Race to the Moon

The kids and I went to the play, 'Race to the Moon' this morning. It was great. I loved that we were able to be entertained and learn all at the same time. We've been talking this month about the performing arts. So, it was perfect timing for attending a play. (Thanks to the homeschool mom that coordinated so we could all go. Bless you.) I had them watch for the performers facing the audience and enunciating their words. It was fun to hear them talk about it after. They had some opinions about it because we were in a theatre that had seats around three sides of the stage. 

We had also discussed historically what the race to the moon was and how events played out. I had them watch for some of those things too. I think they learned more about that subject as it was presented in the play. I was glad. It's interesting how with homeschool - some of the 'scope and sequence' from a typical public school gets mixed up a bit. I'm not sure when or if this particular competition between Russia and the USA is covered - but, I do know that there probably aren't many 1st and 3rd graders that know much about it. I also know that 7th and 8th graders can understand it pretty well. (We'll be covering it again later as we move along the timeline we're doing for history.)

It was nice to spend the morning enjoying the kids and seeing a fun performance - with other homeschoolers and for an inexpensive price.

We saw some school busses on our way over and predicted that they were on their way to a field trip. I'm really glad that our kids have had more chances than just the end of the school year to get out and experience life outside a classroom. 

Tornado Research

We had some wind blow through our backyard after dinner. Rachel asked about tornadoes. We (Megan joined us) got the iPad out and started looking for answers. (It was one of the only times 'siri' has actually worked for us. I would give more details - but, that would be a story in itself.) As we were exploring, we talked about what tornadoes were, places where they are common in our country, and gathered some general information on the topic. As we were searching, Rachel started making up a scenario about a tornado coming to our house and washing away the iPad. She said that would be 'the saddest'. I asked her why and she responded with the idea that we wouldn't be able to find 'stuff' out anymore...and she wouldn't be able to play games. (I think the last one might have been the real truth.) I loved exploring and being excited about learning something new - and getting questions answered. It was just for a few minutes - but, they were learning new things and will hopefully remember them a little better because they were getting the information as they wanted it.
I love it when exploring means we get to cover several 'subjects' at once. I think that's how we utilize the information anyway. So, why not learn and discuss it that way?
I also think it's great that a 7 year old knows that we have the technology to get answers when we want it. We didn't have to wait to ask someone next week...or, make a trip to the library in the next day or two. We could do it right then - and be excited about it. She was glad to be reminded that we have more than just the iPad to 'look things up'. We are grateful for technology around here. (I'm not sure what we're going to do when Layne goes back to work and takes his phone with him. We won't have 'data' anymore while we're out and about. Maybe I'll just have to get my own really cool phone.)

Dinnertime Miracles

It was about a half hour before dinner time and I was not even in the kitchen. I'm not sure Layne knew that, but he sent the boys to ask what they could do to help. I told them I didn't even know what we were going to have and if they would figure something out and fix it that would be great. The odd part was - they did! I was so grateful. There were no complaints or comments about never asking again...just a 12 and 14 year old heading to the kitchen. I think they considered it their excuse to have pizza. They pulled a couple of frozen ones out of the fridge and did some veggies. Dinner was fixed with basically no help from me. Jonny also commented about how there would be less to clean up (not much in the way of pans/prep dishes). It wasn't gourmet - but, it did the job and we're on to other evening happenings. Hooray for capable and willing children!