What we've been up to....

It's been awhile since our last school update. Here is a brief summary of what we've been up to lately...

For science we finished up studying the ocean (including animals living in it, waves, tides, ocean currents, how humans affect ocean life, and Rachel Carson) the first week of November. Next, we've begun weather. So far, we've worked on how the sun warms the Earth, temperature, wind and clouds. It's been a lot of fun so far!

Here she is feeling how the sun warmed our sand that was placed in the sun. (on a very sunny day :)

Here she is checking the direction of the wind with our wind vane.

Here she is seeing how clouds form.

For history/geography we've finished our study of the 3 world religions and began our study of Mexico. So far we've studied the cultures, flag, names of things in Mexico and how they reflect the cultures, the Rio Grande, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the native mountains and volcanoes. We are working on a ongoing map project, and plan on integrating different crafts and foods from Mexico as well.

For math we've introduced more fractions, and have been working on units of measurement.

Here is our fractions tea party.

Here she is measuring with a "BabyGirl foot"...

and a standard foot.
We finished our 3rd Harry Potter book and have moved onto the 4th. She is still totally loving this series, and would read until well past bedtime if she were allowed to :) Now, she wants me to search ebay for vintage girl Harry Potter shirts and memorabilia for Christmas!

For music we've looked at different opera's, and also studied jazz. She really enjoyed the music of Louis Armstrong, and was excited to find out how many jazz songs she already knew!

We had our art class for November which was about lines. We talked about all the different kinds of lines, as well as some many different ways to make lines. She loved the lesson, and has a beautiful masterpiece to display from it! These are lines she created from her finger, a toothbrush, a string, and a fork.

Our co-op is having an open house this weekend to celebrate the ending of our last session. I can't believe we've already had 12 weeks! This session for Spanish we made flash cards, a floor plan of our house, paper dolls, a calendar, and a family tree. For science we've made a kaleidoscope, a Maxwell top, paper mache, hydrometers, invisible ink, and measured starches in food. For art we've worked with watercolors, colored pencils, and different stamping techniques. She has some really amazing works of art from this class, and she cannot wait to display them to her friends and family. The first session we enjoyed speech, computer programming and child psychology. What a great opportunity to be a part of such a diverse and wonderful group. We look forward to the break...but also look forward to starting again fresh in the spring! I will post pics of the open house later on...

Our drum lessons are continuing to go wonderfully! She seems to have a natural ability to remember the beats and keep rhythm. She is so enthusiastic and we are so proud of her. She cannot wait to get a drum set of her own....

Last but not least....we had our baby shower last weekend. It is such a blessing to have the greatest friends and family I could imagine! It was a fabulous time for the families, the decorations and food were unbelievable, and we will never forget the thoughtfulness of everyone who came. We are so grateful!

Now, on to enjoy the afternoon sun! Until next time....