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The REAL Science Field Trip – Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

May 19, 2008 By Laura 2 Comments

The kids finally had their real science field trip, to the Mass Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary, on the RIGHT day. Michael and I were not as excited to go anymore, feeling like we’ve ‘been there, done that‘. But the point was to meet and experience a homeschool co-op that was having a day there, and the kids were all for going again. So we went, and were all really glad we did. I must say, the weather wasn’t quite as nice as the mistaken day, which was so warm and sunny. This time it was on the cool side, and pretty cloudy and grey out. Rain was expected later that day. (And it indeed started sprinkling before we left.)

But what a great field trip it was anyway! As I mentioned in the post about our accidental trip, the place consists of tons of conservation land, which includes various kinds of habitats: grass plains, marshland, and ponds. These habitats are home to all kinds of birds, animals, reptiles and amphibians. There were experts there from Mass Audubon, who took us in groups and taught us and showed us so much.

I didn’t really get any great photos. Again, I would have needed that big tele-photo lense for some really fascinating shots. But also, our kids were always in groups with other people who may have not wanted their photos taken, and it wouldn’t be right to post them on my blog with their faces showing, (without permission either)…..so my camera did a lot of resting. Although I did get a few simple photos, one of course of the boardwalk bridge, which I probably took one similar last time too.

boardwalk bridge

The first thing we did was go out on a tractor-pulled wagon hayride with a group, and a very nice and informative woman who was a wildlife expert, right out into the grasslands, where she taught us much about the birds that habitat there. The little ones enjoyed the ride, and learned quite a bit just listening to the talk. {A} brought along her notebook and sketchpad. Remember I told you {A} was ‘a bird expert as far as I could tell’? Well, she’s a bird expert as far as a bird expert can tell, too! lol. The woman had large laminated cards of various kinds of birds, not all the kind we see every day in our own yards. The woman often started with ‘Does anyone know what kind of bird this is?’, and {A} always did. She also knows more about their behaviors than I even knew she knew. The woman was impressed! Some of the birds we saw and/or learned all about were Osprey, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Swallows, Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Bobolinks, and Orioles, as well as red and grey fox, raccoons, and some rodent of which I forget the name of or what it really looks like. (Maybe on purpose. lol) ) We saw LOTS of Bobolinks darting around, there was an Osprey there as well, and we learned that Orioles fly all the way to and from South America every year! (Wow!). We have seen them in our yard several times in the past couple of weeks, and I just LOVE them. The woman said if we put a string out on our deck, the Orioles will take it to build a nest. If we put one out every day for them, they just may build there nest in your yard and stick around for the whole season! I definitely want to keep them around….so we did just what she said today. But it was still there last I checked.

When we got back from the hayride, we learned about bird-banding Tree Swallows. The woman explained how they catch the birds, how they harmlessly band them, measure their wing span, weigh them, record all of that info, where they send, and why. She had different strings of leg bands, as shown below, each of all the same size, but with different identification numbers on them. It was fascinating to hear the woman tell us how some years she would have birds she had banned the year before come back, or get notice in the mail from another sanctuary that a bird she had banned had been at their habitat thousands of miles away.

After that little information session, the kids moved on to learn more about bugs and insects. They even went into the tall grasses to catch some in fabric nets, put them in containers, and learn more about exactly what they caught. (You can bet I did a tick check after that little activity!) After {A} transferred what she had in her net, into a container, she discovered she caught syphrid flies, aphids, a spider, beetles, and ants. Did you know there is a difference between bugs and insects?

There were games to play, a bubble blowing table, and a little craft table as well. The kids made these dragonflies out of pipe-cleaners, beads and tinfoil. Pretty cute, huh? I don’t think they’ve much put them down since.

All in all it was a fantastic day. We all learned LOTS, had FUN doing it, and met so many wonderful people. There’s another co-op field trip coming up soon too…….a tide-pool study at the ocean, with more Mass Audubon experts there! We have a few of our own field trips planned as well, but I am sure we’ll be sure not to miss the co-op tide-pool study! The kids will really, really LOVE that, and so will us big kids! We love the beach and ocean, and feel so blessed to have a private beach within walking distance of our home.

