tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80007913373468318952024-03-12T16:53:27.600-07:00Secret Garden HomeschoolSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-12469403326489157392014-10-16T04:25:00.000-07:002014-10-16T04:25:10.506-07:00T: terms 3-4 2014T: Term 3 Achievements<br />
<br />
Reading:<br />
<br />
Activities:<br />
Reading Eggs<br />
Family story time: Poetry, folktales, biographies (Therese Martin), apocryphal, fiction<br />
Books on science experiments<br />
<br />
Outcomes:<br />
Recognises words and sequences words to create sentences in Reading Eggs. Up to Map 39.<br />
Interperets meaning of story from Asterix comic.<br />
Sounds out simple words<br />
<br />
Writing:<br />
<br />
Practices letters using activity books (Reading Eggs)<br />
Traces letters in sand<br />
Free writing - composing 'messages' for mum to decipher (eg where treasure is hidden)<br />
Practices writing first name<br />
Fine motor skill development in prep for writing<br />
<br />
Mathematics:<br />
Shapes<br />
concepts of whole, half, quarters.<br />
counting up to 20<br />
Recognising numbers<br />
Measuring<br />
<br />
Languages:<br />
Indonesian (counting, yes, no, greetings)<br />
greetings in French, German, <br />
counting in Swahili<br />
<br />
Other:<br />
Pulled apart electronic devices<br />
Built basic lizard house and holy cross from recycled wood, using hammer and nails<br />
Nature observation (cicadas emerging from shell, white cabbage moth caterpillar development, etc)<br />
Experiments with acid and alkaline substances<br />
Developing responsibility in caring for toddler sister (walking her around the garden so she would be happy), sharing with younger brother (3), developing learning not to fight with brother. Plays happily and negotiates games with friends.<br />
<br />
wants to build robot<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-81634666430693024862014-09-27T03:08:00.001-07:002014-09-27T03:08:29.229-07:00Term 3 2014 - outside homeT (5) and W (3):-<br />
<br />
<u>Literacy pre-k classes at homeschool mum's house. Africa theme</u><br />
<br />
Pre-handwriting skills - cutting and pasting, drawing shapes and patterns, borders on page, colouring, beading.<br />
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Following instructions<br />
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Listening to and comprehending stories - Jungle Drums, We all Go on Sarafi, stories from Nelson Mandela's Favourite Folktales. Retelling stories<br />
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Counting to 10 in Swahili<br />
<br />
African culture day: food and cooking, dressups, dancing, stick fighting<br />
<br />
<u>Swimming Lessons</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Playgroup</u><br />
<br />
<u>Farmschool</u><br />
<br />
Art of Andy Goldsworthy, Pro-Hart, Eco-dying, Modern art (splatter paintings)<br />
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Explaining your artwork, listening to other people explain their work, following instructions, playing with other children, building a fire,<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-73858942010557557102014-02-28T02:53:00.001-08:002014-02-28T02:53:57.411-08:00Viking ShowYesterday I took T to the Viking Show, a homeschooling event organised by parents and put together by an Viking Era historical re-enactment group. The children were split into groups and circulated around to four different stations where they listened to talks on clothing, culture, myths about Vikings, and weaponry. Following, they demonstrated a duel and a melee. Fantastic!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWW9c0rMQBvSQsF4VQU0H-5cgw3pXy-OMHQZgAdrww6dN3W-DDVkLec5_V91vgfycB9vMRsoVa7XNfKTwYj31j5kvwr9UxXTu1VyQHxPb7zbQXhIqIbCd4e5jq_3DsguOyiMf6NXehTY/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWW9c0rMQBvSQsF4VQU0H-5cgw3pXy-OMHQZgAdrww6dN3W-DDVkLec5_V91vgfycB9vMRsoVa7XNfKTwYj31j5kvwr9UxXTu1VyQHxPb7zbQXhIqIbCd4e5jq_3DsguOyiMf6NXehTY/s1600/IMG_4676.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This was about half the group<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_fszpk-vsLFJ80a8GZw8FPkmKcF7lQ1apgrS_xxX3tKbzW7ym33npiglEGfH1y0nrv8QLntQVWuKDkSKplfoRD7qJWmD6E4XyB7t4qScbbOhvpVEwHCrTWkvWws_Dp3Qy0aINnpS4L4/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_fszpk-vsLFJ80a8GZw8FPkmKcF7lQ1apgrS_xxX3tKbzW7ym33npiglEGfH1y0nrv8QLntQVWuKDkSKplfoRD7qJWmD6E4XyB7t4qScbbOhvpVEwHCrTWkvWws_Dp3Qy0aINnpS4L4/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" height="240" width="320" /><br />
