Zach and Eden reading together

IMG_4555, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

As part of our day now, Zach often reads for 10 minutes or so with Eden. I love to see how they are interacting.

Eden's new crayons

Eden crayons, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

Eden got a new set of Melissa and Doug triangular crayons for Christmas. These are easy for her to grasp, and nice and chunky so they don't break. Plus, there is no paper wrapped to tear off and throw on the floor! These are a huge hit here.

Review: Cruise of the Arctic Star

 

I read this book aloud to my children, ages 9 and 6. In the novel, the author, Scott O'Dell (author of Island of the Blue Dolphins and other works) travels up the coast of California in his own boat, with his wife as navigator, and a friend and one hired person as crew. Each chapter talks a little bit about the author's boat travels (including lots of boating/ship terms and references) alternating with O'Dell's musings about the history, geography or flora/fauna of the California coast. For example, as he leaves the San Diego port, he talks about that, reflects on the battle of San Pasqual in the area in the past and comments on kelp beds and recent environmental history. O'Dell is very much interested in environmental preservation, which comes through clearly in this writing. He has a clear love of the CA coast.

In our studies, we used the book as a jump point in our history study. So when O'Dell talked about Jed Smith in history, we broke off to read more about Jed Smith.

We found the boat/ship terminology a bit tough going at times, especially with my 6yo 1st grader. Even I found it a bit tedious, but then again I'm not a sailor. If you are, that may be the best part of the book for you! History fans will find much to enjoy though in his engaging recounting of some of the events in California's history. My young children love his fictional writing, and much enjoyed this work of his as well. This book is not written for children but those interested in California history will probably much enjoy it.

Of note, we did this book as part the Beautiful Feet History of California Study Guide, which suggests a nice collection of literature from which to study California history.  The guide includes the books, a suggested schedule and suggested comprehension/discussion questions as well as notebooking activities for a full California study.  The guide is suggested for grades 4-8, but we are doing it with a 4th grader and a 1st grader.  My 4th grader is loving it, and my 1st grader struggles with some selections more than others but is overall getting a lot from the study as well. 

Sea World holidays

IMG_4163, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

This past weekend we went to Sea World. They are fully into holiday mode there. The kids loved the snow to play in (made snow that is, not naturally occurring of course). We rode a few rides, saw a few animals, most notably the penguins, which Noah has been studying. Then we had to stop by the decorate your own cookie booth, where we purchased giant sugar cookies that came with a little tub of frosting, M&Ms and sprinkles. A friendly North Pole elf came along as Lily was about to chow down on her cookie.

Butterfly hatched today

IMG_4118, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

We had another chrysalis on our play structure for the last couple weeks. It hatched today finally. We have been watching it daily. The kids were so excited to see it before it left today.

Monarch butterful chrysalis?

IMG_4065, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

Found on the basketball this morning in the yard, thus meaning no basketball, but the kids are thrilled anyway. We think it is a monarch? Hopefully we will get to watch for a while and see if we are right.

Picture of our workbox system

Picture of our workbox system, originally uploaded by WeeBeaks.

Ah, my much neglected blog. Although it is better to have a neglected blog than neglected kids. Life is going well but busy busy. We are doing a workbox system this year. Here is a picture of our workbox system. The top row is for Zach's "boxes," using magazine files. Noah has the same setup. Lily wanted her own stuff so she has the latch boxes. Hers can then hold small pieces/games without any problem if dropped. All are loving their "boxes" system.