Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll! The kids are watching the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade while laughing, argruing, and playing all at the same time. Life is Good!

We would like to tell everyone thank you all for all of the support and kind words you send our way.
                                                                             

This morning we were blessed to be able to volunteer at one of the community centers who are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for those with hardships. Last winter our power was out for nine days, I just don't know what we would of done without the support of our community. 

Just waiting on Turkey Time! Savor the moments everyone.

Volunteer Time!

The kids have been volunteering their time by helping with Brain Builders Inc., the non profit organization that I helped to organize. The last week of August we offered activities during a Kindergarten Camp at a local school and I must say that their enthusiasm and talents went far beyond my expectations of them. We shared our love of hands on fun with over 50 kindergartners, that rotated in groups of six to the different stations that were set up.


                                                                 

 After fooling around with circuits and making lots of play doh, Ken felt confident enough to give a lesson. She did an impressive job!

                                                                   

                                                         Squishy Circuits in Action!

Kennede was glowing with excitement as each kindergartner's light came up while be guided by her. Yep, she knows how circuits work, no testing required :)

                                                                           

 DJ was the guide at the Vinegar and Baking Soda Works table. I bet you guys already know that he rocked it out, especially if you are a reader of our past homeschool blog We Don't Need No Education.

In fact he did so well that he was offered a position as a third grade teacher assistant. Way to go Donovan!!

                     

                                                                                   

Nia and my nephew Christopher guided the Make Your Own Geoboard table. It was a success, their natural encouraging voices made it possible. After they made their reflections they said that it was kinda difficult for them to complete, but when they said "you can do it" the kindergartners got the job done. Both of them agree that the kindergartners liked it, and they should have more practice in the classroom improving their fine motor skills. They did well as a team and their smiles wear sported the whole time.

                                                                                 

We all agree that we did a great job preparing the Tin Can Robot Making activity. The other activities were sewing and marshmallow tower building with toothpicks and spaghetti noodles. Fun Stuff!!

We will be starting back our regular "school routine" next week. It does make this mama feel good that the kids are volunteering. learning how to present lessons and doing a fantastic job at it. We really do love to learn!!

                                 
I am linking this post to Montessori Monday.                                 

Activism

On the 4th of July DJ and I marched in the parade. We marched with the Lansing Stop The Violence organization. The founder of the organization is such an amazing lady. Mrs. Risper is inspiring and I think DJ is in love with her New York accent :)

                                                           

                                                                       

Everyday since the march in the parade you can hear DJ randomly saying "Keep the peace, stop the violence!", this was the chant that was repeated while we marched. I think Dr, Montessori would be proud of DJ, Mrs.Risper, and all of the families that joined in! Many of the families have lost family members to violence.  I love that he was surrounded by Peacemakers!!

Making it Your Own

The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations - Eli Khamarov

 We help operate a non profit that is operated out of our house, it sounds crazy doesn't it?  The kids help me out a lot, especially when I want to test out an activity that I will be doing. The Marshmallow Catapult will be an activity done in one of our weekly events "Get Unplugged!" it is for ages 6-9 years old.  DJ saw the materials and volunteered for this one. I showed him the pictures from this tutorial, so he could have an idea of how to get it started.                                                             

Now I know you may have seen a Marshmallow Catapult before or heard about it. I just wanted to share our Marshmallow Catapult engineering experience. DJ's catapult kept falling apart and finally he asked can I do this another way. He went and got some tape and the catapult was working to his liking. We have concluded that no two catapults will be just alike! I think our friends who attend  "Get Unplugged!" will totally agree with us. 

We are going to make some targets too, hopefully this will decrease the amount of marshmallow eating :)