Ex Tropical Cyclone Debbie Aftermath

We recently experienced one of the worst natural disasters our local area has seen in a very long time. I personally have no memory of anything ever hitting our area as hard as this.

In less than 30 hours our area had 890 mm of rain dropped on us. No wonder it had nowhere to go.

We though, are the lucky ones and whilst being placed on a possible evacuation list was mightily scary our only real threat was that of surrounding roads being cut off.

And cut off they were and still are. The above three images are from a road that we use almost daily. The sheer force of the water is simply unimaginable.

This is a major bridge and thoroughfare for our area and we cross this bridge at least once a week. It is an area of the river that floods regularly, but that happens way down below the bridge, across the old original bridge that is much closer to the actual river flow height.

This newer bridge is several metres higher than the flow of the river and has received extensive structural damage.

For water to bend a light pole is simply mind blowing.

The kids could not believe their eyes and this was absolutely hands down the best way to show them the reasons why they never ever enter flood water or try to cross a bridge that is covered with flood water.

We simply have no idea what is under that water and whether the bridge is even actually still there, as happened a few kilometers from us.

So whilst we certainly didn't want to experience a natural distaster on this scale and my heart breaks for everyone that has been so severely affected by this, it truly is education at it's best.

Eyes glued to the weather radar, watching the cyclone, tracking it's moves, discussing the eye and then watching how it breaks up as it heads south.

Then sitting through the torrential rain, only to wake and see the worst flooding we've seen right across the road from us.

Nature's fury right there in all its glory.

The vast majority of the time flooding creates nothing but havoc and devastation but every so often it creates a beautiful scene and the stillness of what appeared to simply be a lake was quite beautiful, except that it was covering a road, had entered several houses in this area and took lives, both animal and human.

Simply heartbreaking.

Science Shepherd - Review

My daughter has been brushing up on so many science topics with her new Introductory Science program from Science Shepherd.

What is Science Shepherd

The Science Shepherd courses have been developed by a homeschooling dad, that also holds a degree in Bachelor of Science and a Medical degree. He saw an increased need for science offerings for homeschooling high schoolers and has since branched out to produce product ranges for younger students as well.

How We Used The Program

We were provided with a complete copy of Introductory Science Level B, which includes a student workbook, an answer key and twelve months access to the online video tutorials.

This is absolutely an open and go program. I simply love the simplicity and ease of use for both my daughter and myself.

Once our books arrived, we simply logged in using the details provided to us from Science Shepherd via email. Chose our course level from our account and began watching the first videos.

Each video lesson is exactly matched to the workbook pages. This part of the program has been so well thought out. It is so clear to both the adult and the child where you are and what video you need to be watching.

The lessons are broken down into weeks, with the vast majority of weeks having 5 lessons. My daughter is 11 and is at the upper end of the age range for this particular product and it literally took her minutes to complete a lesson.

The videos are short and succinct and correspond perfectly to the student work book pages.

The student workbooks are laid out in a simple, no fuss fashion. There are no bells and whistles, no bright colours, nothing to distract.

The vast majority of the workbook pages are simple question and answer type pages, with a few puzzle activities included here and there.

There are some simple hands on activities/experiments but not too many that the program becomes overwhelming. Every now and then you need to be prepared with a handful of items to complete the hands on component.

This particular level - Introductory Science B - covers all manner of scientific topics. It aims to provide the student with a good overview. It starts out with Science Skills & Tools, moves into Earth Science topics, followed by Life Science topics and then finally wraps up with Physical Science.

It provides lessons for 35 weeks of science instruction. So a full year of science for the upper primary aged child.

What We Didn't Like

This program is unashamedly Christian and is written from that perspective. I knew this going in to the review but there are so many wonderful Christian programs that can be easily tweaked for Secular Home Educators that I really wanted to give this one a try.

As close as I can tell, as we aren't finished the program yet and won't be until closer to the end of the year, there are 40 lessons out of the total 170 lessons that contain religious content.

