To South America

We headed to South America this week. We are going to spend about 2 weeks studying Brazil. We will focus mostly on the rain forest, more specifically the Amazon. We have found some great books from the library that are appropriate for most of the children. We came across a rain forest cookie recipe that the kids want to try. I will include a few photos of the Brazilian crafts and experiments that we complete.

DID YOU KNOW?
Carnival is Brazil's major holiday, and Rio de Janeiro has the best carnival in the country. In February, the city gets ready for the world famous event, featuring the high point of the Carioca Carnival-the samba school parade. Samba dancers and the public sing the samba theme songs to the sounds of drums, percussion instruments, and cymbals played by hundreds of marchers.

Dante created a really cool Carnival dancer couple from craft wire and yarn, using glue and wire cutters.

New Year...new momentum

I always do this. I get part way through a curriculum and am totally burnt out, questioning whether we are doing the right thing. After considering all of my options, including spending yet more money on another curriculum, falling into a total depression and doing nothing, or just trudging forward, I have decided to TRUDGE forward. When I say TRUDGE, I mean like trudging through 12 inches of snow or maybe quicksand. If nothing else we will all learn a lesson in steadfastness, thoroughness, LONG-SUFFERING!!!
We are definitely going to lighten up on the My Father's World stuff. Dante is just not enjoying it like I had hoped. He loves the hands on stuff... DUH! He loves reading about all of the different cultures, their customs and religions. Not so interested in learning facts about specific areas. He is much more fascinated by individuals. He is turning into a history buff like his daddy. I am planning on covering each area in about half of the time, focusing on more general ideas and doing all of the hands on artsy craftsy stuff available. Hopefully, we will be able to finish this year of MFW by the time baby #6 comes along some time this summer.
My conclusion...BE MORE PRAYERFUL REGARDING OUR HOME SCHOOL. What does GOD want us doing each day? He truly does have a plan for each moment.
Dante is making great progress in Language Arts and Math. Elijah is actually asking to do Math a few times each week. He should be finished up with Primer level by this summer. WOOHOO, Eli.
Just a short update for those interested.
Love,
Amy