Homeschool Adventures - Busy Kids

My kids have been really busy over the last few days. They've been to numerous parks, visited the beach, played with friends, read books, started the Summer Reading Challenge and obsessively worked on their project about Ancient Greece. On top of all of these activities they have also managed to squeeze in their maths & English work each morning, learn about the ocean and play Minecraft - they have been sleeping very well indeed. 

We had an early morning adventure which took us to another local park where the boys challenged themselves to go ever higher on the play ground climbing frame. Tristan is a very brave and physical child and happilly has a go at just about anything. I can often be found having palpitations on the side lines as he attempts another limit testing manoeuvre. Theo was a much more cautious boy at the same age which is why Tristan's bold approach often shocks and to some extent, scares me. The climbing frame in this park is a particular favourite because it is quite high off the ground and has some difficult climbs which require concentration, determination and coordination. 

We also enjoyed a lovely stroll around the park where we examined the insect hotel and wandered around the 'Incredible Edible' community growing garden which is currently well stocked with berries and fruits. 

We visited another fabulous play area at a different park a few days later with their Grandparents. The sun was shining and they spent a couple of hours frantically running from one thing to another. This trip ended with a trip to the ice cream van which, in Theo's words, made the day 'perfect'.

As I mentioned the project about Ancient Greece is gaining momentum. Theo is desperately interested in finding out ever more about this fantastic ancient civilisation. Our original intention was that the project would be completed quickly as the focus was on mythology however Theo has shown such curiosity that it has evolved into much more. We have looked at Greek scientists, philosophers, mathematicians and artists. We have looked at life in Ancient Greece, the political systems, the wars and the religious beliefs of the Greeks. Today Theo has decided to learn about Alexander the Great in more detail and I look forward to being told all about him tomorrow. 

Theo learnt about Pythagoras' Theorem. We used small wooden blocks to explain squared numbers and this visual tool helped Theo grasp the concept quickly. Tristan worked on drawing and recognising triangles whilst listening to our discussion about Pythagoras.

They made a beautiful picture of Olympus together. Theo gave Tristan specific responsibilities such as making a cloud which worked very well - they worked brilliantly as a team. 

This photo was taken a few days ago - there is even more information in his project folder now. 

Theo designed a Greek war strategy game. The final game is very entertaining. 

We had a lovely trip to the beach on Monday. Tristan was actually shaking with excitement when he found out where we were all going and the trembling didn't stop until his toes sank into the sand. They both adored their beach day which again culminated in ice cream eating. They collected shells, stones and crab shells which they washed back at home. This led to questions from Tristan about the sea so I read the ' Magic School Bus- Oceans' book to both children. Tristan has started his own project on sea creatures and Theo has a Horrible Geography book to read about the oceans this week.

'The sink-sand's got me!' 

Washing shells.

They met up with friends today and had a splendid time. We all met in the local library where the children picked up their summer reading challenge goodie bags. Theo and Tristan are really pleased with this years theme - Mythical Mazes. It fits in perfectly with the project about Ancient Greece. They both have enough books to complete the actual challenge immediately but it doesn't really matter as they can both continue to add their books to the Reading Challenge website and earn rewards. 

The children played for a number of hours in the sunshine whilst my friends and I chatted. 

The Mythical Maze poster and activity book being enjoyed by Tristan back at home after a busy day out. 

Theo and his very good friend were sad to be parted at the end of the day so they 'skyped' each other as soon as they both got home and then played Minecraft together. 

Like I said at the beginning - it has been a busy week.