Make Learning POP!

I always strive to keep learning fresh and fun!  So, this week we mixed up our spelling review time with a POP! However, this fun activity could also be used for other basic test review (Bible, Science, Social Studies, etc..).  

Supply List: 

• small latex balloons  (Suggestion: Use different colors for different kids or different lists (if you plan to use this in the classroom)

• small pieces of paper (one for each spelling word or review question)

• sharp object to POP the balloons (Suggestion:  sharp pencil, safety pin, needle, etc...) 

• black Sharpie marker to number the balloons

• master list (of the words or questions that will correspond with the clue inside the balloon)

• Optional:  some small candies like Smarties, Skittles, or M & M s (if you want to reward your kiddos for getting the word or question right-- popping the balloon was good enough for Josiah!)

Prep:  

I wrote each of Josiah's spelling words on a small slip of scrap paper, folded it, and squeezed them into a balloon.  Then we both blew up the balloons, since we both had a lot of hot air to waste!!! 

Remember to number your balloons to correspond with your "master list" so that you know which words are inside. The video reveals the comedic mistake we made doing this!

We hope our idea and video inspires you to creatively mix up your homeschooling or classroom learning during what might be some long, cold, and "boring" days in January.   It only takes a bit of pre-planning, but very little, if you recruit your kiddos to help blow up the balloons.  

Extending Ideas: 

• Chore List 

• Brain Breaks

• Play Date Activities

• Blizzard Blowout Activities

• Bible Verse Review 

• throw darts at the balloons (Josiah's idea-- not mine, ha, ha)

Editable Home School Checklist

Both Josiah and I like using a checklist to keep track of his tasks and assignments throughout our homeschooling day.  I found it helps keeps us more organized, focused and minimizes "nagging" (me) & "attitude" (Josiah).  :)

I created the checklists in PowerPoint with editable text boxes so you can format them to fit your family's and/or each child's individual needs. All the checklists are essentially the same except for the cute clip art in the corner.  

Home School Checklist

I'd love to hear if you found them helpful or have suggestions to make them better.  Enjoy! 

Day 1 & "Classroom" Tour

Josiah's official 1st day of 5th grade was on September 2, 2015.  

In typical Josiah and Becky fashion, we started our school day "late" in the day vs. early.  We started at 11:45 am.  Now for you naysayers and Type A personalities, no worries, we will be starting a normal school schedule after Labor Day.  But for this week, I followed the advice of other home schooling moms and we've enjoyed half days to get us back into the groove of learning.

We had a super, first day together!  We both set academic and personal goals, enjoyed devotional time outside under our big maple tree, saw a hummingbird at our bird feeder, created a prayer bucket, took Max for a walk (PE), played a math game together and I taught Josiah the ins and outs of interactive notebooks (or also sometimes called lap booking or note booking).   Overall, we spent 4.5 hours learning, which included math, vocabulary, grammar and writing.  

Queue the highlight reel-- Josiah will share a bit more about our home school room and his first day highlights.  If the PLAY button doesn't work, just click here:  Josiah's Home School Room Tour. 

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