Only Small Things

{ Go ! } :: Reading Public Museum

2012-03-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

Since we were in Lancaster -- and it was only 12:30ish by the time we left the North Museum, we decided to "make a day of it." So, we ate lunch at Isaac's Deli (our favorite). Then, we headed for Reading (a half hour's drive), to visit the Reading Public Museum.

We began by visiting the North American Indian collection.

Followed by a visit to the Latin American collection.

Left-to-Right: Mayan Temple, a Shrunken Head and a Mexican Day of the Dead sculpture.

One of my favorite parts of the museum came next, the Natural Sciences.

These are fluorescent minerals (glowing under special lights).

This is a hands-on display; Ben is sure he was touching a fossil section of a vertebra.

This is a piece of opal, illuminated to show off its luster.

Of course Benjamin loves the "mummy room." This particular mummy is Neferiine.

Although, the Arms & Armor collection is high on his list, too!

As you can see, he had a bit of a hint there might be Medieval goodness inside.

Standing in the Pennsylvania German room kinda made me feel like I was at my Mom's house--it's painted the same color as her kitchen!

Next, we visited the Second Floor (this is the Founders' Gallery).

In the Temporary Exhibitions Hall there was a special exhibit: The Prints of Andy Warhol.

The exhibit was not officially open and NO pictures were allowed.

So, we visited the European and American Art collections. Isn't the above sweet?

Oh, and this one . . . I love the rich colors (look at her rose-tinged cheeks).

This large painting is by a Pennsylvania-native. Love the four-sided viewing bench, too!

This is a depiction of St. George and the Dragon.

And these are close-ups of The Balloon, painted by Julien Dupre.

Next, we visited the Modern & Contemporary collection . . . and got a bit of Warhol there (without breaking any rules).

See the Keith Herring sculpture & painting?

Hey! Wait a minute!

Are those prints of Marilyn Monroe in the background of my photo of a Chihuly sculpture, hey . . . wait just a . . . are those from the yet-to-be-opened, NOT-to-be-photographed Andy Warhol exhibit, The Prints of Andy Warhol?

{ Go ! } :: North Museum of Natural History & Science

2012-03-02T21:56:00.000-05:00

The North Museum of Natural History & Science is located in Lancaster . . .

We've visited it on numerous occasions, you might even remember?

Today was Homeschooler's Day. But, we went to see Bugs . . . Outside the Box.

The following is taken from the museum website: This exhibit features heavily armored stag beetles with jaws as big as your legs, a giant butterfly with a five foot wingspan, and a long-arm beetle more than ten feet tall!

Lorenzo Possenti is the artist/entomology enthusiast who creates these scientifically accurate works of art. Using powerful magnification and actual specimens of each animal, Lorenzo painstakingly creates each sculpture with remarkable accuracy.

These are Giant Cave Cockroaches. Aren't they fantastic--they are not models?

Live Animal Room ~ The Blue-Tongued Skink (Eating His Lunch)

Live Animal Room ~ Red-Earred Slider

from the Live Animal Room ~ Pygmy Tarantula

After taking in the Planetarium show, we went downstairs to the Cabinet Museum.

We're still trying to figure out what made today "Homeschoolers Day," though. I'm sure you can see from my photos that there is no one else in the museum...nor is there anything going on (activities, workshops, volunteers available for questions).

That's okay . . . we prefer having a museum to ourselves.

Long Time, No Blog (Or, What We Did This Week)

2012-03-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

Our new Trailblazer game led us to random research into the Olmecs, the Clovis and the Adams–Onís Treaty. In fact, the questions are so varied I keep my index cards handy so I can jot down facts we'd like to know more about--then later, we look 'em up & learn!

Unfortunately, we're not having a love affair with the other game I bought at Ken's Educational Joys. I have to admit I regret the purchase of Math Noodlers -- most of the questions have been too difficult for Benjamin to easily answer (without a ton of input from me and Dad). It'll be pushed to the back of the game shelves for a while, methinks.

This week we've been at home every day . . . and I've answered questions like, "Is it possible to feel your pulse in your thumb?" and "What did you want me to be Mom, a boy or a girl?" We've discussed bomb shelters and ...after the end of the world. Benjamin would like to know, "what comes next?" "We came after the dinosaurs, so what do you think will be next?" he asks.

I've discovered Headsprout taught my visual-spatial guy nothing more than how to memorize what a letter/word/phoneme looks like . . . which does not help him. He makes no effort to, nor can he decode much of anything. He can reply to prompts, even sound out words in books . . . but he cannot pull from memory most of the words he's learned, let alone create unlearned words. Sad. More on that later . . .

Have you heard of Have Fun Teaching -- and its hilariously ingenious YouTube channel of sight words and alphabet videos. Check it out--and have fun dancing.

The Games tab at Benjamin's website fattened up quite a bit -- I added lots of great sites. Most of them I found while seeking Story of the World goodies. We're still learning about the Anglo-Saxons and the Roman Empire--and today we read about Nero trying to kill his mother more than once (making it look like an accident, of course). She just wouldn't die, so finally he became frustrated and sent his soldiers to kill her. Classy.

