learning period 5: 2017

We homeschool through a charter (more here and here), which organizes us in 2-month chunks called learning periods. Here are my posts for Learning Period 1 (August/September), Learning Period 2 (October/November),  Learning Period 3 (December/January), and Learning Period 4 (February/March). Learning Period 5 (April/May), the final period of this learning year, is below.

Lala Bug contemplating a Monet, seen at an exhibit on our annual art outing with Grandma. Monet was 'playing' with paint to get the rippled light effect on that water.

Learning Period 4 felt full and engaged. Learning Period 5 felt inconsistent and heavily focused on trying to wrap things up while simultaneously prepping for and participating in testing while winding down the school year. It felt awkward. In addition, we had a lot of personal/family things happening during this time. In fact, it has taken me a long time to finish and publish this post because I am not even sure what we really did that I feel happy sharing!

Growth and progress definitely happened in spite of and because of all this, though.

Brown Mouse practicing typing and test taking (with new glasses!).

We covered a lot of subjects in non-traditional, non-Waldorf ways this learning period. Science was a lot of hands-on activities (eye related due to eye appointments) and in the field (nature!). Math was in the form of lots of math books for read-aloud and games and activities from Math Geek Mama. 

 Engaging science with Mystery Science.

We began an American Girl (Boy) Club with three other families during this time. Little Brown Mouse isn't the only boy and the group of kids, all homeschooled, are so engaged and seem to learn well together. I never thought a doll (with books series to go with each) would be the motivator for so much history and language arts, but this has been a hit. The history has taken us on rabbit trails, so our start with Kaya (Native American Nez Perce) lead us to be interested in Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Sioux). The Birchbark House by Louise Erdich was recommended, so we read that and learned a bit about the Ojibwe. Then we talked about the differences and similarities. The was the source of copywork and other writing, as well.

The learning period felt short. The school year felt short. We didn't cover all that I had hoped we would, but maybe I never will. The years keep flying and I am feeling a bit stunned by it all. This year was one of tremendous growth. Bittersweet growth that has left me proud, yet reeling. Ages 9 and 12 are ones of incredible growth, particularly away from the parent, and I feel that. I am looking forward to a summer of mental rest. I know now from experience how much growth and knowledge can come from this rime of rest.