Helloooo World!

Yes, we are still around!

Each new year brings continual transformation to our program, and we've been quite busy. So busy, we've been lagging this year in our social media updates (blogging and Facebook), but we assure you, we are still here...exploring astronomy and earth science, crunching multiplication and division, immersing ourselves in history from the fall of Rome to the early Renaissance, delving into remarkable pieces of literature, and enjoying our peaceful days at the schoolhouse with our friends.

There are some exciting updates unfolding, so stay tuned!
For now, a couple photos to brighten everyone's day.



Two friends consumed in a Choose Your Own Adventure book



Two friends practicing Mindfulness after lunch and recess

Cows, Sheep, and ... Bunnies!

Always something exciting going on at the schoolhouse ranch. A couple weeks ago, we discovered a nest of Wren eggs, and we've been researching and following their growth. The cows and sheep have been making their way over to our pasture and have been busy eating. They always migrate over together in a large herd and leave the same way. There are a few calves too.

Today, as I was tending to our garden after school was over, Violet was squatting down in front of the garden and excitedly called out, "A bunny! There's a bunny!" Thinking I misunderstood her, I casually walked over, and to my surprise, there was indeed a baby rabbit hiding behind a pallet! After lots of oooohs and awwwws, Mr. Steve noticed there were more burrowed under their nest (which we thought was trash that accumulated in the garden bed). There were five in all! The children (and Ms. Andrea) had the hardest time restraining themselves from touching/trying to pick them up, but we knew we had to because of mama rabbit. We don't want her to think we are predators.

Now for a collective, "Awwwww!"

Beekeeping Field Trip

We took a group field trip to learn about beekeeping with the Williamson County Area Beekeepers Association. What a wonderful treat to meet the beekeepers and learn all about their work. The children located the Queen Bee in a hive, learned how beekeepers gear up, how honey is made, the importance and benefits of bees, and made their own beeswax candles! Special thanks for the WCABA for sharing their knowledge with us all!

 

Spring is here!

Happy Spring!

Our days are getting warmer, our gardens are blooming, and there's always something exciting to be found at the schoolhouse, especially during the Spring season. Last Monday, I went outside to check the propane meter and was surprised when I lifted the lid to find this!

 

Today, I checked in again.

 

 
 



We will have to be very careful to not disturb or upset Mama bird. She wasn't around when we checked in today, and we'll keep a safe distance to not distress her. How old do you think they are? A couple days old? A few hours old? It will be exciting to watch them grow.

(Even though we're not as active here on the blog, we're still around and as busy as ever, so if you want to keep up with our happenings, feel free to visit our facebook page  which has [a bit] more frequent updates!)

 

Men in the Classroom

In a field that is predominantly female, finding men in elementary school classrooms is a rarity. That's why when I'm asked if a father can come in to do the assisting shift for their family, or simply spend the day with us, I say, "Please do!"

Fathers in schools provide positive male role models in a setting that often lacks them. The effect of having a man in a classroom is powerful. When a guy comes in to read or do a special project, the impact is exponentially greater than when the females do it, partly because of the novelty factor, but also because the male energy they bring in offers such a nice balance.

Mudpie Play

It's always so interesting to watch children and their play while outdoors. Last year, our group was smaller, and the children seemed to move around together in one tribe throughout the yard. This year, they're older, our group is a bit larger, and we've noticed tribes within the tribe. Mainly, the girl tribe and boy tribe. Not always, but moreso than last year.

But if there is something that guarantees to bring the boys and girls together during play, it's been the mudpie kitchen.
















Sidewalk chalk, a mortar and water = homemade tattoos.
They come up with this all on their own.







Giving the mamas tattoos.

Helloooo!

Hello world!

Yes, we're still around.

Promise we haven't forgetten about those that are curious about the happenings of our little schoolhouse.

We've been busy having fun, learning, creating, and exploring. For more up to date snippets, feel free to visit our new facebook page, and hit "like" to receive our updates.

It won't take the place of our blog, but you'll probably hear more from us there--it's oh, so much easier to do an update on facebook with a few taps on the screen on our iphones ;)

Not to fret, we'll be back here soon!