Wednesday we were in awe of nature, after watching the IMAX film, Beavers. In awe of technology, after watching the footage of the submerged Shinohara. And, inspired to play (Ben) archeologist after exploring the Andes. We both hated Beakman (?), who promptly found himself removed from our Instant Queue.

Michael and I completed Season 2 of Downton Abbey (Thank you so much Kim, for reminding us it is available for a limited time at PBS.org). Now, we're waiting for Season 2 of Sherlock (coming May).

As a family, we've been reading about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain -- if you've seen the film, Gettysburg, you know him. If not, get to know him. He is the most remarkable person I've read about lately . . . and an amazing role model. You need not be interested in the Civil War to be inspired by his life, trust me.

We procured a beautiful T. rex (from Papo) this week -- inspiration to begin reading our neat book (Thank you Nana) called Uncover T.rex. I'd like to find the human body book for Benjamin . . . I think he'd enjoy it.

My friend and I have been discussing food, supplements and overall 'living a healthy lifestyle' kind of stuff. She reminded me of the wonderful book, Nourishing Traditions. And my mom gave me some information on B12 (which I've begun taking) and calcium.
I'm attempting to tackle menopause-related symptoms/side effects while using as many natural remedies as possible. And, have an oncologist appointment coming up in a few weeks . . . we'll see if there is any good news on the horizon. Last month I celebrated two years cancer-free. Hopefully, I'm also two years into a drug therapy that should last no longer than five. Fingers crossed.

I'm finishing up Haim Ginott's Between Parent and Child, and thinking a copy should be given to all new parents. That one and anything written by John Holt. Just sayin'.

Of course we're still coloring. And Benjamin has discovered the "Print" icon, so he is making good use of our printer lately.

We have to put a new ink cartridge in the printer - Benjamin thinks Veggie Tales' Larry the Cucumber looks like he's been pickled. And the funny thing is, he does.

{ How We Learn } :: Parts of Speech :: Nouns

2012-03-01T15:35:00.001-05:00

I decided to introduce the word noun to Benjamin. Why? Well, we got this wonderful board game called Brain Quest (yes, it's that Brain Quest) and one of the Sixth Grader questions (which Michael and I answer) was something like this: Which one of the following is a noun: recommend, requirement, retire? Nouns. There's something we don't talk about much.

So, I visited BrainPOP Jr. first--because Annie & Moby are the best teachers, right? And, I printed out this cute coloring page ('cause we're big fans of colorin' lately).

I found a more intensive video on nouns by Tim & Moby over at BrainPOP. I didn't show it to Benjamin but I'm mentioning it here in case you might wish to see it.

We checked out Noun Dunk...a little weird, but how exciting can a noun-focused video game actually be...I mean, really? What can I expect?

And, from the public library I reserved Ruth Heller's Merry-Go-Round (because oddly enough, we have most all of her other parts of speech titles, but not the one about nouns?!?!). Since Heller's book introduced many other types of noun (proper, abstract, concrete, compound, collective, singular, plural, plural compound and possessive) I found more Brain POP Jr. videos to help explain: Possessive and Plural.

I also picked up A Mink, a Fink, a Skating Rink by Brian Cleary. Cleary's website is a treasure trove of fun and nonsense...we played a noun game there, too. And printed out a Noun Train for offline fun.

At our local library I discovered Nouns and its equally dazzling cohort, Proper Nouns. (The top photo comes from the book, Nouns). Note: I was being sarcastic there, when I described them as dazzling. Seriously, it turns out they are part of a series of early readers--published by ABDO. I am impressed by this series...look for it at your library. It's pretty cool.

And as a part of our celebration of all things noun...let's break out the Schoolhouse Rock.

{ Play ! } :: Trailblazer

2012-02-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my friend Kristin and I went to Ken's Educational Joys in Ephrata--it's a teacher resource store catering to the Mennonite and Amish communities, and it is absolutely breathtaking! Well, for those of us who love books and toys and games and stickers and puzzles and...well, anyway, I picked up a couple of things.

I was in the geography/maps section, looking for something for Benjamin--because he really enjoys our Ravensburger U.S. Map puzzle. I saw a game called, Trailblazer.

I am so glad I went back to buy it--after some minor deliberation (and the putting back of a Noggin game). Here's the deal...the board is huge (it's a U.S. Map) and it clearly shows the state borders, mountain ranges, waterways, and capital cities. All along the trails there are also cute little region-specific illustrations (i.e. a bison, a teepee).

To take a turn, players use the spinner--which looks like a compass.

There are trivia cards (on which there are varying levels of difficulty, signified by the color of the printing). Also, each icon (canoe, horse, covered wagon, paddle-boat, steam engine, automobile) signifies a time period in American history (from which the question comes).

The game also includes two other sets of cards: Adventure Cards and Treasure Cards.

Benjamin loves the Treasure Cards--he calls them "little bits of knowledge." And, he'll even cheat so he can land on a green spot, to select a Treasure Card. At one point I had to trade with him because I received a "Confederate Soldiers Uniform" and he got the quilt...so, we traded.

The funny thing is, we don't play by the rules. Technically, players aren't only racing across the country "blazing" a trail but also answering trivia questions (to earn points) and collecting Treasure Cards (to earn points). The game ends when a player reaches his destination--and the number of points earned determines the winner.

