Enjoying Fall

 Inis Grove

Every chance we could get we would finish up and run to a different outdoor space before winter closed in on us. We were given some really wonderful days!

Riley wanted to collect all of the leaves and acorns

Nora Didn't want to be in the picture but this one turned out very nice

 

Munn Woods

This is a beautiful wooded area in the middle of town but it doesn't feel like that when you are wandering around there.

 

Nora made a volcano

August's self portrait

 

Playing at home

Rock Kit, pumpkins and A Midsummer Nights Dream

 Crystals and minerals

I bought a rock kit for the kids to sort out and explore as our introduction to learning about the different types of rocks. The kit came with a few geodes to crack open. I didn't photograph that process. We started with crystals and minerals then led into learning about igneous rock, metamorphic rock, sedimentary rock, erosion, the rock cycle, fossils, how we use minerals in daily life and identification. We all really loved this progression and had a great time learning about this each week.

Riley made these cute pumpkins

Epsom salt crystal experiment

Sugar crystal experiment

Magnetic Hematite

Matching the rocks with the chart and reading additional info in library books

gypsum rosette

Pumpkins

Grandma Nancy came for a visit and brought the kids each a pumpkin. We waited until later in October to carve them. Nora painted hers and August and Riley used markers to show where I needed to carve. Then they removed the seeds themselves. 

A Midsummer Nights Dream

This was a fun introduction into Shakespeare and theater. We discussed the globe theater and where London is. Riley and I painted some peg dolls and the kids acted out the play. When we were done with this we watched a college production of the play on YouTube.

 

Riley made this beautiful painting after we were done with the dolls

Week 4 of Homeschool

 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Party: September 24th

To end our reading of this book we had a mad hatter tea party. We each dressed up, prepped the food, and discussed the story while eating our lunch! Fuzzy(the bear) joined us too.

Riley was Alice, August was the Mad Hatter, and I was the Cheshire Cat. Nora listened to the book but didn't want to dress up.

Volcano Kit

After studying tectonic plate activity we learned about all of the things connected to that. Mountain formations, rifts, continental drift, volcanoes, and earthquakes. August took a particular interest in Tsunamis when exploring earthquakes.

 

Monster Cupcakes

The kids helped to measure and stir everything up for some gluten free chocolate cupcakes then they decorated them like monsters. The eye sprinkles are so fun! They really took their time decorating.

 

Visiting Ledges State Park

Friday, September 25th was a very warm fall day. Keenan had the day off and we decided to spend the day out exploring with the kids. They had so much fun wandering around the creek beds and looking at rocks, leaves, moss and many other things. They loved the chance to climb all over fallen trees and rocks. 

A Bear Called Paddington

I added this book to our curriculum. It is such a fun read!