Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Homeschool Question

Over the past few months Jim and I have been discussing our plans for Noah's education.  We acknowledge that he is just two and does't need to begin formal education THIS SECOND or else he has fallen behind.  However, we want to make an informed decision of what we want to do.  And for us, the choice has come down to finding an afforable Christian School and me homeschooling Noah. 

We are still trying to decide what it would look like to have the added financial burden of sending Noah to an expensive private school vs. what would it look like to have me taking on the added burden of planning and executing lessons for Noah here at home.

So, as we are looking at this I have been talking with friends who homeschool, reading a ton about the developmental and social implications of it, legal issues as well as beginning to research Christian Schools in our area that would be alternatives. 

As I have begun researching things I have come across a wellspring of wonderful toddler oriented lesson plans and activites to stimulate little minds.  I am already doing extremely casual monthly themes with Noah, but this reseach has confirmed for me that I want to step things up a bit.  So, beginning in the fall I am going to be conducting more of a formal sit down time with Noah approximately three times a week. 

I promise I'll share here more regularly what we find and do and make, and as we try to work out this whole homeschool/Christian School decision.  Also in the works is a list of the great sites I've found for working with my toddler!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Eastman Nature Center Closing Sale

This weekend one of our favorite Nature Centers-- The Eastman Nature Center in the Elm Creek Park Reserve is having a moving sale and getting rid of shelves, furniture and even displays.  I mean- how cool would it be to have this bird wingspan display in your child's bedroom or playroom??

In fact, why am I telling you about this? Someone might see this and grab something that I want before we could get out there this Saturday and pick it up in this first come, first served sale. 

Okay-- the details are: The sale is this Saturday, May 7th at the Eastman Nature Center in Dayton, MN ( a part of the Three Rivers Parks District)  from 10 -4 pm.  They are opening a new center, which will have new displays and furniture.  Kind of sad that all this neat stuff won't be around anymore, but what a cool opportunity for families, schools, or homeschooling families to pick up things like this bird identification board. 

And in case you were wondering-- yes, they have taxidermy geese.  :)