The Vikings</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu5AvWtJ7t9NkWFDz-t2vzKGtdgr3BoN68evdNU3ZvJTpNg-rmsMmBX_NfT0VQmltM4sgwhQKe0T6ddZh19hcUaWV1JIHpFTnkMkkkhyphenhyphenpRhcsoWDi0WCzHns-rSWV4eCmcj68cong4QQ/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu5AvWtJ7t9NkWFDz-t2vzKGtdgr3BoN68evdNU3ZvJTpNg-rmsMmBX_NfT0VQmltM4sgwhQKe0T6ddZh19hcUaWV1JIHpFTnkMkkkhyphenhyphenpRhcsoWDi0WCzHns-rSWV4eCmcj68cong4QQ/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" height="320" width="240" /><br />
*Viking myths dispelled (and some created!)</a><br />
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Playing the Viking game of Kupp<br />
<br />
*(Apparently "Saint" Olaf was a cruel king who forced the Norwegians to convert to Christianity and killed anyone who wouldn't. That is why there is no more pagan culture in Norway. You see?. Oh those cruel Christians!)<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-18913773137923650852013-12-13T02:20:00.005-08:002013-12-13T02:20:50.682-08:00Mem FoxReading a book on learning to read by Mem Fox, I learnt a new way to help T to learn to read. <br />
<br />
As we are reading a familiar stroy I show him a word that is often repeated, usually the character;s name, and whenever we come across the word in the book I ask him to identify it. When he does, I do a funny scream of suprise and make him laugh and then he is excited to look for it again. Or when we come to a new page he has to look for the word, which also helps with his scanning skimming skills.<br />
<br />
Direct praise is a problem with T because it seems to put too much pressure on him.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-66578434493190646462013-12-13T02:08:00.000-08:002013-12-13T02:08:41.905-08:00Advent Planning Follow-up<span style="font-size: large;">So-far here is what we have achieved out of our Advent planning:</span><br />
<br />
A table-centre wreath with advent candles - lit each night with appropriate prayer for each week.<br />
Purple ribbons, tinsel. Christmas lights.etc put up around the house.<br />
<br />
Nativity scene with the approaching Magi.<br />
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Our "Christmas Story" Advent Calendar with a little book for each day, leading up to the birth of Our Lord. After a new book is read each evening it is hung on a wooden Christmas tree.<br />
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Jesse tree with a new symbol for each day - this is proving a bit much as I forgot to print off what the symbols mean and it adds to a long bed-time. So next year I might do a shorter one that I have in my Liturgical year folder.<br />
<br />
Christmas books placed in accessible basket on floor<br />
<br />
Buying Christmas present and food for a family who need help at Christmas.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 1</b></span> (First Sunday of Advent)</div>
<div>
<i>*Decorate for Advent with Advent Calendars, Advent Wreath, Jesse Tree, etc... Set out Manger for Baby Jesus <span style="color: red;">{I will do this next year I think- all a bit much for me now!}</span> and all of our Christmas Books. Bless the Advent Wreath during nighttime prayers. </i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 3</b></span> ~ <i>Celebrate the <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2008/12/for-feast-of-st-francis-xavier.html"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Feast of St. Francis Xavier</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="color: red;">We made tempura chicken for dinner (the link to Japan!) and read a short verson of his life over dinner</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 6</b></span> (Feast of St. Nicholas) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1883937183?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1883937183"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Miracle of Saint Nicholas</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;">We read our relevant St Nicholas books the night before and the boys put out their shoes by the wood heater. They found 'toffee money' in their shoes in the morning! I made these by melting white sugar in a frypan and browning it slightly. Then put it in cellophane bags. We pulled out our St Nicholas picture we made last year and set it up on dining table.