Happy Memorial Day!

Today turned into a wonderful home school day. I didn't have a single thing planned, but it was a perfect example of life-led learning.

First thing this morning, I hung the American flag in the front yard. The kids, seeing that I was outside, quickly got dressed and joined me.

We recited the Pledge of Allegiance, placing our hands over our hearts. Saying the words with the kids, I realized that they might not understand some of it, so we sat there in the grass and had a big discussion about the words of the Pledge and the purpose of Memorial Day.

Then, we came inside and read Holes by Louis Sachar for hours. (A review is forthcoming...) When we finished, the kids (all on their own) decided to make their own books. Bub's is about animals, and Welly's is about princesses. Shocking.

Next, our home schooling neighbors came to play. They played for a little while, and then my kids went and had lunch and quiet reading time at their house.

Finally, we took a walk, delivering birthday invitations for Welly's upcoming Tea Party.

And that brings us to late afternoon. The kids are still playing, and I'm sure they will until I call them in to go BBQing at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Just a normal (but wonderful) day.

Hope yours was great, too.

Taking My Own Advice

When Bubs and his friend, Ben, wanted to cook up some weed paint in my kitchen, my knee-jerk reaction was to say no. And I almost did. But then I remembered that I want to say yes when possible.

I'm so glad I did. It turned out to be a wonderful little homeschool project.

Here's their process...

1. Collect weeds that leave marks on the sidewalk when you rub them there. Mash up the pieces.

2. Boil in a small amount of water, stirring frequently.

3. Use a collander to separate the chunks from the paint.

4. Paint!

Here's a sample. It turned out like watercolor paint. They made yellow out of dandelions, too which made me sneeze like a maniac...but still...

I'm glad I decided to swallow the 'no' and go for 'yes' instead.