Alvin Sherman Research Library Field Trip

Many of the activities that we want to participate in have unfortunately been in Palm Beach County which is about an hour north of us.  I was beginning to wonder if I had made a mistake joining this group, but then a trip to the Alvin Sherman Library on the Nova Southeastern University campus came up.

The librarians in the children's department gave an excellent tour of the entire library.  I think one of the highlights was the 4th floor shelving.  Of course with a growing supply of books they don't have enough room to store them all so the shelves are motorized.  There are safety sensors to keep from "squishing the librarians" or library patrons.

They also shared with us a terrific database system that will aid us and so many other homeschool families.

In the alcove before the grand staircase is a prayer wheel, blessed by the Dalai Lama.  This prayer wheel was hand-forged by craftsmen in Indi and blessed by the Dalai Lama during one of his visits to the University.  The librarian shared that the prayer wheel is used to spread spiritual blessings throughout the universe.  The mantra written on the wheel is Om Mani Padme Hum.  It is suggested that you recite the prayer while turning the wheel.      

At the top of the grand staircase, there is a beautiful glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.  The librarian who did the tour asked what the kids thought it looked like.  Various answers included an unmowed yard with yard toys, flowers, but the best one was a coral reef.

A New School Year, A New Adventure Part 2

This year we joined another homeschool group - Alternative Homeschool Educators (AHE).  They post tons of activities on their Yahoo Group and Facebook page.  Some of which are activities just to let parents know of things in the area and some are activities to do as a group.  Our first outing after joining the AHE was to go to the Museum of Science and Discovery.

Can we say dinner?

Aren't they cute?  Glad they are contained.

There were about 5 of these little guys.  When one of the workers put out this fresh bowl of food, it was a turtle stampede!  This little guy actually pushed another away.  

While waiting in line for the Everglades airboat ride, Kira met up with two other little girls.  They hit it off, names and numbers were exchanged and we can't wait to get together!

These guys were so much fun...

This "robot" was fun to play with.  You had to add these "gears" and each one made him do something different.  When we were done, he looked like he was dancing.

The only thing I didn't get pictures of was the activities upstairs.  It was the first weekend of Black Holes exhibit.  The exhibit had many computer simulators, unfortunately many of them didn't work or had a terribly long line.  No matter what, we had a great time and stayed until they were kicking people out!

A New School Year, A New Adventure Part 1

When we first started homeschooling we joined a homeschool group that was highly recommended from various sources online.  We left shortly after joining because we felt each visit was a sermon. To supplement her social interaction with kids her own age I signed her up for Girl Scouts.  She loved it.  Her troop leader Ms. Carol was amazing.  Kira learned and accomplished a lot in the couple of areas that troop was active.

Two years ago Kira joined another troop.  This troop was not as active and the girls primarily played in the gymnasium.  They did some crafts but the troop leader really didn't show the enthusiasm her first troop leader shared.  After two years it disbanded.  We have debated about putting her in another troop but to be honest I really didn't see that she was gaining anything.  Actually no.  She did gain something.  She gained a good friend as did I.

Homeschooling Questionnaire - Parent

The beginning of the school year is always the most fun but also the most hectic (at least for me) and I find I tend to blog about it.  This is my 7th year homeschooling and you'd think that I'd be ready or at least have a clue what I was doing. I should be ready.  Prepared.  But I'm not.  I'm getting there.  I'm finding new resources daily and we are already having fun!  Since I am having my "student" answer a quick questionnaire, I decided to do one myself.  Her's will be posted soon.   

1. What state you are in? Florida

2. Your current teaching position- 6th Grade (Eek!  I have a tween!!)

3. Your teaching experience- This is my 7th year homeschooling. In high school, I did student teaching and in college I got my Associates Degree in Early Childhood and did some student teaching.  I love kids and planned to go into the public school system.  Instead, I had a child of my own and am using my education experience with my own child.

4. When you started blogging- I started in August 2010 and the intent was keep our family and friends up to date on our homeschool adventures.  Things seemed to be going good and then all of a sudden I fell off the bandwagon.  My daughter asked about blogging and if she could have a blog (answer was no) but I did tell her she could be a guest blogger on my page.  Exactly what I am going to let her write I don't know...    

5. Share a blogging tip / blogging resource- Blog in the AM or right before bed.  That seems to be the time I get the most done.  Now it is time to take my own advice.