</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 8</span></b> (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) ~ <a href="http://catholicicing.com/category/immaculate-conception/"><span style="color: #993200;">http://catholicicing.com/category/immaculate-conception/</span></a>, give miraculous medals to children and we ask priest to bless them at Mass.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Completely forgot to do this...</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 9</span></b> (Second Sunday of Advent) ~ *<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554980747/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1554980747"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Our Lady of Guadalupe</span></a> (pop-up)</div>
<div>
<i>* Feast of St. Juan Diego</i></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Feeling harried at this point...</span> </div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 12</span></b> (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439242053/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0439242053"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Legend of the Christmas Rose</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Whoops...</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 13</span></b> (Feast of St. Lucy) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982277040/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0982277040"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Lucia, Saint of Light</span></a></div>
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<i>*Celebrate the <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/search/label/St.%20Lucy"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Feast of St. Lucy</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Forgot my own daughter's name-day! Her first one too!</span> </div>
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Today we went shopping for Christmas food, and wrapped a present, both for a family who don't have much. Via Wyoming Church. We will drop it off tomorrow.</div>
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So you can see Advent has started off well. We've been keeping up with our candles, reading our advent calendar and mostly covering the Jesse tree on time. I'm not too worried that my feast day plans went awry as I want to focus on preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus: in hope, trust, charity and anticipation.</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-59327018517148127672013-11-16T03:17:00.001-08:002013-12-01T22:12:07.623-08:00Advent Planning<br />
To Buy: Advent candles, food bin for stockfeed (as a manger?!?!?); jesse tree; large wreath {SPOTLIGHT?)<br />
<br />
ORGANISE CHRISTMAS HAMPER<br />
<br />
Also from <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/this-years-advent-christmas-book.html">http://showerofroses.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/this-years-advent-christmas-book.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 1</b></span> (First Sunday of Advent)<br />
<i>*Decorate for Advent with Advent Calendars, Advent Wreath, Jesse Tree, etc... Set out Manger for Baby Jesus and all of our Christmas Books. Bless the Advent Wreath during nighttime prayers. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://catholicicing.com/nativity-set-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/">http://catholicicing.com/nativity-set-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 3</b></span> ~ <i>Celebrate the <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2008/12/for-feast-of-st-francis-xavier.html"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Feast of St. Francis Xavier</span></a></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>December 6</b></span> (Feast of St. Nicholas) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1883937183?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1883937183"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Miracle of Saint Nicholas</span></a><br />