Since we don't score for points, we're just racing across the country. So, Benjamin isn't cheating so he can earn points...in fact, he's cheating so he can earn "bits of knowledge!"

We all LOVE it! Last night we learned about the Olmec people and I was reminded of the Clovis people--which led to some research. If your family enjoys learning history, I highly suggest you seek out this game--it's great!

Note: I also picked up Math Noodlers (thank you Stephanie) and this great cut-out book for in Benjamin's spring/Easter basket--it's illustrated by the same person who made his Civil War paper dolls.

Dude Hour

2012-02-25T22:10:00.001-05:00

For many of you Only Small Things readers you will note this is a rarity. Jessica is off with her friend Kristin, searching for new and exciting educational tools, (i.e. games).

These occasions have long been deemed "Dude Hour," because it is just us dudes. So on this rare occasion I ( Michael ) aka Dad, get to guest write. Now, you might ask yourself what goes on during Dude Hour? Guy stuff right? I thought it would be a good chance to take Benjamin to Troegs to see how beer is made but Jessica took care of that earlier this week. I resorted to simply what we do...not too different than any other day. This is what we learned today during Dude Hour.

We are in the dark ages. Well, learning about them. Benjamin started the day with a bombardment of the Falcon Castle stronghold. After many unsuccessful blows the Owl knights decided to try the common medieval battle strategy of tunneling underground to within the fortress walls and attacking. His knights have been on the attack since watching the History Channel's The Dark Ages, a great synopsis of the turmoil of the Middle Ages. As his knights were attacking I found this very cool new interactive website for the Ghent Altarpiece, Closer to Van Eyck: Rediscovering the Ghent Alterpiece.

The Knights of Christ panel from the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck

The Ghent Altarpiece was painted by Jan van Eyck in 1432 and is one of the most highly regarded works in the history of art. Van Eyck is commonly considered the father of oil painting and is highly regarded for his extreme attention to minute detail. As I spotted the Knights of Christ panel I knew Benjamin would find interest in the painting. This of course lead to discussion on rebirth of education and art, frescoes and mosaics versus oil paintings, and Adam and Eve. Frescoes and Adam and Eve led us to a short discussion on Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling fresco.

Once the Owl knights were well underway with their tunnel and the Falcon knights were convinced they were burying their dead Benjamin decided to settle in for a re-cap of the Roman Empire by watching Colosseum: A Gladiators Story which portrays one of the only known written accounts of a gladiator battle in history. He loves it!

Once Mom got home Dude Hour was over and what happens in Dude Hour, well, never stays in Dude Hour.

{ Go! } :: Tröegs Brewery & The Hershey Story

2012-02-23T22:11:00.001-05:00

Earlier this evening I uploaded 21 photos to this blog--from our trip to Tröegs Brewery (inspired by our research of the Celts and various other ale-lovin' historical figures) and our visit to The Hershey Story. The entire post was accidentally deleted.

This is the shortened (less witty) version . . .

As you can see, the brewery consists of large silver vats and tubes and stuff...not quite what I expected.

I was kind of hoping we'd see the hops and yeasty goodness.

There was a lot of reading to be done--no tour guides, no pamphlets.

Nothing of interest to a seven-year-old whose mother led him to believe this tour might be interesting.

But we had fun at The Hershey Story -- exploring the Pennsylvania German Cooking exhibit and playing around on the interactive map . . .

We were happy to see the Apostolic Clock returned (it had been out for repairs) . . .

And Benjamin received a special treat from one our favorite docents . . .

A Hershey bar -- which he promptly unwrapped and ate in the car.

Spring is in the Air

2012-02-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

Our morning began with knight play. And then we talked about a quarter (of pizza, of a dollar, of a cup, of an hour)...

And for an hour or so, we listened to Stories of Beowulf Told to The Children...

After lunch, we were off (it reached sixty degrees here today)...we discovered this little bloom on our periwinkle (and the camouflaged shell of a visitor from last summer).

Then, we headed for Wildwood Nature Center (to return our Urban Wildlife Kit)...

And these are some of Benjamin's photographs of Wildwood...( also sharing at OLM )

It was a beautiful day -- and we met a sweet older couple who told us about paths we'd never explored. In fact, most of these photographs are from those new paths. When we arrived home Benjamin set to work trying to make a spearhead from the shale he picked up--he loves trying to mimic the tools of "early man."

After dinner the guys watched The Yankee Workshop "video-of-the-week" while I baked a chocolate cake. At bedtime, I continued reading from a book about the Celts and Michael started Joshua Chamberlain and the American Civil War. How was your day?

{ Story of the World ~ V.2, Ch. 2 } :: The Early Days of Britain

2012-02-21T20:35:00.001-05:00

We spent a few weeks enjoying Ancient Rome (well, actually we've spent years enjoying Ancient Rome! Ha ha!). Now, we're learning about the early days of Britain.

What We've Been Reading:

When I sat down to find resources to accompany Chapter Two of Story of the World (Volume 2), I decided first to seek out information on the Celts and the Anglo-Saxons.