The next day, {A} had a parish youth group activity planned. They were having a beach clean-up, and then gathering at the parish center for a cookout and some volleyball. It initially was cancelled that morning because it had been raining and was still drizzly. But some kids showed up anyway, so the leader called {A}, and she was happy to go and help. I did not take photos activity either, because I didn’t go. Michael took her. But I did some shots of her ready to go (one of which is below) with her own trash poker stick, and one to share. She had a really great time, despite how the weather was less than ideal at first. Of course she makes everything she does fun. The sun did break out once they were done cleaning up. As if God was pleased with their work. : )

The rest of our weekend was spent doing some work, some house-cleaning, and some shopping. You have no idea how excited our kids can get over bubble wands and water-shoes! Good golly. We are all knee-deep in enjoying this warm weather season, and still have so much exploring, learning, relaxing and FUN to look forward to.

Math Madness! & Memorization – Kindergarten

May 8, 2008 By Laura 4 Comments

$math-graphic$

We’re talking about the beginning skills of math memorization, for little ones, today. Our Kindergartners ( {J} {O} {S} ) have been working on addition and subtraction in their workbooks throughout this year. Their math curriculum (Horizons/Alpha Omega Publications) had introduced math problems in both numerical sentences, as well as stacked, and as of recently, even in math story problems. Their aid right along has been a number line on the page to use for adding or subtracting. They start at the given number, and count going forward (adding) or backward(subtracting), and the number they land on is the answer to the problem. I have thought right along that this technique was rather clever, in that the kids are learning now, for the future, how to line their number columns up properly as they write their answers, and to get the idea of adding some to, or taking away from, and just the whole general idea of how math works. It’s been the fastest subject every day for them, unless we add an extra math activity with manipulatives — like money or time telling.

So tonight right after dinner, I was working at the computer. I had an order I really needed to prep, and was also just already burned out as it was, from an intense and exhaustive appointment I had today after schooling. Michael had to run out to do something himself, so he was not around. So I am working along and conversing with the kids at the same time, as I often do.

And then the math started……

{S} “Mama….give me some math problems.”

{Me} “Okaayyyy…ummm…7+2.”

{S} “7+2?” (pause) “9!”

{Me} “That’s right! Very good!”

{S} “Give me another one!”

{Me} “Ok, How about…18 – 4”

{S} “18 – 4?” (pause – a thinking noise) “14!!”

From there, as he was getting them all right, I just went with bigger numbers, and he still kept nailing them. Then {J} comes in because he heard all of the excitement, and wants some problems too. “Give me some! Give me some too!” They take turns, and it becomes an intense competition between them. {O} was busy and very focused copying an adult’s crossword puzzle. But the boys were not letting up on wanting more. Addition, subtraction, big and small numbers, calculating in their head…and they were doing it! I think they were surprising themselves that they could do it! (I didn’t know they were ready to do that either.) There were no double digit addends or subtrahends involved, where carrying over or borrowing would be necessary, but still. Granted too, they were probably using their fingers, but hey…I still do sometimes too. And they are in kindergarten!

They really could not get enough. It went on for a long time, as I tried to work. I began hoping Michael would walk in the door any minute and take over being the ‘math problem pitcher’. And he did, eventually. He was pretty impressed with what we were doing while he was gone, and thankfully, was happy to take over. I was then able to finish up my client’s order a little quicker.

