20 January 2012
The Force and The Bark Side
The Funschoolers love, love, love these ads. HT to our friend G for sharing The Bark Side and good ol' Dad for sharing The Force. Enjoy!
14 January 2012
Randomly Recent...
Baking butter cookies!
The FunSchoolers discovered a very yummy recipe and have so far experimented twice with it:
Swimming lessons have resumed
After a difficult start when we first began, kiddo is doing very well and I'm very happy with how he's being taught. He's learning how to flip and push off between laps now.
Philosophy discussions
He is currently very interested in philosophy. We have chosen to read aloud and discuss Philosophy for Kids by David White once or twice a week during afternoon snack time. We really like the book so far.
See this post on kiddo's blog.We didn't have the time to record every single point discussed but it does give you an idea of how we are using the book.
Learning as usual
It's good to have our rhythm back after the holidays and the flu. Physics is going well with full marks in his grade book so far but the suggested pace is obviously too rapid right now. I'm not terribly concerned. It just means he may take longer to finish the course. I'm trying to keep my expectations neutral. Learning to stay out of the way is hard for this control freak, but I'm getting there!
Math and German are proceeding at a steady pace. I am enjoying learning this way and I can see kiddo is too. We have more time to learn and digest the information instead of rushing from one lesson to another. I wish we could somehow fit Latin into our days but we don't seem to be able to right now. I'm trying to work in 15 minutes of Latin three times a week. Since we don't do any "language arts", Latin is my back-up plan for grammar and vocabulary studies.
Debate finals!
The highlight of last week was kiddo's team debate finals. He was team captain for one of the teams. The teams were judged based on three mini-debate topics:
Kiddo is enjoying speech and debate very much and will continue with the next session of classes in two weeks. I couldn't be happier. He's learning many other skills through the class. He's learning to research and present his arguments coherently. He's learning the difference between fact and opinion. And he's learning leadership skills.
He's fond of the State of Debate game here. If you know anything else like it that can be played or followed online, I'd really appreciate a heads up!
The FunSchoolers discovered a very yummy recipe and have so far experimented twice with it:
- Once by replacing some of the flour with hazelnut meal and the white sugar with brown (and reducing the amount too).
- Once using the recipe mostly as is but with less butter, flour and sugar (pictured here).
Swimming lessons have resumed
After a difficult start when we first began, kiddo is doing very well and I'm very happy with how he's being taught. He's learning how to flip and push off between laps now.
Philosophy discussions
He is currently very interested in philosophy. We have chosen to read aloud and discuss Philosophy for Kids by David White once or twice a week during afternoon snack time. We really like the book so far.See this post on kiddo's blog.We didn't have the time to record every single point discussed but it does give you an idea of how we are using the book.
Learning as usual
It's good to have our rhythm back after the holidays and the flu. Physics is going well with full marks in his grade book so far but the suggested pace is obviously too rapid right now. I'm not terribly concerned. It just means he may take longer to finish the course. I'm trying to keep my expectations neutral. Learning to stay out of the way is hard for this control freak, but I'm getting there!
Math and German are proceeding at a steady pace. I am enjoying learning this way and I can see kiddo is too. We have more time to learn and digest the information instead of rushing from one lesson to another. I wish we could somehow fit Latin into our days but we don't seem to be able to right now. I'm trying to work in 15 minutes of Latin three times a week. Since we don't do any "language arts", Latin is my back-up plan for grammar and vocabulary studies.
Debate finals!
The highlight of last week was kiddo's team debate finals. He was team captain for one of the teams. The teams were judged based on three mini-debate topics:
- California schools should improve fitness goals (Kiddo's team: affirmative)
- Ice cream would rather be 'poor' than 'rich' (An odd topic, I know! Kiddo's team: negative)
- Environmental disasters should be classified as crimes against humanity (Kiddo's team: affirmative)
Kiddo is enjoying speech and debate very much and will continue with the next session of classes in two weeks. I couldn't be happier. He's learning many other skills through the class. He's learning to research and present his arguments coherently. He's learning the difference between fact and opinion. And he's learning leadership skills.
He's fond of the State of Debate game here. If you know anything else like it that can be played or followed online, I'd really appreciate a heads up!
06 January 2012
Physics with Derek Owens
It's much too soon for a full review as kiddo has only just started this program. But I wanted to mention how grateful I am for Derek Owens. Derek teaches math and physics live in person and via distance education (recorded lectures). Since we're not living close to Derek, we are using the distance education option.
Kiddo will be trying Physics I with Derek this year. I'm relieved because while I can research and compile lists and lists of resources for the subject, I cannot teach Physics. His Dad can teach Physics but rarely has the time it takes for consistent instruction. When I heard about Derek Owens' distance ed program, I thought I'd give it a try. So much of homeschooling is a journey of faith. You may find that when your child is ready for certain things, you'll be experimenting over and over again not only with curriculum but also with online programs and service providers so you have to be willing sometimes to take a risk and just go with it.
