Mohaus Schoolhouse Week 20

Wrapping up the end of January with our homeschool was a bit of a challenge because I was sick and on top of that we had a few days of the polar vortex mixed in with mild days.

 

The public schools even ended up cancelling school twice for ice and possible (neither of which materialized).

Since we homeschool, we ended up doing a hybrid of regular school and playing with neighborhood friends who were unexpectedly home.

On MLK Day, Daniel had the day off but we ended up doing school anyways. I picked up several books from the library to help the kids learn about why we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

We finally got around to setting off Jack's volcano that he had worked to build. We waited until both Daniel and Isaac were around to set off the chemical reaction.

The unexpected cancelled school day for ice meant basketball was also cancelled, but our YMCA co-op still met. Jack was bummed about the missed basketball game, but happy to go hang out with his friends at the Y.

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Homeschool Day at High Point Climbing Gym. The boys are both improving with their bouldering skills. #interestledlearning #highpointclimbing #indoorbouldering #jackandisaac #mohausschoolhouse #mohaus2019

A post shared by Cheree Moore (@mo_haus) on Jan 25, 2019 at 10:51am PST

(slide images right to see more from our climbing day).

That Friday I took the boys to High Point Climbing for the monthly homeschool day (which means half price climbing and free rentals – score!).

The kids were bummed that none of our usual group of friends could meet us (Friend Friday has been hit or miss this year), but they still had fun and we did run into some people we knew.

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Fun day of climbing today. And we ran into several people we know. So thankful for such a big homeschooling community in Chattanooga. #interestledlearning #highpointclimbing #homeschoolday #jackandisaac #mohausschoolhouse #mohaus2019

A post shared by Cheree Moore (@mo_haus) on Jan 25, 2019 at 10:55am PST

(slide images right to see more from our climbing day).

Jack spent part of the week preparing with Daniel for his very first Pinewood Derby with the Boy Scouts.

The event happened on a Saturday and Jack loved getting to race the car that he had worked so hard on. He didn't place, but we think he came in fourth. He was happy with that.

Sunday we met up with preschool families from our church at the Creative Discovery Museum. Both of our boys love that place and it was nice to hang out with friends and have the place to ourselves!

What Our Homeschool Looked Like in January:
Week 18 (Jan. 7-13)
Week 19 (Jan. 14-20)

And the rest of the school year:
December  
November
October
September was our trip out West
August 

High Point Climbing Homeschool Day

Every month, our local climbing gym offers a homeschool day where homeschool kids can come climb for half price and free gear rental.

This is one of Jack's favorite activities and he is always begging to go. Homeschool Days make it an economical option for us.

The only drawback being that it can be packed!

None of our friends were available to meet up with us on this climbing day, but we decided to go anyway.

Isaac is still getting used to climbing with a harness (he doesn't love being clipped in, but doesn't like being left out either!).

Both boys are getting really good at bouldering (this is a form of free climbing above a mat, but you aren't clipped in).

Isaac is getting more confident and Jack is learning to do hard routes including the slight overhangs.

Jack's favorite place to climb is the adult sections, and if the line isn't too long, he always tries the pit. He hasn't made it to the top yet, but has gotten more than 3/4ths of the way up.

Isaac attempted the city towers climb, but didn't make it very far. Of course, Jack tried to set a personal record by climbing up as quickly a possible and jumping off the top.

Even though we didn't meet our regular group of friends there, we did run into several families we know, so that was a bonus!

When both kids are climbing more proficiently, we might consider a family membership, but if not, there are always Homeschool Days to participate in!

Without friends, we ended up staying two hours, which seems to be the perfect amount of time for an outing –– no one gets too worn out in two hours.

Mohaus Schoolhouse Week 19

"My mom was one of those crazy homeschool moms..." It was an off-hand comment made by someone I had just met. In jest, I countered, "I'm a crazy homeschool mom." We laughed.

But the comment has stuck with me. Not because I'm bothered by it, but more so because I know that sometimes there is still a stigma attached to homeschooling.

So there it is. I'm a homeschool mom. We are a homeschooling family. And we love it.

Part of the reason I share our week online is because I want people to know what homeschool can look like. Not necessarily to normalize it, but to create awareness of this lifestyle. To show that it isn't all crazy. Or maybe it is. But either way, it's a choice and one we are eagerly embracing during this phase of our lives.

By and large, our family, friends, and neighbors are very supportive, and for that we are grateful. And if you have questions or ever want to chat homeschool, don't be afraid to ask.

Last week was another good week for us: we spent time outside in the cold, and we started a new read aloud, "The Wild Robot" – which we are loving!

We built a volcano and read books about how volcanoes work, and watched YouTube videos about the most active volcanoes in the world.

Our favorite podcasts right now are The Same Page, The Past and Curious, Brains On!, The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian, and Grimm. Grimmer. Grimmest. All are worth listening to if you and your kids are looking for something to listen to.

Extracurricular activities included PeeWee Basketball (Jack scored again!)...

an intro to Ukulele class...

and Boy Scouts (hosted at our house).

For Language Arts, Jack had to write about what he loves about school. Hiking with me was on the list. His drawing to go along with it is of the two of us. Melted my heart to see his finished work.

Math was also on his list of faves, and he enjoyed working on measuring things and estimating lengths of objects. We are delving into weighing things next and then multiplication is just around the corner!

Finally, Jack has been working on his Pinewood Derby car for Scouts. Last week he got to use the drill press (with his daddy's help) to drill a hole through his car. He was pretty proud of his work and will be finishing up his car this week for the derby next weekend.