I reserved What Do We Know About...The Celts first, and I am not sorry--it is perfect! It gives us enough information about the Celts to understand their role in Roman history--or shall I say, the Romans role in the Celts' history.

I also picked up Hands-On History: Celts. We've gotten Hands-On History books before and they offer lots of well, hands-on activities. Benjamin isn't usually into doing that sort of stuff--I figured I'd mention it anyway (for those of you who have kids who enjoy doing that sort of thing). The book includes facts, too (they were just repetitive of what we already learned in the previous title).

The Anglo-Saxons (Look Into The Past) is the book I brought home to help us learn a bit more about the people who invented the legends of Robin Hood and King Artur...[and who] came across the English Channel as traders or soldiers in the Roman Army.

What We've Been Watching/Listening To:

Here is what I found...a documentary from the History Channel called The Dark Ages. It's characterized as violent, dark and gritty. So, use your parental judgement. I can tell you Benjamin loved it--he grabbed my arm at the end and said, "I could watch this all night." The film is approximately an hour and a half & it is brilliant. Really!

Ah! Now, the PDF, Stories of Beowulf Told to Children (which came to me via my e-newsletter from Charlotte Mason Helper) is definitely suitable for kids of all ages! I found the MP3s on Librivox.

How We Have Fun:

First, let me just confess I am so happy I've abandoned any guilt related to our current approach to learning (it's not-very-unschool). I'm taking time to plan and as a result I have found so many resources to accompany the curricula we use--I'm finding hidden gems!

Early British Kingdoms for Kids is an amazing website--there is so much here, you could spend months studying this topic! And I think the illustrations are so great--any kid will be amused by the depictions of people and places on this site!

And, oh. my. god...this BBC site, Iron Age Celts is pure genius. Really, can the BBC do anything wrong? We found so many fun things on this site!

The "Singing Severed Head" is hilarious--and Dion, the young Celt is so adorable!

Most any activity Benjamin completed online, he was then able to print a hard copy.

Each activity includes a story -- this one was about Celtic Warriors.

Benjamin learned about the Roman invaders -- and printed these paper dolls.

And, he was able to dress Dion as a Celtic Warrior--choosing his head-ware and weapons.

Then, he printed his creation -- Warrior Dion is particularly cute, I think!

The stories are wonderfully well-done...and although funny, they teach a lot of information!

Yes, this Roman showed up at the lunch table this afternoon.

If you're interested in learning more about the Celts -- and the Roman invasion...

I whole-heartedly suggest this website! And, there is one for Anglo-Saxons, too.

Here, we could also experiment with Iron Age living--yes, it's another BBC website. We even built our own roundhouse. We're planning to research the tribes and clans of the Dark Ages a bit more--the Goths, Visigoths, Ostrogoths, etc. because Benjamin really enjoyed learning about them in the History Channel documentary--so, we'll probably spend some more time on that topic.

So tell me ~ Are these posts full of linky goodness helping any of you, dear Readers?

Tuesday

2012-02-21T16:54:00.000-05:00

We decorated for St. Patrick's Day ~ Top o' the Mornin' To Ya!

And began reading about The Celts...which led to some fun on the BBC's Iron Age website...

I showed Benjamin this adorable game...for making bonds of ten. Fill the hole & save the whale.

I'm not sure what this shifty-looking pirate has in mind...

Benjamin was happy to find the links I added to his website--this is Dig it Up: Vikings!

Another making ten game, this time...a bear catches blocks to make ten.

Lego Hero Surge came to breakfast...and enjoyed a chocolate iced doughnut.

Benjamin helped me mix our natural peanut butter ~ he held the jar while I mixed.

And then there was more, Dig it Up: Anglo-Saxons.

The new Stone Age set from Playmobil has found a special place with Benjamin.

This afternoon we watched American Experience: Wyatt Earp. I recommend it--whether or not you enjoy Westerns, the Old West or anything cowboy-related. If you enjoy bios, it's a good one (sad, but so so good). It's currently showing on Netflix (but only through February 23rd). But, it's showing on PBS.org (probably indefinitely). Check it out!

{ How We Learn } :: Make Ten

2012-02-21T15:02:00.000-05:00

So, I've been thinking about ways to add a little more math to our lives--we can both use some daily number love. The truth is...I avoid numbers much like I would The Plague. I doubt Benjamin would ever glean any number sense from me unless I make the effort.

Like many newbie homeschoolers I purchased Math-U-See (the Primer + a set of bricks). I'm probably still paying the interest on that purchase. I also bought UNIFIX cubes. And, I also bought the God-awful boring resource guides to along with them. The website made no mention you must also own ten other UNIFIX accessories to effectively do any of the activities in the book. We have cubes, pinto beans, plastic bingo chips, playing cards, magnetic numbers, dice...you name it, we own it.

Tell me, do you think I was manipulated by manipulatives?

Over the years, while reading What Do We Do All Day? I've been intrigued by Kiddo's insatiable love of numbers. 'Cause ya know...I hate math. So, to love numbers and mathematical operations the way that boy does...it's inspiring!

Recently I found a copy of Math for Fun Projects at our local library. It's amazing! Every game and project detailed inside is applicable (even for me)! Usually when I read books full of lessons or instructions they seem intimidating or difficult...not these!