<i>*Celebrate the <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/search/label/St.%20Nicholas"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Feast of St. Nicholas</span></a>; Bake <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2010/12/st-nicholas-cookies-and-cookie-cutters.html"><span style="color: #dd667f;">St. Nicholas Cookies</span></a> </i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">December 8</span></b> (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) ~ <a href="http://catholicicing.com/category/immaculate-conception/">http://catholicicing.com/category/immaculate-conception/</a>, give miraculous medals to children and we ask priest to bless them at Mass.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">December 9</span></b> (Second Sunday of Advent) ~ *<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554980747/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1554980747"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Our Lady of Guadalupe</span></a> (pop-up)<br />
<i>* Feast of St. Juan Diego</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">December 12</span></b> (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439242053/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0439242053"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Legend of the Christmas Rose</span></a><br />
<i>*Begin Christmas Rose Novena</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 13</span></b> (Feast of St. Lucy) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982277040/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0982277040"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Lucia, Saint of Light</span></a><br />
<i>*Celebrate the <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/search/label/St.%20Lucy"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Feast of St. Lucy</span></a></i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">December 14</span></b> ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802851924/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0802851924" target="_blank"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Waiting for Noel: An Advent Story</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">December 16</span></b> (Gaudete Sunday) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698119010?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698119010"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Night of Las Posadas</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">December 17</span></b> ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1888212209/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1888212209&linkCode=as2&tag=shoofros-20"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Miraculous Child: A Christmas Folktale from Old Russia</span></a><br />
<i>*O Wisdom... (View all our <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2012/11/preparing-for-advent-o-antiphon-gifts.html"><span style="color: #dd667f;">O Antiphon Plans here</span></a>.)</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>December 18</b></span> ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399256539/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399256539&linkCode=as2&tag=shoofros-20"><span style="color: #dd667f;">Home for Christmas </span></a><br />
<i>*O Adonai, and Ruler of the House...</i><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>December 19</b></span><br />
<i>*O Root of Jesse...</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">December 20</span></b> ~ <br />
<i>*O Key of David - Key Lime Pie and Sparkling Drinks with Dinner</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">December 21</span></b> ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816733856?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0816733856"><span style="color: #dd667f;">One Christmas Dawn</span></a><br />
<i>*O Dayspring... Hot Cocoa in thermoses and drive around to see Christmas lights in town after dark </i><br />
<i><br /></i><b><span style="color: magenta;">December 22</span></b> ~ <br />
<i>*O King of the Gentiles...</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 23</span></b> (Fourth Sunday of Advent) ~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399212337?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399212337"><span style="color: #dd667f;">The Donkey's Dream</span></a><br />
<i>*Bake Starlight Cookies</i><br />
