From the School Room

Just a few things from the school room today. We finished up our Industrial Revolution lapbook. I added quite a bit to bulk it up for my 13 and 15 year old. We watched a series that showed on the Discovery channel about inventions during this time - some obscure ones we had no idea about :o). We added some living books during out read aloud time and I assigned a short research project to both girls.

Instead of creating a lapbook each, I decided that we would create a wall chart and past all our lapbook pieces and projects etc onto it for us all to see. This way it is a great visual reminder each day of what we have been learning and makes for easy revision. 

I have written a review about this particular lapbook product from Hands of a Child which you can read here if you would like to know more.

I have added 'Home Economics' to our studies. Yes, I know that allot of it happens quite naturally as we work and live together at home, but things like sewing really do need to have some time carved out and set aside. It is all too easy to brush it aside if it is not scheduled into my week and there in black and white in my school planner.

This week I decided to tackle one of those 'I-really-must-make-these-sometime' projects. 

We are ALWAYS short of napkins or serviettes in my home and I have been meaning to sew up some fabric ones forever! The problem is is that it is kind of boring sewing and all that pressing and mitering of corners! However - it is great practise for a beginner sewer. So that was our project for Home Ec. My eldest daughter is quite proficient on the sewing machine, but my youngest is just starting out with hers, so we all got to make napkins ;o)

I used fabric that I already had - which happened to be autumnal. These of course will be great to use in autumn, but I kind of feel silly using them now - so the plan is to buy some more fabric and make another set (which I will do myself - I don't think the girls could really stand much more napkin making LOL). At least we do actually have napkins at the moment, so I will be happy and content with that for now :o)

Other news - we had a bit of a wintry shower today. Snow fell but did not settle, although it did settle on the hills in the distance - it was pretty to look at. However, the sun is now out and has melted all the snow away. We have all resigned ourselves to a wet rather than white winter this year. I am happy that spring is approaching though - I can't wait to see the first daffodils and crocus bloom. I just love this time of the year. Spring enters, Easter arrives - just such a lovely time of year :o). Then of course the joys of summer - *sigh* I do love the seasons - each and every one, I don't think I have a favourite.

I think I will end this post here - I feel like I am rambling on about nothing LOL. 

Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,

Shirley