The math game went on all the way through, and in between each hug and kiss for bed, and not doubt they’ll be begging to play again as soon as they open their eyes in the morning. I’m grateful for the break tonight now that they are in bed, (although numbers are still flying around in my head, because that’s me) but also really amazed and grateful at how effective their whole curriculum, and lessons we’ve taught them, have been for them. It is an advanced Kindergarten curriculum, but have really credited how each concept is introduced in a building, and spiraling, and building some more, sort of process, and have thought of it as just that; Base prep work and building techniques for next year. But they are truly getting it more than that. And with JOY as they do. That’s what I love the most. Whether they get a concept or not — it’s that they have FUN learning that matters most to us, because eventually they are going to get it all. But to see them truly understand and demonstrate it over and over is a satisfying feeling. Seeing how much they are getting so early on, is encouraging. Because the truth is, I don’t think my kids are some unique geniuses, or necessarily smarter than other kids. And I surely do not need them to know everything now. It’s just the re-enforcement of our strong beliefs all along; that kids will learn more, and EMBRACE LEARNING, even CRAVE it, when they have fun doing it.

They have also been entertaining themselves, and each other, with memorization and recitation. All 3 of them are very fluent readers now, (well, all 4…lol) and they have taken to finding funny stories or poems in their abundance of books, and memorizing them, and then reciting them for eachother, or us…or anyone who will listen, in stores, or where ever we are. Most of what they have a desire to memorize are the funny, very silly things, of course. You know how, with kids, if something is funny once, it’s still funny the next 999 times. So they take turns spouting off this poem or that, and they all crack up, and it just never gets old. But this practice of memorization, that is merely a game to them that they came up with on their own, is just how education at home, in life, happens on it’s own. Yet it builds their memorization skills for the things they will HAVE to memorize for an assignment, or for functioning in life. Just like the scripture memorization they have done, they are acquiring various valuable benefits and skills from the ‘game’.

I just had to express what….contentment I feel tonight. Again. About this life of ours I love, and our decision to homeschool. These are the moments, that we have every day, that show us the fruits of our ‘labor’, if you want to call it that. To see the progression of their skills and gain of knowledge every day, as they display it for us in various ways, with such HAPPINESS and pride in themselves, IS the reward and the pay-offs. We wouldn’t want to miss one minute of the amazing progress for the world; from introduction of a new concept, to seeing the lightbulb in their head go off, to them grasping and running with it with such enjoyment. Just living, loving, and learning, every day. That’s what it’s all about to us. Witnessing these moments, is something we treasure and are so grateful for, even if we are hearing one thing or another for the 1,001 time. “Listen to this, Mama” “Watch me do this, Daddy! Look!” “Mama, see what I can do?” “Watch me again!”

Yes, we will always listen and look. Sometimes with eagerness, and sometimes with some real scrounged up patience, when we are trying to accomplish something of our own, because it matters to them. It is life. It’s the learning process of little ones, and it is the love of learning, growing, and the satisfaction of new accomplishments and skills they can each call their own. And there can never be enough. There will always be time for such things. It is all gifts, our gifts, receiving gifts, and just multiplying before our eyes.

So bring it on, kids. We will listen, we will look, we will cheer, and we will clap, as all 4 of you realize there is nothing you cannot do, with hard work, desire and determination, and the grace of God. The rewards are all yours. And it is enough for us to just listen, and watch, over and over again.

Mass Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary – Field Trip – On the Wrong Day

May 6, 2008 By Laura 3 Comments

When I first found out the about this field trip to the Mass Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary via e-mail, I apparently relied on my memory, while going from the computer to the calendar. I guess I shouldn’t have done that, because there is a big difference between the 6th, and the 16th! Might explain why we were the only ones there, huh?? Good golly. We were supposed to meet lots of other homeschoolers there, but all we could see or hear were birds.

So we decided to make the most of it, since we were already there. It was a beautiful day, and I got some nice photos our of our peaceful hike. Don’t you love the photos above and below of the geese and their goslings? Whenever I have seen ducks and their ducklings, or geese and their goslings in my life, I just feel a little something inside. I can identify with them somehow, in a family/parental way. They seem to take such care in guiding their young ones, and are so very protective if danger or possible predators (like us) gets too near to their young. Aggressively so, as if there is nothing they won’t do to protect their children. I can relate to that, and I’m sure many of you parents can, as well. Anyway, I enjoyed watching and photographing this feathered-family.