<i>*O Emmanuel... </i><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">December 24</span></b> (Christmas Eve) ~ <b>*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547238940/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547238940&linkCode=as2&tag=shoofros-20"><span style="color: #dd667f;">A Christmas Manger (Punch-out-and-play Books)</span></a> </b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-91887761236525548752013-10-25T03:27:00.002-07:002013-12-13T02:22:13.289-08:00Read Alouds Term 4, 2013Enjoyed by both T (4) and W (2)<br />
<br />
The Adventures of the Wishing Chair, Enid Blyton<br />
The Latch key Dog, Joan Dalgleish (abridged by me)<br />
Jack Russell Pet Detective, Sally and Darryl Odgers Scholastic Series<br />
Stories for Five Year-Olds, <br />
See Food<br />
Stories for four year oldsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-66746226511750539042013-10-25T03:17:00.001-07:002013-10-25T03:34:35.297-07:00Preschool PlanningLanguage and Literacy <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/read-and-write-on-teach-preschool/">http://www.teachpreschool.org/read-and-write-on-teach-preschool/</a><br />
<ul>
<li>Read alouds <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">(every day)</span></li>
<li>'reading' books alone in 'reading <span style="background-color: white;">space' <span style="color: blue;">(up to children),</span></span> strewing</li>
<li>different mediums for writing/drawing eg: salt tray using different tools; shape tracing; on frosted mirror; paint and write styrofoam boards with cotton tip for writing; window tracing: <span style="color: blue;">Once or twice a week</span></li>
<li>"letter of the week/fortnight"? <span style="color: blue;">Every two weeks?</span></li>
<li>name writing and recognition eg name journal; seeing name around house; writing name first on activities, writing name on a line or in boxes on a white board <span style="color: blue;">Once or twice a week</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
Maths <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/math-on-teach-preschool/">http://www.teachpreschool.org/math-on-teach-preschool/</a><br />
<br />
Outdoor Play<br />
<br />
Science and Nature<br />
<br />
Creative Art<br />
<br />
Fine and Gross Motor skills<br />
<ul>
<li>tying shoe laces</li>
</ul>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-17913343371198983332013-09-28T02:57:00.000-07:002013-09-28T02:57:19.712-07:00back to magnetismT wanted to repeat the magnetism experiments of several months ago, so on his own he and W looked at how magnetic force can pull through glass and water and how magnets only attract iron, not glass (glass marbles were not drawn to magnet). T then described his experiment to me.<br />
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A month ago ben also made a game with boys demonstrating how magnetic force works through cardboard. They drew a racing track on strong cardboard and made paper cars with paperclips stuck to the bottom. A magnet applied to the paperclip from underneath the cardboard pulls the paper car around the track.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-62619246157140472272013-09-24T03:49:00.000-07:002013-10-25T03:18:09.639-07:00story-tellingWe read a lot of books to the boys (fiction and non-fiction) and this translates into how they express themselves.<br />
<br />
T was pulling up a runner root in the garden and W came up behind him, grabbed him by the waist and they narrated or 'fictionalised' their activity:<br />
<br />
W: ...And they pulled, and they pulled and they pulled...<br />
T: ...but it wouldn't budge!<br />
Me: so then what happened?<br />
W: And they pulled and they pulled and they pulled...<br />
T: But it still wouldn't budge!<br />
Me: then who came to help?<br />
T: Mum!!! And they pulled and they pulled... [at this point the runner root snapped] ... And it broke right off!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-88122661908929813522013-09-24T03:40:00.001-07:002013-09-24T03:40:36.089-07:00Art exhibition<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8pQSOQENBaAeXUzXJgOUYKgTyuGx0Lo0QRVriyFVEKtWyHz7_LemjbYoSaLj5v-7yoquOAfM01Mu2Pg3p0M-r1OuhdeQO41HyX2hQSOTDuxqRlSrmG7F_HZEGN5FFA5epSbl5ngXTWc/s1600/IMG_3403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8pQSOQENBaAeXUzXJgOUYKgTyuGx0Lo0QRVriyFVEKtWyHz7_LemjbYoSaLj5v-7yoquOAfM01Mu2Pg3p0M-r1OuhdeQO41HyX2hQSOTDuxqRlSrmG7F_HZEGN5FFA5epSbl5ngXTWc/s320/IMG_3403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last term T attended homeschool art classes and his favourite piece was put into an exhibition at the local eco-garden's annual festival. It was a great confidence-booster for him and a great encouragement for finishing art work that he has started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J2RjkMmReeHT7xnz8dfKSSZP-Tvy_IfubDSWVi0TDbv_eu6Hy1XaQTGC7V17qakTE8imhSui9FmNz9UprqQyqxFOB7TYOCuDmNtCgrH3pMMIa9DglE11dJ-aJnICA-H_ZIeNVC7OiWc/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J2RjkMmReeHT7xnz8dfKSSZP-Tvy_IfubDSWVi0TDbv_eu6Hy1XaQTGC7V17qakTE8imhSui9FmNz9UprqQyqxFOB7TYOCuDmNtCgrH3pMMIa9DglE11dJ-aJnICA-H_ZIeNVC7OiWc/s320/IMG_3402.