Learning Happens

The two older boys have needed a little nudge as far as maths goes so we dug out some of the textbooks and they've been enjoying doing a few pages of 'homework' every now and then. Shmoo's getting his maths mojo back and spent a good bit of time this morning creating and solving sums.

Shmoo was then keen to discuss Drosera (sundew plants) and that led to the ecosystem and how everything is connected. We then noted how the lovely sunflowers friends gave us yesterday were turning to follow the morning sun and talked about why that was and what plants need to grow.

Somehow the discussion moved on to space and the planets, gravity, astronauts, and space exploration disasters.

He then had a look through our book on Australian insects and spiders and we discussed the difference between 'venomous' and 'poisonous'.

Afterwards he chose a library picture book about a friendly spider and asked to read it aloud to me.

For dinner we made our own little pizzas and the boys had fun shaping and topping their own creations. (Okay, we let the breadmaker make the dough. Between my carpal tunnel syndrome and The OH's ASD-related food issues, it's the easiest way!)

That's how learning happens here. :)

Oh No...

:( :-o

I bumped my laptop off the futon on to the carpeted floor (no more than a 50cm drop). It landed on one corner and shattered the screen.

At least I can still use my phone. And I'm fairly certain that it's just the screen that's stuffed so I'll be able to retrieve all the photos and documents eventually. 

Annoying. Bugger. Wish I'd Dropboxed a few more things! *sigh*

Girls Clothes / Boys Clothes

Not being restricted by gender stereotypes means...

Coming home with 12 items of clothing for the kids from the op shop instead of 3. Shmoo loves his silky soft, stripey PJ pants; Loo adores the dark pink t-shirt with the happy, glittery cat on the front; and Beanie is thrilled to have pale pink, flowery, soft flannelette PJ pants and a PJ top with a a pink and green flowery Babushka doll on it.

Happy kids and bargain prices. Who cares that most of it was from the 'girls' section!? The only issue I have is that girls' clothing is so much more 'fitted' than boys' clothing of the same size, even for size 2-3 stuff. I usually have to go up at least 2 sizes when selecting from the girls' section. I know that typically boys are slightly taller and heavier than girls of the same age but not by that much... it's ridiculous! My boys are all on the shorter, skinnier side of average for their ages and the differences in clothing sizes are still very noticeable. It's a very sad state of affairs when girls are subjected to this kind of pressure, even if subtly, from such a young age. No wonder so many women have grown up to feel self-conscious and unhappy about the size and shape of their body.

What Not to Ask a Homeschooler

"Don't you think he should go to school?"

"But don't you think he'd be better in school where he can learn more? What can he do? Can he read? How can you teach him maths?"

Grrrr. Honestly, mum. What kind of parents do you think we are? If we thought Shmoo would grow into a happier, balanced, well educated person simply by attending a mainstream school, don't you think that's where we would send him? Do you think we deliberately keep him at home to hold him back?

He learns plenty through being homeschooled. I'd say, on average, he can do what most kids his age can do. Yes, he can read. He's been reading for quite a few years now. As a matter of fact, I've met quite a few 11-12 year olds from the local primary school who can't read as well as my 5 year old. And as for maths, I may be a bit fuzzy on how to solve quadratic equations but, at 7 years old, I think Shmoo's doing just fine working out the practical applications of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions. We'll cross the quadratic equation bridge when we come to it.

Sugar Overload

Slightly shocked at the amount of sugary crap that we've accumulated in the last 2 days. Two of our 'extra-curricular' activities have finished up for the year and the older boys have come home loaded with sweets from their teachers.

Yesterday Shmoo and Loo walked in each holding a huge plastic stocking full of multiple bags of marshmallows, jelly beans, lollipops and other various sweets. Seriously, one of those things would have been more than enough for all three of the boys. Luckily both Shmoo and Loo are more than happy to share with Beanie so a good couple of handfuls of their sweets were put into a separate packet for him.. Then this afternoon Shmoo came home with a large plastic cup full of sweets and a packet of potato chips. The OH informed me that a bottle of lemonade had also been part of that gift but Shmoo had drunk that in the car. His first softdrink. Am slightly miffed but at least it wasn't Coke.