These acres at this wildlife sanctuary, owned by Mass Audubon, is just beautiful. Wide open wet-lands and woods, and meandering, winding boardwalks throughout. (I love boardwalks too.) It’s all conservation land of course, and is such a haven of all kinds of beautiful birds, and creatures big and small. I bet in the evening hours, as it approaches dusk, it’s a whole other world, equally as amazing and beautiful, but different.

There was so much to photograph, but I was wishing I had a much bigger zoom! Many of these photos are extremely cropped, which I hate to do because of quality loss. But nonetheless, I’d venture to say we wouldn’t have seen (or been able to sneak up on) some of the little things we saw today, had so many more people been with us. Like this little garter snake. Can you see him?

Or this little white moth, that’s as good as a butterfly to my kids. : )

There were little turtles, just soaking up the warm sun on rocks and limbs extending out of the waters, everywhere. I think I would rather enjoy being a turtle here at this place, for a day or 2. As long as my turtle family was with me, and were feeling just as mellow. : )

Here’s another shot I just love, because I love these kind of ‘craggly’ trees. (Is that a word? Craggly?) I remember trying to draw them a lot as a kid. I found it hard to really make every stroke different-as no 2 branches or twigs are the same. I found I would start balancing it all out without thinking. Maybe it’s the Libra in me.

It was really nice just walking around together. It was so quiet there (except for my kids, who tend to have volumes we are working on.) The weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot, cold, or windy. There were no bugs bothering us, and it was so…peaceful there. Just following the trails and boardwalks, and keeping an eye out for anything of nature to appreciate, and marveling at the creativity of our God, everywhere we look.

Of course I can never keep myself from photographing the kids, and I got plenty of those as always. But even I got in one today with them! I’m the big kid in the middle.

But this one below really melts my heart. <sigh>

The kids had such a great time there, and they even said they didn’t care that no one else was there as planned. But….I think we’ll go back and make the field trip on the RIGHT day, anyway. I’ve corrected my calendar. Now all I have to do is remember to look at it, and know what day it is when I do, and we’re there! The kids have already stated though that they want to be sure to wear their t-shirts they made again (because I guess the point was showing them off!)– so if I take more photos, we’ll probably have the same clothing. Even I may wear the same t-shirt again, since {S} asked me to lean down to him today for a secret, and he whispered in my ear “You look really beauty-ful today in that shirt.” <sniff> (I know…I think I need a moment again here.)

Anyway….here they are all together, jackets purposely unzipped (and practically hanging off) as to not cover up their designs. As I type this, they are sound asleep in their beds, and I am quite tired myself. But I feel like I just could sit and look at this photo of them all night, (and the one of my husband too) and wonder why God blessed me so greatly. Or maybe I’ll just spend it thanking Him, once again, that He did.

Update on the 6 Tiny Potted Plants

April 26, 2008 By Laura 1 Comment

tiny potted plants

Here’s a quick little update on our 6 Tiny Potted Plants! As you can see above, the plants are coming along nicely! There is a labeled photo below for reference. The first to sprout were mine and {JM’s}, which would be the Hollyhock. Daddy and O’s Rudbeckia started to come up next, and then we had several days of nothing from {A’s} and {S’s} Delphinium. We started to worry a little, when finally we spotted some wee little sprouts.

I think what we have discovered is very consistent results between the alike species, in terms of growth rates. They have been really fun to watch grow these past several days. The next time I post about them again, it may be because it is time to transplant them outdoors in our flower beds. I can’t wait to see the colorful flowers among the greens.

tiny potted plants

The hostas (below) are coming up beautifully! Just look how tall and green they’ve become! They aren’t pathetic little nubs anymore! They are starting to open, and it won’t be long before they really start filling out those beds. We need to put some mulch out there, and some railroad ties will be going along the back there, behind them. But I am enjoying them as they are, already. I didn’t take photos of the tulips, because I didn’t get over to there, but the buds have sprung up from the center of the leaves.

