The kids and I sent of for some caterpillars a few weeks back, and they arrived in a little jar full of food. We watched them for many days, as they ate and pooped and spun silk, and then they crawled up to the top of the jar and wrapped themselves up in their cocoons. You know what happens next.
Fresh Butterflies
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday's Good Stuff
Three kids laughing hilariously and simultaneously with delight in their mother's antics.
The initially disappointing wine that tasted lovely when mixed with diet 7-Up.
A chubby-tummed water-baby thrilled with her first professional swimming lesson.
A big brother comforting his little sister.
A cool overcast day that left no droplets on my glasses.
The surprise of my favorite gluten-free cookies on the supermarket shelf.
Financial aid closer on the horizon.
A nine-year-old choosing to do math problems in bed at night.
Cute dogs leaning into under-the-collar scratches.
Stolen moments alone.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Cowboys and Indians
No, my kids don't play Cowboys & Indians or Cops & Robbers, but today they invented a new game: Bacteria and Antibodies. They were chasing each other around the house and fighting over who had to be the evil bacteria. Love it, love it, love it. (And by the way, if they did ever play Cowboys & Indians, I have no doubt the cowboys would be the bad guys.)
They were also quite upset with me for throwing away the moldy orange juice bottle I found in the fridge last night. Turns out it was a science project about which I was unaware. I told them to let me know next time so I don't mistake a plate of growing fuzz for garbage in the future.
Did you know that tarantulas can go 2.5 years without eating? We just learned that today. Thank you, Beakman's World.
Marian and Leo both completed a couple of reading assessments today; I'd stumbled across them and they looked quick, so we gave it a whirl. Marian (age 8) came in at a grade level of 4.8 (8th month of 4th grade), and Leo (age 6) at 4.0. The San Diego Quick Assessment just used whole grade numbers and Marian scored grade 4 and Leo grade 2. Both assessments measured only decoding (being able to read the actual words), not reading comprehension, and who knows how much worth they actually have. However, I can certainly see numbers coming in handy the next time I'm cornered by a rabid homeschooling/unschooling skeptic who's convince I'm ruining my children's lives.
On another topic, my foster cat had her babies the other day and has proven to be one of the most idiotic and inept new mothers I've ever known of any species. She is so clueless. I hate interfering with births and maternal-newborn relationships and have always been very hands-off, but I have no doubts that both her babies would be dead right now without me. She finally is getting the hang of it though, if finally nursing well, and hasn't forcefully (and accidentally) flung one of her babies into the side of the cage recently. Oy.
They were also quite upset with me for throwing away the moldy orange juice bottle I found in the fridge last night. Turns out it was a science project about which I was unaware. I told them to let me know next time so I don't mistake a plate of growing fuzz for garbage in the future.
Did you know that tarantulas can go 2.5 years without eating? We just learned that today. Thank you, Beakman's World.
Marian and Leo both completed a couple of reading assessments today; I'd stumbled across them and they looked quick, so we gave it a whirl. Marian (age 8) came in at a grade level of 4.8 (8th month of 4th grade), and Leo (age 6) at 4.0. The San Diego Quick Assessment just used whole grade numbers and Marian scored grade 4 and Leo grade 2. Both assessments measured only decoding (being able to read the actual words), not reading comprehension, and who knows how much worth they actually have. However, I can certainly see numbers coming in handy the next time I'm cornered by a rabid homeschooling/unschooling skeptic who's convince I'm ruining my children's lives.
On another topic, my foster cat had her babies the other day and has proven to be one of the most idiotic and inept new mothers I've ever known of any species. She is so clueless. I hate interfering with births and maternal-newborn relationships and have always been very hands-off, but I have no doubts that both her babies would be dead right now without me. She finally is getting the hang of it though, if finally nursing well, and hasn't forcefully (and accidentally) flung one of her babies into the side of the cage recently. Oy.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Blip
Taught the kids thumb wrestling, arm wrestling, and how to make disgusting farting noises with the non-butt parts of their bodies. Can that count as PE?
My big girl
My big girl
Monday, February 25, 2008
Num num, Nim Nim.
The kids and I are reading Nim's Island and are having a learning blast with it. We read the first three chapters today, and then took off for further research at the library where we devoured a large stack of books and read all about sea otters, blue whales, plankton, barometers, iguanas, and more. Those chapters also inspired fun conversations about satellite dishes, laptop computers, volcanoes, cyclones, machetes, and rudders and tillers. Marian is keeping an ongoing list of all animals mentioned and I'm helping her with a side list of other topics to explore.
The scene of the massacre:
All three kids declared the coconut opening exciting and unpredictable. I wish we'd all worn safety goggles, and I'm sure the kids will never forget the vision of their sweet sweating mother repeatedly swinging a cleaver through the air at a furry brown coconut, which then protested by showering us with wooden chips at each stroke. When we finally got it open, we lost all the juice, but the meat was a hit, however stubborn. It made a nice addition to our "Nim Dinner" of coconut, seaweed, snap peas, sweet potatoes, and strawberries. (My tropical wine cooler fit with the theme as well.)
The coconut was a hit.
Mixed reviews on the seaweed. M braved a second bite, while L reacted to his first.
And Sophie ate everything.
Dry seaweed.
Rehydrated seaweed. Just for kicks. Slime and odor abound.