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U6pZAMToMLqUZyUL3qjv7p2qBohOVFUR8q5hT00jK32y3wkkzS9Qyqo3DfFbB4oQH85btilF7FIJGJw-tBe8tffw73i-tJRIMDJ2vIymoOEiyck7l4BSYzMZn78EMNMMA7goNiqNtMs/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8U6pZAMToMLqUZyUL3qjv7p2qBohOVFUR8q5hT00jK32y3wkkzS9Qyqo3DfFbB4oQH85btilF7FIJGJw-tBe8tffw73i-tJRIMDJ2vIymoOEiyck7l4BSYzMZn78EMNMMA7goNiqNtMs/s320/IMG_3405.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-1904005659087822202013-09-02T04:35:00.001-07:002013-10-25T03:18:34.047-07:00WritingI have not done much actual teaching of letters so far with T and W. T is not at all interested in workbooks and I think he is the type of learner who will 'get' it in his own time. Mostly we do a lot of reading together and both boys try to identify what sound different words start with. W has more success with this.<br />
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I plan to get some shaving cream to make letters on a mirror.<br />
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T can write his name with a bit of help. Being left handed he often writes from right to left.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-319606420484071522013-09-02T04:29:00.002-07:002013-09-02T04:29:34.208-07:00SicknessWe have been plagued by sickness over the last three weeks in our family. W has been very unwell with a cough and runny nose and T has a croupy cough. So we have been in survival mode.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-51080002303505615172013-08-12T20:49:00.002-07:002013-09-02T04:51:18.682-07:00skeletonsT. has fascination with "skeleton bones", We have:<br />
<ul>
<li>discussed different bones in body and identified them on ourselves</li>
<li>borrowed book on skeletal system from library</li>
<li>watched descriptions of skeletal system on you tube</li>
<li>collected animal bones from bush and tried to identify: wallaby skulls, cow skull, vertebrae, rib bones, leg bones. <span style="color: blue;"><b>NB extension: borrow book on animal skeletal systems and try to identify more accurately</b></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">.</span></li>
<li>bought book on skeletal and other body systems and extended reading to nervous, muscular and circulatory systems</li>
<li>visited both <a href="http://australianmuseum.net.au/">Australian museum</a> and <a href="http://www.somervillecollection.com.au/">Bathurst's Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum</a> with excellent dinosaur displays, seen whale skeletons in Whale museum, Albany WA</li>
<li>at one point T had his own museum display on the toyshelf of all the rocks and bones he'd found in garden</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftmejxBFCVZWOSlxFMlFPhTSU6Pc0mT0bZlCfOUkMvkoPx4zCppFqeesOFMmvJdRvtY18HXRoc9SrgDxkyyC4lKS7uE6L-j5CxjOPNYEJZVNA9jV5dvGnLe_zcngeCnkKyoxR3HnGYhw/s1600/IMG_3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftmejxBFCVZWOSlxFMlFPhTSU6Pc0mT0bZlCfOUkMvkoPx4zCppFqeesOFMmvJdRvtY18HXRoc9SrgDxkyyC4lKS7uE6L-j5CxjOPNYEJZVNA9jV5dvGnLe_zcngeCnkKyoxR3HnGYhw/s320/IMG_3263.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wallaby skull?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-54079589387174625042013-08-12T20:14:00.001-07:002013-09-02T04:56:39.488-07:00dirt playT and W spend much time playing in a patch of dirt outside the back door. W is more independent so he is out there alone more often with toy cars, trucks, etc. usually sitting in a hole. T digs many holes in dirt and plays with a pulley system rigged up by ben as well as a crane also made by ben.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7JBlRf3et4wDlknv1wl6HXfmBXR9PeG4B9zUD4s0eOtt9hCkVPGuJvYCOhmHKXEQGbmhrz96qPVN0p1mtRDN9HQ_Mj4sW3qrsFeVjvW0bqaRBCyeWh0IzUYgtmf3Knau-wHCIsXpOfQ/s1600/IMG_3480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7JBlRf3et4wDlknv1wl6HXfmBXR9PeG4B9zUD4s0eOtt9hCkVPGuJvYCOhmHKXEQGbmhrz96qPVN0p1mtRDN9HQ_Mj4sW3qrsFeVjvW0bqaRBCyeWh0IzUYgtmf3Knau-wHCIsXpOfQ/s640/IMG_3480.