At this point, we are definitely getting more comfortable with our routine. The girls know what to expect. They know how to check their schedules and how to get ahead. I can see where this can cause some problems, as I have one particular child that will say, "Mom, don't worry, it's not due until Friday." I do not like procrastination. However, right now, the children have both learned to use this to their advantage.
For instance: Today was Kids Free day at the State Fair. The children know that I am not wild about the State Fair, but made a rather convincing argument. If they were more than one day ahead in their school work, and if they got up early to do lessons anyway, could we please please please ??? Yes, you get the idea.
Sure enough, last night, both of the children asked me to check their "Progress". Both were almost a week ahead in their lessons. How could I say no?
The girls got up early, they each did three lessons and then we were off.
Let me tell you how wonderful today was. There were plenty of people at the Fair, but it was not super crowded. Since it was Kids Day, there were a LOT of child friendly demonstrations and activities.
There were two different Science "guys" doing shows in two different areas. Since they were also at different times, we were able to watch both. During one of the shows, my youngest child was chosen to participate and got to eat a cheese ball dipped in liquid Nitrogen. She looked a bit like a crazy grinning dragon as vapor shot from her nostrils while she chewed. It was FANTASTIC!
During that same show, there was a demonstration with a lead bell using the liquid nitrogen and another using aluminum foil, a balloon and hydrochloric acid. He also convinced a very shy child to let go of an extremely long rubber band so that it would snap back and show the properties of applied force.
The second show was outside and this guy had a large clear tank of water. He steadily asked the crowd to guess what would happen each time he dropped an object in. Would it float or sink? Coke can, ping pong ball, egg, bowling ball, Diet Coke can..... It was really a great demonstration of density. Next he used a chinese yo-yo to show how an object at rest would have difficulty balancing, but in motion, could do amazing things.
I think I enjoyed these 30 minute science demonstrations as much as my children did. What a wonderful way to spend our lunchtime!
We also went to the Creative Arts building to view all of the exhibits. There were three rooms dedicated to child entries. My children were able to see at least three categories each that they would like to enter next year. One of my children asked if she could join 4-H to participate in their science fair. (This afternoon, I was on the phone getting information on that, since I know NOTHING about 4-H.)
We then went to the Agriculture building and watched a beekeeper with a beehive, touched baby chicks, saw a rabbit that is larger than our pug, and many other animals and their part in the food chain. (I did not know that France was the largest producer and consumer of rabbit before today.)
We were only there for 3 1/2 hours but we learned so much and had a lot of fun. We have an opportunity to join other children in an after school activity with 4-H. We were able to see two very different 30 minute science shows and even participate. My youngest was able to see an several different ways to display an insect collection, something she loves. My oldest was able to get ideas for new projects to try herself, without mom's help. (sigh)
We got home this afternoon and they each completed two more lessons while I gathered information about local 4-H clubs. They each completed 5 hours worth of work with a long lunch break at the fair. The only thing I altered was PE. I gave them each 45 minutes PE credit for attendance since we were walking so much. Yes, they need their 30 hours of attendance this week, but that one hour will be easy to make up. (They can add 20 minutes each day, or do one extra hour tomorrow, or do work on Saturday, whatever they need to do to make it up.)
All in all, the flexibility of K12 is Fabulous. It is helping to reinforce one of my favorite messages. "Get your work done first and you can enjoy life more." My children saw an opportunity, did the work necessary to make it happen and VIOLA!
I ♥ this lifestyle!
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