It was another nice lesson day.
Little Miss: Math-Reducing Fractions. Grammar-Diagramming subject, verb, and direct object. History-Finishing up India. Science-Competition among animals for resources.
Mister B: Math-review of dividing fractions. Grammar-Verb Phrases and Indirect Objects. History- Jamestown and he started reading The Landing of the Pilgrims. Literature-Finished Alice in Wonderland and moving on to writing assignments.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Shopping with the Children
We finished out last week by clothes shopping. Mr. B had outgrown his dress shoes. Little Miss M needed Spring/Summer clothes. Shopping with a teen and a tween is an awful experience. I told them our budget. They had choices. At this sale price you can get 2 t-shirts. Or you can pay full price and get only one. Mr. B was not so terrible other then his insistence on dark colored shorts. I wanted him to get one light beige pair. It seems to me that a lighter color would be cooler but what do I know. Little Miss, on the other hand, that was not fun at all. She has totally outgrown children's sizes. She can wear adult petite sizes but lets face it, most of those are a bit frumpy for a 10 year old. The majority of the Juniors clothes are not appropriate for a 10 year old. I don't think they are appropriate for a 16 year old, either but that is another topic. The quality in a lot of the items was incredibly poor. I hate the thin material they are using for the tops. After much trying on and disagreeing on most everything she managed to get a few pairs of shorts and some t-shirts. The dress shoes were the easiest portion of the day. "I like these and they fit." Me, "Okay."
If nothing else, the day gave me the opportunity to rant, er, lecture on the price of things and quality.
If nothing else, the day gave me the opportunity to rant, er, lecture on the price of things and quality.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Week Goes On
Yesterday at Discussion Group the kids had a great time. Ahead of time we watched the movie Oliver (the 1968 version - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063385). Then they answered a series of questions that one of the moms put together. Some examples:
Background Questions:
What is the movie based on? Who wrote the book? What famous Christmas Story did he write? When is the movie set?
Things to pay attention to during the movie:
What does the sign say behind the boys in the workhouse scene?
How was color used in the movie?
What do the owl and the dog symbolize?
An example of irony or contradiction during the movie?
After the movie:
Which characters are the most well developed? Write a back story for one or more of the following character: Fagin, Nancy, The Artful Dodger, Oliver's Mother.
When we all got together we started off with a brief history overview of the period of time in the movie, the creation of the water closet and where the sewage was draining too (The Thames River) and how that water was used for washing and drinking (universal "Gross!"). How the homes in London were built creating the warren of alleyways. Then we showed a pic of cute and clean Oliver from the movie and a couple of pics of what the workhouse kids really looked like (Shock and surprise) which led to a brief talk about how you can't always trust what you see. Looks can be deceiving.
Then we got into the movie. Some great observations: Workhouse was dull and gray. Colors were bright and popped when the food showed up. Where Fagin and his group lived-dull and dreary. When Oliver wakes up in his Great Uncle's house the room is washed out. He opens the window to a world alive with color (aka The Wizard of Oz). The Dog-Bulls eye. The symbolism of how he leads them to Bill Sykes. The Owl-none of us knew the answer but some of the kids said; The owl shows the wisdom of hiding his stuff. He was there to guard the box. Fagin just needed someone to talk to who wouldn't talk.
We talked a bit about Nancy and staying in an abusive relationship. Drove home to them that staying with someone just because they need you is not the same as love and is not a healthy relationship.
The group really enjoyed the movie and the discussion.
Today Mister B got himself a job. We were out walking the dog this morning and we came upon an elderly lady doing some gardening. We exchanged good mornings. Talked a bit about the garden and then she asked if I knew anyone who would be interested in helping her mow her lawn with her reel mower. Mister B said he would help. So, I stayed a bit to chat with the lady and make sure all was okay and then left Mister B there and continued on my walk with the dog. He mowed her front lawn and her back lawn and helped her do a little weeding. He was happy to help. When he was done she told him she wanted to pay him. He didn't know what to ask for so he said $10. She gave him $2 extra dollars for the good conversation. He was thrilled to earn some money since he was willing to do it for free. He will do this for her every 2 weeks. She also offered to pay him to shovel her walk in the winter. I told him we will see about that one because he is usually pretty tired after doing our walk.