hostas

Below are photos of the type of shrubs that are along the head of our driveway. For some reason, I thought they were called Junipers. It may be that the man we bought this house and property from years ago, told us that – because I surely would not have known what type of bush/ground cover they were all those years ago (or much cared back then!) But that is why I am posting them. Not too long ago, in the last couple of years anyway, when I referred to them as Junipers to someone, they informed me that that’s not what they are. (I think it may have been my mother-in-law?). But they weren’t sure what they were, exactly. So if anyone does know what they are, please e-mail me or comment. At some point at least some of them are going to need to be removed, and I would like to find out the best way to transplant elsewhere in the yard, if possible. But in researching that info, it would be helpful if I knew what they were! Don’t you think?

shrubbery

That’s all for now. We’ve got some fun crafty projects coming up, so I’m sure I’ll be posting again real soon.

Earth Day

April 23, 2008 By Laura 1 Comment

earth day neighborhood trash clean up

As most of you probably know, Tuesday April 22 was Earth Day. We knew this day represented an opportunity that was full of teachable moments.

The first thing we decided to do about Earth Day, was go out and clean up our neighborhood. Daddy even made the kids each their own poker sticks!… so they didn’t have to pick things up with their hands too much. They were so excited to get out there, and get to work!

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While we had noticed unsightly trash on the roadsides before, once we got to cleaning it up, it amazed us just how much there was around, sticking out of leaf piles and strewn about here and there. What my husband and I really smiled about, was hearing the rumblings between the kids, about how they just couldn’t believe people would throw trash on the ground, and ruin God’s beautiful Creation. {S} said to me at one point, as he proudly brought more ugly findings to the barrel, “Mama, God is really happy with us, for cleaning up His world. Right?” And I confirmed his thoughts.

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The kids were so into it, as we all worked together, making a difference in our neighborhood. They were obviously enjoying every bit of it, but I really cracked up when I happened to notice that everyone had their own yucky expression on their faces, as they worked. Even us grown ups! It was a yucky job, and just hard to comprehend the mess around.

Our barrel filled up with little things pretty quickly, and towards the end we found some larger items that barely fit on top: a huge gas can, a full unopened jug of tiki torch fluid (?), a real estate sign, and if you can believe it……

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…..a bike we had noticed in the woods for many days. It was in pretty decent shape too. (We later called the police to come pick it up as found property.)

We all walked back home with the sense of a job well done, and enjoyed the cleaner view around us as we did. The kids didn’t want to stop cleaning up, but our barrel was full, and we had other projects (and work of our own) on our day’s agenda. We promised them we would head out again soon.

earth-day_8

When we got home, we talked about other ways we can care for the gifts and blessings of the amazing and beautiful world God has given us. We discussed the importance of turning off lights when we leave a room, not letting the water run as we brush our teeth, recycling everything we can, trying not to buy more than we really need to meet our needs, and how there is always more ways to contribute to what is best for our global environment.

Then the little ones colored an Earth Day page. We all got a hardy chuckle out of {O’s} picture, with all of the skin going on there. (See below, middle). I mean, talk about really relying on your natural resources!! All we could see was shoes on the girl! But {O} cleared up our in-accurate assumptions (with a tad of disgust with us), and assured us that the girl did indeed have clothing on behind the globe. She said she had on “a tank top and shorts, or something”. (Phew! )

earth-day_9

We are going to start trying to use the blank backs of most of our coloring pages from now on, starting with these. We aren’t the greenest family around, although we are greener than some. : ) In researching about other ways we can do better, it was nice to realize we are doing many things right. But we also noticed areas where we can do better, and more.

To wrap up our Earth Day projects, we had Devotion & Cocoa. Family Devotion is something we do every day, and I plan to post about this wonderful bit of our day that we all look so forward to, and the books we use for it. But the cocoa was a bonus treat today!

To our surprise and delight, the Scripture and discussion in our Devotion book was Earth Day themed! It really helped review and round out all of the lessons of our day, and had a beautiful closing prayer I thought I would share with you. We hope you had a wonderful and Happy Earth Day too!

Creator of all, thank you for the beautiful world You made. Help me to live in a way that shows love and respect for You and for Your creation. Amen.

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