It makes me wonder just how much junk food other kids get at this time of year. I know plenty of mainstream schooled kids who do 3-4+ extracurricular activities... is it common for teachers/coaches to give out truckloads of lollies and softdrinks at Christmas?! It's not that we're fanatical about the kids only eating healthy foods, they get regular little treats, I often bake biscuits, and they've had hot chips, Maccas and pizza on numerous occasions but just the sheer volume of sweets they've receive from only 2 sources... I find it a little alarming. To be honest I don't see the need for it - personally I think a couple of sweets accompanied by some stickers or a small novelty toy would have made them just as happy.

At least Shmoo and Beanie are pretty good at self-regulating when it comes to sweet stuff. Loo on the other hand... he's got about 3-4 small lollies left *sigh*. They've been told that when they're all gone, that's it, and if they eat them all at once and feel sick then that's their problem ;) I anticipate 3 boys bouncing off the walls over the next few days. Fun.

I'm glad that Santa only has a couple of small chocolate-y treats each to go in their stockings next week!

Movie Day

It was a cold, wet, dark and windy day. As the rain bucketed down and the wind howled, I suggested a special movie afternoon for the boys. I dumped pillows and beanbags on the floor, turned the lights off and put on their movie choice (Madagascar) and then disappeared off into the kitchen to make a treat for them - a big bowl of popcorn. They were full of excitement and curiosity as they peered into the bowl. "Is that popcorn?!" Loo asked in awe. It was the first time Beanie had tried popcorn and the big boys hadn't had any for at least a couple of years.

The afternoon was a huge success and they spent the rest of the evening talking about what a special day it had been. Funny how turning out the lights and having some popcorn makes such a difference ;)

Location, Location, Location

 

Excuse the blurry phone pics but it was too funny not to post. This is going straight to the pool room. ;)

Shmoo is fascinated by an electrical substation and insists on us driving past it whenever we're in the area. A couple of days ago, The OH picked up me and the younger two and drove us over to the residential area near the substation to show off his discovery. There, opposite the substation, was a small, modest looking house with a sign up near the entrance...

THE CASTLE

Feel the Serenity

Okay, so you'd have to have seen the movie to appreciate it, but don't you reckon that powerlines are a reminder of man's ability to generate electricity?

It's the vibe of the thing! =))

Yes, we homeschool.

No, we don't use a particular curriculum.

No, I didn't work as a teacher prior to having children.

No, the boys don't sit down at the table with textbooks at a certain time every day.

That's great that you know a big homeschooling family who gather around the kitchen table every day to do lessons together. How nice that you think it's such a lovely, heart-warming thing. Good for them. It's not what we do.

No, I don't appreciate the look on your face that seems to imply that I'm not educating my children properly. You know my kids, you've talked with them, played with them, watched them draw and write, listened to them read... I think it's rather obvious that they're not 'behind'.

8-|

Makers' Workshop

   

[Makers' Workshop, Burnie]

MS Volendam

Driving through Burnie today, the boys were delighted to see a huge cruise liner in port. The MS Volendam is the biggest ship they've seen and they were very impressed (actually, we all were LOL). After a bit of quick Googling (gotta love smartphones!), we discovered that the ship is named after a town in North Holland; it's port of registry is the Netherlands; and it's on a journey around the Pacific from New Zealand to Canada and lots of places in between.

I think we'll have quite a few countries to research next library trip!

Getting There

Wings Wildlife Park

Our friends, L & P with their kids J (2) & D(9m), from Launnie were holidaying in the area for Easter so we met up with them at Wings Wildlife Park today...

  

Happy Australia Day!

At our (very small, rural) town's Australia Day celebrations...

 

The 3 Legged Race. Shmoo and Loo had lots of fun despite initially heading off before the official 'go', falling over lots, and trying to go in the opposite direction to each other.

Loo loved the jumping castle.

 

Shmoo, always wary of new experiences, preferred to make a daisy (dandelion) chain.

The Gumboot Throwing Competition.

The OH having a go at the gumboot toss.

Tug of war

Sleepy Bean

   

Making a salt dough map of Australia...

Making beads for Lughnasadh next week (and a snail!).

Busy, busy, busy!

We have had friends staying with us again (they've been pretty unlucky in the last few months and need a place to stay) so that on top of homeschooling and every day life means things have been extra busy!

I am trying to ease us into a new daily rhythm to make homeschooling a bit easier. At least Shmoo is very enthusiastic about his 'homeschool work' (bookwork) and weather recording; as well as loving our Steiner-inspired morning circle routine. I am trying to get over the idea that I have to get everything perfect right from the very start (it doesn't have to be *perfect*, right?!?) The actual homeschooling work isn't too difficult, we're starting slowly and adding stuff in as we adjust (although I do have a new appreciation for the management skills of homeschooling large families, particularly those with babies/toddlers as well as older children!) but I'm finding I'm getting caught up in the little things. Do I really have to record everything we do every day and how long we do it for? And I'm struggling to breakdown the natural learning stuff into separate KLAs. I guess it's just going to take some time to get a feel for it?!

Shmoo had another paed appointment today. Nothing new. We're upping the Ditropan to 1 tablet twice a day and keeping on with the 'no pants' thing whilst at home. Next appointment in 3 months.

Loo's starting to frustrate us with the toilet training thing as well. We know he can do it, and mostly he's not too bad but he has this incredible stubborn/contrary streak. If we in any way suggest that he might need to go to the toilet he will flat out deny that he needs to go (even if he is hopping around, squirming with his legs crossed). Then he'll do a last minute mad dash to the toilet when he starts to leak *sigh*. Never mind. I'm sure he'll get there.

Hm. What else? We have started planning Beanie's first birthday party. He is 11 months old now!! Can't believe he is nearly 1! Almost a year since we had the most amazing birthing experience ever! The Bean is starting to make attempts at talking. Of course, he says the usual dada and mama, not sure if he's saying it in context yet, but he definitely tries to say 'meow' in context! He's also getting a bit closer to walking independently. He has, on a few occasions, taken a step or 2 between the furniture. It's lovely watching him grow and seeing how his little personality is developing.

Hello 2011

The goals for this year: home, health and family.

Home - Getting it organised inside and out. Get a good veg & herb garden set up.

Health - To keep my thyroid under control and to get (back) into the Primal way of eating.

Family - To gently work our way through our first year of official homeschooling. And, hopefully, see baby #4 on the way...

Oh Look...

It's New Year's Eve. Happy New Year's too then :) We are having a completely average, quiet night. And seeing as our homeschooling registration officially kicks in as of tomorrow, I am browsing books at Chariot Press (and really must suss out how that educational tax refund thingy works).

Library Garage Sale

Burnie library had a garage sale today and we managed to score heaps of stuff... books, shelving, easel, a table & 2 chairs (more homeschooling work space for the kids!), 4 nice bowls, a little basket for the kids' toys, and some old kitchen stuff (old-style potato masher and 2 x pizza cutters) for the boys to use as playdough tools.

I am slowly getting organised for the official start of homeschooling next year. I've finished the program outline that I have to submit for registration (will go over it a few times again and then send it in another week or 2). Am also working on putting together unit studies and gathering resources, getting the practical stuff together etc. Very exciting but a little scary at the same time!

Books

While we were in Cairns we visited some awesome shops and I found some great books for the boys. I highly recommend these books...

'Do Dogs Dream?' and 'Why is the Sky Blue?' by Geraldine Taylor (lift-the-flap and pull-the-tab books that explore the natural world)

'Earth Child 2000: Earth Science for Young Children. Games, Stories, Activities, and Experiments' by Kathryn Sheehan and Mary Waidner. (This book almost has a Steiner and natural learning feel to it).

'All I See is Part of Me' by Chara M. Curtis. "In a journey that carries the reader far beyond the printed page, a child discovers his common link with all of Life. Inspired by Sister Star, he finds the light within his heart and as his vision expands, he sees that same light in all other things."