As he told his friend today: Homeschooling is awesome. If he had been in school this morning he would not have gotten this job.
Background Questions:
What is the movie based on? Who wrote the book? What famous Christmas Story did he write? When is the movie set?
Things to pay attention to during the movie:
What does the sign say behind the boys in the workhouse scene?
How was color used in the movie?
What do the owl and the dog symbolize?
An example of irony or contradiction during the movie?
After the movie:
Which characters are the most well developed? Write a back story for one or more of the following character: Fagin, Nancy, The Artful Dodger, Oliver's Mother.
When we all got together we started off with a brief history overview of the period of time in the movie, the creation of the water closet and where the sewage was draining too (The Thames River) and how that water was used for washing and drinking (universal "Gross!"). How the homes in London were built creating the warren of alleyways. Then we showed a pic of cute and clean Oliver from the movie and a couple of pics of what the workhouse kids really looked like (Shock and surprise) which led to a brief talk about how you can't always trust what you see. Looks can be deceiving.
Then we got into the movie. Some great observations: Workhouse was dull and gray. Colors were bright and popped when the food showed up. Where Fagin and his group lived-dull and dreary. When Oliver wakes up in his Great Uncle's house the room is washed out. He opens the window to a world alive with color (aka The Wizard of Oz). The Dog-Bulls eye. The symbolism of how he leads them to Bill Sykes. The Owl-none of us knew the answer but some of the kids said; The owl shows the wisdom of hiding his stuff. He was there to guard the box. Fagin just needed someone to talk to who wouldn't talk.
We talked a bit about Nancy and staying in an abusive relationship. Drove home to them that staying with someone just because they need you is not the same as love and is not a healthy relationship.
The group really enjoyed the movie and the discussion.
Today Mister B got himself a job. We were out walking the dog this morning and we came upon an elderly lady doing some gardening. We exchanged good mornings. Talked a bit about the garden and then she asked if I knew anyone who would be interested in helping her mow her lawn with her reel mower. Mister B said he would help. So, I stayed a bit to chat with the lady and make sure all was okay and then left Mister B there and continued on my walk with the dog. He mowed her front lawn and her back lawn and helped her do a little weeding. He was happy to help. When he was done she told him she wanted to pay him. He didn't know what to ask for so he said $10. She gave him $2 extra dollars for the good conversation. He was thrilled to earn some money since he was willing to do it for free. He will do this for her every 2 weeks. She also offered to pay him to shovel her walk in the winter. I told him we will see about that one because he is usually pretty tired after doing our walk.
As he told his friend today: Homeschooling is awesome. If he had been in school this morning he would not have gotten this job.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday
Monday. The start of a new week. Today was a good day. For the most part everyone did what they were supposed to do with a minimum of fuss.
Little Miss M: Math-More of the GCF. Grammar-More chapter review. History: Worked on her map of India. Labeled oceans, rivers, a couple of cities, and the Taj Mahal. Plus, she continues reading historical fiction on the area. Science-Continued study of habitats and ecosystems. Plus, she did an act of kindness today. She walked the neighbors dog.
Mister B: Math-more metric system. Grammar-Chapter review. History-Map work of early settlements in America. Science-Finished his report on The Great Bear (Which is not the Big Dipper. The tail is the handle of the Big Dipper).
Then a quick trip to library.
Then home to start watching the 1968 version of Oliver for discussion group on Wednesday. Some great conversation on how orphans are not treated like people.
Little Miss M: Math-More of the GCF. Grammar-More chapter review. History: Worked on her map of India. Labeled oceans, rivers, a couple of cities, and the Taj Mahal. Plus, she continues reading historical fiction on the area. Science-Continued study of habitats and ecosystems. Plus, she did an act of kindness today. She walked the neighbors dog.
Mister B: Math-more metric system. Grammar-Chapter review. History-Map work of early settlements in America. Science-Finished his report on The Great Bear (Which is not the Big Dipper. The tail is the handle of the Big Dipper).
