I am going to occasionally blog about our days to remind myself that learning happens.

Over the last few days we have been in and out of the house as our older two have been doing a photography course with some other homeschooling families.  It has been a great opportunity for them.  The teacher is a professional photographer and has approached this from a history, science and art perspective.

At the end of each day I have had Josh and Jess complete a notebook page on something that they have learnt.  Josh has drawn an illustration and a cartoon.  Jess has done research followed by a few written pieces.  She has also used clipart to illustrate her writing.

After photography one day we went down the road where a long term resident works with rocks and stones.  He cuts and polishes, creates things and has a little shop.  This region has a unique stone called “Zebra Stone” and that is his main material he works with.  He gave a little presentation on how the different rocks are formed with heat, and pressure and water etc. Gave us all the scientific names.  Had samples there too see.  Inspired the kids as to where they could find amazing rocks in the local area and then gave everyone 3 samples – some zebra rock, agate and a geode.  He has inspired the kids to continue with exploring and looking around at what can be found.

When we have been driving to our friend’s place for the photography course there have been wallabies grazing under their citrus orchid.  Not sure if they are a pest or not but they are a delight to our children – we slowed down and looked at each one regardless how far away they were.  I was thrilled to see my children respond with interest and joy at seeing a creature – no matter how common – in nature.

One of the girl’s friends gave them some stamps and Jessica found a book, and read instructions telling how to remove the stamp from the envelope.  They worked on this together for a little while and then Jess left her younger sister to it.    What a lesson on knowing where to go for information, teaching and showing without overriding, let alone the lessons on hot water safety and whatever science is involved in unsticking postage stamp glue!!

Character issues we have worked on: 

Diligence – working fast and completing the task as well as putting your tools away when you’ve finished. 

Responsibility – we need to feel some sense of urgency if our responsibilities have gone askew and we need to work on getting them back in place. 

Compassion when people have been hurt. 

Self control instead of stomping feet when things don’t go right.

Daniel has had the opportunity to follow an Electrician around the house “helping” fittings and the like being fixed.  He has also gone to the rubbish tip with his dad and saw “amazing” things.  He is fascinated by space and is keenly interested in the Shuttle events.  Plus his time at the Speech Pathologist. 

We’ve been to the library.

Nomi needed a blood test this week so that was a lesson in itself.  For her it was self control issues and not letting her imagination run away with itself.  For Daniel, who came along, it was a whole fascination of blood coming out and what the doctors where going to do with it.  We must follow this one up and look at some blood under Pete’s microscope.

Nomi is making a thank you card to give to her friend who was so generous towards her with giving her some stamps and some of her own stone collection.  Daniel has “written” a letter, thanks to the help of his big sister, Jessica, to his friend. 

We’ve been involved with lots of people this week – we’ve looked after children to help the mothers out, we’ve visited people just to have fun, we’ve had people in the house to share a meal, and for study purposes (our kids see getting the house ready for these types of things as a way they can be involved in our family ministry to others).  So there is all the lessons associated with relationships – sharing, hospitality, serving and being available.

Learning does happen!