I know, I know, it is such a busy time of year. We are in the midst of a short lull in our celebrations and family gatherings. We are trying to make the most of the time and completely as many lessons as we are able. Sometimes this means we are working ahead while in other areas we are just barely cracking the books. Take advantage of the flexibility of homeschooling and make your time work for you.
Some things however cannot be put off for later. Tonight is the peak for the annual Geminid Meteor shower. I saw a few early this morning and hope to see even more tonight. They (they being the experts, of course) say the best time will be after 10pm when the moon sets. Our children are early risers, so I will probably get them up a bit early and see what we see then. I hope the sky stays clear! To read a bit more and see a nice picture showing where to look, head over to Classical Astronomy. This article is not from the current year, but the picture and information are good nonetheless. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
While you are baking, crafting and finishing any schoolwork, how about some educational listening? The mother-son team at Classical Composers Monthly have a freebie for you. Head over to the page they have set up for some videos and several audios of classical Christmas music. One of the videos is the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy on the glass armonica – an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin. Having studied both Benjamin Franklin and Tchaikovsky earlier this year, I hope my children make the connections. Selections from Handel, Beethoven and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are featured as well. They have even included some links for audio stories as well. It is a true listening feast!
Want to learn about the origin of some of the favorite songs of the season. In addition to two presentations on Christmas hymns, the workshop “Spelling, Grammar and Latin, O MY!” from Schola Publications’ Barbara Beers. Tonight is the live presentation of the December Schoolhouse Expo – Free! Get all the details (and recipes!?!? I had no idea!) and sign up at the Schoolhouse Expo page. Many of the TOS staff have shared some great looking recipes for an on-line party. Taste a little, nobody’s checking your plate. This party is in the privacy of your home.
Have you been keeping up with the 12 days of giveaways at the Schoolhouse Review Crew? Today is day 4 and a giveaway from Grapevine Studies with four winners! The first day saw a great bundle from New Millennium Girl Books (the giveaway is still open!). Day two was encouragement for Mom from Apologia. Three winners of great products from Raising Real Men for day three.
