s very damp here right now.

Planning: We are having our spring parent meeting this Thursday and discussing some changes. I’m actually excited about some of our new programs.

Loving: I didn’t feel great last night so J bought me Thai Chicken Soup and it was delicious.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W31: Slowing Down Inside at We Get Outside More

What We Studied

We school year round which makes it so much easier to take smaller breaks and easier weeks when the weather is amazing and we want to be outside. This was one of those weeks. We have already finished our history curriculum and math textbooks, so we focused our shortened in house hours to English and lots of reading.

Literature and Poetry

Moving along with our complete read of the Chronicles of Narnia. We started the second to last book and I’m not super impressed, but we will continue and move on next week.

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
Hello Earth! Poems to Our Planet by Joyce Sidman
The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time by Jan Peck and David Davis

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review

Ten Hungry Pigs by Derek Anderson
Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers

Social Studies

We officially finished History Quest Middle Times last week, but wanted to do some review and wrap-up this week. We started watching Terry Jones’s documentary series Medieval Lives. We’re about 1/3 of the way through. We plan on watching a few more episodes next week and the next to finish out our history study for the years.

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

For coop, we studied rainbows and prisms. Quentin’s younger group learned about rainbows and made rainbow jars using water beads. Arthur’s older group learned about rainbows and focused on the light refraction side.

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

Biscuit by Alyssia Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Biscuit Finds a Friend by Alyssia Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Pigling Bland by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse by Beatrix Potter
High Five July 2020
Once Upon a Unicorn's Horn by Beatrice Blue

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1
Tinkeractive PreK Math

Other

Tinkeractive PreK Science
Mazes Book
Busy Day Sticker Book

Field Trip

We had three! Yes three! field trips this week.

On Monday, we did an easy hike around Standing Bear Lake. It was a bit chilly and at times, very windy, but I loved it. We don’t do that lake in high summer as there is no shade at all. Doing a hike in April was perfect.

On Tuesday, we went to the Rose Theater to see Giraffes Can’t Dance. Our coop field trip coordinator got us group tickets that were very cheap. The show was lots of fun and the kids enjoyed it.

On Wednesday, we went to the Joslyn Art Museum one last time before they close for two years (renovations and building a whole new wing). J even took off work to join us. My favorite galleries were already shut down, but we will got to see some great art. And the kids got to play in ArtWorks (kid’s play space) for awhile.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies. As mentioned above, we are watching Terry Jones’s Medieval Lives series.

Misc. Picture Books Read

A Spring Stroll in the City by Cathy Goldberg Fishman
Just Help! by Sonia Sotomayor
Mr. Pig's Big Wall by Glenn Hernandez
Spring for Sophie by Yael Weber
It's Spring! by Samantha Berger and Pamela Chanko
How to Be on the Moon by Viviane Schwarz
Dinosaur vs. Santa by Bob Shea
Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman

High

Taking off most of Wednesday to visit the Joslyn Art Museum was just the break that we needed. And I’m so excited that J got to join us that day.

Low

Friday I woke up with a terrible migraine (due to massive weather changes). That made for a not great day, but we muddled through somehow.

Next Two Weeks

Taking a curriculum break with multiple outings
Finishing the current and starting the next Chronicles of Narnia book
More math games, puzzles, and review
Doing an Eric Carle deep dive for reading and art

Next up on the TBR pile:

2021-2022 Desserts and Snacks - March and April

Week 30: Coconut Banana Bread

A great variation of a my usual banana bread. This turned out better than I thought it would. Loved it!

Recipe used from Kylee Cooks

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

The weather has finally gotten good enough to put our patio furniture out. We read our read aloud outside yesterday. Loved it!
Starting a brick of a book three days before it’s due was not the best decision. Think I can knock it out?
People’s inability to understand simple statements is boggling sometimes. Seriously, not sure how I can be more clear…
I finished planning our Kansas road trip for next month. Now on to working on the retreat and Indiana summer trips.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W30: Recovered and Back to Work!

What We Studied

Thankfully everyone got better from their cold and we had a normal week. I took one picture of us doing school that didn’t involve the chicks. Oh well. Enjoy some baby chickens pictures.

Literature and Poetry

We started and finished a read aloud that I had never actually read before. It’s a delightful little adventure book that we knocked out in a few days.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming
I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus by Jack Prelutsky
Hello Earth! Poems to Our Planet by Joyce Sidman

Math

Another week of math games, puzzles, and review

Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers

Social Studies

We covered the last chapter of History Quest Middle Times about Elizabethan Times.

