Phenology Wheel Updates

Remember our phenology wheels? We have been making some great progress, if you'd like to see...

Lucy's phenology wheel

My phenology wheel

Drawing does not come naturally to me. In fact, it is really difficult for me to not be critical of my own work. Fortunately, developing artistic ability is not the point of keeping these phenology wheels (though growing in this area might be an added bonus). The purpose is to be more intentional in our observations of nature. I used to have only a vague idea that I always heard the peepers in early spring, but I didn't know exactly when. Same with the blooming of the daffodils in our neighborhood, the blossoming of the Japanese magnolia trees, and the first fireflies of the year. Doing this exercise along with Lucy has helped me to pay attention to the calendar of the natural world, and maybe my drawing will improve in the process. At least, I can hope this will be the case!

Best Beginner Reading Books

Lucy has been reading up a storm lately. During the school year, we had daily reading "lessons", alternating between learning phonics and sight words. Now that Lucy has more confidence and skill, she is ready to read independently. She started asking me for books that she could read on her own, but like so many other moms, I was uncertain what books to give her. A lot of books that claim to be for "beginner" readers are not appropriate at all. It was frustrating, to say the least!

While visiting the library one day, I stumbled across some books by Margaret Hillert. Her books are perfect for young readers who are just starting to be ready for independent reading. Many of them are adaptations of classic fairy tales and fables, so Lucy was already familiar with the stories. Some of our favorites are The Three Bears, Fun Days, The Cookie House, and The Magic Nutcracker. Hillert's books come with a word list in the back, so you can introduce words that your reader may not be familiar with yet.

Once Lucy had read every Margaret Hillert book she could get her hands on, I began to look for other books - a step up from the Margaret Hillert readers, but not quite intermediate books. Here are some of my suggestions for best beginner reading books:

1. Dick and Jane books: These are classics for a reason! Yes, they are very 1950's with traditional gender roles and complete lack of diversity. But for a new reader, they are excellent. The little stories are short and simple, and the illustrations are beautiful. 

2. Let's Read and Find Out Science books: These are so great, especially if you can get your hands on some vintage copies. We have started selecting these based on whatever we happen to be learning about in Science, and Lucy LOVES them. Just make sure you get the Level 1 books to start out; Level 2's can be a bit advanced for beginners.

3. Little Bear by Elsa Holmelund Minarik: Another classic-for-a-reason. But seriously, this is such a great book for new readers! The little stories are relatively short and simple. Some of the words are challenging for new readers, but in a good way! This book is a nice step-up from Margaret Hillert's books when the child is ready.

Lucy has already devoured the Dick and Jane Treasury and all of Little Bear. Thankfully, there are more Little Bear books and plenty of Let's Read and Find Out Science books to keep her busy until she starts First Grade in the fall!

Nature Camp

Last week, Lucy went to Nature Camp. She had so much fun and learned a lot about wildlife in our state. One of the most, erm, interesting things she did at camp was dissecting owl pellets in order to learn about an owl's diet. Lucy was very excited to show us the bones and skull of a mole she excavated from the owl pellet... I couldn't believe my child, who is grossed out by pumpkin innards, was so excited about owl pellets!

On the last day of the camp, the campers put on a little play for the parents. Lucy was a black bear in the play, and she did a marvelous job portraying one!

I'm so glad we are raising a little naturalist!

7 Months

Our sweet Esme is 7 months old and learning so many new skills! These days, Esme can sit up on her own, ride in a shopping cart, sit in a high chair, feed herself... the list goes on and on.

The big news this month is that we introduced solid foods. We started with oat cereal, which Esme did not care for. Then we tried applesauce, thinking she might prefer a fruit. She was not a fan of that either. As it turns out, Esme does not like to be fed from a spoon; she much prefers to feed herself. Another independent woman.

