Independent Exploration Activities

I try to do a lot of science experiments and inquiry-based activities with my kids, but it's nice when I can find something for them to do on their own, freeing me up to take care of chores or dinner, while they continue to learn and engage. I've had my eye on a few Lakeshore products, but help off on purchasing them until last week. I needed a few different styles of magnets, a magnifying glass, and a specimen viewer for some of the science experiments we want to do so I headed to Lakeshore to see if they had what I needed.

I browsed the science section and discovered that I could get one hand lens for $10, a box of 10 or 12 magnets (all the same style) for $15, and I didn't even bother to look for a specimen viewer. So I turned to those products I'd been debating and realized they were the perfect fit. The Can Do! Science Kits are $19.99 each, and I had a buy one get one 50% off coupon, so it was looking like a good deal. Then I read the contents. The magnet kit has a horseshoe magnet, a set of ball magnets, a bar magnet, ring magnets, and more. The magnification kit has a hand lens, a specimen viewer, and 5 specimens. Both sets include activity cards and suggestions for further exploration. Combined, these two sets had exactly what I was looking for and so much more for a sweet $30 plus change.

My science buffs wanted to open them in the car but I made them wait. When we got home though, we tore into those cans and they were occupied for at least an hour. I loved that my son, who's 6, demonstrated how the magnets worked to my 3-year-old daughter, and then showed her how to examine the specimens in the magnification set. Then they procedded to wander the house looking for things that were magnetic, and things they could magnify. It was so much fun watching them put their scientist hats on without me guiding them.

If you're looking to add something to your science repertoire, I highly recommend the Can Do! Science Kits. These are not affiliate links, just me sharing my opinion. Have fun!

Settling In To Homeschool

We've officially completed one full week of homeschool and, this being our first experience with homeschooling, I'd say we are doing pretty well. We're still figuring out how to best schedule our days and where chores and social time fits in, but we are making time for all of that and still finishing our assignments.

On our first day, I had the kids draw a self portrait. I plan on having them draw a new self portrait every month to see what changes and progress is made. Here is my son's:

We are also enjoying our curriculum materials. I purchased the Saxon Math 1 homeschool program through Houghton Mifflin. My first grader is a little ahead in math skills so the early lessons are proving to be very easy for him, but we are using it as an opportunity to review and see if there are any early skills that we need to work on. We also purchased the math manipulatives kit and we have a lot of fun using the linking cubes, rulers, balance, and other materials that it comes with. Here's a look at all that fun stuff!

We also purchased the Houghton Mifflin Science Fusion program for 1st grade and we really like it. It took some technological know-how to set up, but once I sat down and focused I was able to get our virtual classroom set up. There are still a few glitches that I need to address, but I can access all the materials so it hasn't become an issue yet. Our favorite part is the worktext that you can write in and the inquiry flipchart that offers tons of labs and experiments to go along with our reading.

I have the language arts workbooks, but I'm looking for a more instructional and informative language arts program, rather than just worksheets with short fill in the blank activities. Do you have a favorite language arts program? I'd love to hear about it!

Raddish: Culinary Skills and Healthy Eating for Kids

A few months ago at the CHEA convention in Anaheim I discovered the Raddish booth. I fell in love with the adorably illustrated recipe cards and the concept that cooking and curriculum can connect so seamlessly.

Raddish is sold in a subscription format and every month you get a box that contains three recipe cards, table talk cards to encourage coversation over meals, activity ideas to complement the recipes, a skill card to teach new culinary skills and so much more. The recipe cards offer additional educational information and suggestions for putting what you learn into action. The Raddish website even offers supplemental recipes, activities, and lesson plans to accompany your Raddish subscription.

I really wanted to try a box.

You can imagine how excited I was when I was given the opportunity. I am a contributor for dandelion moms and was so kindly given a box to try with my family. You can see my full post here.

Maybe your kids love cooking, maybe you want to improve your culinary skills and create an opportunity for family time, or maybe you are looking for an elective to add to your homeschool curriculum. No matter your situation, I highly recommend Raddish. My kiddos and I give it three thumbs up!

Solar System Fact Sheet and Activities

My son loves learning about everything. One of his favorite subjects is Space and our Solar System. Since we are planning on transitioning to homeschooling this fall, I've started playing with making my own fact sheets and mini-workbooks for him to use.

After reading the fact sheet, he can move on to answering the questions in the activity book, filling out the creative writing prompt, and doing the mini-activity. If your little one loves space, feel free to download the fact sheet and workbook below.

Happy learning!

 



Fact Sheet



 



Workbook