Weekly Wrap-Up

Our week began behind because we were on vacation on Monday still and the teacher (ahem) had written lesson plans for Monday.  Luckily, Mike had taken a vacation day for Tuesday, too, so we had the benefit of extra hands and help for the day and he initiated our school time, keeping the children and me on track!

We got to crack open our rock kit and look at the igneous rocks, which the kids loved.  Because there is so much to teach about rock types I've decided to keep it to the basics - to teach the 3 types of rocks and a couple of components of each.

Tuesday we learned that igneous rocks are made from magma...the rocks formed inside the earth might have crystals but those formed outside usually don't.  Those facts in themselves, plus exploring the rocks types are enough for a 5 and 6 year old (in my opinion).  If they pick up more as they research, read, and explore that's awesome!

 We also got out our new Usborne Rocks and Minerals Spotter's Guide.  Fun resource!

We continued our week talking about sedimentary rocks and fossils.  Thanks to our dinosaur unit, the children have a nice idea of what a fossil is and how it is made!

 Ameliya was awake and felt the need to join in our rock studies at the end of the week!

On Wednesday we finished up Story Hour at the library with a dress up and pizza celebration.  The children were to dress like a hero - Xavier let Natalee borrow his firefighter outfit and he chose to be a cowboy.

 

Natalee began reading The Story Bible and is enjoying it very much.  As she said "I already read the kid one, Mom."  She is also reading Riding the Pony Express for school and we're all enjoying it (I hadn't read it yet, either!).

In history we did a little study on archeologists and how they do their jobs.  Math is going very well - Natalee is loving the Alpha unit and is working on refreshing her mind and attitude towards math.  Xavier is marching through the alphabet - one letter at a time - and doing quite well.  His biggest areas of improvement remain in taking his time and doing his jobs well.  Bible study continues with the ascension of Jesus.  In other words...routine learning but good, deep learning. 

Our week was challenged by Mike working a basically continual 48 hour stint starting Wednesday at noon...Mia further challenged that by being a pistol while he was away for his extended hours.

I dug toys out of the toilet AND trash can.

Time out - obviously quite effective. 

 Notice the wet sheet from the toilet water.  All involved were thoroughly washed.  Sigh.

She was better on Thursday.  Not great, but better.

 

She latched on to one of my stainless steel bowls and it kept her quite happy much of the day.

Friday we were all glad to have Daddy back.  We were equally blessed that he didn't have to go in at all because of all of his hours he'd put in.  Bonus day!!

Friends had invited us for bowling (Kids Bowl Free) and pizza (all the young children had personal pan coupons from Story Hour) and we made an early evening of it.  This was my children's first time bowling!  Xavier had a blast and caught on to the concept - Natalee wanted to be stronger but we encouraged her by reminding her that practicing with the bowling makes her arms stronger!  We're hoping to go bowling again this week with another friend!

Xavier was the winner of the six younger children - a fact he *tried* to accept humbly (humble isn't his middle name but we're getting there!)

Mike could tell I was worn out this week and took charge of educating everyone when he was home...even Mia got a little one on one instruction on some life skills...

and some fun time...

There you have it - last week in a modge podge nutshell. 

This week has started much more "normally" for us and I'm looking forward to our routine!