To wrap my head around all this math, I decided to start with one concept and see if I could pull together a bunch of resources that would make it er, fun (?). So, I decided to start with the concept of making ten.

I began at BrainPOP Jr ('cause we love it)...and I found Making Ten. I printed out this activity (although, I hate the concept of worksheets--sometimes they're helpful). From our public library I reserved, Donald Crews' Ten Black Dots. I love the visual aspect.

Last year (for Kindergarten) I subscribed to More.Starfall. Admittedly, I rarely think to use it...but Benjamin really does enjoy the math games--in fact, I often find him playing Add Potatoes on his own. I've now introduced Make Ten to him, too!

At the wonderful NCTM website, Illuminations, we found a Ten Frame game that is a lot of fun...and it is free-to-use. In addition, printable ten frames are available at the site.

And, I found this AMAZING site (which is currently FREE)...check it out! I love the games. The atmosphere is so pleasant--no flashing ads for credit score reports! And it's not just math games--they have reading and social studies games, too. It's currently in beta (and will become subscription-based in the next few months).

I can't say enough good things about how cute this making ten game is...it involves a bear. Enough said.

And, Save the Whale is a cute one, too--the ads are hidden at the bottom of the screen (so they're not distracting). Benjamin is pretty good at it, too! And again, I love the visuals.

I should note...those Math-U-See bricks are wonderful for making ten games...and of course, UNIFIX cubes. They're also great. I suppose my non-mathematical mind just can't invent any stellar games/activities to go along with them and depending on the accompany books/videos (in the case of Math-U-See) for any inspiration just proved too boring (at least for us)!

How do you make math fun?

Tracks & Pelts & Scat...Oh My!

2012-02-20T21:43:00.000-05:00

The Wildwood Nature Center allows educators to borrow education kits like the Urban Wildlife Kit...which we borrowed earlier this month. Tonight we opened it up...

{ A Beaver Skull }

{ Pelts Galore ! }

{ Casts of Scat & Tracks }

{ Cast of Deer Hooves Track}

{ Benjamin w/ Muskrat Skull }

{ Benjamin w/ Coyote Skull }

{ Benjamin Perusing Pelts }

{ More Skull Investigation }

{ Mink Skull }

{ Tracks & Scat }

{A Mold of Wolf Scat }

Everything was going great...then, Benjamin's keen eye discovered something gross...

Inside this coyote skull, we discovered a worm. And in the nasal cavities of other skulls we found the same thing--worms. I don't think they are alive (maybe even just their skins?) but nonetheless, it was disturbing enough that we decided to pack it all up!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In other news: Today we played more Dig it Up (In fact, at his request I've added a new tab full of historical goodness to Benjamin's webpage). Feel free to stop over and check it out! Let's see...what else? We read about the California Condor (A wing span of 8' - 9')! We also read a DK Reader together--I'm hoping Benjamin will begin to recognize the words and phonetic elements he learns while playing Headsprout carry into other parts of his life...not just the Headsprout games. So, I'm showing them to him as we read--rather than simply assuming he'll notice (which he doesn't). Later he used some of his sounding out skills to figure some things out on the Ancient Rome Dig it Up game. Proud, he was!

Middle Creek :: The Snow Geese & Tundra Swans Have Arrived

2012-02-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

Today we visited Middle Creek, where tens of thousands of Snow Geese and Tundra Swans pass through on their migration.

As you can see, I wasn't the only one snapping photos. These are Benjamin's:

The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations - each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony. ~Ruth Bernhard

{ How We Learn } :: Headsprout Early Reading

2012-02-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

Benjamin began Headsprout Early Reading in the summer of 2011 and he progressed through episodes 1-40 in just a few short months. Confidently, we began the "second half" of Headsprout in September .

But, we took a break in October. And November. Oh, and December. Uh, did I mention we took some time off in January? Er, and um, most of February?

Well, last week we started up again. We restarted Episode 52 and at first Benjamin was really enjoying it--and doing just fine. But, when some phonetic elements he'd forgotten appeared he became frustrated. So, we stopped. He's in first grade. And, according to the developers, "in 80 episodes, your child will go from being a non-reader to reading at a mid-2nd grade level." I'm not planning to panic anytime soon.

Now, I'm thinking of ways we can review elements he's already learned. He's proud of the fact he can read most all of the words in the huge stack of Episode 1-40 word cards...yet when they re-appeared in the online game he became visibly flustered.

One of the negatives of Headsprout is a lack of information out there about it--go ahead and put it in your search box. You will find links to Headsprout's website and a handful of bloggers who were given full access to the program in exchange for a product review. Most reviews are (for lack of a better word), inaccurate (because the reviewer writes the post prematurely). Unless the child completed all 80 episodes the review will be lacking, right? Headsprout publicizes a whole lot of research--but what parents are looking for (I think) are methods to support their child/ren while they're using the program.

I remember discussing this with a friend. She told me she hated having to wait for her son to complete a certain number of episodes before she was permitted to print the word cards. I agree! It's ridiculous. Considering the hefty price tag of the program, we should not have to be at the mercy of the developers just to print flash cards. It's ridiculous! In addition to that...it's positively insane that we cannot randomly replay episodes. Parents may replay the previous episode only and if they need to reset the program they are told to contact Customer Service (and it's sort of taboo).