DK Timelines of Everyone
When on Earth
DK History
DK Timelines of Everything
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley
Shakespeare's Theatre by Andrew Langley
The Tudors: Kings, Queen, Scribes, and Ferrets by Marcia Williams
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England by Diane Stanley

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

For coop and our mini science unit, we’re focusing on plants and gardening.

DK Trees, Leaves, Flowers, and Seeds

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear by Alyssia Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Biscuit Loves the Park by Alyssia Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
Biscuit and the Garden by Alyssia Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter
High Five May 2020
High Five June 2020
Our Universe: Earth by Marion Bane Bauer

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1
Tinkeractive PreK Math

Other

Smart Start Beginning Coding Grade 1
Tinkeractive PreK Science

Field Trip

There wasn’t a field trip this week.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies.

Misc. Picture Books Read

My Little Pony, Pony Life: Royal Bake-Off by Katie Chilson
Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats
There's a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart
There's a Hole in the Bucket by John M. Feierabend

High

For Earth Day, we had a little coop party at a member’s house. Mostly it turned into free kids’ play, but sometimes that’s what we really need.

Low

The chicks had to be returned on Saturday. The kids really wanted to keep them…

Next Week

Taking a curriculum break with multiple outings
Starting the next Chronicles of Narnia book
More math games, puzzles, and review
Wrapping up the Middle Times for history

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spring Bucket List Update #1

Check off 150 hours of our 1000 hours outside project - 20/150 so far
Two Lincoln Excursion Days
Three State park Visits
Read 50 books - 17/50
Day trip to Des Moines
At least 6 zoo visits
Design board for future kitchen renovation
Monthly bingo/trivia nights
Do a donation drop
Take the kids bowling or mini golfing
Log 50 miles on the treadmill
Make homemade cinnamon rolls
Plan out curriculum for next year - in progress
Plan out the Bookish Retreat! - in progress
Plan an Indiana trip for summer complete with Indianapolis mini trip - in progress
Weekend trip to Kansas
Plan a redo for our homeschool space / playroom
Do a Closet Cleanout for Me
Do a Closet Cleanup for the Kids
Work on a Craft Project

Up Next on the TBR:

Currently #7

Reading: Beautiful by Christina Lauren. I finally made it to the last book in this series. They are definitely my current comfort reads.

Watching: While J was gone last week, I started watching Starstruck and Minx and I am addicted to both.

Listening: Sad that the new Coheed and Cambria album isn’t out yet, but I have been listening to the three singles a lot lately.

Making: Made chocolate cake for D&D on Saturday and we’ve almost eaten the entire thing. I may need to make a new variation this weekend.

Feeling: I had my permanent crown put on Monday and am still feeling slightly sore today.

Planning: I need to finish planning out our May Kansas trip. We have lodgings and tickets for one event. I need to get our list of restaurants and other events set.

Loving: We rented two chicks for this week and are having so much fun with Sunshine and Shadow! The boys are learning so much about chickens and caring for them.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W29: Blergh! We All Caught a Cold.

What We Studied

After such a long time not getting sick (and avoiding COVID), the boys and I all caught a cold and had some not-so-great days. We managed to finish some school work, but had to skip coop and the coop fiend trip the gardens. Not fun being stuck inside for days on end.

Literature and Poetry

We did manage to finis our current read aloud and work through more poems.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus

Math

Arthur is finished with the textbook, so we are exploring more math problems and puzzles until August. We pulled out the spring tangrams packet for Tuesday’s lesson.

Logic Countdown
The School of Numbers

Social Studies

We covered the Scientific Revolution (focusing on Gutenburg, Copernicus, and Galileo) and the Reformation this week. Arthur got really interested in Copernicus’s journal and wanted to create his own scientific journal.

DK Timelines of Everyone
When on Earth
DK History
DK Timelines of Everything
Marguerite Makes a Book by Bruce Robertson
Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth is a Planet by Dennis Brindell Fradin
Martin Luther: Here I Stand by Geraldine Elschner
The Life and Times of Martin Luther by Meike Roth-Beck
I, Galileo by Bonnie Christensen
Starry Messenger by Peter Sis
Recentering the Universe: The Radical Theories of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton by Rob Miller

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

We had a light week for science. I had planned on focusing on spring and growing to align with coop and our trip to the botanical gardens. But as we had to skip those, part of our science went with it. We did do a mini spring unit with a ton of books. And we wrapped up what we learned from coop last week about bees with some more books and videos.