So if you are strictly a Secular Home Educator then this program most likely will not work for you. However if you are flexible, looking for a simple, open and go program than I would still recommend you take a look at this.

We discuss world views here a lot and I did discuss this program openly with my daughter before having her try it out. The entire first week covers creation, but after that we were simply able to skip over anything that we felt we needed to.

Whilst the videos are very short, only a couple of minutes each, at times they can be a little on the dry side. The presenter appears as though he is a news broadcaster delivering the nightly news. They are well prepared and edited, but I think we have been spoiled with all of our over the top fun video presenters that we use for other programs in our homeschool.

My daughter was more than capable of watching each and every video, but I did feel that my younger son, may have gotten bored quite quickly with the program.

What We Did Like

Hands down the ease of use is an absolute winner here. There really is no excuse to not include science in your week, Science Shepherd understands the busyness of our days and what we need to make things simple.

My daughter easily understood what was required of her and she completed the vast majority of her work independently.

For me I don't have to spend hours planning and prepping, we simply open the next page in the book and pick up where we left off. So far for all of the hands on activities we've been able to find the items needed right here at home.

I do also really like that in one full year the student covers all of the major science topics and gives them a good grounding to be able move forward with their science understanding in the years to come.

Looking Ahead

We will absolutely complete this course, for all of the reasons I have just mentioned above.

Pricing & Details

The great thing about the Introductory Science course is the price. Access to the video components for a full 12 months is $35.00, the student workbook level B is priced at $15.00 and the answer key $3.00. (all pricing is in USD)

To see all of the courses on offer visit the Science Shepherd website and navigate to the courses tab across the top of the screen.

You can also catch them on social media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ScienceShepherd/
Twitter    -  https://twitter.com/scienceshepherd
Pinterest - ​ https://www.pinterest.com/scienceshepherd

Pin This So You Don't Forget It!

I hope you have found this review helpful. If you would like to see further reviews covering the Science Shepherd Courses, from members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, please visit this link.

Happy Homeschooling,
Kylie

Come on over and join me at

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google + 


Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?


Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.  

Rainforest Journey ~ A Review

Over the past few weeks we've been reviewing Rainforest Journey, a fun online science program from EdTechLens as part of my 2nd grader's school day.

We were provided with a one year subscription to Rainforest Journey in order to write this review.

What is Rainforest Journey

Rainforest Journey is the the first interactive digital learning program released by EdTechLens. This product is aimed at children in grades K - 5. The thoughts behind it is to deliver an aesthetically pleasing program that you would normally only see delivered in the higher education levels but for the elementary aged child. The concept is that of a photo book, filled with video clips, photographs and audio that the children can easily interact with. Each level covers the same concepts, however they increase in complexity as the grade level increases.

First Impressions

The EdTechLens website is bright and fresh with stunning photographic images on the home screen. These create a sense of what is to come for the user and you know already from the home page that a great deal of passion has been put into this site.

The site is laid out in an easy to navigate fashion, with all of the regular links  across the top that one would expect to see within a website such as this. After clicking on the programs link you can read in more detail all about Rainforest Journey, including access to a few free sample lessons across the various grade levels. Be sure to watch the introductory video found on the bottom of that page.

How We Used Rainforest Journey

We used Rainforest Journey exactly as detailed within the program. At this stage we haven't added any extra's as for us right now this is a nice little bonus learning opportunity.

My son logs in using the user name supplied to him by EdTechLens and he is taken directly to the first lesson. From then each time he logs in the first screen he sees is exactly where he is up to in the program.

There is a course outline link to the left where you can move back to review complete lessons and see what is coming up.

The lessons in the grade 2 level include a couple of stunning photograph's of either the rainforest itself or of some of the animals found within a rainforest. From time to time there are also short videos to watch.

With each image there is a small snippet of information that can either be read or the option to hear the details being read aloud is also there right on the screen.

There is a brief enrichment section, which contains just that little bit extra information about the topic being discussed right there alongside the lesson too.

