8/24/09

Summer Time Learning

Summer is drawing to a close and we will soon be back to a normal school schedule again. I wanted to share a little about our summer learning before summer is over. We did a bit of math every week just so we wouldn't have to review in the fall which was the least exciting part of our summer learning. We also read lots of great books and Jacob read a number of books on his own.

This year we managed to find a monarch caterpillar after searching many milk weed plants over several weeks. Last year, we had found a monarch caterpillar as well but he was sadly lost in a clump of blackberry bushes when we were attacked by angry hornets. I managed to step right in the middle of a great big nest and in our screaming hast to flee the scene, last years caterpillar and the uncovered container he was in went flying through the air and landed in the middle of the blackberry bushes near the very angry hornet's nest. Mom was not going back in to try to find the caterpillar despite her son's teary pleadings. It was hard to tell if he was crying more for the caterpillar or his hornet stings.

Anyway, this year Jacob named his caterpillar, Chomper, because of his voracious appetite. We were all amazed at how quickly Chomper grew, formed a chrysalis, and then turned into a beautiful butterfly. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book has a whole new meaning for us now (emphasis on very hungry). I found some fabulous free story prop printables from Kiz club which we used to act out "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" story with Rosa. The rest of our summer learning involved free library programs, local field trips, travel, audio books and music CD's in the car, learning simple embroidery, and more nature study. We are going to pack in a bit more summer learning and beach trips over the next couple weeks as we slowly ease into a more structured school routine again. You can check out some visual examples of our summer learning below.

Geography

Botany

History

Physical Education


Nature Study

More Geography

Appreciating God's Beautiful Creation






15 comments:

Dana Leeds said...

What wonderful summer learning!!!

Anonymous said...

Those are really nice pictures.

Anonymous said...

Those are really pretty picutres

Mike and Barb said...

So glad to read about your summer!! What fun!
Love to all,
Barb

Melissa Taylor said...

WOW! Makes me want to be there.

Melissa
http://imaginationsoup.net

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy,
Just love your photos!! See you soon!
xo
Catherine

Michelle Wisenbaugh said...

I run a Family Home Day Care in Michigan and when I read your blog about butterflies it reminded me of every summer when my kids ask for containers and collect caterpillars, its wonderful seeing my kids who have a fear of bugs touch and collect them. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an excellent book for children.
Michelle @ RockingChairfun.com and
wisechoicedaycare.blogspot.com

Michelle Wisenbaugh said...

I run a Family Home Day Care in Michigan and when I read your blog about butterflies it reminded me of every summer when my kids ask for containers and collect caterpillars, its wonderful seeing my kids who have fear of bugs touch and collect them. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an excellent book for children.
Michelle @ RockingChairfun.com
wisechoicedaycare.blogspot.com

Aparna Vashisht said...

That is gorgeous! I love the name Chomper. :) So cute.

Sarah said...

I love how you captured learning! Simply wonderful. I might just take out my camera and do the same. And delighted to meet you. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit. This looks like a refreshing place to splash in God's goodness.

Splashing for his glory,
Sara

Sarah said...

Enjoying some summer time learning in AZ as well.

Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a delightful spot to slip off my shoes and drench myself in goodness.

Splashin,
Sara

Charuka | Katriona said...

Hi there ^_^
Just discovered your blog, love it! Looks like you had a fantastic summer!!

Sarah Familia said...

I love the photo documentation of each subject. Great idea!

Happy Nappers said...

Glad to see those photos.. I am happy to hear that you had a wonderful summer.. Thanks for sharing..:)

Shubham Jain said...

I am happy to see those photos. It's great that you had an awesome summer. Thanks for sharing.