McDonald's-schoolers

Had a couple hours to kill in town between karate and a soccer scrimmage.

I will often take my laptop to McDonald's and work when this happens, but not usually with all the kids. Today there was no other choice. So I told them to bring their schoolwork and we'd get some snacks and buckle down.

So, this afternoon we were McDonalds-schoolers. :-)

Red Blood Cells (Mine!)

Examining red blood cells under the microscope wasn't written in the lesson plans, but it seemed like a good idea! So we hauled out the microscope. (David said, "I love using the microscope!" Who knew?) I pricked my finger and made a slide and we were in business! Good thing David knows how to make it focus. lol

Co-op is Integral to our Homeschooling Experience

Our homeschool co-op is a huge part of our lives. I am on the leadership team and was one of the founders of the co-op seven years ago (or is it eight?). The kids adore being part of the group and the community that co-op provides for us is such a blessing.

How is our co-op structured? Each child chooses 4 classes from the several choices for each age group. We break for lunch partway through the day. This provides some downtime for the kids to interact (and the moms too!). We meet every other Friday 14 times between September and April and finish up with a program at the end of the year to show what we've been learning all year. You can check out our website at www.sofhomeschool.com.

We had our third co-op session of the year on Friday and I realized I haven't shared here about the kids' classes. Note: the teacher's name is in parentheses and after that is the age range of the class.

David (age 17, senior) is taking the following classes:

Build It Break It Shoot It - a "backyard ballistics" type class
Computer Careers  - discussing various career options
American Literature
Play! Improv Theatre

Emily (age 15, sophomore) is taking the following classes:
Shutter Bugs Photography  - digital photography
Hang Loose  - a relationship-building class
American Literature  14-18
Cooking Techniques  12-18

James (age 12, 7th grade) is taking the following classes:
Backyard Ballistics - building cool things that shoot or blow up!
Hang Loose - relationship building and fun!
Duct Tape - making things out of duct tape
Sports - running around and getting sweaty (good thing it's last hour!)

Suzy (age 10, 5th grade) is taking the following classes:
PE - Gym class
Shutter Bugs Photography - digital photography
Upcycling 101 - making crafts out of stuff people might throw away
It's Not Magic It's Science

Usually I teach at co-op, but this year I am taking a break from teaching. I am still the assistant coordinator so there's plenty to do!