So far we have looked at all the layers of the rainforest, some of the many animals that reside within those layers and various types of rainforests

At the end of each lesson there is a printable PDF of review materials. For the grade 2 option he has been asked to draw what he is learning about the layers and to describe each layer with several words. This is simple enough for him to complete and does help him to listen closely to the audio as knows he needs to come up with some describing words at the end of the lesson.

Each unit finishes with assessment quizzes. There are 5 units with a total of 34 lessons. Each lesson only takes around 10 - 20 minutes to complete, with end of lesson hands on activities as an extra.

We have also been using the Grade 5 level and it covers the same lesson concepts just at a higher level, with each lesson, being slightly longer and with more reading material. It still includes that audio link though which is a huge plus for me as so many programs remove that option for older children. The Grade 5 level also expects short paragraphs in terms of lesson review output as compared to just a few short words that is required in the Grade 2 level.

What We Didn't Like

At first logging in and getting ourselves all set up with user names for each student was a little confusing, but I contacted EdTechLens straight away and they were more than helpful in getting us all ready to go.

With each lovely photograph there is a piece of information that can either be read or listened to, however the links for the audio aren't aligned right there on the screen, so I found myself scrolling up and down a bit so that we could listen and look at the pictures at the same time. I'd love to see the audio button right there alongside the image.

Being an online program, if like me, you don't have fabulous internet, can make things a little tricky at times. This is just something to be aware with your own situation.

What We Did Like

The stunning large pictures and the audio voice overs is what makes this program so unique. We can listen to the audio and sit and discuss the images included. At times choosing to go and find more information than what is provided.

I really liked that this can be used exactly as is, as an easy supplement to your current science program. Or if you choose it can be fleshed out into one entire year long theme of study, that adds an element of audio visual, video's, photographs and voice overs to the unit.

Looking Ahead

This has been so easy to add into our week that we will most definitely continue along with the remainder of the Rainforest Journey.

I'm very interested in seeing what other 'journey's' EdTechLens may be working on. This is a great way to add supplemental information to a larger theme that you may be studying.

Details & Pricing

A 1 year license for the Rainforest Journey program for 1 child is $50.

To see more from EdTechLens visit them via your favourite social media outlet.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/edtechlens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edtechlens
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/edtechlens/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+Edtechlens
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edtechlens

I hope you found this review helpful. If you would like to see further reviews of Rainforest Journey from members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, please visit this link.

Happy Homeschooling,
Kylie

Come on over and join me at

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google + 


Have you looked at my Pinterest Boards lately?


Visit Our Worldwide Classroom's profile on Pinterest.  

Hands On Child Led Backyard Ponding

15+ Ideas for Hands on Child Led Learning with your Backyard Pond

We've been growing the ponds we have in our backyard, yes they are increasing in number, if I'm not careful I may just turn around and find we are living in one giant pond.

I never really gave these outdoor decorative ponds much thought, other than the fact that they look charming, sitting there amongst the gardens and I know that the birds love them so.

Lately though I've been thinking more about them as I have noticed how much the children gravitate towards the pond and the creatures that live within and around the ponds.

I was pleasantly surprised to realise just how much learning happens with our little backyard pond. In fact I easily compiled a list of 15+ ways in which the kids have been undergoing self directed learning in and around the ponds.

1/. Reflections: Depending on the time of day and exactly where the sun is in the sky, the pond water provides the perfect playground for looking at reflections. This has provided endless fun and laughter and they now know they need to time their reflection play to coincide with the sun.

2/. Ecosystems: What better way to see an ecosystem at work, in all weathers and all seasons than with a pond in the backyard. We have in the past covered ecosystems in a more formal way, but having the opportunity to witness one in action on a daily basis is a fabulous asset.

3/. Life Cycles: we've observed and discussed on many occasions the Frog Life Cycle with our tadpoles. Looking on in wonder, admiring their metamorphosis. We've discussed the various stages and have witnessed each stage for ourselves.

Including the wonderful opportunity to admire gorgeous tiny frogs resting on the lillypads.

