Assessments in Homeschool

Assessment doesn't mean test. It means demonstrate understanding. Just talking to Lightning Bug about mythology at any point it is obvious he has a command of Mythology. Not just Greek and Roman either, but those are his favorite. 

It was natural for us to have him select a favorite myth and bring it to life in some way as a final project for his year long study of Mythology. 

He chose to display the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. Daddy and Lightning Bug made the maze together. The Minotaur is a model figure. Lightning Bug wrote the story in his own words to accompany the display. Done. 

What different assessment idea do you use in your home school?

Field Trips and Homeschooling

Field Trips don't have to align with what you're actually teaching when you homeschool. They do in a traditional school, LOL. Trust me. I have to justify field trips with grade level state standards. 

This week we took Lightning Bug whale watching. It was amazing. We all learned things and didn't need any curriculum alignment at all! When opportunity  knocks, open the door to learning. 

Potion Play

Lightning Bug is very into making potions. I came home from work to find this... mostly water and food coloring, but each bottle had a "purpose". I love that when his school work is done he uses his time for imaginative play.

Some things defy explanation

This is Devin the Duck...he is flying with a parachute with the help of the fan.... homeschooling. Kids. Need I say more.

Karate

We signed the Bugs up for Karate classes- the price is right and it's something they can do together.

Back to School Fairy

Every year on the first day of school, the BACK TO SCHOOL FAIRY brings the bugs new school supplies. The 2015-2016 school year was no exception. It's like - school-Christmas waking up to see what she will bring! 

Alice in Wonderland!

This Summer's Camp Crabtree production is Alice in Wonderland. We also added a small art show. The kids worked on a few "Alice" inspired art projects to display.

Kids Maker Fair

Daddy and Uncle S took the big kids to the maker Fair at UCR this weekend. So many amazing things to see and do. They came home and actually built the giant bubble makers so we would have a set at home for ourselves!

The Leprechaun paid us a visit

Lucky the Leprechaun stopped by....since we didn't try to trap him this year he left shirts, hats for the buddies and a box of Lucky Charms! The Pot of gold is a craft we did With Aunt AW. Pipe cleaners, a flower pot and rocks painted gold. Quite easy and quite fun as well!

Thousand Steps Beach

We've set a goal with the S Family to visit a new place every month. This month it was the "thousand steps beach" - I didn't count them while walking either down nor back up - but there were a lot. The day spent together was worth the walk.

Science Fair

In partnership with the school I work at the girls participated in the science fair. Both of them placed!

It's been a great year

Thank you 2014 for all your Blessings - in our Homeschool, work an Family life. We look forward to continuing to grow together as a family.

Day of the Dead Altar

Megan worked really hard on her Day of the Dead altar.