Themes for Fall

The D. family uses themes to teach.  Last year, the election year provided Civics as a theme.  A local school received a grant for their courtyard garden and will have Gardens as a theme for their children:    organic gardens, pollinator gardens, heirloom gardens, pumpkins, native plants, and vegetables.  Loads of lessons: raised beds, plant compatibility, zone planting, soil pH, rain barrels, weather station, etc.  Don't get me started.

What other themes?  My bias is science.  The D. family also built a shed.  This type of project can be a theme.  The S. family has plans to convert an old barn into a garage.  The family wants a heated concrete floor.  What are the costs?  The dimensions?  How much concrete?  Are their different types of floor heating systems?  How do they differ?  See?  I recommend detailed notes on spreadsheets.

Another family friend flips houses with his boys.  Think of all the lessons!  Start with paint.  We just rehabbed our new house--after nine months prepping our old house for sale.  Ask me about paint.  The paint choices can be overwhelming.  Start with the choices for painting kitchen cabinets: Chalk paint, Behr Cabinet paint (an alkyd semi-gloss), Benjamin Moore's Advance, Olde Century Paint (acrylic latex) and Old Village Paint.  Actually, you could compare latex and oil paint.  Research low VOC paints and exactly what low VOC paint is or means.  (We used Olde Century paint for our cabinets after scads of research and testing both with and without an acrylic top-coat.)

Does this give you ideas for your family?  Sometimes we overlook all of the Economics, math, and science inherent in these projects.  I think a lesson about types of household molds, health risks, and its treatment makes for a good lesson.  Just ask our favorite seven year old, Paul.  We call these life lessons.

While I'm thinking about it...Civics

I usually think about ideas for fall in June, when I'm reviewing portfolios for home-school families.  The D. family uses themes to teach.  For example, last year was an election year.  The D. family decided to teach Civics.  The Center for Civic Education, The National Constitution Center, and The Atlantic are replete with lessons.  I would start with The Declaration of Independence and follow up with these activities from Loudon County Schools.  Ordinarily, I don't like worksheets; but, the original documents have difficult text to read and understand.  Pick a few of these activities for your lesson.  BTW, have you read the Constitution?  This is a straight forward worksheet for the Bill of Rights. 

This worksheet for the Cabinet is a timely exercise.  Which positions have been filled?  By whom?  What is the person's background?  What is the line of succession under President Trump?  (Many of the liberal news media have posted this reference.)  I avoid any mention of politics!!!  I do make a policy of respecting elected officials in government.  Period.

The cool thing about Civics is that the lessons are applicable from Grade Three to Grade Twelve.  I can see lessons about the Supreme Court analyzing each member's record.  What is meant by the term, 'constitutionist'?  Which members of the Supreme Court are constitutionists?  Here's one last tip.  Can you pass The US Citizen's Test? 

A few science suggestions

It's the time of year when I review home-school portfolios.  Generally, I review the curriculum and work samples in order to write a letter for the local school board.  I like to make a list of suggestions. One of the children raised Crested geckos as a science project.  Another home-school family is raising German Shepherd puppies as a business, along with rabbits and Cavalier Spaniels.  I love animals as a source for science lessons based on a child's or family's interest or income.  For example, the family raising German Shepherd puppies has researched those costs and pitfalls outlined here.  Many families participate in 4H and compete at the local fair.  Think how motivated your child will be to learn as much as possible about Bunnies or Chicks when a prize is at stake.  Our family likes birds; we have two Identiflyers and several bird cards.  (We have two because it's hard to share one with friends.  Both were purchased 'used' from eBay.) Cardinals will respond to the bird sing played by the Identiflyer.  Cornell Bird Sleuth is the place for more bird information.

Summer is the time to garden.  I'm starting plants for my hydroponics tower--currently failing.  I'm working with a local school, which has received a grant to build a courtyard garden.  We're in the planning phase before building raised beds and planting this fall.  Here are a few pix from previous projects.