Save Our Ship

We are continuing to read and do projects inspired by the Magic Tree House series—it's been so much fun. We read a book a week, and since there are like 43 of them, it's not ending anytime soon. At first a book a week seemed too fast but actually it keeps my research and energy in check. The girls can always remain on a subject on their own (we still have a lot of books out from the library about buffalo) The weekly change keeps it fresh and restricts me from making it too intense. My enthusiasm can make me forget they are only 7.5, 5.5, and 2.5. Depending on other interests and what we have going on during the day (we homeschool) we can either do activities with a ton of intensity and focus, or  leisurely chat about the Titanic over grilled cheese during lunch. It's just so awesome having something each week to reference and talk about. What's even more awesome is how baby is always involved, coloring beside us or occasionally getting tied-up or stuffed in a laundry hamper for various reasons.

Here's some photos of the wall we put up for Tonight On The Titanic. Okay, how much do I love the internet? A simple google images search using "Titanic" brings up so much potential—my mind goes into overdrive. During the week, with papa's help, they learned some Morse code, made boats, and had some basic physics lessons. I found actual dining menus, boarding passes, tickets, and newspaper clippings that I printed out and put up. I'm holding little boarding passes in this shot—in the 3 different classes, no less. The middle child chose first class, thank you very much.There is a research guide available as a companion for this particular book, which is so helpful for fact-finding.

And here's the middle child's fabulous rendition of the Titanic. I am keeping all of these in a huge tub so I can quickly change the wall each week and not worry about losing all this stuff. This is especially helpful for the 3-D sculpture type projects we do that don't lay flat.  We are on the civil war book now—which means there have been a lot of head bandages and arm slings worn around the house. Baby has been playing the harmonica.

Unrelated announcements:

• For all you local Portland peeps—Modern Domestic (a very new sewing machine sales shop and sewing class mecca) is having their grand opening party this Thursday evening. Here are the details. Come party!

• I have a new banner and new links. Happy Spring!