A simple cut and paste craft of a coconut tree, to pass the time while waiting for the eternal sweeet potatoes to finish baking.
We can't wait for chapter 4!
The scene of the massacre:
All three kids declared the coconut opening exciting and unpredictable. I wish we'd all worn safety goggles, and I'm sure the kids will never forget the vision of their sweet sweating mother repeatedly swinging a cleaver through the air at a furry brown coconut, which then protested by showering us with wooden chips at each stroke. When we finally got it open, we lost all the juice, but the meat was a hit, however stubborn. It made a nice addition to our "Nim Dinner" of coconut, seaweed, snap peas, sweet potatoes, and strawberries. (My tropical wine cooler fit with the theme as well.)
The coconut was a hit.
Mixed reviews on the seaweed. M braved a second bite, while L reacted to his first.
And Sophie ate everything.
Dry seaweed.
Rehydrated seaweed. Just for kicks. Slime and odor abound.
A simple cut and paste craft of a coconut tree, to pass the time while waiting for the eternal sweeet potatoes to finish baking.
We can't wait for chapter 4!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Boat Float experiment
The kids and I spontaneously made boats today. L's and S's are sailboats made from non-tupperware, tea lights holding skewer masts, and paper sails.
M got really into hers and made an aluminum 3-bench canoe with two double oars. She's fashioning the second double oar in this pic.
All the boats floated, and the kids were thrilled!
M got really into hers and made an aluminum 3-bench canoe with two double oars. She's fashioning the second double oar in this pic.
All the boats floated, and the kids were thrilled!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Soulful Sunday
Today I researched my ayurvedic dosha, psychic children, aloe vera properties, sunflower seed butter, gluten-free foods, and care of puncture wounds. The kids and I played nearly an hour of Sight Word Bingo and did a hilarious Mad Libs. It's been an interesting day, and much better than I anticipated when I woke up much too late feeling like complete and utter crap.
Gus hums. Yes, Gus the dog. You know, the one with the doggie diaper and backyard anti-digging collar. He hums.
I seem to attract odd animals into my life with almost supernatural regularity. Too bad I can't put that on my resume.
Gus hums. Yes, Gus the dog. You know, the one with the doggie diaper and backyard anti-digging collar. He hums.
I seem to attract odd animals into my life with almost supernatural regularity. Too bad I can't put that on my resume.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Jersey Shore on the Dining Table
How cool is it that we have part of the Jersey Shore in our landlocked Colorado home? This arrangement is courtesy of all four members of the MaWhit family, and bits of Jersey shore are courtesy of a dear friend who knows me well.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Bloggity blog blog blog
The kids and I have been having some lovely days. Lots of reading and counting and math and questions and singing and critters. Those lovely homeschooling days that make it so clear we're on the right path.
I'm getting excited about next semester, as well as years to come. One of my courses next semester requires me to really think and plan for my future and prepare for either graduate school or the workforce. I've decided to pursue my Master's after I graduate.
I've always wanted an advanced degree, but even my Bachelor's seemed out of reach for so long. Now I feel that anything is possible. (Except for paying off student loans someday. 
)
I love Tarot. I've only done readings for myself, and it helps me to clarify my inner goals, thought, and feelings in a way that only journaling has done in the past. The difference is that Tarot helps when I can't find the words even to journal.
You know, people are amazing sometimes. Yesterday I found a large jar full of change and bills on my driver's seat, with a small note inside that said "To Whitney G****". I sat there all dumbfounded and then got giddy and the kids were witness to it all and got very excited. Someone gave us their change jar! How cool is that?! I sent out many thanks to the mystery person/family, as did the kids. It totally made my day and I just beamed wherever I went.
I'm getting excited about next semester, as well as years to come. One of my courses next semester requires me to really think and plan for my future and prepare for either graduate school or the workforce. I've decided to pursue my Master's after I graduate.
I've always wanted an advanced degree, but even my Bachelor's seemed out of reach for so long. Now I feel that anything is possible. (Except for paying off student loans someday. )I love Tarot. I've only done readings for myself, and it helps me to clarify my inner goals, thought, and feelings in a way that only journaling has done in the past. The difference is that Tarot helps when I can't find the words even to journal.
You know, people are amazing sometimes. Yesterday I found a large jar full of change and bills on my driver's seat, with a small note inside that said "To Whitney G****". I sat there all dumbfounded and then got giddy and the kids were witness to it all and got very excited. Someone gave us their change jar! How cool is that?! I sent out many thanks to the mystery person/family, as did the kids. It totally made my day and I just beamed wherever I went.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Day in the Life (from Friday 11/9)
8:00am
At what point does the day start when one gets no sleep?
After a tireless bout of insomnia last night, I finally nodded off only to be awoken 20 minutes later by Sophie needing to puke. I staggered off to the bathroom with her under my arm and let her hang over the toilet while I got a bowl, which we took back to bed. After 2 more rounds, I got up for good. And this is why.
Tuesday evening, Sophie swallowed two quarters, and they lodged in her throat. She could breathe around them, but we were directed to head straight to the ER, which we did. On the way there, they finally came dislodged and went all the way down, at which point I called the ER doc. After talking to him, I decided not to take her in, instead choosing to watch out for potential problems and keep an eye out for their re-arrival in the toilet. Thursday she had diarrhea. And last night/this morning was the stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. With 4 symptoms from the "watch out for" list, we headed to the ER at 4:30 this morning.