So far, Derek seems to be a risk well taken. Why I wanted to mention Derek today is because I am very touched and grateful to him for two reasons. First, he didn't pooh-pooh us about kiddo being younger than his usual target audience. Believe me, this may not strike you as being praiseworthy but I've come across folk who are miserably pedantic about such things. I am truly very happy that Derek was supportive and welcoming towards my younger student. Second, Derek gives you all the materials for just a $15 registration fee. I mean ALL the materials: all lectures, all notes, all homework and lab work links. Everything. You do have an option of buying the workbook instead of printing it and that will cost about $50 more (each semester's workbook at Derek's Lulu store is $22.31 without shipping). But if you don't mind the printing, everything is available to you after you pay the registration fee.
You will then pay the monthly distance ed fee when your student starts working on the materials and sends homework to Derek for checking and feedback.
After consulting Derek and kiddo, we'll be setting aside about 4-5 hours a week for this program. We may supplement where we can with additional labs (if kiddo wants them), Teaching Company Great Courses and various reading materials. If kiddo is truly able to handle the work and maintains a steady pace, I'll try to remember to write a more detailed review when he's close to completion. For now, I wanted to post my unsolicited gratitude because I strongly believe in recognizing a good service and passing on a good word when I stumble upon such a service.
Kiddo will be trying Physics I with Derek this year. I'm relieved because while I can research and compile lists and lists of resources for the subject, I cannot teach Physics. His Dad can teach Physics but rarely has the time it takes for consistent instruction. When I heard about Derek Owens' distance ed program, I thought I'd give it a try. So much of homeschooling is a journey of faith. You may find that when your child is ready for certain things, you'll be experimenting over and over again not only with curriculum but also with online programs and service providers so you have to be willing sometimes to take a risk and just go with it.
So far, Derek seems to be a risk well taken. Why I wanted to mention Derek today is because I am very touched and grateful to him for two reasons. First, he didn't pooh-pooh us about kiddo being younger than his usual target audience. Believe me, this may not strike you as being praiseworthy but I've come across folk who are miserably pedantic about such things. I am truly very happy that Derek was supportive and welcoming towards my younger student. Second, Derek gives you all the materials for just a $15 registration fee. I mean ALL the materials: all lectures, all notes, all homework and lab work links. Everything. You do have an option of buying the workbook instead of printing it and that will cost about $50 more (each semester's workbook at Derek's Lulu store is $22.31 without shipping). But if you don't mind the printing, everything is available to you after you pay the registration fee.
You will then pay the monthly distance ed fee when your student starts working on the materials and sends homework to Derek for checking and feedback.
After consulting Derek and kiddo, we'll be setting aside about 4-5 hours a week for this program. We may supplement where we can with additional labs (if kiddo wants them), Teaching Company Great Courses and various reading materials. If kiddo is truly able to handle the work and maintains a steady pace, I'll try to remember to write a more detailed review when he's close to completion. For now, I wanted to post my unsolicited gratitude because I strongly believe in recognizing a good service and passing on a good word when I stumble upon such a service.
04 January 2012
Mmm...Tapioca Pudding!
I know I'm not doing my waistline any good but oh, this was delicious! So yummy that I'm posting the recipe! :)
Brown Sugar Tapioca Pudding
Inspired by recipe on the back of the Bob's Red Mill Small Pearl Tapioca package.
2/3 cup small pearl tapioca
1 1/2 cup water
4 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs, separated
1 cup brown sugar (I added another tbsp because I'm naughty that way)
1 tsp. vanilla
Put tapioca and water in a saucepan. Soak for about 30 minutes. Beat egg yolks in a pyrex measuring cup, add milk and salt and stir into tapioca water mixture. Turn stove on to medium heat and stir until boiling (if you don't want to keep stirring every single second, at least watch the mixture carefully; you definitely don't want to walk away and end up with a burned pudding!). Once tapioca mixture starts to steam and boil gently (ours took about 10 minutes to do so), switch to the lowest heat setting. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Beat egg whites with brown sugar till soft peaks form. Fold about 2 cups of tapioca mixture into egg white-sugar mixture. Fold this combined mixture back into the rest of the pudding in the saucepan...gently, and a little at a time. Keep stirring over low heat for about 3 minutes.
Let pudding cool for about 20-30 minutes. Add vanilla, mix well and serve warm or chilled.
Makes about 6-7 cups.
Brown Sugar Tapioca Pudding
Inspired by recipe on the back of the Bob's Red Mill Small Pearl Tapioca package.
