Term Four Evaluation

WOW!!  Here we are at the end of our first year of homeschooling!  It has been an adventure and a learning experience and I'm looking forward to what the next year has for us. 

Read Aloud Books We Finished (read by me):
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher
Where the Moon Lives - Ivan Gantschev
The Little Engine That Could
DC Super Pets: Super Pets Showdown
DC Super Pets: Royal Rodent Rescue
Lego Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
DC Super Heroes - The Flash: Shell Shocker
Starro and the Space Dolphins
DC Super Pets: Barnyard Brainwash
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Elephant Pants - Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Ella Kazoo Will Not Go To Sleep - Lee Fox
The Little Old Man Who Looked Up At the Moon - Pamela Allen
Elephants - Sally Morgan
Lion - Jinny Johnson
Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr.
Two Little Monkeys - Mem Fox
A Surprise for Dingo - Rina A Foti
One Very Tired Wombat - Renee Treml
The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane
The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth
Dinosaur Pet
The Treasure of Captain Claw - Jonathan Emmett
Warambi - Aleesah Darlison
The Tall Man and the Twelve Babies - Tom Niland
I'm Not Scared - Jonathan Allen
Octonauts and the Great Penguin Race
Dig Dig Digging
Batman: Poison Ivy's Deadly Garden
The Flash: Shadow of the Sun
Green Lantern: Beware Our Power
Green Lantern: The Last Super Hero
Come Over to My House - Dr Seuss
The Magic School Bus On the Ocean Floor
The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds
Wonder Woman Attack of the Cheetah
Wombat Goes Walkabout - Michael Morpurgo
Underpants Thunderpants - Peter Bently
Superman: Parasite's Power Drain
The Magic School Bus In the Time of Dinosaurs
Too Many Pears - Jackie French
Babar's World Tour - Laurent de Brunhoff
Bushland Lullaby - Sally Odgers
The Worst Princess - Anna Kemp
Christmas Wombat - Jackie French
Emily and the Big Bad Bunyip - Jackie French
Animal Antics - Birds
Let's Count Goats - Mem Fox
Mike the Knight and the Mighty Shield
Octonauts and the Monster Map
Superman Little Green Men
The Story of Christmas
The Christmas Tree that Grew
Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle - Glenda Millard
Batman Killer Croc Hunter - Scott Sonneborn
The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top
Santa's Aussie Mix-Up by Colin Buchanan
I Already Know I Love You - Billy Crystal
The Scallywags Blow Their Top - David Melling
Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants - Giles Andreae
Wonder Woman Monster Magic
Lext Luthor and the Kryptonite Caverns
Superman The Deadly Double
Green Lantern High Tech Terror

Other Reading Activities:
Reading Eggs Online Computer Program

Maths: Targeting Maths Year 1 Textbook:
Term Four of the textbook covered the following topics:
Number - Place value, Ordering numbers to 100
Length and Time - Measuring length, hours, minutes, seconds
Addition - Counting in 10s, Adding 10s using money
Time and Mass - Half past, compare and measure mass
Patterns and Algebra - Odd and even, Calculator patterns
Fractions and Area - Halves and Quarters, Area
Subtraction - Change from ten dollars
Space - Symmetry, Position words
Multiplication and Patterns - Counting in 5s, Multiplication as repeated addition
3D Space and Volume - Faces and corners, Volume
Number and Time - Ordinal numbers, Calendar
Chance and Time - Language of chance, O'clock and half past
Division - Equal groups, sharing
Number - Estimation
Revision

Excel Basic Skills English and Mathematics Year 1:
Units 24 - 30 and Test
Maths
Number 
Measurement
Space
English
Comprehension
Spelling and Vocabulary
Grammar and Punctuation

Other Math Learning:
Daily Sums Work
Sudoku
Uno
Magic Mosaic Pattern Game
Weighing fruit and vegetables at the grocery store
Numberjacks website
Math Angles website

Handwriting:
Writing Forms Practice Pages

Scripture and Character Building:
Bible Reading (out loud) 2 Chronicles - Ester
Big Ideas in the Bible by Chuck Swindoll
The Book of Virtues by William Bennett

Science and Technology:
Variety of topics studied through reading The Magic School Bus series (see Read Aloud list at the top)

PDHPE:
various play dates in the park
walking to and from the shops
walking to and from the library
riding his scooter
ball skills - kicking, throwing, catching
boxing lessons with daddy

Socialization:
weekly attendance at church and Sunday school
weekly attendance at story hour at the library
various play dates with friends

Creative Arts:
Listened to a variety of music CDs

Other Activities:
Battleship 
Chess

Excursions:
Zoo trip with friends
City trip to see Christmas Lights
Powerhouse Museum with friends

Homeschool Group Topics:
Cardboard Marble Construction
Orphanage in India

The Gift of Time

Homeschooling for our family offers our children the gift of time.
Time to play together for as long as the game or imagination allows.
Time to learn and experience life together, not only as brothers, but as friends.
I do not believe that my two older boys would have the relationship and friendship that they have if I had sent my older son to school this year.  Instead of spending 30+ hours a week at school Monster has spent that time at home enjoying his younger brothers.  They have time for elaborate train constructions, board games, and books!  It is one of the highlights of this first year!