The Thing About Bees by Shabazz Larkin
Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
Bee and Me by Alison Jay
The Bee Tree by Stephen Buchmann
The Secret Life of Bees by Moira Butterfield
What on Earth? Bees by Andrea Quigley
Finding Spring by Carin Berger
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Mouse Loves Spring by Lauren Thompson
Hail to Spring by Charles Ghigna
Weather in Spring by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
Trees in Spring by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
Birds in Spring by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst
Spring by Amy Culliford
Crinkle, Crackle, Crack It's Spring! by Marion Dane Bauer

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

ELA

Biscuit Takes a Walk by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q Reads)
Biscuit Loves the Library by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q Reads)
Biscuit and the Little Llamas by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q Reads)
Biscuit Feeds the Pets by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Q reads)
The Tale of Two Bad Mice by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
High Five April 2020

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1
Tinkeractive Math PreK

Other

Smart Start Beginning Coding Grade 1
I Spy on the Farm
Tinkeractive Science PreK

Field Trip

On Monday we met friends at the park for some playtime. It was chilly, but the sun came out and the kids had fun. I enjoyed chatting with some friends.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies.

Misc. Picture Books Read

Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds
Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan

High

Getting our chicks on Saturday was so much fun! We are renting two chicks from a family farm program. We are interacting with them and caring for them. We named ours Shadow and Sunshine. The boys are loving this program!

Low

Getting sick obviously. I had a headache all week and it really affected everyone’s mood and motivation.

Next Week

Starting a new read aloud (even I haven’t read this one)
Covering Elizabethan Times for history
Continuing our math review
Taking care of our chicks for hands-on science

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

J is gone on a work trip this week (first time since before the pandemic) and it’s kinda nice having some time to myself.
I’ve watched more television than usual, but I guess I’m just making up for lost time.
I really don’t want to read the book club book, but feel like I have to…
Thinking I need more contemporary romance next.
Maybe plan a Lincoln excursion for next week?

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W28: The Forest and Some Bees

What We Studied

And it was a very normal week for our school days. We had a few outings, but covered a ton of material.

Literature and Poetry

Finished one read aloud and started another.

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus by Jack Prelutsky
The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck (Lit Study)

Math

And with that, Arthur has finished Singapore 3B! For the rest of the year, we’ll be reviewing math concepts and playing some math games.

Logic Countdown
For Good Measure by Ken Robbins

Social Studies

We covered the Ottoman Empire for history. Arthur enjoyed the art and the science especially.

DK Timelines of Everyone
When on Earth
DK History
DK Timelines of Everything

Arthur Independent Time

Science and STEAM Coop

For coop, covered bees. The kids learned about bee life cycles and then played some games and did some crafts. The kids got to make bee houses for our local mason bees.

We finished our science unit on geology with a mini lesson on volcanoes. Arthur was super excited to learn all about how volcanoes work.

An Island Grows by Lola M. Schaefer
Nat Geo Kids Volcanoes
Volcanoes by Gail Gibbons
Volcanoes by Elaine Landau
Geo Detectives: Volcanoes and Earthquakes by Anita Ganeri
The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top by Joanna Cole
Fault Lines and Tectonic Plates by Kathleen M. Reilly
Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes by Kathy Furgang
DK Volcano and Earthquake
Volcanic Eruptions by Ann O. Squire
How Hot is Lava? And Other Questions About Volcanoes by Kelly Smith

Art/Music

None this week

Quentin

I have scheduled at least four 1-hour time blocks for one-on-one time with Quentin. I bought Blossom and Root’s Early Years Volume 2 curriculum to use as our base. I love the variety of activities and some of the bigger projects included. Q started a Beatrix Potter unit for the month of April. We also did some math and worked on other skills.

ELA

The Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem
Sea Story by Jill Barklem
The High Hills by Jill Barklem
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter
High Five January 2020
High Five March 2020
A Celebration of Beatrix Potter: Art and Letters

Math

Lollipop Logic Book 1

Other

I Spy On the Farm
Smart Start Beginning Coding Grade 1

Field Trip

We had a lovely few hours at Fontenelle Forest with their STEM backpacks. The coop field trips have been great this semester. We did a scavenger hunt, walked the trails, and played at the nature classroom.

Documentary Selection

I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies.

Misc. Picture Books Read

No Buddy Like a Book by Allan Wolf
Serious Farm by Tim Egan

High

Our two coop events this week were great. We love having regular events with our friends and learning a little something.

Low

A big dentist appointment on Monday took me out for hours. Oh well. We’ll make it up.

Next Week

Continuing to read the Chronicles of Narnia
Reviewing our math concepts
Focusing on nature for science
Learning about the scientific revolution and the Reformation

Next up on the TBR pile: