Book Rotation

This is one of those posts that offers a painfully obvious to everyone else but me hint. Still, it is always nice to share.

We have a lot of books in our home. I mean a lot. All of this selection, though, leads to a problem. First of all, it can be difficult when you are trying to find that one special book that the kids really, really want for bedtime tonight, and it doesn't matter that it is already 9:45 and Mama just wants them to sleep!!!!!!!!!! Ahem.

It also leads to a bit of book boredom. They see the same books around all of the time, and they start to loose their appeal. So, a year or so ago it finally dawned on me to rotate the books - especially books themed around holidays or seasons.

Today we cracked open our Halloween box full of decorations, stickers, and (of course) books!! The kids were thrilled to find all of these 'new' books, and we spent the afternoon decorating, planning costumes, and doing a lot of reading.


By the way...don't you love it when big brothers help out reading bedtime stories?? And when younger brothers are patient with beginning readers? I love my boys!!

Knitting Corner - Before and After

I have to say that I am rather proud of myself these days. I have actually started my Christmas knitting in September, and not on December 19th!! Still, as I went to get some wool this morning to cast on a lovely pair of ********* (that would spoil the surprise, now, wouldn't it?) I came across this:

Sigh. Somewhat discouraging. So I put my needles down and went to work. After a half hour of sorting, winding, tossing, and storing, I managed to get to this:

Much better!! And now for those lovely new *******.

Sir Ken Robinson - Changing Education Paradigms

">Sir Ken Robinson's talk on changing education paradigms is another one of his great talks one educational reform. I found this one on a friends blog (Thanks Karen!)and had to post it hear, too!!

Apple Day

Charlie was thrilled to be old enough to start Beavers with his big brother William this year. So was Mama - a whole hour each week with both kids otherwise engaged!!! They have been meeting new friends, playing games, and doing crafts together every Monday night for the past 4 weeks.

Today, however, was special - Apple Day!! This is the biggest fundraiser that the troupe does, and goes something like this...

Shine the apples...

Sell the apples...

And try not to get too grumpy when you find out you can't keep the money!!

Hope you are all having an applicious Saturday!!

Science Co-op - liquid density

This year, as well as our usual engagements, the boys have joined a science co-op. This group of about 13 kids (ages 4 - 8) will get together every two weeks to play with 'science'. The organizer of the group has arranged for the scientists-in-schools groups from 2 local universities to come and help us explore. We are looking forward to learning about force using crash cars, exploring solar energy, and more topics (that I can't seem to remember right now!).

Today was our first get together, and the kids learned about liquid density. It was a small enough group that everyone fit around a table, and the leader of the group was relaxed, knowledgeable, and friendly. We are so excited that this little group came along - it will serve as the basis of our science 'curriculum' for the year, and will be a nice way for the kids to spend some time with friends on a regular basis.

Chess and Checkers Club

Today was the first gathering of our groups chess and checkers club. This co-op started last year, and it is basically a chance for the kids to get together and play a few games of chess and checkers with other kids. Today I joined in the fun (nothing like getting your butt kicked in chess by a 7 year old!!) and then retreated to the couch to visit and knit. I harp on about this whole homeschooling-and-time thing a lot, so feel free to skip this post if you like. But really, it does come down to time!!! I cannot imagine having my kids at school for 6-7 hours a day, fitting in homework, dinner, chores and sleep, and still find the time to get together with friends to play games. But what a loss it would be to miss out on this sort of thing. The kids played a few leisurely games together. Some kids played for 2 hours, some for 20 minutes. Then they strayed off to run around the back yard, snack in the kitchen, or visit the chickens (which, in all honesty,deserve a post of their own!!). They were focused, relaxed, and enjoyed each others company. What a great way to spend and afternoon! Will it lead them all directly to highly fulfilling and well paid jobs? Probably not. But is sure was a lot of fun.

Quote of the Day

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.
~Albert Einstein