Well, tonight I was considering alternative review games, puzzles, etc. to help Benjamin feel more confident about what he already knows--and I discovered a PDF of a Teacher's Guide for Headsprout! The guide includes an appendix which finally lists the seemingly elusive Overview of Sounds and Words!

I am so happy to finally be able to see what phonetic elements are coming up--instead of having to wait for completion of each episode. Plus, the PDF's lists of Sample Words are useful for making up review games for each chunk of episodes (before, I had to view each Home Progress Report after an episode or worse, wait for the golden moment when I was finally permitted to print our Sprout Cards). Really? Why the secrecy?

FYI: If I end up creating any sort of games or activities that coincide with Headsprout Episodes 41-80, I'll share them here...maybe they'll help others who are also frustrated.

A Visit With Friends

2012-02-16T20:43:00.002-05:00

It's been ages since we got together with our friends, Kylie and Alex. So, today we drove to Lancaster to visit them--and play a bit with Thomas (and Percy and James and...).

And Benjamin disappeared a few times...under Alex. And when I asked, "Where's Ben?" this is the stoic, evasive look I got from Alex:

Of course, he slid off of Benjamin a few minutes later and giggled as if he'd pulled off a really ingenious hoax. He's too cute!

This afternoon (when we arrived home), we snuggled on the sofa and watched Wagon Train. Then, when Michael got home from work we all played Brain Quest...

Benjamin won--he's rather good at this game. And it's fun, too--check it out if you ever have the chance. You won't be disappointed. Another thing we did today was to listen to a lot of The Decemberists. Are you familiar?

Michael and I have been Decemberist fans for years--but I've noticed for the last couple of years (ages 4-present) Benjamin has really begun to listen. And, I think he loves the songs because he adores ornate musical compositions--and, because their songs are rich with history and storytelling.

Today we listened to Picaresque almost all day--he loves the story woven throughout the "The Mariner's Revenge Song." It's a good one--and this video (to which I just linked) is especially entertaining. So there ya have it...a wonderful morning with friends and a relaxing evening at home. Now...into the weekend we go!

{ BFSU Vol. I ~ A-3 } :: Air Is A Substance

2012-02-15T21:15:00.001-05:00

What We Did:

Together, we read Air, although a tiny picture book, it is very informative regarding the physical properties of air and its significance to us. And, the illustrations are splendid. In fact, I'd love to own it! Unfortunately, I believe it's no longer in print.

At Teacher's Domain we watched the video, Air is Matter and a video segment from the program ZOOM, on how to make a hovercraft.

We also gave making a hovercraft a try. If only we could make a disguise for the CD so it looks like Luke Skywalker's Tatooine Landspeeder - that would be cool!

From another book titled Air, this one a book of experiments, we tried our hand at a couple of things: Keep the Tissue Dry, Investigating Hot Air, The Magic Glass, and The Egg and Bottle Trick.

Keeping the Tissue Dry ~ This experiment was a lot of fun because honestly, not one of us expected it to work...and it did! That tissue was as dry as a bone when we pulled the glass out of the water.

Investigating Hot Air ~ Benjamin really enjoyed this one...he was so surprised when the balloon stood up erect (after sitting the empty bottle in hot water).

The Magic Glass ~ Of course this one was a crowd-pleaser. The first time the card popped off and we all got splashed, but the second attempt was a success!

Using Janice VanCleave's Earth Science for Every Kid, we did two more experiments: Spacey and Straw Drill.

Spacey ~ The cork experiment (above) shows the surface of the water, along with the cork will be pulled the bottom of the bowl when a glass is placed over top.

Straw Drill ~ And the potato drill experiment...well, ya just have to see it to believe it!

What Others Did:

@Rumphius Romp
@Living and Learning

Mama's Honest Observations:

This time around (using BFSU) we took it easy...and stretched things out for a couple of days. Although I prepared some things, the experiments were simple and easily done. I think everything went very well and Benjamin enjoyed seeing what he'd learned about in the book/online.

One More Thing:

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by from the Well Trained Mind forum and for all of the kind comments and e-mails. I look forward to sharing more with you from our experiences with BFSU--and I'm so glad you found us!

Next we'll be learning about the Particulate Nature of Matter { BFSU, Vol. 1 ~ A-4 }...

{ Story of the World ~ V.2, Ch.1 } :: The Glory That Was Rome

2012-02-15T16:10:00.000-05:00

Benjamin has been listening to the Jim Weiss audiobook of The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times for a year. Now, he's listening to The Story of the World, Volume 2: The Middle Ages. I'm planning to make the effort to collect books, videos, and other resources to coincide with what he hears...because he always craves more information. So, in regard to Chapter One on the Roman Empire...

What We've Been Reading:

What We've Been Watching:

At BrainPOP Jr. we watched Ancient Rome (of course, Benjamin has already watched this one about four hundred and seventy-five times already, but we watched it again because he obviously enjoys it). Now that we also have BrainPOP we watched, Rise of the Roman Empire, Pax Romana, Roman Republic and Fall of the Roman Empire.