'You, Me & the Rainbow' by Petrea King. "Have you ever been wrapped in a rainbow? Mariah has. Every night her mother wraps her in all the colours of the rainbow and they enter an enchanting world of ducklings, dolphins, tiny frogs, tasty cherries, sunsets, twinkling stars and violets. Float away with Mariah into the magic of You, Me & the Rainbow."

31w1d - 8w6d To Go!

I'm starting to get the feeling that when The Bean decides it's time to come out, it's gonna be fast. And I'm not expecting to go over either. Of course, now that I've said that I'll probably have a 10hr labour at 42w!

Doing pretty much anything other than lying down triggers off the crampy contractions/pains these days and they are increasingly bad enough to make me feel nauseous and, occasionally, actually vomit. But, hey, as long as they're not doing anything to my cervix yet then it's just a matter of getting on with life until a baby pops out LOL.

A couple of hours of walking up and down hills is probably overdoing it though. The Home Ed group did an outing to the Arboretum on Friday and I figured I'd just see how I went and sit down if I started feeling sore. Problem was, the horrible cramping/nausea/back pain didn't kick in for an hour or so after we'd finished trekking around the place LOL. Am only just starting to get over it all today. The kids had a great time anyway. I'll have to post some pics later.

We also took them to the Christmas carols at Penguin last night and they had a blast running around and listening to the music. We only stayed for just over an hour though. Decided it was time to get going when the area was overrun by teens using lots of very bad language LOL.

21w4d

Is it too early to be nesting? Maybe I've just been bitten by the spring cleaning bug. Either way, I have been a little preoccupied with cleaning lately - vacuuming, scrubbing, mopping; cleaning and reorgansing the pantry and kitchen cupboards etc etc. It's not doing my aching back and hips any good but oh well. And at least the OH knows enough now not to argue with the obsessed pregnant woman LOL.

Shmoo and Loo's snowpeas are coming up well with all the sun we've had lately. I think the parsley seeds are just sprouting too... there's a wonky line of little green shoots anyway, so I'll wait and see if they're weeds or parsely before pulling them out. We've forgotten to water them lately after not having to water them at all because we had so much rain (I'd actually worried that the seeds might have washed away!) so the soil's a bit compacted and dry. I snuck out when Loo was asleep to pull out the weeds but didn't have much luck because it was so dry. Will have to wait a couple of days until we've gotten it all moist again. (Didn't want Loo to see me pulling the weeds out as he's too young to understand the difference between weeds & plants - turn my back for a second and he'd be ripping up the snowpeas LOL).

Hoping to get back into playgroups and homeschooling groups soon, now that the pregnancy's going well and hopfully there's not so much swine flu about. There was a homeschooling meet-up today 2 mins up the road from us and we'd been looking forward to going but Loo woke up all croaky and coughing, snot everywhere. Typical LOL. He doesn't seem so bad now but we didn't want to pass it on to all the other kids.

Speaking of homeschooling, Shmoo's doing pretty well. We do need to focus on numeracy a little more though. His reading is coming along well. He does well with all his letter sounds (phonics stuff) and we've just started on some sight words. He can read short sentences when he wants to too (bit of a daydreamer and a short attention span so it's all done in short bursts). The other day he read: 'a frog on a log', 'a baby cat is a kitten', and 'a drink of milk'.

Loo has an appointment with the allergist in Launceston in just over a week (the 19th). He'll be restested and we need to get another prescription for epipens. The eczema around his mouth has been clearing up well with the reduction in salicylates. This has also made it obvious that he is still reacting to something in his diet. The common factor seems to be soy products so we'll try to cut those out and see how he goes. I know he did react to soy when he was a baby. I thought he'd outgrown the intolerance but perhaps his tolerance for it had just increased a little. Anyway, we'll cut it out and then re-introduce it slowly at a later date. It's going to be a PITA though as I can't stand the taste of rice milk. Anything that requires milk I'll have to cook separately, use rice milk for the kids and soy milk for us.