Monthly Memories – April & May 2012
Joining in with Kylie to record our Monthly Memories.
Attempting a summation of the past two months, as I didn’t diligently record, the following is only a sample of learning undertaken and books read.
The introduction of a daily Language Arts period (@1.5hrs) with our teen boys. This time is divided weekly between the study of spelling, poetry, note taking, literature analysis and Shakespeare. I’m really excited that our daily Language Arts block is faithfully occurring, I’m enjoying the interaction with the boys and am thrilled with the depth of learning occurring.
We are still endeavouring to maintain steady progress in the 4Rs, Science and the Humanities, although a few changes have occurred to allow for our daily Language Arts block with our teens.
Highlights
- Einstein’s absolute LOVE for chemistry, he talks, thinks and breathes chemistry continually.
- Carpenter’s diligence and consistency in undertaking the studies we set him. He is making solid progress in his maths, reading his assigned reading and writing his assigned essays. Furthermore he is taking great pride in his work and his happy:):)
- Michelangelo’s spongelike absorption and interest in any new knowledge.
- Princess becoming totally absorbed in reading any spare moment she has.
- Jelly Bean and Jack Jack beginning new readers. Jelly Bean in particular stepped up her reading steeply.
- Jack Jack’s quick and impressive understanding of new mathematical concepts.
- Regular spelling lessons with the four oldest, accuracy and speed is definitely on the rise:)
- Weekly poetry and note taking lessons with the boys. Whilst they grumbled at first they are secretly taking pride in their progress.
- Princess has begun learning the piano and is making good progress. Carpenter has also taken up the clarinet and is very enthused:) Finally perhaps we may have children who learn to play an instrument.
- Using the book Cool Chemistry Concoctions -Joe Rhatigan has lead to an ongoing interest in making slime for the youngest four.
- Einstein’s chemistry book has exploded into an interest of all things chemistry. He has been reading lots of chemistry books, is learning the periodic table, the symbols and what each component is. He has been regaling us with all sorts of snippets of information and enjoying deep scientific talks with his father and brother.
This time of the year always seems to see our children spending hours outdoors playing in the winter sunshine. Outdoor play mostly consists of hours on the swings, trampoline and making cubbies in the underbrush of the garden.
Chess has also become a major interest. The board is set up at all times and a game is often in progress. As I type Bass (1yr) is ‘playing’ against Michelangelo.
-Deltora Quest Series 1, 2 & 3!
Our Family Read Aloud
Lord Brocktree – Brian Jacques
Linnets and Valerians – Elizabeth Goudge (still reading)
Picture Books
Bird Books
Where’s my Mum – Susan Hall
The Best Nest – Penny Olsen
The Bush Copncert – Helga Visser
The Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay – Narelle Oliver
Enora and the Black Crane – Arone Raymnd Meeks
Anzac Books
Let the Celebration Begin – Maragert Wild
Memorial – Gary Crew
Photographs in the Mud – Dianne Wolfer
One Boy’s War – Lynn Huggins Cooper
Night without Darkness – Elizabeth Stanley
My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day – Catriona Hay
In Flanders Fields – Norman Jorgensen
Angel of Kokoda – Mark Wilson
Individual Reading
Carpenter
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins
Brotherband 2 – John Flanagan
Leven Thumbs bks 1, 2 & 3 – Obert Skye
Einstein
Science
The Mystery of the Periodic Table – Benjamin Wilkes
Atoms & Molecules (God’s Design)
Angel’s Command – Brian Jacques
Brotherband 2 – John Flanagan
Dragons of Chiril – Donia K Paul
Cards on the Table – Agatha Christie
N or M? – Agatha Christie
A Murder is Announced – Agatha Christie
Murder is Easy – Agatha Christie
Dead Man’s Folly – Agatha Christie
The Man in the Brown Suit – Agatha Christie
A Caribbean Mystery – Agatha Christie
Taken at the Flood – Agatha Christie
The Seven Dials Mystery – Agatha Christie
Michelangelo
Maths
Murderous Maths – Easy Questions, Evil Answers
History
Australia from the Beginning – Eve Pownell
Horrible Histories The Wicked History of the World
Blackout in the Blitz – Terry Deary (Horrible Histories)
Jedi Apprentice The Captive Temple (Star Wars)
Jedi Apprentice The Fight for Truth (Star Wars)
The 39 Clues Bks 7 & 11 – Rick Riordan
Tintin in the Congo
Tintin Destination Moon
Tintin and the Blue Oranges
Tintin and the Mystery of the Golden Fleece
Conspiracy 365 – Gabrielle Lord
The Pirate’s Legacy – Annette Marnat
The Ghost Ship – Annette Marnat
More Adventures of the Muddle-headed Wombat – Ruth Park
Falcon Island
Brotherband 2 – John Flanagan
Emmy and the Amazing Shrinking Rat – Lynne Jonell
Emmy and the Troubled Home for Girls – Lynne Jonell
Centerburg Tales – Robert McCloskey
Beowulf – Rosemary Sutcliff
Princess
The Pirate’s Legacy – Annette Marnat
The Ghost Ship – Annette Marnat
The Plummed Serpent’s Gold – Annette Marnat
Escape from Veracruz – Annette Marnat
Emmy and the Amazing Shrinking Rat – Lynne Jonell
Emmy and the Troubled Home for Girls – Lynne Jonell
Goose Girl – Patrice Kindl
Max the Missing Puppy
Bindi Croc Capers – Bindi
The Truth about Verity Sparks – Susan Green (not necc. rec)
5 Comments
Vicky
Hi Erin,
I feel a little silly, inviting you to a HEEE HEEE Meme in the commbox of such a worthwhile post! Oh well, it's a bit of fun – please don't feel obliged to join in if you're busy. But, if you can, I'd love to read your story:-)
God bless:-)
Angel
Just ordered the first Brotherband book for Garrett and Katie!
Eddie
Some great books on that reading list! And we are big Man Vs Wild fans here too.
Cinnamon
Hi Erin~ How neat to look through what everyone has been reading. I like how you stop and think about what you've learned and studied.
~Cinnamon
Erin
I knew you were all book lovers:)
Cinnamon
thank you:)