Autumn Inspiration

Isn't this adorable?

{*I was inspired by the online resources listed at the end of this post.}

I know my 1st grader definitely learns better with hands on activities, even though getting him to sit down for them is a moment by moment challenge.

We watched a simple but informative video about owls. It goes great with a few printable works sheets and graphic organizers I found and used from our fair field trip. We saw an owl there and had a great conversation with her handler.

Collecting objects like an Easter egg hunt! 

We started with a very short walk around the block to gather organic ephemera. We only collected what we found on the ground. We are experiencing another heat wave so being outside for only a few minutes was enough. We live in a nice suburban neighborhood where each block has a different set of trees planted. We headed straight for the pine tree block.

We collected pine cones, bark and from our lawn, acorns and acorn caps. We used those pieces to create our owl. Using hot glue, we attached the bits and pieces to a piece of bark to form an owl. Oh and a scrap of ribbon to hang it. 

What I love most is the unplanned excitement of learning new information. Each of my children, during their home educated childhood, has discovered the wonder of how these pine tree seeds fly. The seeds have light tails that cause them to twirl and spiral down through the air. This moment was no different. Kurtis squealed with glee and a smile that couldn't get any bigger. He couldn't wait to share his new found knowledge with his older brother. 

This keeps me going. You start out with some pine cones and an owl agenda...but learning is full of twists and turns, just like the flying seed. Our conversation moved along to the science of how seeds travel.
Owls to seeds. Nope, didn't see that coming. 

I am so grateful for free online resources. I have no problem NOT reinventing the wheel! I was first inspired by this owl unit study which led me to this simple craft. I definitely now subscribe to these educational videos too. 

Dollar Tree Home School: Dolch/Sight words

A co-worker at the tutoring center introduced me to this concept.
You can use the idea of fishing for anything. 

Always on the look out for frugal home-educating resources, Dollar Tree has been an unexpected surprise. It doesn't take but a few minutes (which can easily turn into hours) perusing Pinterest to find plenty of inspiration. I'd love to share a few ideas I'm incorporating this year.

First thing I did was download the printable Dolch/sight word list.

I created each game by grade level.  This fishing game has pre-primer and primer words written on the front and back of each paper fish. Attach a paper clip to the top or mouth of each fish. Using hot glue, glue a magnet onto the 'hook'of the fishing pole and then go fishing!

Everything from Dollar Tree, except the magnet which I already had.

My boss at the tutoring center introduced me to this idea.
Except we use it as a solo puzzle game instead of finding a partner.

The foam card puzzles have the 1st grade Dolch words written on them.

Write a word on each foam card. Cut the card apart between the letters. Write the full word above each letter on the individual pieces. Students find the coordinating letters, build, then read the words.

Cards and the container both from Dollar Tree.

IDK where I saw this or got the idea originally but
I have since seen versions of this on Pinterest.

This is sight word Jenga, aka Tumble Tower. I used the 2nd grade Dolch words in this game.

Using a Sharpie write words on the sides of the wooden blocks. Play as instructed but read the word before placing it on top. Kurtis made up a rule, if the word is read correctly, the player gets another turn. Works for me!!

You can modify any of these games. Seriously though, Pinterest is your BFF. So many brilliant and talented educators have thought of the ideas for you and all you have to do is implement them.

Have fun!!

First Grade Science: Nature Study

I acquired this Nature Portfolio to use with my 1st grader. It is totally MY style, I'll admit. I am in love with the idea of sitting and observing nature. What I did not realize that is that it goes along with the Handbook of Nature Study. It might be great to have a hard copy of this in the future but for instant gratification...I found a FREE copy of this in electronic form from archive.org.

You can use the Kindle app (or an actual Kindle) to read electronic books from Amazon or wherever. The app is FREE. I downloaded the archive e-book to my laptop. From there you email it to your amazon kindle account. It will then download to your device and you have instant and easy access. It's easier to carry around a Kindle device or use the app on your tablet or phone than carry around your laptop to read, isn't it?


Along with finding the book, it didn't take but a few minutes to of googling (it's not really a verb, you know!?!) to find a corresponding companion site, handbookofnaturestudy.com which offers plenty of great activities and FREE (see the theme?) nature study printables.

I love being outdoors and I believe my children do too. As much as I don't like to impose my idea of learning upon them, but rather allow it to happen organically, especially in an outdoor environment...I can't help but be attracted to the idea of nature journaling. Am I the only one who finds this romantic? (in a poetic, Walden-Thoreau-is sort of way)

Nature journaling combines my two favs: nature and journaling. How can you want anything more? haha. One more thing...keeping a journal of any time but especially a nature journal because it tends to include more pictures, it becomes the sweetest keepsake when your children are grown. It's lovely to look back at their childhood musings and elementary ramblings. It's too sweet for words!

How are you handling science this year? What are your favorite resources and style?