Space Week 4: Planets (and other stuff)

This week was the final week in our space unit study. I had intended to tie up lots of loose ends that we started last week during planet week, and while we did do a few space related things, like this mobile I found at Olie Bollen, we sort of followed a few rabbit trails this week and got distracted.

Initially, I felt sort of guilty for deviating from the plans, but I have to remind myself that flexibility is a big part of why we decided to homeschool.
We spent a lot of time reading this week. A lot. L has has been able to read things like "Mat sat," since last year, but I've been waiting for him to really take the plunge and become a reader.
I decided to try a new tactic. We've been reading books together, some space related, some not. I read the book, and follow along with my finger, stopping at words I know he knows. He proudly reads the word in question, and I continue reading. Gradually, I've been helping him sound out new words, and now I can see him getting really excited, saying "I'm a great reader, aren't I mommy?" That's what I've been looking for. That spark of excitement.
We also spent some time watching some really fun educational DVDS. The kids cried a while back when I had to take Here Come the ABC's back to the library, so I ended up buying it for them.


After doing some space themed copy work for several weeks, we also finally got around to starting the Draw. Write. Now. book for handwriting.  L and I both tried our hand at drawing a chicken, and he happily  copied the whole page of information. I think we're going to really enjoy this series.

In the carousel below, you'll find links to some of the resources we used this week.