Despite the incredulous looks and comments at the ER of all those professionals who didn't think the coins would still be in her, the x-ray showed that there were still at the very top of her intestine. No blockage though, they said. While we were at the ER, I read them chapter 2 of Story of the World volume 1 (a re-read) and chapter 8 of Lions at Lunchtime (Magic Tree House #11). I gave Marian and Leo verbal math problems and spelling words, and Sophie chilled on the ER bed and watched "Sunrise Earth" on Animal Planet. We all got a good look at Sophie's x-ray which was very cool, showing everything from chin to pelvis, and it generated lots of discussion baout the skeleton and internal organs.
At 6am, we left the hospital with another list of things to watch for , and the kids talked about the gender of Spanish nouns and also used their Spanish names for awhile (Mariana, Leo, Sofia). We parked and watched the sunrise while listening to the Tao Te Ching.
Then went to Walmart, where I wandered around in a fog not able to remember anything that was on my list. On our way back to the car, we stopped to inspect a very freshly squashed mouse and had an interesting discussion about mouse guts, which led back to Sophie's x-ray.
We got back home at 7:15am, and Marian and Leo took the dogs out while I cleaned up their crate and fed and watered them all. The kids had a second breakfast, Leo ran off some energy outside for awhile, and now they are all watching Reading Rainbow and I'm getting ready to feed the kittens.
(And it's not even 8am. Most days I don't get up until 9.)
The kids watching a Reading Rainbow about Jewish cooking and culture. (Leo's getting peanut butter off the roof of his mouth.)
Hungry little kittens waiting to be fed. (This is just the holding tank for feeding time. Their living quarters are much more spacious.)
The runt, and my favorite. Heidi. I always feed her first.
Marian got the big two some wet food while I fed the little ones. The big ones are in the process of weaning (they drink from the bottle a couple times a day). Here's everyone all full and happy.
9:00am
I watched most of "Animal Cops: Houston" with Marian while feeding the kittens. Leo and Sophie were in and out, and spent a good chunk of time playing together with dollhouse stuff upstairs.
Now the TV is off, Leo has requested math or pirate worksheets printed off the internet, and my stripey socks and I are settled in to work on a Sociology paper for a little bit. The kids are all playing upstairs at the moment.
10:00am
I got a good chunk of my paper done, and hope to finish it in one more sitting today. While I worked, the kids were all over the place. Leo did a math worksheet and played with the tunnel, Marian and Sophie dressed up, played upstairs, and then came and got in a fight with Leo about the tunnel, at which point I put it away.
12:45pm
We spent over an hour at the shelter, where Leo slept in the car, Sophie played with Jack (the dog in pics), Marian drew, and the girls both constructed some kind of mud castle. I took pictures and got descriptions of about 15 dogs and still need to update their website, I got recruited to hook up their new computer monitor tomorrow, and I fed and watered the cats.
Pictures from the shelter:
Sophie with Jack, the best babysitter I've ever had.
Marian drawing, with Jack checking in on her
Part of her picture:
After the shelter we came home, and Frank (the shelter guy) showed up shortly after bearing gifts for the kids, for Sophie's birthday. (He got all of them stuff.) Then the kids had lunch, I avoided a couple phone calls, and then answered when my dad called and talked to him for almost an hour. The kids finished lunch and played with their new toys while I was on the phone. Time to feed the kittens again!
4:45pm
All four of us piled up like a bunch of kittens and napped all afternoon. Then my friend came over with her daughter and hung out for about an hour or so, and then I watched Leo and Sophie play out front for awhile after she left.
Marian is still asleep. Off to feed kittens and then humans.
7:30pm
I served the little ones their dinner (split pea soup, rice cakes, grape tomatoes) and then snuggled Marian awake and almost fell back to sleep myself. We finally got up and she had dinner while I fed the kittens and the little ones played, and then we went to the store. Evening snack has been had.
Everyone has done their bedtime hygiene and they're waiting on me to go read to them. Be back in a bit!
9:00pm
I read them a chapter from The Seeing Summer (our new read aloud) for bed, and Leo and Sophie are asleep. Marian is quietly roaming around. So far I've gotten my Sociology paper done and submitted and I finally finished updating the animal shelter's website with photos and descriptions.
I still need to study for an exam, do research for a research paper, get in about an hour of transcription work, and write some of my novel. And I'll watch an episode or two of That 70's Show and/or Whose Line is it Anyway? while I give the kittens their last feeding of the day.
Still plenty to do, but I'm signing out.
At what point does the day start when one gets no sleep?
After a tireless bout of insomnia last night, I finally nodded off only to be awoken 20 minutes later by Sophie needing to puke. I staggered off to the bathroom with her under my arm and let her hang over the toilet while I got a bowl, which we took back to bed. After 2 more rounds, I got up for good. And this is why.
Tuesday evening, Sophie swallowed two quarters, and they lodged in her throat. She could breathe around them, but we were directed to head straight to the ER, which we did. On the way there, they finally came dislodged and went all the way down, at which point I called the ER doc. After talking to him, I decided not to take her in, instead choosing to watch out for potential problems and keep an eye out for their re-arrival in the toilet. Thursday she had diarrhea. And last night/this morning was the stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. With 4 symptoms from the "watch out for" list, we headed to the ER at 4:30 this morning.
