Wednesday 1 February 2012

Inspiration in February

February has arrived bitterly cold, after a mild January.

We are thinking about our cultural exchange. This is a scheme arranged through Little Red Farm where families from around the world exchange parcels with families in other countries. The idea is that the parcels contain objects and information which help others gain an idea of what it is like to live here. We've had our list our families through today and are excited to know that we will be finding out about Texas, Hawaii, New Zealand and Poland.

An important event here, in the UK, this year is the Diamond Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. There is a cooking competition for 10-15 year olds called Cook for the Queen. The website talks about schools but I have contacted the organisers who have informed me that the competition is open to groups of home educated children provided they are in the right age range and not just siblings.

For smaller children, Miss Belle is loving Reading Eggs. This is a phonics based reading programme. We are using it to supplement Jolly Phonics. She loves the Reading Eggs so much that she often requests it in her free time. It is also useful for when I need to work with Middle Son. There is a free trial and also many codes around which extend the free period to several months (google Reading Eggs codes).

I must mention the Usborne Big book of science things to make and do again. My younger two children love this book-and so do I. It has just so many activities, some of which are very quick and it has kept them busy for ages. Each activity introduces a scientific principle in a fun and relaxed way. We haven't used this in a systematic way, mainly the children choose the activities that they think would be interesting. Most of the materials are the sort of things that are around the house. I've had to buy straws and chocolate.

Tessellations


3-D vision game

States of matter-with chocolate, of course

Finger prints
We have done a few more activities although without pictures and have many more still to do plus the stickers! 

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like the states of matter chocolate activity. Looks like lots of fun!

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  2. My mum has just given us this book- looks like fun! Will share that competition info with the local groups here.

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  4. Susanna, I'm sure you will love the book. The ideas are simple and effective and mainly use things that are around the house.

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  5. How fun we are doing the Red Farm cultural exchange too:) I am thinking of things to include:) Hope your exchange goes well

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  6. Do post about what you include. We are having fun thinking about the exchange such a good way to learn.

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