Home Grown Goodness

The first ripe strawberry!

Home grown goodness!

One proud and happy monster!

One loved mummy as the monster decided that I should be the first to taste!

Getting Outdoors More

Part of my plan for term four is to get the boys outside EVERY single day (that isn't raining)!  I jumped right in on the first day of the term and we walked to the park on the edge of town.  We are anxiously waiting for our local playground (five minute walk from home) to be renovated!  Getting outside every day will help fulfill the PE requirement for school, but not only that, should help

regulate their sleep patterns more (and goodness knows they need that), and generally keep them healthy, happy and fit!  Though not showcased well in my selection of photos we had fun throwing and catching the balls, running, climbing, jumping, and generally being silly and having a GREAT time!

Term Three Evaluation

Third term started out slowly with Monster, Munchkin and I all having a gastro bug and Monster having an acute asthma attack as well that required some pretty extensive treatment!  

Read Aloud Books We Finished (read by me):
Punchinello and the Most Marvellous Gift by Max Lucado
Stephanie the Starfish Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Snakes, Lizards, Crocs and Turtles of Australia by Steve Wilson
The Super Swooper Dinosaur by Martin Waddell
The Little Reindeer by Michael Foreman
Elephant Joe is a Knight by David Wojtowycz
Isla the Ice Star Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Dinosaur Wars Allosaurus vs Brachiosaurus by Michael O'Hearn
Dinosaur Wars Tyrannosaurus Rex vs Velociraptor by Michael O'Hearn
Fly Guy vs the Flyswatter by Tedd Arnold
Star Wars Ackbar's Underwater Army by Simon Beecroft
The Auntie's Three by Nick Bland
Shannon the Ocean Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Ava the Sunset Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Dinosaur Wars Spinosaurus vs Giganotosaurus by Michael O'Hearn
Star Wars Chewbacca and the Wookie Warriors
Yasmin the Night Owl Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Zara the Starlight Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Sabrina the Sweet Dreams Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Elisa the Adventure Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Stacey the Soccer Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Maddie the Playtime Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Stella the Star Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Wanted: The Perfect Pet by Fiona Roberton
Lexi the Firefly Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Toxic by Jan Burchett and Sara Vogler
Cheetah and the Purrfect Crime
Changing Materials Heating
Nicole the Beach Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Avengers - The World's Mightiest Super Hero Team
Green Lantern High-Tech Terror
Batman Five Riddles for Robin
Black Manta and the Octopus Army
Gabriella the Snow Kingdom Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Eva the Enchanted Ball Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Teen Titans Spotlight: Wonder Girl
God Gave Us You - Lisa Bergren
Bear of My Heart - Joann Ryder
Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
Rascal Plays Up - Paul Jennings
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
Mia the Bridesmaid Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Freya the Friday Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Willow the Wednesday Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Gemma the Gymnastics Fairy bu Daisy Meadows
Natalie the Christmas Stocking Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Olympia the Games Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Selena the Sleepover Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Holly the Christmas Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Batman The Fog of Fear
The Fastest Pet on Earth
Pooches of Power
Super Hero Splash Down
Belle the Birthday Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Destiny the Pop Star Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Chrissie the Wish Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Emma the Easter Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Anya the Cuddly Creatures Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Abigail the Breeze Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Tallulah the Tuesday Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Kiera the Film Star Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Honey the Sweet Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Rochelle the Star Spotter Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Flash - Captain Cold's Arctic Eruption
Una the Concert Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Elizabeth the Jubilee Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Banjo Bounces Back by Lachie Hume
A Mama for Owen by Marion Dane Bauer
Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo by Alison Lester
Please Try to Remember the First of Octember by Dr Seuss
I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! by Dr Seuss
The Foot Book by Dr Seuss
McElligot's Pool
Hunches in Bunches by Dr Seuss
Great Day for Up by Dr Seuss
Captain Mack and the Slithery Serpent
Rapunzel by Saviour Pirotta
Rumpelstiltskin by Saviour Pirotta
Hansel and Gretel by Saviour Pirotta
Little Mouse and Lazy Cat by Saviour Pirotta
Snow White and Rose Red by Saviour Pirotta
Twelve Dancing Princesses by Saviour Pirotta
The Frog Prince by Saviour Pirotta
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr Seuss
Octonauts and the Monster Map
I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today and Other Stories by Dr Seuss
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr Seuss
Miley the Stylist Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Wonder Woman Monster Magic
Wonder Woman Trial of the Amazons
Tamara the Tooth Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Wonder Woman Attack of the Cheetah
Captain Cold and the Blizzard Battle
The Amazing Mini-Mutts
Sleepy Time Crime
Candy Store Caper