Despite the incredulous looks and comments at the ER of all those professionals who didn't think the coins would still be in her, the x-ray showed that there were still at the very top of her intestine. No blockage though, they said. While we were at the ER, I read them chapter 2 of Story of the World volume 1 (a re-read) and chapter 8 of Lions at Lunchtime (Magic Tree House #11). I gave Marian and Leo verbal math problems and spelling words, and Sophie chilled on the ER bed and watched "Sunrise Earth" on Animal Planet. We all got a good look at Sophie's x-ray which was very cool, showing everything from chin to pelvis, and it generated lots of discussion baout the skeleton and internal organs.
At 6am, we left the hospital with another list of things to watch for , and the kids talked about the gender of Spanish nouns and also used their Spanish names for awhile (Mariana, Leo, Sofia). We parked and watched the sunrise while listening to the Tao Te Ching.
Then went to Walmart, where I wandered around in a fog not able to remember anything that was on my list. On our way back to the car, we stopped to inspect a very freshly squashed mouse and had an interesting discussion about mouse guts, which led back to Sophie's x-ray.
We got back home at 7:15am, and Marian and Leo took the dogs out while I cleaned up their crate and fed and watered them all. The kids had a second breakfast, Leo ran off some energy outside for awhile, and now they are all watching Reading Rainbow and I'm getting ready to feed the kittens.
(And it's not even 8am. Most days I don't get up until 9.)
The kids watching a Reading Rainbow about Jewish cooking and culture. (Leo's getting peanut butter off the roof of his mouth.)
Hungry little kittens waiting to be fed. (This is just the holding tank for feeding time. Their living quarters are much more spacious.)
The runt, and my favorite. Heidi. I always feed her first.
Marian got the big two some wet food while I fed the little ones. The big ones are in the process of weaning (they drink from the bottle a couple times a day). Here's everyone all full and happy.
9:00am
I watched most of "Animal Cops: Houston" with Marian while feeding the kittens. Leo and Sophie were in and out, and spent a good chunk of time playing together with dollhouse stuff upstairs.
Now the TV is off, Leo has requested math or pirate worksheets printed off the internet, and my stripey socks and I are settled in to work on a Sociology paper for a little bit. The kids are all playing upstairs at the moment.
10:00am
I got a good chunk of my paper done, and hope to finish it in one more sitting today. While I worked, the kids were all over the place. Leo did a math worksheet and played with the tunnel, Marian and Sophie dressed up, played upstairs, and then came and got in a fight with Leo about the tunnel, at which point I put it away.
12:45pm
We spent over an hour at the shelter, where Leo slept in the car, Sophie played with Jack (the dog in pics), Marian drew, and the girls both constructed some kind of mud castle. I took pictures and got descriptions of about 15 dogs and still need to update their website, I got recruited to hook up their new computer monitor tomorrow, and I fed and watered the cats.
Pictures from the shelter:
Sophie with Jack, the best babysitter I've ever had.
Marian drawing, with Jack checking in on her
Part of her picture:
After the shelter we came home, and Frank (the shelter guy) showed up shortly after bearing gifts for the kids, for Sophie's birthday. (He got all of them stuff.) Then the kids had lunch, I avoided a couple phone calls, and then answered when my dad called and talked to him for almost an hour. The kids finished lunch and played with their new toys while I was on the phone. Time to feed the kittens again!
4:45pm
All four of us piled up like a bunch of kittens and napped all afternoon. Then my friend came over with her daughter and hung out for about an hour or so, and then I watched Leo and Sophie play out front for awhile after she left.
Marian is still asleep. Off to feed kittens and then humans.
7:30pm
I served the little ones their dinner (split pea soup, rice cakes, grape tomatoes) and then snuggled Marian awake and almost fell back to sleep myself. We finally got up and she had dinner while I fed the kittens and the little ones played, and then we went to the store. Evening snack has been had.
Everyone has done their bedtime hygiene and they're waiting on me to go read to them. Be back in a bit!
9:00pm
I read them a chapter from The Seeing Summer (our new read aloud) for bed, and Leo and Sophie are asleep. Marian is quietly roaming around. So far I've gotten my Sociology paper done and submitted and I finally finished updating the animal shelter's website with photos and descriptions.
I still need to study for an exam, do research for a research paper, get in about an hour of transcription work, and write some of my novel. And I'll watch an episode or two of That 70's Show and/or Whose Line is it Anyway? while I give the kittens their last feeding of the day.
Still plenty to do, but I'm signing out.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A Damn Full Day
Today was all about the kids. I've been having a hard time balancing everything in my life lately, and felt the need to drop most of it and give the kids my all today. We had a lovely time at the animal shelter, read more books than I can remember, worked on all kinds of homeschooling stuff, fed kittens, talked and talked and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed some more. I swung them in circles through the air, I chased them, they chased me, we played games, we watched kittens romp, we dreamed. We made lots of memories on Sophie's last day as a three-year-old.
After they went to bed, I got all of my studying done for the day, and surpassed my writing goal for my first day of NaNoWriMo. I know I may seem insane to take on this challenge of writing at least 50,000 words of a novel in the next month, but this is for ME. And after finishing today's goal, I felt energized and excited. (No, not THAT way.) Although I do have to admit that my intended wholesome and family-oriented young adult novel has somehow morphed into a lesbian romance.
