Well, it's been about a whole month since I've posted and we have done soooo much! We've been having an absolute blast, and that's why I haven't even taken a moment to sit here and log it. I really have to have a rainy day like this one to be able to make myself sit at the computer long enough to load everything. But, what a fun post this one is going to be! We are living life to the fullest and enjoying every second of what we like to call "Joneschooling". This is where we have evolved in our home schooling journey. It encompasses everything we love, and is a beautiful balancing act between traditional, unschooling, art (crafty, culinary, hodge-podge) and complete freedom. BabyGirl is just flourishing and I love watching her fly. Here are a few of our latest and greatest destinations....
This month we have focused on the continent of Africa. This is the most fascinating so far of all the ones we have studied to BabyGirl. We made a replica of an African village, a magic beaded doll, an Adinkra cloth, a Guro animal mask, a corn soup, a banana bake, and had a trip to our local zoo to check out the African Savannah. It has been so much fun! We even found a replica of a native African water plant for our fish tank! One of the best resources we found was a music CD from the library: Ladysmith Black Mambazo Gift of the Tortoise. It is a musical journey through Southern Africa, and is just wonderful for children. BabyGirl literally NEVER tires of listening to this one! It's worth checking out from the TCCL! Next month we will be covering Asia, our last continent to study for this school year. We have lots of fun things coming up, including a 6 week origami class taught by a Japanese teacher who will also be using the language, music and culture of Japan. Sounds sooooo exciting!!! I can't wait!
Along with our studies of the human body for science this month, we are working on our garden. We did this last year as well, but this year we have expanded quite a bit. We've also planted a couple trees in celebration of Earth Day. BabyGirl loves working in the dirt! She just kicks her shoes off, runs through the muck and digs right in! There is nothing quite like this type of schooling, and will stick with her throughout her life. I remember as a toddler the joy she had pushing seeds into the ground, and the amazement she had at seeing the first sprout!
We've been playing with a few Kumon math game books we got from Nanny. BabyGirl LOVES using her water colors on all of the paint by number pictures! They go all the way from 1-70, so it's great practice. She can't wait to see what will pop out at her next!!
Her latest favorite read was Follow That Bird. She was thrilled with the fact that she was able to read it all by herself in such a short time! Those Dodo's kept her cracking up the whole time! She loved the book, and we can't wait to show her the movie. Thanks for that book too, Nanny!!
BabyGirl has always had such a passion for cooking and baking!! She can't wait to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. She has helped with these things since she was a baby! She used to sit on the kitchen counter in her bouncer seat and watch me cook. I'm so proud at how well she can get around the kitchen. She's pre-heating the oven, measuring (and leveling), sifting, mixing...I could just go on and on. I'm happy to be able to nurture this love, and let it become part of our schooling. Not to mention being able to eat the most fabulous vanilla bean short bread cookies I've ever had in my life today!!!!!
What a busy and wonderful time! The last month has brought us: a 6 year old BabyGirl (I love you so much!), birthday parties, dancing at the Herbal Affair, trips to Gilcrease Museum for books and art, a new baby cousin, a trip to Woodward to make time stand still for a moment, and so much more.....along with everything listed here! We're looking forward to the month of May, and all the activities that come along with it! Until next time....