One evening, I gave her a piece of watermelon to see what she would do with it. She went to town on that watermelon. Same with pieces of cooked sweet potato, chicken, egg, and blueberries. As it turns out, Esme will eat almost anything provided she can do it herself. Watermelon is still her very favorite.

It has been such fun to see Esme's little personality emerge. She is the happiest baby we have ever met, but she does have a sassy side. We think she will definitely be able to hold her own with her older sisters!

Beach Trip, Part 2

After a wonderful week with my family in Watercolor, we headed for the Atlantic coast, to the beautiful city of St. Augustine, Florida to spend a week with M’s family. I had never been to St. Augustine before, so I was excited to explore.

M and Lucy enjoying the pool... Notice how Lucy is swimming like a little fish! I couldn't believe what a difference a year has made in her swimming abilities.

Esme enjoyed some poolside naps.

One evening, we went out for dinner at a local place called Beachcombers. It's a little dive right on the beach, so the kids could play in the sand while we waited for our food. They had incredible seafood!

As you can tell from this picture, Esme has grown a LOT in the past month. She is sitting up on her own, and if you look in her mouth you can see two, tiny teeth!

Flying kites on the beach was pure magic.

One afternoon, we visited downtown St. Augustine and had lunch at the beautiful, historic Columbia Restaurant. It was such a charming place; I am kicking myself for not taking any pictures. It was fun to walk around downtown St. Augustine. The Spanish-colonial architecture made me feel like I was in Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Our walk to the beach...

Towards the end of the week, Lu caught a stomach bug, and I somehow developed mastitis (again). One of the reasons I don't have more photos is because we had to spend a good deal of time indoors, resting and recovering. 

With the exception of our illnesses, we had such a wonderful vacation! It was a treat to get away for a couple of weeks and have a little break from our crazy schedules. I have to say, though, one of my favorite parts of a vacation is how good it feels to come home at the end of it. My kids must feel the same way because they have been playing with all of their old toys as if they were new. It's like Christmas morning over here.

Beach Trip, Part 1

This year, our families just so happened to choose back-to-back weeks for their beach vacations, so we got to spend one week at the Gulf coast and another at the Atlantic. We spent the first leg of our trip in Watercolor with my family...

Look at that crystal, clear water!

Alice and my mom, two peas in a pod.

I had forgotten how challenging the beach is with a newborn! Esme was not a fan of the water (I think the waves scared her a little), and even with our beach tent for shade, it was HOT. But we managed to get her a little more used to the beach every day, and by the end of the week, she actually seemed to enjoy it a little.

She loved the pool though!

One night, my parents babysat so M and I could go out on a little date. We rode our bikes over to the charming little town of Seaside...

For dinner, we browsed the food trucks that line Seaside's main street. One food truck sold the most delicious crepes, but the real highlight for me was the frozen rosé. 

After dinner, we took a walk on the beach. And watched the sunset. Because we're basic like that.

By the end of our week at the Gulf, we were all pretty worn out (some of us more than others), but I can't think of a more perfect week. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and we made wonderful memories that I know my girls will have for the rest of their lives.

On to the Atlantic coast, to the beautiful city of St. Augustine!

School's Out for the Summer... Sort Of.

Yesterday was the last day of our spring term. We celebrated by going to one of our favorite local spots for popsicles.

Our school year is divided into three terms with breaks in-between. So, technically, we don't take summer off. BUT, we do get a nice, little break for a couple of weeks, and we will take another break in late August / early September before Lucy starts first grade (or, in Charlotte Mason terms, form 1b). And also, since it's kindergarten, we keep it very light anyway - still lots of great books and time outdoors. 

I am still processing everything I have learned so far this year. Homeschooling is extremely challenging in some ways, but it is also deeply rewarding. I am so thankful for the time this year has allowed me to have with my children, watching them grow and learn. They really are such extraordinary people!

"A child is a person in whom all possibilities are present - present now at this very moment - not to be educed after many years and manifold efforts on the part of the educator."

- Charlotte Mason