The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it.
- Abbie Hoffman
After they went to bed, I got all of my studying done for the day, and surpassed my writing goal for my first day of NaNoWriMo. I know I may seem insane to take on this challenge of writing at least 50,000 words of a novel in the next month, but this is for ME. And after finishing today's goal, I felt energized and excited. (No, not THAT way.) Although I do have to admit that my intended wholesome and family-oriented young adult novel has somehow morphed into a lesbian romance.
The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it.
- Abbie Hoffman
Friday, October 12, 2007
New Moon and New Path
Pagans and astrologers know that important activities are best begun just after the New Moon. While I didn't plan it this way, I've ended up on just such a path. Last night was the new moon; after a shocking and scary day, I gazed up at the dark sky and its deepness helped me to let my fear go. I fell asleep visualizing security, stability, and money. (How spiritual of me, no?)
Life is changing and I am taking on the challenge of becoming a creative entrepreneur in order to hang onto the crazy beautiful life my little family has. So entertwined with homeschooling that they cannot be separated, this sweet and full family life is fully capable of expanding to include these new endeavors. I'm thinking positive, laughing and smiling with the kids, and hanging on tight for this wild ride.
And on a more matter-of-fact note, if anyone has any ideas for how to increase my earned income by at least $600 a month while still homeschooling, feel free to post them here. I have a long brainstorming list going and am tackling items one by one. :)
Life is changing and I am taking on the challenge of becoming a creative entrepreneur in order to hang onto the crazy beautiful life my little family has. So entertwined with homeschooling that they cannot be separated, this sweet and full family life is fully capable of expanding to include these new endeavors. I'm thinking positive, laughing and smiling with the kids, and hanging on tight for this wild ride.
And on a more matter-of-fact note, if anyone has any ideas for how to increase my earned income by at least $600 a month while still homeschooling, feel free to post them here. I have a long brainstorming list going and am tackling items one by one. :)
Monday, October 8, 2007
Children’s Books Featuring Homeschooled Characters
Homeschooled children often struggle to find books that show children like them. Since school is the norm, most children’s books are either set in school or are geared to prepare children for school. Fortunately for book-loving homeschooling families everywhere, there are many books featuring homeschoolers they can add to their home library. For the purpose of this compilation, a “homeschooled character” will be defined as a school-aged character who is either overtly homeschooled or who experiences sustained learning and life events over an extended period of time with no mention of school. Now for the list, which I guarantee is incomplete and ever-growing, much to the joy of homeschoolers everywhere.
Children’s Books Featuring Homeschooled Characters
The Adventures of Bellota, Avellanita, and Castanita by Elsa Bescow
The Adventures of Lil' Wolf, Twinkie, Toes, and Flower Girl in the Homeschool Forest by Jacqueline R. Campos
Allison's Story: A Book about Homeschooling by Jon Lurie
Alice, I Think by Susan Juby
Ana on the Farm by Elsa Bescow
Are we there yet?: A journey around Australia by Alison Lester
Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen
Chicken Friend by Nicola Morgan
The Conch Bearer series by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series) by Diana Wynne Jones
Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
Dancing with Dragonflies by Jack Francis Gorfien
Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones
Drift House: The First Voyage by Dale Peck
The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter and Rennard Strickland
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Feed by M.T. Anderson
From The Mixed-Up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler by E.L. Konisburg
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
I am a Homeschooler by Julie Voetberg
I am Not Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos
Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Islander by Cynthia Rylant
Jess (American Girl Today) by Mary Casanova
Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos
Josefina an American Girl (The American Girls Collection) by Valerie Tripp, Jean-Paul Tibbles, and Susan McAliley
Journey by Cynthia Rylant
Kandoo Kangaroo Hops Into Homeschool by Susan Ratner
Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Gouge
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Littles by John Peterson and Roberta Carter Clark
Linnets and Valerians by Elizabeth Gouge
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Meet Felicity: An American Girl (American Girls Collection) by Valerie Tripp
Meet Kaya: An American Girl (American Girls Collection) by Janet Beeler Shaw, Bill Farnsworth, and Susan McAliley
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman
Monster of the Month Club (Series) by Dian Curtis Regan
The Moomin books (series) by Tove Jansson
The Nature of the Beast by Jan Carr
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durell
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Nim's Island by Wendy Orr
Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand
Olympus: It's Not Just a Game by Scott W. Somerville
Operation Red Jericho
Operation Typhoon Shore by Joshua Mowll
Pippi Longstocking (series) by Astrid Lindgren
Road to Coorain by Jill Ker Conway
Ruby Slippers School (Series) by Stacy Towle Morgan
Sarah, Plain and Tall (Series) by Patricia MacLachlan
The Sea Chest by Toni Buzzeo
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Shouldn't You Be In School? by Angelina Hart
Skellig by David Almond
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan
Tarragon Island by Nikki Tate
A Time to Fly Free by Stephanie Tolan
The Tide Knot by Helen Dunmore
Tonia of Trelawney: A Buccaneer Girl by Jacqueline C Grant
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
What would Joey do? by Jack Gantos
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman
Wise Child by Monica Furlong
The Wizard of Oz (series) by L. Frank Baum
The Year I Didn't Go to School by Giselle Potter
Head to the library, the bookstore, or online, and pick up some of these treasures for your literature-loving family. I know I will!