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting muddy is a daily occurrence for W</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6YJc5vc6Ei205Snxnj_uOYhyeSIX5BzKFVcRDXOQvdsHaLdvZi-T3aYrBpqNhJPnZ7FLmV6numopeGXWof65ohLjvQhezqr02k8CnQozaDiY9NBgNAsONtgfzM6Ikz9WOXOLb1cFEUU/s1600/IMG_3473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6YJc5vc6Ei205Snxnj_uOYhyeSIX5BzKFVcRDXOQvdsHaLdvZi-T3aYrBpqNhJPnZ7FLmV6numopeGXWof65ohLjvQhezqr02k8CnQozaDiY9NBgNAsONtgfzM6Ikz9WOXOLb1cFEUU/s640/IMG_3473.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've given up trying to keep him clean... ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When neighbouring girls come over to play there is 'treasure' hunting (even finding old coins), mud fights, 'magic potion' mixing, mud pie making, mud puddle making, mud tower building, digging, raking and hoeing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn1uHm-qJ88fIjhQtGwxXcaaqxRCIt7Zc_-oJl7OjMptfWGTzV0X5ne6DqlC75jPob8OHZ16qfW8zyuYtONY59_jHOlTQNlI7n4rSrgO__-SfNY4iNjSF20zvm3pSbSwpeN1kc4fTB6w/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn1uHm-qJ88fIjhQtGwxXcaaqxRCIt7Zc_-oJl7OjMptfWGTzV0X5ne6DqlC75jPob8OHZ16qfW8zyuYtONY59_jHOlTQNlI7n4rSrgO__-SfNY4iNjSF20zvm3pSbSwpeN1kc4fTB6w/s640/IMG_3242.jpg" width="640" /></a>All this play fosters development of imagination, fine and gross motor skills, friendships and negotiating rules of play.<br />
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Hopefully they are growing in charity as they share in play, and patience as they wait their turns.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-1311617751800432852013-08-07T05:13:00.000-07:002013-08-07T05:13:38.057-07:00digger projectA ride-on digger project has begun with T. requesting Ben make one.<br />
T. then drew the design he wanted.<br />
Ben, T and W went online to see if there were similar designs that were feasible.<br />
Ben sketched a doable design while boys watched.<br />
The three went in search of appropriate wood.<br />
Work began in the shed... to be continued.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-5959222268248737712013-08-07T05:02:00.001-07:002013-08-07T05:02:46.245-07:00Serving othersT. made great attempts to calm our screaming 4 month old while I dressed 2 y/o for bed. This is despite his sound sensitivity which eventually got the better of him and he ran in distress foe his ear muffs. An heroic effort.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-37306277014543902962013-08-06T04:16:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:16:15.208-07:00IvanhoeBoys watched cartoon version of Ivanhoe which was an abridged version of Walter scott's novel. I had recently read novel and Ben and I discussed at dinner table differences between book and cartoon. T joined in discussion of characters in novel and the roles they played esp Front de Boef, Robin Hood, Gurth, Rebecca, Ivanhoe, and the old hag.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-51335440448830586822013-08-06T04:08:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:08:22.200-07:00magnetismRead section on magnetism in Harcourt Science level K to T day before. He wanted to do magnetism experiments listed in book. So we did three experiments:<br />
(a) what do magnets attract? We tested magnets on different materials eg plastic, types of metals and we confirmed that magnets attract iron.<br />
(b) Showing that magnetic force can act through some solid objects: Placed an iron object in a glass of water and showed that object was attracted to magnet through glass. Also worked through place mat and cardboard<br />
(c) compared strength of two different magnets by seeing how many paper clips each attracted: <b>counting paperclips</b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000791337346831895.post-56324632768165063542013-08-06T03:50:00.001-07:002013-09-02T04:53:31.502-07:00Ridges and SwalesVisit to beach - brought shovels and Ben and the boys dug swales to channel water across contour lines of slope to water's edge. Added ridges and discussed with boys differences between swales and ridges. watched water run along the various water courses.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01966580170828842100noreply@blogger.com0