Letter A Apple Art

Thursday
September 3, 2009

Continuing with our apple theme Meara made a finger painted apple. It works so much better on the glossy paper plates! She used the Crayola finger paint. I was surprised that it stained her hands. She was a little embarrassed when we went out later in the day with her bright red palms...after 24 hours of hand washing it has finally worn off. I don't remember it doing that when I was a kid. She had so much FUN squishing the paint around and using the foam letter sponge. I LOVE watching her face when she is being creative.

Making Applesauce

Wednesday
September 2, 2009

For two weeks our theme is apples. For science this week we decided to make applesauce. Since Meara LOVES to cook this was exciting for us!

When it was all finished the taste test proved that it was delicious. Although, it wasn't like Mott's applesauce in texture or color but I think it was more tasty!

Crock Pot Applesauce

Take ten large apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks. Put them in a crock pot along with 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 cup sugar. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Take a potatoe masher and mash. This can be eaten warm or cold. Refrigerate the remaining sauce.

Our Learning Room

Tuesday
September 1, 2009

This is our "learning room". I LOVE that someone else called their room that so we have adopted that term. We have two stuffed handmade planets and a HUGE space shuttle hanging from the ceiling. The hutch we inherited has made accommodating storage space for us. We also turned our bookcases on their sides to make everything more accessible for our kindgergartner. I think it's really important to have at least one real piece of art, we chose a piece my cousin painted to give us inspiration(it reminds us of home).

I found this chain with hooks at a yard sale. I thought it would be perfect for hanging our puppets. We are using an old microwave cart for storage also. It's great for storing the water tub and toys where Meara can easily take them out and put them away with little assistance. We also have our FAVORITE thing sitting on top...my old record player and records from when I was her age.

Our art display area (piece of burlap rope tied to the banister) and storage. The basket houses our musical insturments and the green and yellow containers hold our legos.

Our morning routine wall with the reminder of love...our family tree with everyone's handprints.

Apple Shaped Bean Bags

Monday
August 31, 2009

Our home school year officially started today. Our baby girl is now a kindergartner! YIKES!! I can't believe how FAST she has grown. Sniff...sniff. The next two weeks were are enjoying an apple theme. I found a pattern and game suggestions for making these sweet apple bean bags. I thought it would add some excitement to our day! She enjoyed helping me make them over the weekend! We can't wait to use them.

Pizza Hut Book It Program

Thursday
July 23, 2009
We haven't posted anything lately because we are enjoying our summer with lots going on but thought we would share this with all of you!
We LOVE to read books! This is a great way for your child to be rewarded for their hard work.


Homeschool Enrollment
Program for grades K-6. Enrollment for the 2009-10 program is underway.
Click here to enroll!

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the BOOK IT! Program for homeschools?Any student in grades K-6 (5 years old by September of current school year) that is homeschooled and does not attend any other educational facility.
What are the program dates for 2009-010?October 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010.
When will the 2009-10 materials be shipped to enrolled homeschools?Materials will arrive by early to mid-September.

Pensacola Vacation

These are our friends that we were fortunate enough to vacation with while our husband's were working at the Naval Air Station.

Meara with her cousin, Nick

Pensacola Lighthouse on the Naval Air Station

This was at the Aviation Musuem on Pensacola Naval Air Station

Enjoying the sun, sand and ocean at Pensacola Beach which has become my favorite beach ever!

My nephew who is proudly serving in the Navy gave us a "backstage" guided tour of the museum's restoration hangar.

We were able to go inside the plane pictured above from WWII and witness the restoration process with my nephew.

This was President Nixon's Marine One.

Play Based Learning

Friday
June 12, 2009

This year we have spent a lot of time playing and learning for preschool. I have to admit I have truly enjoyed spending quality time with Meara teaching her academics like letters, sounds, numbers, vocabulary etc... But, I have REALLY enjoyed teaching her how to separate laundry, put it in the washing machine w/ laundry detergent and softener, washing the windows with a squirt bottle and a squeegy, cooking, hanging a mock clothesline and pinning up baby clothes, playing with all types of magnets and metal, water play, and LOTS of art/crafts.

It has become clear to me that the public school system is increasingly pushing the envelope with kindergarten requirements. We have friends whose children are a year or two older and attend public school. I have been shocked by what is expected out of kindergarteners in public school. I am only 34-years-old(I can remember a time when I thought that was old). When I was in kindergarten we had lots of art, playing in the pretend kitchen with empty spice bottles(I can still remember the smell...it brings back wonderful memories) and empty cardboard cereal boxes. We also spent time in the sandbox and water table, crawling through the pop up tunnel, being read to and PUPPETS, and finger plays. We weren't required to be able to read. We didn't even start that process until first grade. I feel I have accomplished so much in my life in spite of the lower expectations of my generation. I am a college graduate, a good person with morals and values, a christian, a good wife and mother and have a big heart for others. So the wheels have been turning helping me realize that just because society and our government say that kindergarteners must be more academic doesn't mean they know what's best. My mission is to create a kindergarten program in our home that allows for play based learning. Although, I have to admit that this morning I spent about an hour searching for ideas but felt a little overwhelmed sorting through the websites. So far I haven't found exactly what I am looking for but the quest has begun.