Homeschoolin'

Have you ever gone to your second-hand store of choice and spent $5 on something your children can then take apart? If not, I highly recommend it.

I bought a tape player at Savers and the handed it to my children and let them go to town. The first time they played with it was the day Grandpa was here fixing my electrical woes. Miriam and Cowen both wanted to be using tools, so I thought--perfect. Well, it was and it wasn't. Kenny was there to tell us what all the parts were inside, but he also had to help me figure out how to get it open when I couldn't figure it out on my own. So, I essentially created another chore for Kenny without meaning to. I don't think he minded, but still.

A few days later the kids wanted to look at it again, and that time they really got into it and figured it out without my help. I'm not sure what exactly the experience did or did not teach them, but it sure was fun for me to watch them try to get their little hands wrapped around a screwdriver in an effective manner. I also loved the intent looks on their faces. Priceless.

I'll definitely be heading to Savers again soon.

Miriam was so excited today to put together her report on Sojourner Truth. It wasn't my mad teaching skills that created the excitement. It was the book Fancy Nancy: The Dazzling Book Report. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that Miriam is a huge Fancy Nancy fan. Well, Nancy had so much fun making her book report that naturally Miriam felt that a history report would be equally fun. I think it was. She was able to use the computer, scissors, glue, and tape--all highly restricted and therefore passionately adored pastimes.

So serious.

So adorable.

PS Whenever I want a full-fledged Miriam giggle, I check her nose for new freckles. Two new ones moved in today--Freddy and Yolanda. They're awfully lucky to get to live on Miriam's nose. Other than her dad's--it has to be the cutest one on the planet.