The Learning Umbrella

It’s time to plan my next month, although it almost feels silly to do a normal plan for December when it is already so full of holiday “stuff”.  But maybe that’s the perfect reason to start off with a plan…

Carbon’s School

We’ve already started getting lax about pulling out the school boxes everyday.  Once again, I’m really pleased with this entire box system, because it’s not a big deal if we only open them a few times a week - no need to adjust plans or fuss about being “behind”.  I’m going to keep the boxes stocked, but not worry about getting any thing “done” this month.  We’ve started making little phonics “books” out of index cards I staple together, and that plus handwriting will fill the Reading and Writing box.  Math and Science will be full of connect-the-dot pages Carbon is enjoying and a stack of books about the North Pole and Reindeer that I’ve checked out from the library.  I’ve checked out a few picture books about Asia to put in the World Studies and Spanish box, which will fill in between the days we do Spanish flashcards.  And I’ll put holiday things in the Music and Art box.  We’re also doing Read to Feed, so I’m trying to read more books with Carbon and help him get enough money to buy a rabbit or goat.  His new favorite is Paddington Bear, and there are a lot of thick books in that series.  Project FeederWatch is also turning out to be lots of fun, and that continues as well.

My sister’s School

J. is back home, but she’s supposed to be calling me every day at 2:00 for a little oral quiz on what she studied that day.  She’s doing a unit study called Women Rulers in December, so I need to keep up with her and be able to ask good questions.

Mommy School

I finished The Histories (or was finished with it, anyway) last month, and I’ve put Madame Bovary on hold at the library.  Until that comes in, I plan to just read fun novels.  I’m still not getting into the swing of French, and I’m going to have to find a class or a tutor or a study buddy to get motivated.  That will probably have to wait until next month, though.  I’ve injured my shoulder, so exercise is mostly waiting until that heals up.  My piano practice will be filled with Christmas carols.

Daycare

We’re going to read lots of seasonal/holiday picture books, and also books about reindeer and the North Pole or winter in general.  We’re going to make ornaments, sing carols, bake cookies, and make little gifts for them to give their parents.

The Great Toy Overhaul continues, so I’m still cleaning and sorting toys to give away.  The kids are surprising me at how easily they are parting with toys that had been their favorites, and at how well they are playing with far fewer toys. 

Church

I’m running a food drive, so I need to collect food at church each Sunday and drive it home to my garage until the Salvation Army gets it all from me.  I have two story baskets to prepare for SpiritPlay, and I’m teaching two Sundays.

Earth Scouts

I haven’t made any moves toward resolving the Earth Scouts situation.  I need to email the other mom and at least ask her to meet at my house so I don’t have to set up the church each night.  We’ll only meet once this month, and that meeting should be the sharing for the Hunger badge.  I need to help Carbon create something about hunger - he hasn’t been able to think of what he wants to make yet.

Home

No big house projects other than decorating.

Holidays

I’m not making most of the gifts this year, and we’ve actually bought or made almost everything already.  I do need to get the boxes put together for mailing to far-away family pretty soon.  I’m making Xmas cards.  We are going to see all of my family at once on the Sunday before Christmas, and have my in-laws over for Christmas dinner.  I need to bake cookies and give them to people.  There’s also decorating, singing, music, lighting candles, all the special little rituals and traditions we have, and a planned trip to see the light display at the zoo.  My husband has his birthday this month also, but he just wants to go bowling and out to dinner.  I’ve ordered him a really cool present already (but he might read this, so I can’t say what it is!).

Other

I have a couple swaps to put together, but they’re not due until the end of the month.  A blue/white package, and a little seahorse project, and a cupcake package.  I’m still really enjoying Swapbot, and it gives me motivation to do small crafty things.  I’m in the middle of sewing Carbon a hooded sweatshirt, and I think I’ll put something on my knitting needles to do this month. 

It should be a fun and relaxed month.  That’s the idea, anyway.