4/. Plant Life: One simply cannot own a pond without having plants to grow in them. This of course has led to much research on the best plants and in particular lilly's for the newer larger pond.

Here they have rescued some lilly's that were on the brink of death from being eating by something. Very quickly they began to sprout fresh new leaves and the children were able to see how important the entire mini ecosystem is to each living thing within it.

5/. Fish Care & 6/. Aquarium Visits: There have been several visits to our local aquarium pet store.

The possibilities for fish are endless, but because this is an outdoor pond the children have needed to understand the requirements of the fish and the reasons why they can keep some here in the pond, like Australian native fish and why they simply cannot have a Nemo fish in their outdoor pond.

We've had fish not survive and have had to speculate on the reasons why and make better choices when purchasing new fish.

7/. Feeding: With a new pond there isn't generally enough fodder around and so they require feeding, this has been the responsibility of the children also and in particular our six year old.

8/. Pond Care: This is an important learning experience when owning a pond. Whilst they mostly look after themselves from time to time they require some cleaning, here my six year old is helping his dad to move some of the fish into the new larger pond and to give this smaller one a clean.

They had been stirring the water up and moving the rocks around considerably so the water is quite murky looking in this photo.

9/. Mosquito Larvae: Where there is water there is often mosquitoes and mosquito larvae. However this provides some very yummy food for our pond inhabitants.

10/. Crustaceans: The kids absolutely love having freshwater yabbies in the pond, although they hide very well and we don't often get to see them, everyone was in awe at how much this guy had grown. He obviously loves it in there.

11/. Reptiles: We are fortunate enough to have quite a large garden where the pond is nestled, therefore several critters live within those gardens that surround the ponds.

Not only are lizards a common occurrence but we also have at least one resident green tree snake that has made his home right here in this garden.

12/. Birds: Wherever you supply bodies of water birds will come. They particularly love this smaller bird pond and most days can be found sploshing and splashing about.

We can easily view this particular water feature from our windows and front door, so it makes for a great spot to view the birds and get to know them a little better.

13/. Bird Feeders: Of course no garden and pond are complete with the addition of a bird feeder or two. We have some permanent feeders and have also tried our hand at making our own bird feeders. This is what I can see from our office window as I type. There is almost always a constant gathering of birds hanging around the pond.

14/. Self Reflection: Daily each and every one of the children can be seen completely mesmerised by the allure of the pond water. It is so tranquil and provides the perfect space for some quiet meditative time.

The best part is that this happens completely naturally, no one is playing meditation discs or asking everyone to gather for some quiet self reflection time.

Simply walking by the pond gently invites and encourages you to do that almost immediately and without thought.

15/. Art: We decided to sketch and paint the pond and surrounding garden area. Our term focus with our art lessons has been on Impressionism and this was such an obvious choice for us to recreate this scene.

16/. Nature Journals: We have added several pages to our nature journals this year and I am sure that the ponds will continue to be a source of inspiration for more backyard nature journalling in the future.

17/. Books: We own and use just a small smattering of books related to the pond. Each of these have been invaluable in assisting us to learn more about our ponds and the wildlife that live within and around the pond.

18/. Critters: We even have a few naughty bunnies living in our gardens that surround the pond. This guy has been so very brave and on several occasions we have watched him in broad daylight out munching the grass near the pond. The kids have tried so hard to catch him but of course no such luck. I think we are pretty lucky to even get this little glimpse of him on the camera.

Who would've thought that there were so many learning opportunities from simply owning a backyard pond.

Pin This!

Do you have a backyard pond? Does it also provide your children with endless hours of learning opportunities?

Happy Homeschooling
Kylie

Come on over and join me at

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google + 

Looking for more Pond themed activities? Visit My Pinterest Board

  Follow Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom's board Themes - Pond Life on Pinterest.

This post has been linked to: 

      

After School Activities Link Up

Laugh & Learn Link Up

 

Parent Teacher Link Up

Oh So Simple Bird Feeder

We've been meeting at our local Community Gardens with a small group of nearby homeschooling families, for fun, friendship and simple activities revolving around the theme of 'gardens'.

