Surviving the Polar Vortex

Well, we are officially in our third Polar Vortex of the winter.  Click here for full definition.  We definitely feel like we are in a deep freeze.  Schools have been closed more than I can ever remember and even colleges and universities closed today due to the dangerously cold temps and wind chills.  I believe right now we are at -8 with windchill readings of -30.  I am so thankful for a warm roof over our heads.  My heart just aches for the those without out heat, mainly all the homeless out there.  No one could survive in this it's just horrible.

Today we will be going forward with our schoolwork.  The girls will be learning more about the Polar Vortex today.  I am digging up kid-friendly resources on the subject.  I came a cross a well written article on Time for Kids. It explains what the Polar Vortex is with dangers and tips.

Since we feel like we have been stuck indoors for days, the potential of going stir crazy has become reality, but we are making good out of it all.  I'd rather have warm and healthy children stuck inside a small space. {Mommy has felt like she could pull her hair out ;)} We are learning to be content.  It's a good feeling.  The girls are appreciating their toys more, their creativity is blossoming, and we are enjoying hot chocolate and extra bonding time.   Since the girls can't get much exercise, we have been doing kids fitness workouts.  We have one DVD and the rest you can find on YouTube for free.  It's fun.  Got to keep the kids active through this Polar Vortex, definitely important.

We are looking forward to the warm sun and warmer temps.  The Polar Vortex and cold weather shall pass!

Friends and Heroes Homeschool Unit Study 1 {Mini Review}

I received the awesome privilege of reviewing a unit study by Friends and Heroes.  They are currently having a promotion for the month of January, so I am doing a small review in the meantime and then a full review in February.  All opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

Have you ever heard of Friends and Heroes? I am currently reviewing their Homeschool Unit Study 1: Long Journey.

The unit study includes:

• Homeschool Unit Study 1
• Friends and Heroes DVD 1

So far the girls have watched the full episode on Friends and Heroes and we sifted through a few of the questions.  We have yet to finish along with the activities.

I am pretty impressed thus far as the unit study covers:

• The Romans- This can be your History/Geography
• Journal Writing through copywriting, etc.-This is considered to be creative writing.
• Daniel in the Lions' Den and the miraculous catch of fish is the overall Bible study.  This is the episode that we currently have.  The girls were glued to the screen.
• You also get a science lesson learning about silver and Greek and Roman discoveries, etc.
• Need a craft?  The kids get to do sculpture and paper weaving, can't wait for this.
• Discipleship in a Christian walk is so very important.  I love how this unit study focuses on that through trusting others, etc.

I look forward to giving a full review of our experience with the Friends and Heroes Homeschool Unit Study.  I am thinking I would like to get all of the units if possible as it's designed for ages 7 to 11.

The unit study also entails printable and reusable pages which is great for a mult-age homeschool.  You also get to utilize puzzles, quizzes, and much more.

If you would like to try a Friends and Heroes Unit study, they are currently having a promotion until January 31st:

• 20% off all Friends and Heroes Homeschool Resources

• 10% off all other Friends and Heroes resources with curriculum

• 10% off all Friends and Heroes Home and Family DVD Collections

Stay tuned for a full review in February.....

Our Trip to the Henry Ford Museum

A few weeks ago we took a fun homeschool field trip to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  We enjoyed 4 hours of historical fun.  I have been there several times and have been wanting to get a membership for quite a while. The girls had never been, and it was definitely time.

When we arrived, we got to see JFK's limo on display. We had to do a brief study on JFK and what actually happened to him in that particular limo.  "That's sad, mommy!" They passed out educational brochures regarding the assassination, etc. Bethany stayed home with daddy that day.  Looking forward to taking her this next year for Kindergarten.

Afterwards we enjoyed a few educational activities, exhibits (James Cameron Avatar Exhibit), and then some to make it a very productive day.

 

 

Here is some fun stuff from the Avatar Exhibit.  Actual props, etc. from the movie!

The jelly-fish looking creatures on the screen responded to motion and shadows.

It's a Homeschool Christmas

  

Merry Christmas from the Clair Family!  See you in 2014!