Building Designs and Materials

I feel that kids understand and retain concepts better when they can be hands on. Whether it is drawing a picture of something of doing an experiment. In science B and M were learning about different types of materials we could build with and different types of designs. Which types of designs and materials worked better than others for different purposes or situations. We also learned that there is not only one way to do things. There can be several different ways to get the desired result. The marble tracks they built were a good indicator of this concept. They could start the marble at 3 or four different points and get the same end result or destination. Here are some of the hands on projects we came up with to put there findings to the test, and just have fun. They played for hours with they creations and they regularly make new ones. The marble track and log building set they were definitely worth every penny.

Eating a nutritious meal doesn't have to be hard or take a lot of preparation and time. M and B made a nutritious lunch all by themselves in a matter of minutes. They started out with a whole wheat tortilla shell. Then layered different types of meats, lettuce, and cheese, Then drizzled Ranch dressing on top for a little pizazz. In this simple lunch you can find all four food groups. From the Grains group we have the whole wheat shell. We have lettuce from the fruit and vegetable group, and the cheese and dressing are from the milk group. We don't have to make eating and living health hard. In fact it can be a lot of fun.

Bike Rodeo

The kids were able to participate in a Bike Rodeo. M, B, and W got to learn about bike safety, bike laws, and how to see if your bike and helmet fit you properly. Then they were able to ride a bike through a safety obstacle course to put there knowledge to the test. If they needed help there was an RCMP Officer standing near by to assist them.

Paper Maché Globe

Getting dirty is definitely the funnest part of paper maché, well that is if you like messy play. In social B is learning about different communities around the world, so we thought it would be fun to make our own globe. The first thing we needed was a shape to cover. We used a blown up balloon. We then made the paste. We did this by mixing flour and water together. Recycling our old phone books was part of project, so we ripped the pages into long strips. Then came the messy fun part of dipping the paper strips into the paste making sure they were completely covered. Then gently running the strips through 2 fingers to wipe off access paste. Placing the wet strips on to the balloon in any direction we cover the entire surface. Over lapping is just fine. After covering the balloon we let it dry, and then covered it with a second layer to make sure it was sturdy. After the second layer was dry it was time to paint. Painting the globe for B was quite fun. He really enjoys using paints, as well and Little W, G. Adding the continents was the finishing touch. In order to get the right shapes we consulted our Atlas of the World. M and B took turns drawing and cutting out the continents and taped them in the appropriate place on our globe.

Valentine's Day

Party time at little raCOONs academy. M and B wanted to plan a Valentine party for a few of their closest friends. The planning began with making a list of who they were going to invite, what they were going to do, what they were eat, and how they were going to decorate. I was very please with how they work together to plan this party. They both came up with ideas for food, games, and decorations. Each one respected each others ideas and both were put in the main party plan. Some of the activities that were included were: valentine making, balloon games, cookie decorating, and pizza making. They traced and cut out a vast number of colored heart to decorate with stickers other paraphernalia. Everyone got to cut out and decorate there own cookies which they got to eat after super for dessert. They wanted to make the pizza and nutritious as possible, so we made a whole wheat crust and used fresh veggies, and low fat cheese. The party was very successful, and I am sure there will be one next year too.

Fun Spelling

We have been using the All About Spelling and it has been really great for my kids. I love their way of teaching spelling. It has probably helped me as much as my kids, but there is more than one way to learn things. My kids are good at spelling and following the rules in a spelling lesson, but applying it in piece of writing is what really counts. This site is a fun way to practice spelling as well as typing. It is for grade 1-12. This site also has many other helpful resources.

Kub Kar

B got to make his first Kub Kar. He drew out the design, and then his dad and uncle helped him cut the shape out. It was now time to start the painting process.

The painting had to be done very, very carefully. He knew exactly how he wanted it to be, and there was no room for mistakes.

To top it off B added a B to the front. Now that the painting was complete. It was time to attach the wheels. This proved to be harder that B originally thought, so he recruited dad for some help.

The finished product. He can't wait to race it with the other boys in his pack.