Homeschoolers in the Military
This article is very true for us. The numerous moves is certainly a main reason that we've chosen to homeschool. I see that it rings true for many other military too. I'm glad to hear that many bases are welcoming homeschoolers!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Baseball Camp
On Friday mornings, Bryce has been doing a baseball camp. A teenage boy, Braden, and his family have been hosting a two-hour camp to teach kids the basics of baseball. The 6-week session ended in a game of the kids vs the adults. Needless to say, the kids won! At the end, Braden, gave a little speech about each one of the kids. He described Bryce as always having a good attitude and doing his best:)
Bryce and his friend, Johny.
Tale of Desperaux
As one of our read-aloud assignments, Bryce and I just finished the "Tale of Desperaux" by Kate DiCamillo. We loved this book and it may just become one of our all-time favorite books!!
I'll admit that I was a little surprised that this book was to be read to a 6-year old. It's part of the first grade curriculum from Build Your Library that we're using as a guide for school. Many of the themes are quite mature for a young boy. It begins with the Queen dying. Then Desperaux's family rejects him for not confirming to the mouse culture and is sentenced to the dungeon where the rats will eat him. Mig is a mistreated child who's mother dies, her father sells her for almost nothing to her "Uncle" who gives her "clouts" to the ear daily. The princess is kidnapped by the rat and taken to the dungeon that could make me have nightmares.
Sounds like a great book, doesn't it?
But through all of the adversary is a tale of a mouse who is smart, courageous and forgives his family. A princess that sees the best in others. Mig, who maybe retarded, but still deserves love and respect. A rat who's heart is broken and struggles to make the right decisions. A king that worships his daughter and misses his wife. It's a book about light and darkness. A story about courage, bravery, heroism, honesty, honor, pride and self-esteem.
As we read the book, we discussed the topics. Bryce cried a few times at the thought of family rejection and being mistreated. However, he also rejoiced in the chivalry and bravery of Desperaux and the forgiveness of the Princess. I often wonder how a "privileged" child like Bryce will get to experience adverse events in order to build character. Certainly, you don't want your child to experience mistreatment. Maybe. . . just maybe. . . by reading a book and feeling empathy for others, he'll build character without the negative life experiences.
Once the book was over, we were excited to watch the movie together. Of course, the movie was not nearly as good as the book!
I'll admit that I was a little surprised that this book was to be read to a 6-year old. It's part of the first grade curriculum from Build Your Library that we're using as a guide for school. Many of the themes are quite mature for a young boy. It begins with the Queen dying. Then Desperaux's family rejects him for not confirming to the mouse culture and is sentenced to the dungeon where the rats will eat him. Mig is a mistreated child who's mother dies, her father sells her for almost nothing to her "Uncle" who gives her "clouts" to the ear daily. The princess is kidnapped by the rat and taken to the dungeon that could make me have nightmares.
Sounds like a great book, doesn't it?
But through all of the adversary is a tale of a mouse who is smart, courageous and forgives his family. A princess that sees the best in others. Mig, who maybe retarded, but still deserves love and respect. A rat who's heart is broken and struggles to make the right decisions. A king that worships his daughter and misses his wife. It's a book about light and darkness. A story about courage, bravery, heroism, honesty, honor, pride and self-esteem.
As we read the book, we discussed the topics. Bryce cried a few times at the thought of family rejection and being mistreated. However, he also rejoiced in the chivalry and bravery of Desperaux and the forgiveness of the Princess. I often wonder how a "privileged" child like Bryce will get to experience adverse events in order to build character. Certainly, you don't want your child to experience mistreatment. Maybe. . . just maybe. . . by reading a book and feeling empathy for others, he'll build character without the negative life experiences.
Once the book was over, we were excited to watch the movie together. Of course, the movie was not nearly as good as the book!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Spring Preserve
We have found a place in Las Vegas that we love! The Spring Preserve's is a nature oasis in the middle of Las Vegas. It has science and nature exhibits, botanical gardens, hiking trails and live animals! Granted, it's still the desert but it's pretty nice.
Spring Preserve
We go on Thursday's for story and craft time. Then we visit the Nature Exchange where Bryce can bring in anything nature related. The staff help identify rocks and plants. Bryce gets points for bringing things in and for knowing anything about the items. He then gets to use his points to "buy" something in the Nature Exchange.
Today, Mr. Chris taught Bryce how to identify rocks that have iron, copper and aluminum in them. Actually, he taught both of us how to do it:) Bryce is reading a poem this week about flint so we asked Mr. Chris if he had any flint. Sure enough, Mr. Chris taught Bryce about flint and gave him some to make fire!
Bryce also loves the playground where he gets to climb all over the rocks. We've met another homeschool family who have been going there for years. It's been wonderful to have a guide!
Spring Preserve
We go on Thursday's for story and craft time. Then we visit the Nature Exchange where Bryce can bring in anything nature related. The staff help identify rocks and plants. Bryce gets points for bringing things in and for knowing anything about the items. He then gets to use his points to "buy" something in the Nature Exchange.
Today, Mr. Chris taught Bryce how to identify rocks that have iron, copper and aluminum in them. Actually, he taught both of us how to do it:) Bryce is reading a poem this week about flint so we asked Mr. Chris if he had any flint. Sure enough, Mr. Chris taught Bryce about flint and gave him some to make fire!
Bryce also loves the playground where he gets to climb all over the rocks. We've met another homeschool family who have been going there for years. It's been wonderful to have a guide!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Crush on the Library
I think I have a crush on the library. Every library visit, I always think how much I LOVE the library. What an amazing place it is where you can get books, movies and research for free! I would like to thank Andrew Carnegie for bringing so many libraries to the U.S.
We go weekly to the library now. I think we currently have out nearly 40 items! I love being able to put books on hold at the library. Then on Thursday, we walk in and a pile of books are ready for us! I love watching Bryce carry a big pile of his new library books off to read them.
I will also give credit to Clark County. As much as I don't like the public schools, their library system hasn't disappointed me:) Can't wait for our next library visit!!
We go weekly to the library now. I think we currently have out nearly 40 items! I love being able to put books on hold at the library. Then on Thursday, we walk in and a pile of books are ready for us! I love watching Bryce carry a big pile of his new library books off to read them.
I will also give credit to Clark County. As much as I don't like the public schools, their library system hasn't disappointed me:) Can't wait for our next library visit!!
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