Other Reading Activities:
Reading Eggs Online Computer Program

Maths: Targeting Maths Year 1 Textbook:
Term Three of the textbook covered the following topics:
Number - Numbers to 100, Counting in tens
Time and Mass - Reading digital clocks, comparing mass
Money - Coins, Australian dollars
Addition and Time - Writing addition sentences, One minute
Number and Multiplication - Counting in tens, Place value
Fractions - Quarters
Money - Addition with money
3D Objects - Faces of 3D objects
Addition - Adding ten, Number facts
Data and Length - Sorting data, Distance
Addition and Multiplication - Doubles, Equal rows
Time and Capacity - Half past, Capacity using blocks
Addition and Subtraction - Difference, Change from $5 and $10
2D Shapes and Subtraction - Hexagons, Subtraction stories
Division - Sharing into equal groups, Making groups
Revision

Excel Basic Skills English and Mathematics Year 1:
Units 16 - 23 and Test
Maths
Number 
Measurement
Space
English
Comprehension
Spelling and Vocabulary
Grammar and Punctuation

Other Math Learning:
Daily Sums Work
Sudoku
Uno
Magic Mosaic Pattern Game
Weighing fruit and vegetables at the grocery store

Handwriting:
Writing Forms Practice Pages

Scripture and Character Building:
Bible Reading (out loud) 2 Samuel - 1 Chronicles
Big Ideas in the Bible by Chuck Swindoll
The Book of Virtues by William Bennett

Science and Technology:
Experiments With Water from 365 Super Science Experiments
#34 The Shrinking Molecule
#33 Give Me Room
Baking and/or Cooking with mum

PDHPE:
various play dates in the park
walking to and from the shops
walking to and from the library
riding his scooter

Socialization:
weekly attendance at church and Sunday school
weekly attendance at story hour at the library
various play dates with friends

Creative Arts:
Listened to a variety of music CDs

Other Activities:
Library School Holidays Program - Bingo Game Day

Homeschool Group Topics:
Math Games Day
money, time, 3D shapes, memory (numbers that make 10)
Optometrist Visit - discussed eye health
Show and Tell

Strawberry Update

Monster was VERY excited to discover that he has strawberries beginning to grow on his plants already!

Growing Strawberries

Monster is keen to grow something.

So we decided to try strawberries and they will be grown at our church since there is no safe place in our yard that gets adequate sunlight.

I will try to document the progress on the blog but more importantly (from a school perspective) Monster will be documenting the process in his Science Notebook.

Poking holes in the bottom of the container with help from one of our friends! 

Pouring in the soil... 

Smoothing it out... 

Arranging and planting our three strawberry plants! 

Homeschool Group at the Park

Our homeschool group spent the day at the park today.

There was time for eating, digging in the dirt, visiting with friends, and climbing.

The whole group (preschoolers included) spent a LOT of time on the play equipment (not pictured) creating a very imaginative game about space ships and blasting off to different places!

It was a day well spent and MUCH needed!

"School" With the Monkey

The monster is able to do most of his seated book work independently now as he is able to read all the directions.

This gives me the chance to work one-on-one with the monkey.

He is desperate to "do school" and be like his big brother.

I have plans in the works to do some structured preschool work with him next year and he is excited.

So today, while Monster work on the math pages you see below, I worked on a counting puzzle with Monkey.

This was a guided activity from start to finish but it gave me a great chance to see what Monkey already knows as far as counting and number recognition goes.

Sensory Play with Shaving Cream

To finish off our afternoon I decided to give Monster and Monkey a little treat and allow them some sensory play time with shaving cream.  So off we went to the backyard and I sprayed large dollops of the cream on to the picnic table.  Away they went squishing and playing and having a grand time.

They did some drawing and writing and experimenting with the feel of it.

It was an immense success and we will do it again - with shaving cream - but also with some other medium.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent enjoying water play in the bath!

September Lego Quest

Monster took part in his first Lego Quest this month.

We stumbled upon a blog run by a homeschool mum in Canada.

On the first Tuesday (Australian time) of each month she posts a "quest" for homeschooled children around the world to take part in.

September's theme was the Olympics so Monster built a weight lifter.

He and 141 other students took part and he was very excited to see his photo showcased on her blog.  We are looking forward to a new quest next month.

Optometrist Visit

One of the families in our homeschool group asked their optometrist if he would be willing to come and speak to the group.  He gladly agreed.  The children enjoyed a power point presentation about the eye and how to look after our eye sight.  Then they took turns having some simple tests done, and at the end the mums asked some questions.  Everyone found it interesting and informative.

The group learning about anatomy of the eye. 

Above: Z having his eyesight checked.

Below: Monster having his eyesight checked. 

I can't remember what the photo above was testing but in the picture below Monster is being tested for colour blindness. 

After the group finished for the day one of the other mums and I decided the children would enjoy some play time in the park.  Here S and Monster agreed to pose for a picture.

Magna Shapes

Another toy from my childhood being loved by my children.

This is Magna Shapes... a box with a lot of different metal shapes and four magnetic squares to build things on.  The boys tell me it is difficult to do but they rose to the challenge.  The directions give you ideas of objects to build or you can try the Tangrams.  Pictured below are a couple of Monster's creations.

Police Open Day

Our local police department held an open day and the boys really enjoyed the experience.

They learned about the bomb robots... 

... and the police diving unit. 

They posed on a police motor bike... 

...admired the police on horse back... 

...and sat in the police helicopter!!

A good day was had by all!