Then a quick trip to library.
Then home to start watching the 1968 version of Oliver for discussion group on Wednesday. Some great conversation on how orphans are not treated like people.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Weekly Summary
This was a week full of schoolwork and lots of outdoor time.
Lessons: Little Miss M: Math- GCF-Finding the greatest common factor. Grammar: Chapter Review. History: India- World Seizer, King of The World, & Conqueror of the World. The building of the Taj Mahal and the 3 mistakes that Aurangzeb made that led to the downfall of the Indian Empire. Science: ecosystems.
Mister B: Math: Multiplying decimals and dividing an multiplying using the metric system. Grammar: Chapter review. History: Evaluating resources, Early American Settlers. Next week he will be reading The Last of the Mohican's. Science: The Constellations. He is writing a report on The Big Dipper.
Tuesday afternoon they had Music Class. They are learning about rhythm and the different notes.
Wednesday: Philosophy. One of the topics was "What is asleep?" Is it the absence of all awareness? Are you asleep if you can hear or are aware of what is going on in the room? Do you have to be dreaming?
Friday: Homeschool Craft Fair. We went to Brookdale Park (http://www.essex-countynj.org/p/index.php?section=parks/sites/br) and had a great time. Little Miss was selling bracelets she made and Mister B was helping her. The kids all had a great time. There were kids selling rocks they painted, lemonade, origami cranes (proceeds to go to Japan), plenty of baked goods, and other assorted goodies. Plus there was lots of enjoyment on the playgrounds and general running around. One boy brought his rabbit with him and the kids loved that bunny.
Lessons: Little Miss M: Math- GCF-Finding the greatest common factor. Grammar: Chapter Review. History: India- World Seizer, King of The World, & Conqueror of the World. The building of the Taj Mahal and the 3 mistakes that Aurangzeb made that led to the downfall of the Indian Empire. Science: ecosystems.
Mister B: Math: Multiplying decimals and dividing an multiplying using the metric system. Grammar: Chapter review. History: Evaluating resources, Early American Settlers. Next week he will be reading The Last of the Mohican's. Science: The Constellations. He is writing a report on The Big Dipper.
Tuesday afternoon they had Music Class. They are learning about rhythm and the different notes.
Wednesday: Philosophy. One of the topics was "What is asleep?" Is it the absence of all awareness? Are you asleep if you can hear or are aware of what is going on in the room? Do you have to be dreaming?
Friday: Homeschool Craft Fair. We went to Brookdale Park (http://www.essex-countynj.org/p/index.php?section=parks/sites/br) and had a great time. Little Miss was selling bracelets she made and Mister B was helping her. The kids all had a great time. There were kids selling rocks they painted, lemonade, origami cranes (proceeds to go to Japan), plenty of baked goods, and other assorted goodies. Plus there was lots of enjoyment on the playgrounds and general running around. One boy brought his rabbit with him and the kids loved that bunny.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Spring Break
With Passover being this week and the town schools being closed we have been taking the week off from school. However, yesterday they did go to discussion group. They talked about The Lorax, the genius of Dr. Suess, the message of the story, and a story put out by the logging industry called The Truax. It seems the logging industry thought this was a book about them. This led to a discussion of bias and how one must see who is sponsoring (funding) the story (propaganda). They also discussed why we never see the Once-ler, if the Lorax is supposed to resemble Teddy Roosevelt, and different kinds of protest (civil disobedience-chaining yourself to a tree vs. violence-spiking trees so loggers get injured or killed).
I also wanted to update the recipe I used for the Matzo Kugel. After talking to my mom I used her recipe because I like it better.
Individual Matzo Kugel (Puffs)
1 1/2 c Matzo Farfel
1 1/2 c boiling water
1 1/2 tsp shortening (I used butter)
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs well beaten
Combine farfel and water and let stand for 30 minutes.
Add rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Preheat oven to 400°
Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray (or grease them).
Fill cups half way.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from tin as soon as possible and cool on wire racks.
