What homeschooling?

We have had several wild weeks that have involved very little home or schooling. We had our foundation repaired all last week, and we've had lots of other commitments lately that have driven us out of the house and all over Austin. That's not to say that the kids haven't learned a much. If nothing else, I'm pretty sure they've learned just how far Mama can be pushed before breaking. But I digress....And despite our crazy month, the kids have done all sorts of neat projects and activities and learned a ton.

In science co-op, they have continued their study of the human body. The kids learned all about blood and circulation, did some edible activities to learn the components of blood and the route it takes as it circulates, and toured The Blood Center. (The Blood Center was definitely not Avery's favorite field trip destination. She's still recovering from the horror of seeing all those bags of blood.) They also spent one afternoon making latrines.



In our history co-op, the kids made dioramas with scenes from the lives of Anglo-Saxons, created some illuminated manuscripts, made a giant three-dimensional dome (modeled after the Hagia Sophia), and painted frescoes. Rhys told me, "Every week history gets better and better. I love it!"

Avery is learning a lot about music, as she is busy studying for PSIA Music Memory, in addition to taking her weekly lesson from Elizabeth and learning new pieces for the Austin Youth Orchestra. She is also making big strides in sight reading, which is a huge accomplishment.

And we can't forget the historical impact of the swearing in of our 44th president. The day before the inauguration, Bill and the kids participated in Obama's National Day of Service by pitching in with a park clean up.



For the actual inauguration ceremony, we got together with friends for a viewing party. I think we all will remember it for a long time to come.



(All photos courtesy of the Woodland School, whose historian never fails to forget her camera.)