Children’s Books Featuring Homeschooled Characters
The Adventures of Bellota, Avellanita, and Castanita by Elsa Bescow
The Adventures of Lil' Wolf, Twinkie, Toes, and Flower Girl in the Homeschool Forest by Jacqueline R. Campos
Allison's Story: A Book about Homeschooling by Jon Lurie
Alice, I Think by Susan Juby
Ana on the Farm by Elsa Bescow
Are we there yet?: A journey around Australia by Alison Lester
Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen
Chicken Friend by Nicola Morgan
The Conch Bearer series by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series) by Diana Wynne Jones
Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
Dancing with Dragonflies by Jack Francis Gorfien
Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones
Drift House: The First Voyage by Dale Peck
The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter and Rennard Strickland
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Feed by M.T. Anderson
From The Mixed-Up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler by E.L. Konisburg
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
I am a Homeschooler by Julie Voetberg
I am Not Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos
Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Islander by Cynthia Rylant
Jess (American Girl Today) by Mary Casanova
Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos
Josefina an American Girl (The American Girls Collection) by Valerie Tripp, Jean-Paul Tibbles, and Susan McAliley
Journey by Cynthia Rylant
Kandoo Kangaroo Hops Into Homeschool by Susan Ratner
Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Gouge
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Littles by John Peterson and Roberta Carter Clark
Linnets and Valerians by Elizabeth Gouge
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Meet Felicity: An American Girl (American Girls Collection) by Valerie Tripp
Meet Kaya: An American Girl (American Girls Collection) by Janet Beeler Shaw, Bill Farnsworth, and Susan McAliley
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman
Monster of the Month Club (Series) by Dian Curtis Regan
The Moomin books (series) by Tove Jansson
The Nature of the Beast by Jan Carr
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durell
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Nim's Island by Wendy Orr
Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand
Olympus: It's Not Just a Game by Scott W. Somerville
Operation Red Jericho
Operation Typhoon Shore by Joshua Mowll
Pippi Longstocking (series) by Astrid Lindgren
Road to Coorain by Jill Ker Conway
Ruby Slippers School (Series) by Stacy Towle Morgan
Sarah, Plain and Tall (Series) by Patricia MacLachlan
The Sea Chest by Toni Buzzeo
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Shouldn't You Be In School? by Angelina Hart
Skellig by David Almond
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan
Tarragon Island by Nikki Tate
A Time to Fly Free by Stephanie Tolan
The Tide Knot by Helen Dunmore
Tonia of Trelawney: A Buccaneer Girl by Jacqueline C Grant
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
What would Joey do? by Jack Gantos
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman
Wise Child by Monica Furlong
The Wizard of Oz (series) by L. Frank Baum
The Year I Didn't Go to School by Giselle Potter
Head to the library, the bookstore, or online, and pick up some of these treasures for your literature-loving family. I know I will!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Licious
Einstein Quote of the Day:
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Abraham Lincoln Quote of the Day
I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.
Today's Books
Who Made That? (Nicholas)
Fairytopia (Sheridan)
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? (Hudson)
Tabitha's Terrifically Tough Tooth (Middleton)
"The Fairy Godmother's Assistant" from Girls to the Rescue (Lansky)
2 chapters from The Midwife's Apprentice (Cushman)
up to chapter 6 of The Golden Compass (Pullman) on CD
some "Mad Libs"
And Leo was a reading demon today and went through so many books I couldn't begin to keep track. The first two on the above list were the only titles I could remember. He also perused the Gator Gazette in the car, along with his sisters.
We spent hours at the shelter today, returned two fosterlings and brought two more home. One was a puppy who'd been rejected by his mother and hadn't grown since he was born almost a week ago. If I'd known of his sooner, I'd have taken him home sooner, but I'm the cat lady and only found out today. He died this afternoon, but spent his last hours warm, cuddled, loved on, and finally soothed and comfortable.
Old My. Whiskerson has gained half a pound since his arrival, and is at my house now; he immediately demanded to be let out to explore and insists he is home. I've got him back in a large cage, though, because I'd like to see him gain much more weight before he starts burning it off.
There is a beautiful and sweet girl cat at the shelter who came in earlier this week, and we just discovered today that she is blind. I named her Helen. Yes, I'm so creative I awe myself.
I get a break tomorrow! For the first time in 2 months, I'll have almost the entire day to myself, and the next morning as well. The kids are SO excited about their daddy coming that they cleaned their room (where he sleeps) without a single complaint. lol I'm really looking forward to my break tomorrow, but I know that I'm actually going to miss the kids. We have been so connected lately, and life with them has been incredible. But I know the break will do us all some good.
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Abraham Lincoln Quote of the Day
I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.
Today's Books
Who Made That? (Nicholas)
Fairytopia (Sheridan)
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? (Hudson)
Tabitha's Terrifically Tough Tooth (Middleton)
"The Fairy Godmother's Assistant" from Girls to the Rescue (Lansky)
2 chapters from The Midwife's Apprentice (Cushman)
up to chapter 6 of The Golden Compass (Pullman) on CD
some "Mad Libs"
And Leo was a reading demon today and went through so many books I couldn't begin to keep track. The first two on the above list were the only titles I could remember. He also perused the Gator Gazette in the car, along with his sisters.
