The Learning Umbrella

There is a feel of Spring here, with bulbs coming up and warm sweater weather calling us out for bike rides.  Yay!

And now I need to look at my plans for this month.

Preschool

I have some new science and math books from the library, and I’m going to restock our math and science box with more games and experiments - especially things we can start to do outside.  Science this month will involve a magnifying glass and bug catchers - it’s time for bug hunts!  On our Trip Around the World, we are moving to Europe.  And we are doing the Letter R (rainbows, reading, roses, roosters, etc.).

My Sisters School

J. is studying the American Revolution and Ecology this month.  I’ve planned a literature based unit for history, and a very traditional textbook with study questions type unit for Ecology.  I’ll have to review her study question answers via email every couple of days.  Looking ahead to next month, I need to plan history for the Expansion years (any ideas?) and specialized ecology for our local ecosystems.

Mommy School

I am struggling with the financial issues of going to Paris this year, but I’m still studying French.  My personal reading is going smoothly as I work on my 8×8 in 2008 challenge.  For PE I’m doing the Shiva Rea yoga DVD’s.  And I’m trying to do all of this in front of the kids, rather than steal moments while they are sleeping.  I’ve been thinking a lot about role modeling - more about that in a later post.

Daycare

I started a new baby last week; the little guy is only 3 months old.  This makes Daycare Baby (15 months old) into Daycare Tot, and he is showing signs of some stress with that transition (more clinging, crying, wanting to be held, etc.).  With a new baby in a sling and a clinging tot, Hypatia being 2, and the three preschoolers - send energy my way!

Church

I’m going on a Women’s Retreat next weekend, then there are two more stories I need to create for Sunday School.  We haven’t even picked out a story for Easter, so I need to figure that out ASAP.  I’m hosting a party at church to dye Easter eggs the Saturday before Easter, so I’m going to be busy prepping dye and gathering craft supplies for fun egg techniques.

Earth Scouts

We are finishing a badge on Peace, by having a letter writing meeting and sending letters and art to all the big decision makers.  After that, we are going to start a Democracy badge, so I’m looking for cool activities to kick that off.

Home

The roof is almost done!  The dumpster is not in my driveway anymore!  My house is mostly under control, but now I need to repair the damage to the kitchen ceiling and get a new light fixture in there.  It’s also time to start gardening!  I have all my seeds, and there is a lot of planting and seed starting in my near future.

Other

DH and I have taken a “Buy Nothing” pledge this month, with exceptions for food, medical needs, what I just had to go get for the new baby.  The Easter Bunny will be getting an exemption also, to fill the kids baskets with fun treats and gifts.  This will be an interesting challenge, to see if we can form new buying habits.

I have a few swaps to do this month, mostly doll and stuffie making, and also a spring hand bag swap.  I’m going to slow down on the swaps, because my time that went to crafting before will start going to the garden.

I want to use more of my fabric stash - this time for me!  Especially since I’ve pledged not to buy anything this month, I need to figure out a new Easter dress for Hypatia and some new clothes for me out of the fabric I already own.