Lindy's Homeschool: Dead Dinosaurs

Friday, September 23, 2011

Dead Dinosaurs

We excavated our homemade dinosaur fossils. Maxwell was very excited about this and kept yelling "Let's excavate!" I don't think I learned the word "excavate" until Jr. High. Hyrum had a different approach. He would say "Help, I'm stuck!" in a little voice for the dinosaurs, and then say "I will help you!" in a deep voice at which point he would hammer them as hard as he could with his mallet.

Can you see our "sabre tooth" tiger we threw in there?

We acted out the extinction of the dinosaurs. There are many theories (scientists sometimes crack me up on how sure they are about things that are so unsure.) First we were mammals eating the dumb dinosaur's eggs (jelly bellies.) Then we acted out the dinosaurs all getting sick. Then we hit them with a soccer ball meteorite. And then the planet heated up, resulting in a lot of VOLCANOES!!! (The volcano theory was the hit of the day.)

We had a P.E. day this week. The homeschool organization threw a field day. Maxwell tried hard, and in the end they gave the little kids lots of ribbons regardless of winning, which I liked. He did get fourth in throwing frisbees. Ultimate frisbee champion in the making!

In devotionals we learned that Russell M. Nelson was a heart surgeon...

And for our field trip we went to the WEST EDMONTON MALL!!! It used to be the biggest mall in the world. Maxwell got picked during the sea lion show as the volunteer who threw the sea lions rings.

We went to everything (including the "largest indoor amusement park in the world") except their "largest indoor water park in the world." We had tons of fun, and were all tuckered out by the end.

1 comment:

LynetteSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:42 PM
I envy your field trips!!! :) And your dinosaur excavating is so clever. Thanks for sharing your week!
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The "awkward and unprepared" Myth

There are many misconceptions and biases against homeschooling, and many people really think that I've never heard them or considered them. Many people worry about the "inevitable social awkwardness" of homeschoolers or that they are "unprepared for the world." In my experience, I've found that homeschoolers tend to be as socially "normal" or "awkward" as their parents. As far as "unprepared for the world" is concerned, that depends on how they are taught, but I have seen many successes first hand. Basically, I know the ins and outs of the decision I've made, thanks.

Why I Homeschool

When I was first married, I fell in love with the kids of the Leavitts and Schafers (my sisters-in-law families.) They were...and still are...confident, leaders, innocent where they should be innocent, creative, and accepting. They were also homeschooled. I wanted my future kids to be like them, and if homeschooling was part of that equation, then I was willing to make the sacrifice. Now, after years of study, prayer, and experience, I want to homeschool for many reasons. I want my kids to be family oriented not peer oriented. I want to include the gospel in every aspect of what they are taught. I want them to think out side of the box. I don't want them to be obsessed with what is "cool." I want them to feel loved by those around them. I want them to know who they are and what they stand for before they are bombarded by outside influences. I know that many families can do this without homeschooling, but it seems a lot harder to me. Basically, I'm a control freak. I want to be in control of my children's learning and social life....homeschooling makes that easier.

Also, now that I've realized they are severely dyslexic, I think homeschool is the best place for dyslexics to learn.

And there's the statistics.

My Schedule

7:15

START OUR DAY

Daddy does scriptures

Breakfast

Devotional w/ videos

Come Follow Me

Goals/mindfulness/memorization

9:00

School Starts

Maxwell

School of Hope Online

Hyrum's 3 "R"s

IEW Grammar and Writing

Video Text Algebra

Spelling (Word Wasp)

Daniel's 3 "R"s

Writing Prompts

Rightstart Math level "G"

Spelling (Wasp)

William's 3 "R"s

All About Reading

Creative Writing

Rightstart level "D"

Abraham's 3 "R"s

Logic of English

Handwriting Without Tears

Rightstart level "B"

Activity in afternoon:

Social Studies

Science

Art

Chess

field trips

Literature Club

WAS classes

My Curriculum

For math, I do RightStart Mathematics, which is an abacus based math, Times Tales to memorize multiplication, Video Text for Algebra, and Mathantics or other supplements on youtube.

For Devotionals, I use Come Follow Me.

For Reading, I have used the Barton Reading and Spelling program, but right now I'm experimenting with All About Reading and Logic of English.

For Writing, I use Handwriting Without Tears, IEW Fix It! Grammar, and IEW Student Intensive Writing.

For History, and Science, I use The Four Year Plan (which I LOVE.) This year we are using the "Family Jubilee" book which covers Biology, Modern World History, and New Testament.