O' Christmas Tree 2014

We put up our Christmas decorations as usual on the day after Thanksgiving, but didn't get to decorating the tree until Saturday evening. The kids were very excited about decorating the tree this year, and did most of it themselves (though I have been moving a few ornaments around since they finished the job). We have a LOT of ornaments and most of them hold special memories because they were handmade or gifts from loved ones or brought home as souvenirs from family trips. The advent calendar is on the shelf, and the kids are ready to start the Christmas countdown! 

Field Trip: Columbus Museum of Art

Kyrie's coin sculpture

This fall has seemed very busy with lots to do at home and out & about. I was glad when our schedule changed a bit so that we have a long afternoon every Tuesday and an occasional Friday afternoon to head out on field trips. This past week, we went to the art museum. The CMA does a really fantastic job! There are at least a dozen activity tables devoted to hands-on art projects, as well as the Wonder Room. We made coin sculptures, built with Legos, sculpted with clay, built with wooden blocks and did many more activities. We actually ran out of time, which is never a bad thing because then we are excited to go back. It was fun to sit down and be creative with the kids! 

Degen's coin sculpture.

My coin sculpture

Degen's Lego dragon

My Lego architecture

Kyrie's Lego house

Kyrie's finished wood sculpture

Degen's wood sculpture

The kids in front of the Lego exhibit "Beyond the Brick."

They loved this UFO taking a cow!

They also loved seeing some of the Columbus skyline, including "Daddy's building."

Homeschool: Thanksgiving

Some of the books we read during this unit.

I love the Thanksgiving holiday, and I love our Thanksgiving unit. It is a very busy unit that covers a lot, including holiday traditions and the history of the first Thanksgiving. Kyrie spent a lot of time during this unit working on models that helped her understand the historical Thanksgiving, including a model of the first Plymouth colony and the model of a Wampanoag village. Both kids spent time reflecting on what they are thankful for and their favorite parts of our modern Thanksgiving, while Kyrie took those activities further and compared & contrasted how we celebrate today with how the Pilgrims & Native Americans celebrated in the past. 

Kyrie working on her Plymouth colony model.

Degen is thankful for his sister!

We made two batches of this yummy mix. The first time, I explained the meaning of all the ingredients and the second time they explained the meaning to us. 

Kyrie uses a reference book to complete a model of Pilgrim clothing.

These are Degen's models of Pilgrim & Wampanoag clothing. 

Degen weaving a paper basket. Baskets had both practical & religious importance to the Wampanoag tribe. 

Kyrie showing off her basket. 

A turkey by Kyrie

A compare & contrast activity by Kyrie.

Kyrie has had some great journal entries as we finish out this academic year.

Kyrie putting together a diorama of Pilgrim & Wampanoag 'kitchens.'

Kyrie's writing project for this unit. 

First Snow 2014

The backyard.

Our first snow was beautiful! After a few days with a tiny flake here & there, we awoke to a wet, heavy snow clinging to everything. The browns of autumn instantly transformed into a winter wonderland! The kids bundled up and spent  a few hours outside playing before lessons. 

A view from the front yard.