Yesterday was another Five In A Row co-op day for us, and it was an excellent day! We studied the book Snowflake Bentley as a group and there were many interesting activities during our morning together.
As usual, the day started with reading the story out loud. If you have not read Snowflake Bentley, it is a really good book! I am amazed at how much the story touches me every time I read it, even though I’ve read it many times.
The next activity was block painting. Leslie, one of our teachers for the day, had taken florist material and cut it into blocks. The children then carved pictures into the blocks, painted over them, and then pressed them onto paper, making some lovely prints!
It took concentration to get their designs just right.
Some of the children came up with really impressive block designs. We talked a little bit about negatives. And we talked about how what you carve into the block comes out “backwards” when you turn it over and press it onto the paper, something some of the children were not expecting, especially those who had written words onto their blocks!
Michaela made a pretty design.
Later we went outside for more art lessons and for a special homemade guessing game, full of snowflake facts. Each child was handed an answer piece, while Leslie held all of the pieces with questions. She asked a question and whoever thought their piece had the right answer would say it. If they were indeed correct, their answer would match Mrs. Leslie’s piece and another part of the bigger picture was done. I am hoping Leslie will post more about this on her wonderful blog!
I loved watching the children interact with each other and with Mrs. Leslie in this game. It was quite fun. Some answers seemed right until the real fact was read and we would all be amazed over another snowflake fact.
If you are interested, here is a link to a site about Wilson A. Bentley, the snowflake man.
Today’s a work day for me, but I am thankful to be snuggled up in a comfy chair, drinking hot tea and doing something interesting. Seems I learn something new every day. I have actually thought of taking what I learn about prefixes, suffixes, word combos, and grammar and making up a grammar/writing class for homeschooling children to teach out of my home. Hmmm.
I hope you have a lovely Friday.
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
What a wonderful day you must have had! Our co-op is much bigger and terribly well-organized with intensive classes on various different levels… I wish it was small and cozy like yours looks to be♥
Have a wonderful day in spite of your work schedule, dear☺
Another fun day! I love reading about your co-ops and seeing all the pictures, plus you inspire me. I’m going to check that book out of the library tomorrow. We’ve read it before, but not for a while. I have some of that florist foam – what a neat idea!
Thankfully (I can’t believe I just said that), we have some real snow to play in and study. Just think – you could’ve had your group meet here for some real hands-on activities! ;^D Have a blessed day in the Lord!
I have never read this book you all enjoyed. I should see if our library has it. And, I think you should certainly use your knowledge to teach a class. It is very neat that you are benefiting from your work in a way that is improving your mind. I hope you have a lovely weekend. We will be trying to keep warm. Although, my dear husband has plans to take the kids sledding, which will be fun, but not very warm.
Jenn
Your participation in homeschooling groups is the biggest thing I think I missed in our homeschool experience because of the fact that the working dad did the homeschooling rather than the stay at home mom. You and the Princess of the Universe really look like they enjoy these group meetings.
Dear Lynn,
If you have learned it, why not share it
The co-op looks like the children truly enjoy themselves. I don’t have any around me – so we have to do everything ourselves.
Have a wonderful weekend!
maria
Thank you Diane! I made it through the work day, and hopefully will make it through this one as well. Yes, our FIAR group is remarkable. For this I am thankful.
Emily, I think it’s a book you’ll love. We have loved all the books from Five In A Row. We were supposed to have flurries the night we had the co-op, but if they happened we missed them while we were sleeping.
Jenn, you’d like the book. It’s a really good one. I hope you guys had fun sledding!
Ken, we really do enjoy these co-op meetings and fieldtrips. They are the icing on the cake. We are still trying to get in our after-holidays-groove around here!
Maria, I keep thinking the same thing!
Our co-op started with the vision of one lady who just got one or two people together and it has grown into a little family from there.
I want to join your little group. It looks so wonderful. I live in Raleigh… anyway, I have the book that Bentley wrote with all the pictures of his snow flakes. It is beautiful.
Erin, thank you for commenting! Well, the group is for Five In A Row users and you are certainly local to us. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to.
Lynn
Lynn, we did a bit of rowing from Snowflake Bentley to start off the new year. What a great book to inspire pursuing your God-given creativity. I loved your daughter’s design.
Kisha, you are right about that book. I am so amazed every time I think of what his parents did for him. They really encouraged his God-given talent. Makes me want to be careful to nurture my children. Thank you!