Dolphin Tale

We saw Dolphin Tale this week. Such a good movie! Some of my favorite parts: when Hazel says, "I'm homeschooled, that's why I'm such a chatterbox" and when Sawyer says he doesn't really like school Hazel tells him he just hasn't found a subject that interests him. Also when Sawyers mom tells the summer school teacher that her son is having the best summer of his life learning things that the teacher could never teach in a classroom out of a textbook. Other than these fun little parts it was a great example of what kids can do when they get excited about what they are learning. We all had a great time.

Cardboard Play

Our oldest two kids had the wonderful opportunity to be in a play last week, The Princess and the Peas. They spent two hours a day for one week practicing parts and making props. All of the props were made out of cardboard. Everyday they came home with a new color of paint all over their arms and clothes. It was great for them to have so much hands on experience. Then on Saturday they had their performance. All of the kids did a great job. The best part is that they had so much fun learning something new. Now they want to get their friends together and put on their own play. Nothing like inspirational experiences. =)

When and Where Real Learning Takes Place

This week has been absolutely full of wonderful learning experiences. We started our week learning about Independence Day and the Revolution by reading American History Stories by Mara L Pratt, M.D. This is a great book for all ages. I read while the kids drew or played quietly on the floor. On Tuesday we visited a local Colonial Fest. It was so fun! They had a baker, candle maker, blacksmith, an area for kids to try out some colonial chores and costumes, and a whole bunch of other really cool stuff. Several nights this week we watched episodes in a documentary series on Netflix called The Revolution. The combination of book, video, and live experience really excited the kids about the colonial period. I have also pulled out our copy of the Magic Tree House book Revolutionary War on Wednesday along with its companion research guide. We celebrated the 4th of July with sparklers and driving up the mountain side to watch fireworks throughout the whole valley. Is learning supposed to be boring, because we have had a blast.

On another note, we have had a lot of fires burning throughout Utah over the last few weeks. This week we had a fire start on the mountain close to where we live. We have watched it closely, prayed for those near it and the firefighters trying to put it out and today we took the opportunity to prepare if an emergency like this ever affects up personally. We prepared emergency bags (we already had them, but they were quite outdated) with food, clothes, and hygiene and first aid kits. We talked about what kind of emergencies might affect our family and what to do if we ever have an emergency. We had a couple of pretty successful practice runs. If you are prepared you don't need to fear.

Our homeschool is really starting to take the shape of authentic learning. I am so excited!