A few months ago we watched, Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story (on Netflix). Considering Benjamin's ongoing interest in gladiators, we watched it again. It's really quite good (a touch cheesy) but it's a realistic portrayal of a gladiator's training and eventual fight.

How We Have Fun:

This website created by the BBC is wonderfully organized--and it's a lot of fun! The digging game is especially cute. Benjamin loved digging for artifacts.

You are given three diggers--and each digger gets three chances to dig for artifacts. And, there are multiple levels in the game.

Sometimes your diggers find something -- and it's rubbish. Other times...it's a Roman artifact! If you find artifacts, you save the land from being developed!

Your items are all collected until the end of all three diggers' turns.

Finally, after all three diggers have done their best to find an artifact, it's time to put them together and then...

You must guess what you've discovered. It is a lot of fun--if you have a history buff in the house (or a wannabe archeologist), give it a go!

We also found some fun things to do here, too! Oh--and I showed Benjamin modern-day video footage of the Colosseum. The video loop shows the size of the arena compared to modern vehicles and people.

Of course we played with our Playmobil Colosseum and we goofed around a bit with The Wooden Sword game at Playmobil.com...you knew that though, didn't ya? We've been playin' that one for years.

Just because we're listening to Story of the World doesn't mean we're tied into some kind of timeline or that we've abandoned other topics in history. We're still into the Old West and the Civil War and today we attended a class at a historical society on U.S. Slavery & the Underground Railroad. What historical tidbits have you learned lately?

O Valentine!

2012-02-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

This morning I found a paper doily valentine at the breakfast table and a lovely little watercolor of a mushroom on my desk.

I'm feeling much-loved today.

Benjamin also found some goodies--Playmobil finally manufactured the Stone Age.

Michael and I also filled his mailbox with doily hearts and Clone Troopers and yummy yums.

And for Dad...Benjamin painted a (Young) Obi Won Kenobi. I made him a woolly art-inspired valentine.

{ Sugar Hearts at Maw Maw's House }

{ and Patchwork Hearts }

{ and Conversation Hearts }

{ Uh-huh...it's a cupid cupcake! }

We spent the evening with family (Grandpa, Maw Maw, Nee Nee & Uncle Brad)...

Happy Valentine's Day ~ Did you spend it with someone you love?

Monday, Monday

2012-02-13T18:57:00.000-05:00

{ Peeking }

{ Climbing }

{ Cannoning }

{ Fighting }

{ Coloring }

{ Reading }

{ Mummifying }

{ Listening }

{ Counting }

{ Digging }

{ Loving }

{ Glowing }

{ Evolving }

Ahhhhh, { Breathing }.

{ and...Sharing at Ordinary Life Magic }

{ Do - It - Yourself } :: Boot Tray

2012-02-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

I was ~~sweeping the kitchen on Friday~~ searching for the missing fluorescent green plasma ball Benjamin's new Hero Surge shot out of his arm cannon...when I had to move our boot trays and thought, maybe I'll share this idea with you ('cause it's easy peasy to make and looks tidy, too).

To Make Boot Trays: We bought 13" x 17" butcher trays at the art supply store, but Amazon has them, too. We sat cheap cake/cooling racks inside the trays and basically, made inexpensive boot-drying trays! They are easy to wipe clean and your boots won't sit in a puddle of their own mud and rainwater. Try it...spring showers are right around the corner!

The Dawn of Coloring

2012-02-10T16:45:00.002-05:00

When Benjamin was a preschooler he hated coloring pages. Everywhere we went, little kids were offered coloring pages. Entire websites exist simply to offer coloring pages.

When we went to Wildwood a couple of weeks ago and in the Education Room, we picked up some nature-themed cut-outs. Well, one afternoon I started coloring a Mourning Dove. And as they say, the rest is history...

Today I picked up a Star Wars Clone Trooper coloring book at Hobby Lobby. He's thrilled.

And, I find it's very relaxing to simply sit...and color...and chat with one another.

{ How We Learn } :: Story of the World

2012-02-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Benjamin's favorite subject (hands down) is history. A year ago I decided to play clips from Peace Hill Press' YouTube channel for him--to gauge whether or not he enjoyed listening to Jim Weiss' recordings of Susan Wise Bauer's collection. He did! He asked if we could order it for him to listen--by order, he meant, reserve it from the public library. Well, none of our local libraries carry Story of the World (any version, any volume). So, we ordered the audio book from Amazon (along with the hardcover text). And for a year Benjamin has been enjoying it. We even bought him Volume II for Christmas--and he treasures it, too.

A couple of months ago we received a thick package in the mail--it was from our friend, Christina. She loaned me the activity books to accompany Volume I and II of Story of the World! Well, at the time I was in holiday-mode...in other words, I was frazzled.

I didn't get a chance to browse through the thick stack of papers until recently...Whoa!

Well, since Benjamin and I seem to be in a sort of transition period, I asked him if he'd like to work through some of the activities--nothing absurdly academic, maybe relaxing with some coloring pages, a little casual map study, playin' around with historical paper dolls...that sort of thing (to accompany what he hears via audio book).

