Homeschool Fun

When we decided to homeschool our kids again this year, one of the things I knew we needed was a homeschool co-op to fill some of the gaps that existed from not having our kids in a brick and mortar school. We are so thankful for the organization we found and the enrichment our kids have received so far this year. 

Samuel and Nathan joined a robotics club with our co-op and got to build and compete in a local competition this Fall. They learned a lot about programming, problem solving, working with others, and overcoming challenges- all really valuable things!

Matt was able to help out when his work schedule allowed too which was another good thing for the boys. They both had a lot of fun and are already asking to join the program again next year. 

Our co-op also hosted a Living Wax Museum. Nathan's elementary school plans a similar event for third graders in the Spring semester. I remember Nathan talking about how they were just about to start working on it after Spring break when he was in third grade, and then he never got to go back to school. He was really disappointed to miss out on it. That made this Living Wax Museum even more special for him and for Samuel (who is in third grade this year). 

Elisabeth participated as well. She chose to be Laura Ingalls Wilder. She researched, made a poster and prepared a speech for the event. 

Nathan wanted to be a Wright Brother and asked our neighbor Daniel to participate with him, so they could be the Wright Brothers together. 

And Samuel decided on Ben Franklin for his presentation. The wig and glasses get me every time!

The kids worked hard for weeks on their poster boards and speeches. The night of the event, they recited their speeches over and over to everyone who came to their table. 

Again, they learned about public speaking, time management, research (and plagiarism), and doing their best at a project. It was another valuable event for them. 

And things are always more fun when your best friends do it with you. 

The kids also enjoyed browsing and listening to the other speeches at the event. 

Later in November, the robotics club got to tour the Port of Catoosa. Their robotics challenge was all about transportation, so this field trip fit with it perfectly. We all learned a lot about barges, river transportation and ports. 

The kids also love our normal Friday co-op days learning and playing with friends for the whole day. 

They had an especially fun day at co-op when Daniel and Ilona got to ride with us- and we got to play with them afterwards. 

Aspire has been a great blessing to all of us this year.