Yesterday everyone made Pine Cone Bird Feeders, so simple and certainly not a new idea.

What You Need:

• Pine cones

• String or Twine

• Peanut Butter

• Rolled Oats

• Bird Seed

What To Do:

• Tie String to Pine cone so it can hang from a tree

• Mix equal parts Peanut Butter and Rolled Oats

• Coat the pine cone with the mixture, ensuring it gets pushed right into the cone (careful of the spiky bits!)

• Once coated, roll the pine cone in the bird seed

Show off your work!

Hang on a tree and wait for the birds to come!

Happy Homeschooling,
Kylie

Come on over and join me at

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google + 

Looking for more Bird related activities?
Have a look at my Bird themed Pinterest Board.

Follow Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom's board Birds Themes on Pinterest.

Learning and the Brain

To start our year with our co-op family we spent some time looking more closely at our brains and what is going on in there.

The aim was to have everyone understand how important it is that we all continue to exercise our brains, to learn new things. The more learning we undertake the more our brains grow. The more actively involved in that learning we are the more pathways we create within our brains.



This you tube clip talks about the brain, what happens within the brain, the things it needs to thrive. We watched this in smaller increments so that we could discuss it and complete a few activities I had planned along the way.

I found a free mini pack of note booking foldables on the brain, we used these in conjunction with the clip.

Firstly we discussed the four lobes and what each is responsible for, as science stands today.We had fun trying to see who could pronounce the names of the lobes. I was pretty impressed as to how close a lot of them came, with one of them even getting Occipital the on their first try.

 Then we moved onto neurons, path ways, connections and how a brain cell is structured.

To assist in a tactile way everyone made their own brain cell from play dough, they played around and discussed how the brain cells work together to form neural path ways. Thanks Ticia for this idea.

To cement the knowledge further we played the one minute dot game. Make as many dots on a page as you can in one minute. Then proceed to join those dots and make as many connections as you can in a minute.

They had loads of fun with this and it was a neat way to make further connections in their understanding of how their brain works.

Happy Homeschooling,
Kylie

This post is linked at:
The Measured Mom

Backyard Fairy Homes

I can take absolutely no credit for these whatsoever. They are completely 100% a project that was initiated by the kids, worked on by them for hours and across days. There was so much focus and co operation with these that I couldn't bare to drag them inside to do book work. Isn't that the stuff childhood is made of!

No one came inside to ask for bits and bobs, they simply found random items in the backyard and the nature strip behind our place. 

So without further adore I invite you to explore our backyard Fairy Village.

This is Little Surfer Dudes, he's recently turned 5. He chose a small bush to build his home against so the fairy would have more space to explore.

His offerings, a small rock table covered with moss and a gorgeous mini fairy bowl, that I believe his big brother assisted him with. This looks like the perfect fairy gathering place to sit around together and enjoy a meal.

On a slightly larger scale is Fairy Princess' (9) home. This home has two distinct areas, the open outdoors retreat offers a comfy place to relax with an abundance of flowers,leaves and mossy carpet. The fairies even have delicious cherry tomatoes, picked fresh from the garden, to feast upon.

The second area of the home has a solar insulated roof to ensure those little fairy bodies are kept warm at night. But get this, they even have a swimming pool, yes a swimming pool, purely for their leisure. We just won't discuss the fact that it is one of my tuppeware containers now will we ;-)

This is Lego Lover's creation, his includes a small side cave with an incredibly steep slide. Oh what fun the fairies must have on that each night!

This home has quite a high drop off, so he has made sure to fence the edge so no one falls over. Once again plenty of offerings for the wee fairies.

These creations all happened on a regular school day. In fact I was inside getting organised for the day ahead, whilst they were all outside building and creating. I simply could not tear them away from their dedication of the task, they literally spent hours out there creating, making modifications, adding bits and pieces.

A day well spent in the life of a child!