Makes 12 servings.
I also chopped up some onion and carrots and sauteed them lightly and added them to the mixture. I have also done this recipe with chopped broccoli, and really any vegetables I have had on hand it always comes out delicious.
I also wanted to update the recipe I used for the Matzo Kugel. After talking to my mom I used her recipe because I like it better.
Individual Matzo Kugel (Puffs)
1 1/2 c Matzo Farfel
1 1/2 c boiling water
1 1/2 tsp shortening (I used butter)
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs well beaten
Combine farfel and water and let stand for 30 minutes.
Add rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Preheat oven to 400°
Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray (or grease them).
Fill cups half way.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from tin as soon as possible and cool on wire racks.
Makes 12 servings.
I also chopped up some onion and carrots and sauteed them lightly and added them to the mixture. I have also done this recipe with chopped broccoli, and really any vegetables I have had on hand it always comes out delicious.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Update
I realized today that I have been horribly neglectful of my blog. Sorry mom, I know you like the updates. Life has a way of interfering. The whole "man plans, G-d laughs" thing. Lots of running around with miscellaneous stuff. Passover starts on Monday and even though I am not hosting a Seder this year I am bringing food. For the first night I am bringing Farfel Puffs:
8 cups farfel (matzo meal or crumbled matzos)
8 eggs, beaten
6 Tbsp lower fat margarine
Salt & pepper to taste
Place farfel, margarine and seasonings in a large bowl. Pour hot water over all; mix and let cool.
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray muffin or cupcake tins with nonstick vegetable spray. Add eggs to farfel mixture and blend well. Pour into prepared muffin tins and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Yields approximately 24 rolls.
Per roll: 204 Cal; 4gm Fat; 36gm Carb; 80mg Cholesterol; 60mg Sodium; 1gm Fiber; 7gm Protein. Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch; 1/2 Meat; 3/4 Fat.
I add sauteed onions and carrots to mine and I use butter. So yummy.
For the second night I am bringing the puffs, garlic rosemary mashed potatoes (http://theshiksa.com/2011/04/01/yukon-gold-mash-with-rosemary-and-garlic/), and chocolate chip meringue.
While I have been busy getting ready for the holiday Mister B and Little Miss M have been moving forward in their lessons. Fractions, percentages, Catherine the Great, animal habitats, and the constellations are a few of the things being studied.
At philosophy this past week they talked about dreams and thoughts and are dreams thoughts or something else. Things to ponder.
FARFEL PUFFS
A delicious, easy Passover dinner roll created by Idele Deutsch. Recipe from California Kosher, ©1991 by the Women's League of Adat Ari El, North Hollywood, CA
3 cups hot waterA delicious, easy Passover dinner roll created by Idele Deutsch. Recipe from California Kosher, ©1991 by the Women's League of Adat Ari El, North Hollywood, CA
8 cups farfel (matzo meal or crumbled matzos)
8 eggs, beaten
6 Tbsp lower fat margarine
Salt & pepper to taste
Place farfel, margarine and seasonings in a large bowl. Pour hot water over all; mix and let cool.
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray muffin or cupcake tins with nonstick vegetable spray. Add eggs to farfel mixture and blend well. Pour into prepared muffin tins and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Yields approximately 24 rolls.
Per roll: 204 Cal; 4gm Fat; 36gm Carb; 80mg Cholesterol; 60mg Sodium; 1gm Fiber; 7gm Protein. Exchanges: 2-1/2 Starch; 1/2 Meat; 3/4 Fat.
I add sauteed onions and carrots to mine and I use butter. So yummy.
For the second night I am bringing the puffs, garlic rosemary mashed potatoes (http://theshiksa.com/2011/04/01/yukon-gold-mash-with-rosemary-and-garlic/), and chocolate chip meringue.
While I have been busy getting ready for the holiday Mister B and Little Miss M have been moving forward in their lessons. Fractions, percentages, Catherine the Great, animal habitats, and the constellations are a few of the things being studied.
At philosophy this past week they talked about dreams and thoughts and are dreams thoughts or something else. Things to ponder.
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