We spent hours at the shelter today, returned two fosterlings and brought two more home. One was a puppy who'd been rejected by his mother and hadn't grown since he was born almost a week ago. If I'd known of his sooner, I'd have taken him home sooner, but I'm the cat lady and only found out today. He died this afternoon, but spent his last hours warm, cuddled, loved on, and finally soothed and comfortable.
Old My. Whiskerson has gained half a pound since his arrival, and is at my house now; he immediately demanded to be let out to explore and insists he is home.
There is a beautiful and sweet girl cat at the shelter who came in earlier this week, and we just discovered today that she is blind. I named her Helen. Yes, I'm so creative I awe myself.
I get a break tomorrow! For the first time in 2 months, I'll have almost the entire day to myself, and the next morning as well. The kids are SO excited about their daddy coming that they cleaned their room (where he sleeps) without a single complaint. lol I'm really looking forward to my break tomorrow, but I know that I'm actually going to miss the kids. We have been so connected lately, and life with them has been incredible. But I know the break will do us all some good.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday Learners
I love reading, and I love that the kids love reading. Last night we finished one of our chapter books--Marigold and the Feather of Hope, book one of four in The Fairy Chronicles.
Today's books with the kids:
5 chapters in The Midwife's Apprentice (Cushman) ch 8-12
Rise the Moon (Spinelli)
All for Fall (Kessler)
Turnagain Ptarmigan! Where Did You Go? (Guenther)
Knuffle Bunny (Willems)
Horatio's Bed (Ashforth)
No Jumping on the Bed (Arnold)
The Magic Kerchief (Larson)
15 tracks of The Golden Compass (Pullman) on CD
No Jumping on the Bed got many laughs, Rise the Moon has beautiful illustrations, and The Midwife's Apprentice is in great demand and at this rate we'll finish it tomorrow. The Turnagain Ptarmigan book triggered some great discussions on birds, alpine valleys (we live in one), and camouflage.
Work was low this morning, and Leo and Marian took turns playing the Dora video game for awhile, we watched "Emergency Vets" and "Animal Cops: Houston", and we all brainstormed story ideas for the children's book(s) I'm writing. We went from work to the library, where we returned many pounds of books and checked out even more. While there, Leo closely examined the movement and relationship between the library's sink drain lift rod and pivot rod. He'd have taken it apart if I'd let him.
The kids had their first thermos lunch this fall, with the awesome Crayola crayon thermoses we picked up on clearance for an amazing price. We had vegetarian chili with rice cakes at the park before homeschool group.
I'm not sure the squirrels liked the rice cakes as much as the kids.
On the way home from homeschool group, Marian evaluated her experience as a vegetarian so far, after a full week. She declared, "I like it!", decided her favorite foods are portabella mushrooms and salad, and when asked if she misses meat, answered, "Nope, not at all."
We listened to a symphony on NPR, but never heard what/who it was. The kids, especially Sophie, were really into identifying the emotions that the music conveyed, and were awed that it could change so much. I jotted down some of their their description words as they said them (after Leo's, "Turn it up, please, Momma"):
scary
triumphant
excited
quiet
like a dance
sleepy and happy
And more. :)
We drove around Home Lake...
...before heading to the animal shelter, where the kids helped with cats and dogs, and excitedly met and petted a dachshund. (The chapter book we just finished very clearly stated that the only thing that would get rid of mischievous gremlins in a human's home were stainless steel, vacuum cleaners, and dachshunds.)
At various points today we observed and discussed the Rio Grande, talked about underwater aquifers, watched cooking shows, played with dollhouses, played outside, cared for our critters, and laughed a lot.
The kids go to bed so easily these days. I read to them on the couch, I hug and kiss everyone, and they all go off and fall asleep in various beds. They are growing up so fast.
Today's books with the kids:
5 chapters in The Midwife's Apprentice (Cushman) ch 8-12
Rise the Moon (Spinelli)
All for Fall (Kessler)
Turnagain Ptarmigan! Where Did You Go? (Guenther)
Knuffle Bunny (Willems)
Horatio's Bed (Ashforth)
No Jumping on the Bed (Arnold)
The Magic Kerchief (Larson)
15 tracks of The Golden Compass (Pullman) on CD
No Jumping on the Bed got many laughs, Rise the Moon has beautiful illustrations, and The Midwife's Apprentice is in great demand and at this rate we'll finish it tomorrow. The Turnagain Ptarmigan book triggered some great discussions on birds, alpine valleys (we live in one), and camouflage.
Work was low this morning, and Leo and Marian took turns playing the Dora video game for awhile, we watched "Emergency Vets" and "Animal Cops: Houston", and we all brainstormed story ideas for the children's book(s) I'm writing. We went from work to the library, where we returned many pounds of books and checked out even more. While there, Leo closely examined the movement and relationship between the library's sink drain lift rod and pivot rod. He'd have taken it apart if I'd let him.
The kids had their first thermos lunch this fall, with the awesome Crayola crayon thermoses we picked up on clearance for an amazing price. We had vegetarian chili with rice cakes at the park before homeschool group.
I'm not sure the squirrels liked the rice cakes as much as the kids.
