Multiplication for Active Little Bodies

We found that we sometimes got confused about the order of steps in longer multiplication problems. It wasn't the numbers that confused them, but the pattern of solving it.  So, we picked our sidewalk chalk and I made a numberless problem on the concrete.  The kids then hopped the pattern when I told them where to go.   Here's what it looked like.

 The colors are a little difficult to see, but they coordinate with the answer.

Not every adult that saw this was impressed, but they aren't teaching this to my bouncy children.

Blooming in Northeast Florida today

First the Roses .... finally roses that I can not kill.  

 These are mostly Knockout (c) or (tm) or something.

The other are Simplicity pink (c) (tm) .... so why no heritage varieties? Because mine died.

The last of the amarillis are still stunning.

This is a Betony flower spike that shot up through the amarylis.

Bush Bean Blossom

Pea Flower

Tomato 

Apply the Breaks!

In a testing week, things are pretty serious here.  Very serious and not all that fun.  So, we decided to make a cake.  Chocolate cake with chocolate icing.  During Lent. 

Good thing Mommy didn't give up chocolate.

A Boy's First Communion

You know, I am starting to question the gender balance with First Communion.  I really couldn't find blogs with advise on preparing for a boy's party, clothes or .... well ... just anything.  No debate, no tirades ... nada.  (That's Latina for "nothing").

So, in keeping with my son's newest passion to blend we will not be purchasing a white suit.  He will be wearing a navy suit, but with a white shirt and white tie.  A real tie, he will quickly and proudly point out.

A party is after mass, since we will need to fast before, I am sure everyone will be hungry.  So cookout, pool party ahead!

My daughter, on the other hand, is still undecided about what dress she will wear. 

Marco Polo - It's not just Pool Play!

So reading up on Marco Polo for the History class was pretty fun.  I was amazed at the significance that this one person's adventure had on exploration, not just for Marco Polo but for Europe.  Christopher Columbus made notes in his copy of "The Travels".

For the kids, going to Marco Polo at home is stepping back in time, but valuable none the less.  I found a few books at the library and thrift store.  I am looking at the "for kids" series (Marco Polo for Kids by Janis Herbert isbn 978155652377).  The Marco Polo one focuses on the countries and cultures he visited, so it is less about Marco Polo than with things he encountered on his travels.  The activities are a great help for kids that don't hours of inactive study.  The Who Was Marco Polo by Joan Holub (isbn 9780448445403) is an easier read than the Penguin Classics Latham translation of The Travels.

Although it is a great resource to look at as adult or teen, the text of the original is daunting. 

We also used maps to trace Marco Polos route to Asia and back.  There are trivial academia tirades on where exactly he went and what he did there, but overall, unimportant at this point in our studies.

Update:  Waiting on my library copy of You Wouldn't Want to Explore with Marco Polo!: A Really Long Trip You'd Rather Not Take to come in.  My kids have really enjoyed the "You Wouldn't Want" series.