It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

21 Dec 2011 1 Comment

by denisethinks in Field Trips, Our Progress, Schooling, Society Tags: Christmas, Field trips, History, Science, Scouting

Honestly, I’m not trying to go a month between posts.  After all, the idea of this was to help document all the fun and craziness and ups and downs on our homeschooling journey.  I’d really like to have that happen more often.  I’ve been super busy with all the holidays and birthdays we have this time of year, and sadly, my little blog has fallen utterly behind.  So, now to play catch up!

Let’s start with November.

My oldest received his Arrow of Light, the highest award a Cub Scout can receive.  It was quite a journey getting to that point, but so incredibly worth it!  He worked so hard to do everything which was required and he was so very excited when he finally earned the award.  He was able to receive his Arrow of Light at the same time as two of the other Scouts in his Pack, so they had a ceremony for all three.  It was very special!!  And, of course, our whole little co-op came out to support him when he received the award.  

So, why mention a Cub Scout Award on a blog about homeschooling???

I truly believe Cub Scouting is an absolutely amazing way to teach kids.  The Cub Scout program could almost be a curriculum all by itself!  There is just so much to it and so many different areas of life and learning it touches.  So much more than just tying knots.  I have two boys in Cubs right now, and in January my oldest will move into Boy Scouts. (Dang!!  When did that happen??  Wasn’t he just a baby like 5 minutes ago??)  We incorporate their Scouting requirements into our schooling.  There are things in there that can even be done with the girls.  It’s just incredible!  And, I really believe the Cub and Boy Scouting programs build character and strength in these boys, something many boys and men in our society desperately lack.

 

In November, in our co-op, we continued our studies of science and history.  In science, we learned more about telescopes and about the Space Race.  Next, we are going to be taking an in-depth look at our Solar System.  For history, we’ve been talking about the colonizing of America and the original 13 colonies that would eventually make up the United States.  It is absolutely amazing to me to see how the old traditions and culture of Europe carried over to the settling of the colonies!  It makes perfect sense, but it is still incredible to me.  And, you know what??  The kids picked up on that stuff on their own!  Hooray!  They are paying attention and listening and things are getting through to them!!  It’s clicking!  It’s really, really clicking!  And, they are sure showing they are critical thinkers!  I LOVE it!!!!

OK, now on to December.

We decided to take it a bit easy this month, since Christmas is coming.  We’ve been going a little light on the academics, but fear not!  They are indeed learning plenty of other things.  A couple of weeks ago, we took the kids on a field trip to the Bellagio Conservatory.  We were treated to a guided tour by one of our grandmas, who works there.  It was amazing!  We were also able to talk to Mr. Green Thumb, who told us all about how they do the plants and decorations, which are changed five times every year.  Everyone loved it and we were all in total awe at the incredible creations and decorations which were on display.  It was a great treat for the kids and adults!

                                                                            

We also decided to do a Christmas Dinner and gift exchange for the kids.  Each child was given the name of another one to do a gift for.  We put a limit of $5 or handmade things.  Most of the kids decided to go for handmade, which was absolutely incredible!  My oldest knitted a hat and scarf.  My other big boy sewed and stuffed a pillow.  My girls also wanted to do pillows, and did so with some help.  Some of the other kids made bracelets and pillows too.  It was incredible to see them get so wrapped up in making gifts for others!  They all really stepped outside themselves and worked super hard for each other!  Everyone loved it!

We also went caroling that day, which everyone enjoyed!

It’s been a great few weeks and we’ve been able to see the kids grow a great deal!

It’s always an adventure and we are completely loving the journey we are on!  Looking forward to the new year and new adventures!!

 

Advertisement