Weekly Recap 11/29-12/3/10

This week was a really good one.  We got almost everything done that we were suppose to do and most of it was done without much pain and anguish.  Everyone is on track, for the most part, and enjoying learning, even me.  I'm still struggling with keeping H11 and K14 up to pace but after reviewing our schedule, we aren't as far behind as I was afraid we were.  Science is the most challenging right now but I've got a plan for catching up and I think we'll be able to pull it off without much strain.

I'm just going to hit the highlight of today because today was a reminder of the reason that we are homeschooling. 

We've been learning about castles, knights and samurai this week.  Today we watched the PBS documentary Castle by David Macaulay.  After watching and talking about the program, we sat down to write and illustrate haiku.  Even after the initial groan from S8, who hates to write but loves to draw, we ended up with some excellent illustrations and poetry.

I think what was most precious was that everyone was learning together, we had fun and we were all able to share our excitement and joy.  These moments are priceless.

Castle

Walls high overhead

Neighbors living side by side

Lords and ladies in charge

Battle

Murder holes above

Knights and soldiers clashing sounds

In the castle yard

Princess

Kind and generous

Beautiful inside and out

Kingdom's true beauty

Working

Killing, farming, fun

Working hard for everyone

Labor for the king