Missions to Modern Marvels
My chemistry loving son is having a blast with the chem kit in MTMM. He dons his gloves, apron, and goggles, and he is set! He really looks forward to these experiments, and I like the lab sheet follow-ups too...
Wyatt has been reading about religions around the world and learning about their differences and similarities with Christianity. We have thoroughly been enjoying our readings for our joint Bible study in "Who Am I?...". The narratives of different children about Wyatt's age growing up in different religions are so interesting. He can find similarities with each of them in different aspects of their daily living which is neat, but he can also pick out the differences in beliefs and worldviews, which is even more important to me as his mom trying to teach him what a Christian worldview looks like. This chart in his notebook helped him organize his research on this subject...
I am to the point where I just enjoy reading Wyatt's written narrations, with minimal editing corrections and few tips for improvement. We have been working on narrating, first orally and then in written form, under HOD's expert guidance for the past 8 years. Oral narration practice began with LHFHG in the Storytime follow-ups and continued on in every subsequent year, with helps more and more fine-tuned to growth and maturity in this skill. Written narration practice began with PHFHG in history and continued on in every subsequent guide, with helps more and more fine-tuned to growth and maturity in that skill. Every year has been slow and steady progress. I don't believe there is any way to rush this, as narrating is a skill that must be improved with practice. I love how HOD has dc narrate in all different subject areas through the years - history, science, emerging reader's set, storytime - all of these varied living book resources require different aspects of narrating to be honed. For example, in history, there are countless names and places to be remembered. In science, there are numerous new vocabulary words to be used. In storytime, the characters' nuances in personality, mood, and actions are to be conveyed. No one can do all of this perfectly, even the best of narrators. But, over time, through practice, and with loving guidance, each student improves little by little and begins to develop his own style. If you are new to narration, give it time - as in years of time. The growth is slow and hard to see at times, but believe me, it is steady. HOD's plans and Appendix helps have helped my dc grow so much in this area, and it is now a joy to read my oldest ds's written narrations and listen to his oral narrations. I just want to encourage you - follow HOD's plans, use their tips, and keep encouraging your kiddos - the results are so worth it!!!!
Wyatt's maps have taught him many mapping skills, and they are often the things I see on his standardized tests each year. I am thankful these skills are covered through HOD in a way that is still interesting and directly related to what he is reading in his living history books...
Wyatt's history project this week had him baking war cake. This was so interesting because it was made without milk, eggs, and butter, as these were ingredients families often had to do without...
Each week the cousins get together and play with our sons. This week was especially fun as we had a lot of snow. The boys pulled each other on sleds behind their 3-wheelers and managed to build this pretty magnificent fort together. They even used water to freeze the sides of the fort for support. Too fun! Aren't we blessed to be able to homeschool and make our homes be whatever entertainment we want for our dc? Love that!
In Christ,
Julie
I think I have a few Little Joe Otters and Buster Bears living in my own household some days (including my prankster pulling hubby) 
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