The Human Body Unit Study

Over the past two weeks, Preston and I worked on a unit study of the human body.  I picked out a unit study book from the The Bookcover (a home school book store in NRHills) a while back and was looking forward to making good use of it.  I figured that we would need some sort of structure coming off of Christmas break, so this worked well.  The book had a lot of activities that would be over Preston's head (it was made for kids a little older) but I went through customized it a bit.  What I liked was that it based most of it's activities and lessons off of two books: The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body and Through Grandpa's Eyes.  I got a little overzealous the first few days and Preston fought against me and my enthusiasm.  So, I laid off a little and we did less work, but talked and got through all the material I wanted to anyway.  I wish I had taken more photos during our lessons, 'cause we had a lot of fun doing all kinds of wacky things to learn about the body. 

The first thing we did was make an outline of Preston, label it and post it up on our wall so that we could refer to as we went.

He's saying "It's MEEEE!"

Then we made our way through the Magic School Bus book and lessons, learning about the inside of our body.  How many bones we have, what happens to food in our stomach, what joints do, etc.  He had writing prompts, math problems and art projects in addition to the science-y stuff.  We also did an activity where he practiced a few things every day and by the 5th day, his muscles "learned" - so he could jump farther, write faster and stand on one foot longer... that was pretty fun stuff!

Lots of paperwork, no wonder he got tired of me!

The artsy stuff was more fun to do anyway!

The second week was based on the book about a blind grandfather, and dealt a lot with the five senses and eating healthy.  There were a lot of activities that weren't paper-based, which Preston much preferred, of course.  But he still had writing prompts and some questions to answer and think about.

Not quite as much paperwork the next week

We went to the library at the beginning of the unit study and picked out some books about the body to help us learn more.  We had a good time going through these and finding out all kinds of interesting facts about what we're made of... or capable of!

Unfortunately, towards the beginning of the second week, Preston got sick... and then Callen did as well.  Just a cold or something, but it ran us down!  We spent a little more time on the couch watching tv and movies than we might should have... but oh well, we got our work done and had a nice, cozy time together.

Loving his Boppy, watching The Little Mermaid.

PJs, couch and movies - we had several days of this!

I liked having a unit study book to work off of, took a lot of stress off of me having to come up with every little thing completely on my own.  I had to alter the lessons quite a bit, but it sure made me feel like I knew what I was doing a little more - at least I had some sort of a plan.  Ha!  Now that the body study is over, we're going back to the way it was before Thanksgiving - just hitting on odd-and-end lessons... but I plan to do more of these unit studies as we go to help make sure we're really covering things fully.  I think Preston liked being able to focus on one thing at a time. Though it covered all of the different subjects (reading, writing, math, etc), it had a main focus - wasn't just all over the place.

Nothing to report...

...but sickness.  Meh.  Preston and Callen have been nothing but giant snot globs for nearly a week now.  Preston seems to be practically over it, and Callen on the mend.  But, it's still so hard to see my little baby drowning in snot and coughing and not really being able to do much about it.  Poor little fella.  Michael and I also got some of "it" as well, whatever "it" is.  So... yeah... that's about all that's going on around these parts.  Carry on.

Charlie Church Mouse Super Pak Review & Giveaway (Closed)

Congratulations to Liz! Thanks to everyone for entering!

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Left Behind Games sent me a copy of their Charlie Church Mouse Super Pak PC CD-ROM game.  This package combines three different sets of games, each designed specially for children at different stages.We did not sample the Preschool level, however it states on the box that it is for ages 2-4 and offers games based on shapes, colors, numbers, letters and more. 

We started with the Kindergarten game for my son (age 5), who is currently being homeschooled at a Kindergarten level.  These games, for ages 4-6, offer lessons on counting, sequencing, sorting, measurements and more through Bible stories Each game allows the player to get involved in the story.  For example, in the story of the Widow who's sons are being sold because she cannot pay her debt, the player must help her find empty bottles in which to pour her oil.  The player is given instructions to find the bottles which are hidden behind other objects, honing directional skills (left, right, above, below).  This particular set of games (even on the second level - which is slightly more difficult) was not very challenging for Preston, however he enjoyed playing them.

We moved on and spent more time on the Early Elementary Level, slated for ages 6-8.  Games in this area focus on adding, subtracting, spelling, telling time and more.  Many of these games WERE challenging for Preston!  He can add and subtract a little, but the David & Goliath game required him to be able to do the math and think quickly enough to hit a moving target and the "Pearl of Great Price" game had him using coins to pay for items, requiring him to be able to add up to 99cents.  Most of the games had him using skills he has, he just needs to work on doing them faster to rack up more points!  With three difficulty levels, I imagine it will be a while before he gets bored of this one!

What Preston liked about this game set is that there are many different types of games and stories that he can navigate between, which will help keep him from burning out on it quickly.  I really expected this game to be cheesy and overly simplified, but I was pleasantly surprised at the great animation and the funny little things included to keep it fun for kids (and parents!  The random accents from some of the characters had me cracking up!). And one of my favorite parts included David getting a call on his cell phone to take food out to his brothers... and what does he take them?  Pizza, of course!   It also really does do a great job of helping kids learn, not only math and spelling, but Bible stories as well!  It brings the scriptures to life, and gets the kids involved! The different levels of Charlie Church Mouse games can be purchased separately, or as the Super Pak here.

I am giving away a copy of Charlie Church Mouse Super Pak right here on my blog!  To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what your favorite game was as a kid.  Please also include your email address so I can contact you if you win!  Comments will be accepted through Friday, January 14th, at 9pm (central).  Prize will be mailed, unless I see you on a regular basis... then you'll get it in person!

I was provided with two games, one for my own use for review purposes and one to give away.  The review stated above is my own, honest opinion.

10 Month Update!

I almost missed it! Callen is 10 months old today! Wow, time is flying by... just a few more months and he'll be :::gasp::: ONE YEAR OLD! That's stinkin' ridiculous!

This past month:

- he's mastered the point (with his adorable, crooked, little finger).

- he forgot, then remembered how to wave (kind of).

- he can definitely clap on cue. Even if he hears applause on TV, he'll join in!

- is clearly saying "Da da," "Ma ma," "Buh buh" and the latest: "ball," which we think pretty much refers to any toy, not necessarily just an actual ball, and sounds more like "baww."

- he popped out a big 'ole top tooth, and the other is nearing the surface.

- he experienced his first Christmas, New Years and snow.

- he currently has his first cold. Boooo! Not fun, poor snotty fella!

Here's a video of Callen and Preston being silly on the living room floor. Callen LOVES his Boppy, he cuddles with it every chance he gets. He will also sometimes get mad if Preston is on it!