On the way home from homeschool group, Marian evaluated her experience as a vegetarian so far, after a full week. She declared, "I like it!", decided her favorite foods are portabella mushrooms and salad, and when asked if she misses meat, answered, "Nope, not at all."
We listened to a symphony on NPR, but never heard what/who it was. The kids, especially Sophie, were really into identifying the emotions that the music conveyed, and were awed that it could change so much. I jotted down some of their their description words as they said them (after Leo's, "Turn it up, please, Momma"):
scary
triumphant
excited
quiet
like a dance
sleepy and happy
And more. :)
We drove around Home Lake...
...before heading to the animal shelter, where the kids helped with cats and dogs, and excitedly met and petted a dachshund. (The chapter book we just finished very clearly stated that the only thing that would get rid of mischievous gremlins in a human's home were stainless steel, vacuum cleaners, and dachshunds.)
At various points today we observed and discussed the Rio Grande, talked about underwater aquifers, watched cooking shows, played with dollhouses, played outside, cared for our critters, and laughed a lot.
The kids go to bed so easily these days. I read to them on the couch, I hug and kiss everyone, and they all go off and fall asleep in various beds. They are growing up so fast.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Holy Efficient Monday, Catwoman
Today I made countless phone calls, endless copies, filled out many forms, made and attended appointments, and completed a to-do list comprised of many previously procrastinated items, including one very large one that I've been putting off for almost a year. Woo!
Bo and Annie got adopted today! Ah, such relief, joy, happiness, bittersweet goodbyes, and more.
Another new cat at the shelter today, and this one got to me. (Believe it or not, not all of them do.) A woman in Crestone moved away and left her 10+ cats to fend for themselves. (Insert %$@^%^% here.) The neighbors have been leaving out food and water, but brought this one in today; I'm not sure what they will do with the others. Black and white male who is literally skin and bones. I was very surprised to weigh him in at 5 pounds; I'd expected him to be much less. I dewormed him, fed him some Nutri-Cal, and gave him some canned food which he snarfed as though he hadn't eaten in months. After I gave him a much needed bath, I checked his eyes, ears, skin, and mouth as a matter of routine. Poor dude has almost no teeth! He is clearly much older than anyone thought, and now we have a simple explanation as to why he was wasting away in the presence of dry food. There is no way he could eat it.
I cannot get this cat out of my head. He doesn't have the strength of a 3-week-old kitten, he falls over if you blow on him (practically), his meow is pathetic, he is incredibly ugly to the rest of the world. But he looked at me with soulful eyes; this is a cat who has loved and been loved, and I don't understand how he has come to be here at this place in his life. He purred a rusty purr for me alone today. If I had the room, I'd have brought him home to foster starting today, but I'm full up and I know it, so I will care for him daily at the shelter for now. I've already made him a bed softer than that of any other cat in the place, and I put a big note on his door instructing everyone to make sure he gets fed canned food at least twice a day. Poor old man kitty.
I know I'm not writing much about the kids today, but have no fear. They are doing well. Leo insisted on reading me several books this afternoon, I read them several Greek myths and Chinese legends, as well as chapters in both our read-alouds. We talked about everythign under the sun (and beyond it), and learned lots today. I'll take notes again someday soon to give you a more detailed peek. We learn so much each day that if I don't constantly jot thigns down, I can never recount them all later.
And last but not least. Happy birthday, Jim Henson. Thank you for all the laughter.
Bo and Annie got adopted today! Ah, such relief, joy, happiness, bittersweet goodbyes, and more.
Another new cat at the shelter today, and this one got to me. (Believe it or not, not all of them do.) A woman in Crestone moved away and left her 10+ cats to fend for themselves. (Insert %$@^%^% here.) The neighbors have been leaving out food and water, but brought this one in today; I'm not sure what they will do with the others. Black and white male who is literally skin and bones. I was very surprised to weigh him in at 5 pounds; I'd expected him to be much less. I dewormed him, fed him some Nutri-Cal, and gave him some canned food which he snarfed as though he hadn't eaten in months. After I gave him a much needed bath, I checked his eyes, ears, skin, and mouth as a matter of routine. Poor dude has almost no teeth! He is clearly much older than anyone thought, and now we have a simple explanation as to why he was wasting away in the presence of dry food. There is no way he could eat it.
I cannot get this cat out of my head. He doesn't have the strength of a 3-week-old kitten, he falls over if you blow on him (practically), his meow is pathetic, he is incredibly ugly to the rest of the world. But he looked at me with soulful eyes; this is a cat who has loved and been loved, and I don't understand how he has come to be here at this place in his life. He purred a rusty purr for me alone today. If I had the room, I'd have brought him home to foster starting today, but I'm full up and I know it, so I will care for him daily at the shelter for now. I've already made him a bed softer than that of any other cat in the place, and I put a big note on his door instructing everyone to make sure he gets fed canned food at least twice a day. Poor old man kitty.
I know I'm not writing much about the kids today, but have no fear. They are doing well. Leo insisted on reading me several books this afternoon, I read them several Greek myths and Chinese legends, as well as chapters in both our read-alouds. We talked about everythign under the sun (and beyond it), and learned lots today. I'll take notes again someday soon to give you a more detailed peek. We learn so much each day that if I don't constantly jot thigns down, I can never recount them all later.
And last but not least. Happy birthday, Jim Henson. Thank you for all the laughter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)