There are many Pathfinders around the U.S. and the world that currently traveling to Oshkosh, WI for the Forever Faithful Camporee starting next week. There are many homeschooled Pathfinders that will be in attendance. Let’s keep these young people, their club leaders and supporters in prayer for safe travel, also that they are convicted and inspired to be forever faithful to God.
Blueberries and blackberries are ready in east Texas. That means the you-pick farms are open. Time to pick berries!
Heading out to a “you-pick-the fruit” farm is a great summertime field trip. With one trip you can take time to enjoy time nature, learn up-close about how our food grows and return home with something yummy to eat! Many you-pick farm offer a tours and picnic areas, so plan to make a day of your fruitful adventure.
Don’t know of any you-pick farms in your area? Pick-Your-Own is a great online directory of farms organized by U.S. state as well as 13 countries besides the U.S. You can also ask at farmer’s markets or your local farm/feed store.
If you’ve never visited a you-pick farm before, here are a few tips:
*Wear a hat and sturdy closed toe shoes. Save your summer sandals for later.
* Bring a cooler to transport your goodies home.
*You need your camera to capture memories of summer fun!
* Take time to ask a few questions and learn about how produce in your area is grown.
When was the last time you flew a kite? Kites are easy and fun to make. They also make for some fun science learning while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Let’s go fly a kite!
Build & Fly Adventurer Award – makes a great foundation for a kite unit study
Simple Kite Plans from the Atlantic Union Teacher Bulletin
National Kite Month: Resources for Teachers– history, geography, science & math ideas as well as easy kite-making instructions.
Kites in the Classroom – more educational resources.
Easy Kite Making Instructions for Preschool Kids – fast & fun instructions.
Easy Kite Tutorial – great photo instructions.
Looking for ways for your homeschoolers to spread the Gospel? Here’s a blog by an SDA homeschooling mom that shares creative ideas for Bible Lab. Click HERE to visit the Bible Labs Projects blog.
How long has it been since taking a walk was a part of your lesson plan?
Don’t forget that The Great Backyard Bird Count starts Friday! With the resources that are available at the GBBC site and its related sites, you have the makings of an easy and fun nature unit study! Click on the image or the link above to learn more.
Our family recently drove from Texas to Florida to help Grandma celebrate her 80th birthday. As we crossed into each new state, we stopped at the state welcome center. Welcome centers are always fun for us, we like inspect the displays of state attractions and colorful brochures and flyers. Since I am helping my 2nd grader to understand the concepts of state vs. country vs. continent this school year, I wanted to collect something to show that each state is unique and different from his home state of Texas. I mentioned this fact to the hostess at one Louisiana Welcome Center and she was enthusiastically supportive! She showered us with lots of lovely Louisiana specific items: beautiful calendars, interesting postcards, neon-colored pencils and more. She was even kind enough to go to the “back room” to search out the best brochures listing the important facts of Louisiana. It was her idea to give us two copies of several items- one to save whole and one to cut up for scrapbooks. My 2nd grader was thrilled to have bag full of treasures. As a home educator, I was thrilled that my son was learning about social studies without even knowing it. Our scrapbook will have many lovely pages featuring Louisiana!
Not only did I leave that particular welcome center with a new appreciation of Louisiana hospitality, I realized anew that state welcome centers are a treasure trove of information for learning about US history and geography. Next time you take a road trip, don’t look at the welcome center as just a spot to stop stretch your legs. Take time to let the hosts/hostesses know that you are ready to learn about their state. Ask what interesting materials are available. Be sure to look for historical markers that might be near or around the welcome center. Remember to snap a few photos! All of these things will combine to become a living textbook for your children.
The Adventist Home Educator 