When Benjamin learns something he immediately seeks more information. I am almost never prepared. Side note: when I imagined unschooling, I was inspired by Ordinary Life Magic. Stephanie is the epitome of calm. Her days with Trev and Maddie flow from one wonderfully kid-centered activity to the next...with ne'er a hiccup.

In my reality, I am scrambling to find answers to Benjamin's questions or supplies for his inventions and by the time I gather said information or those necessary articles to build that invention...he's onto something new. As a result, I always feel frazzled.

Listening to Story of the World (using resources organized at Teacher's Domain) plus the Story of the World Activity Books...I ~~think~~ hope I'll be better prepared. I want to nurture his curiosity and when I am ill-prepared, I feel like I'm failing.

So, tonight I sit down with my hardcover edition of Story of the World, Christina's copies of the Activity Guide and...the internet. I'll prepare additional resources for the first few chapters--and hopefully, if he wants to further investigate any of what he hears, I will be prepared. No more floundering. Tonight, while we were coloring (nature scenes) I said, just wait 'til you can color Genghis Khan. He said, "Oh yea! When can I do that...I also want to cut out that armor for that one guy (the Theodora & Justinian paper dolls)."

I am planning to share our resources...so, if you are using Story of the World (Volumes I and/or II), be sure to stop back and see what we're up to--I'm pretty good about linking!

{ Build! } :: A Schoolroom Improvement

2012-02-09T15:51:00.000-05:00

We own four IKEA BILLY bookshelves. Two are in the schoolroom and two are in Benjamin's bedroom. Two weeks ago we had a visit with Pappy, who brought us more goodies for on our nature shelves--a deer skull (with antlers) and two turtle shells. We needed more room! So, Michael suggested laying a piece of plywood across the two BILLY bookshelves, creating what looks a lot like a built-in feature...

Now, we can display our moose antlers, marine specimens, feathers, skulls, nests, etc.!

And, it freed up space on the shelves again. So, I moved nature books from Benjamin's bookshelves into the schoolroom (freeing up room for more history books in his bedroom).

And, we got rid of the six plastic crates! Now, our manipulatives and art supplies are back on the shelves. We also moved the globe within easy reach of Benjamin...rather than having it on the highest shelf (as it was last year).

Benjamin's changing-table-turned schoolroom-storage (along with our newly redesigned bulletin board) look great framed in between the shelves. And we love our new wireless printer (Thank you, Grandpa & Maw Maw).

"It's like we have our own cool museum!" Ben exclaimed when I first started re-arranging things. And he's right...it's very cool. The room is so welcoming now...especially when the late afternoon light pours into it.

And, it inspired me to organize the art supplies, scrap paper collection and cardboard crate. Benjamin tried to talk me into salvaging "his favorite piece of cardboard" but I told him we have plenty of other good pieces of cardboard and that particular piece was getting a bit tattered...so, we wish it well as it begins its new life at the recycling facility.

A Bit About Our Week

2012-02-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

The other day we found a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in the schoolroom. So, of course, we gave it a ride on the Doodle Track.

And Benjamin has been taking lots of pictures -- of me -- taking pictures of him.

And he has grown fond of Lego Hero Factory. Today, he spent his $10. On, Surge.

Lego CITY police (and their crooks) have been busy around the house, too.

We brought wildlife cutouts home from Wildwood last week and we've all been enjoying sitting down and coloring them. It's really quite relaxing.

Benjamin discovered a way to cheat the ball-bearing Valentine game -- use a magnet!

We've also finished watching five seasons of (the most recent incarnation of Doctor Who), the first season of Downton Abbey, and the first season of Sherlock. We are still enjoying Wagon Train (me & Ben) and Veggie Tales (Ben). Last weekend Michael and I watched Gosford Park. It turns out Netflix is a good match for us.

Benjamin and I have been playing around with Ten Frames. I'm using a little book, Math to Learn to guide me...because I hate all things math. Honestly, I would avoid numbers altogether if I didn't know I must "teach" math (according to PA law). Using Math to Learn I have some idea what to introduce to a 1st/2nd grader. I'll buy Math to Know eventually--and then, Math at Hand. I think they're wonderful guides, without being a math curriculum.

We're also listening to Story of the World, Volume II...and right now I'm paging through the hardcover edition and a thick stack of activities loaned to me by the very generous and witty Fairly Odd Mother, Christina! Benjamin spotted Ghengis Khan this afternoon and exclaimed, "Cool!" So, I think it's time to start using the Activity Book.

We'll probably start BFSU Volume I, A-3 (Air) tomorrow--so, I'll be sharing.

Ahhhhh, now I feel caught up. Oh, except for snow. It has snowed. Perhaps tomorrow will bring photographs. Today was for errands, tomorrow...we'll see?

This Has Been My Day . . .

2012-02-07T15:18:00.001-05:00

A clogged kitchen sink (both sides...of a double sink), first thing this morning.

This afternoon, my lovely organic red delicious apple was rotten on the inside.

Ah, and there was...the first floor toilet getting clogged (don't ask).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." ~Robert Louis Stevenson

"Hey, I moved your keyboard over there under the desk," I said...and it planted a seed.