2/3 cup small pearl tapioca
1 1/2 cup water
4 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs, separated
1 cup brown sugar (I added another tbsp because I'm naughty that way)
1 tsp. vanilla
Put tapioca and water in a saucepan. Soak for about 30 minutes. Beat egg yolks in a pyrex measuring cup, add milk and salt and stir into tapioca water mixture. Turn stove on to medium heat and stir until boiling (if you don't want to keep stirring every single second, at least watch the mixture carefully; you definitely don't want to walk away and end up with a burned pudding!). Once tapioca mixture starts to steam and boil gently (ours took about 10 minutes to do so), switch to the lowest heat setting. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Beat egg whites with brown sugar till soft peaks form. Fold about 2 cups of tapioca mixture into egg white-sugar mixture. Fold this combined mixture back into the rest of the pudding in the saucepan...gently, and a little at a time. Keep stirring over low heat for about 3 minutes.
Let pudding cool for about 20-30 minutes. Add vanilla, mix well and serve warm or chilled.
Makes about 6-7 cups.
01 January 2012
A Wish For 2012
2012....wow. The year kiddo will turn double digits. And my final chance to enjoy my thirties! What will 2012 bring? Excitement I'm sure. But challenges too and I wonder what kind of animal that will be.
I find myself watching kiddo furtively these days. He's at that age where he gets a little embarrassed if I stare at him lovingly for too long. Sometimes he seems so very, very grown up all of a sudden. And sometimes, he's still such a little thing (especially when he's in his jammies lol). He still says the darndest things. Still cracks me up. And still infuriates me too.
I also find that my memory of his younger years is improving. There are so many things I'd forgotten that I suddenly remember now. Sometimes, I cringe about something harsh or stupid I said or did. Mostly, I'm thankful for the time I've had to watch him grow up to be the good kid he is.
If you are a parent of a younger child, who is often anxious and rushing from one thing to another trying to get it all done, just like I tend to, now is the time to stop and take a deep breath and slow down. And remember all those moments when you were both happy. Truly happy. Hold on to that thought. Aspire to achieve that happiness again and again.
Nothing else...curriculum, schedules, classes, school, social opportunities, fame, fortune...nothing else (except safety and good health) is as important.
I'm past making resolutions. But I will make a wish. Oh, please let me give him a truly happy childhood. One that will make moments when I lose it and do the things I shouldn't irrelevant. One with memories he will cling on to and hold precious and draw strength from when he needs it the most.
Happy New Year everyone!
I also find that my memory of his younger years is improving. There are so many things I'd forgotten that I suddenly remember now. Sometimes, I cringe about something harsh or stupid I said or did. Mostly, I'm thankful for the time I've had to watch him grow up to be the good kid he is.
If you are a parent of a younger child, who is often anxious and rushing from one thing to another trying to get it all done, just like I tend to, now is the time to stop and take a deep breath and slow down. And remember all those moments when you were both happy. Truly happy. Hold on to that thought. Aspire to achieve that happiness again and again.
Nothing else...curriculum, schedules, classes, school, social opportunities, fame, fortune...nothing else (except safety and good health) is as important.
I'm past making resolutions. But I will make a wish. Oh, please let me give him a truly happy childhood. One that will make moments when I lose it and do the things I shouldn't irrelevant. One with memories he will cling on to and hold precious and draw strength from when he needs it the most.
Happy New Year everyone!
31 December 2011
The Last Days of 2011
Apart from the horrid flu bug that hit us the weekend before Christmas, our last week of 2011 has been lots of fun! Here's our week in photos:
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| Opening Christmas gifts! |
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| Archery in the backyard -- it looks like summer doesn't it? It almost feels like it too! |
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| Being awarded an Andorian hat for nursing the flu like a true good sport. |
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And playing with his new favorite toys: this hop ball ... |
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...and this marble run set. |
25 December 2011
Tin Tin at Tinsel Time
Hmm, not a very catchy title but since we're very much into alliterative post titles over here, it'll have to do. :)
The Adventures of Tin Tin got off to a slow-ish start but made up for it with exciting action in the end. Kiddo is over the moon that this Christmas gift wasn't delayed due to his bout of flu. He was feeling so much better today so we decided to go after all. Luckily, not too many people opted to watch this show so I don't think he infected anyone. I was particularly glad that Snowy got so much attention from the filmmakers although kiddo and I were quite miffed that they didn't stick to the original tale.
Before the show, we caught this wonderful trailer. I can't wait for The Hobbit. Just can't wait. Had goosebumps just from watching this...
Also watched a trailer for Brave. Look out for 1:40! :)
The Adventures of Tin Tin got off to a slow-ish start but made up for it with exciting action in the end. Kiddo is over the moon that this Christmas gift wasn't delayed due to his bout of flu. He was feeling so much better today so we decided to go after all. Luckily, not too many people opted to watch this show so I don't think he infected anyone. I was particularly glad that Snowy got so much attention from the filmmakers although kiddo and I were quite miffed that they didn't stick to the original tale.
Before the show, we caught this wonderful trailer. I can't wait for The Hobbit. Just can't wait. Had goosebumps just from watching this...
Also watched a trailer for Brave. Look out for 1:40! :)
