Honeycombs and Lions

We are still studying bees, and concentrated on honeycombs this week. I developed a project with honeycomb shapes. I folded a sheet of copy paper and drew on a half honeycomb pattern. We cut them out in a "paper doll" type process to produce a simple honeycomb stencil. My initial idea was to color or paint a bottom page (we used card stock weight.) I planned to attach the honeycomb shape with tabs so it would stand out from the bottom paper giving more of a 3-D look. Then I wanted to attach bees that would also stand off the page by using tiny folded accordion papers attached to the back of the drawn or cut out bees. My smallest student made something close to this idea. (above)

The older kids suggested taping down the honeycomb as a stencil and coloring in the cell shapes. I thought this was also a great idea, so they tried it. Some drew their own bees and some used the clip art bees I printed out. All in all, we had fun with the different versions of this project.

 Top to bottom: Gideon (5), Elea (9), Whitney (11), Ian (10)

The other art project we did this week was drawing lions. We used paper bags to draw on for a rustic look. artprojectsforkids.org provided the lion tutorial. We drew with pencil, copied over the lines with black markers and colored in with oil pastels.

Birds in Spring

Spring postcards from God.

Lots of birds in the yard this week. Saw our first yellow-headed black bird. All other photos by L.

 

Spring Planting

Planting started yesterday, and with rain in the forecast, Husband put in a strong 22 hour day. This picture was taken when we took him supper. Today the wind is fierce, but they are pushing on.

Easter Goodies

 Our little church procession of kids on Palm Sunday. Never underestimate small and intimate.

I made these "stained glass" Ukrainian eggs with Modge Podge and black Sharpies to give out during the children's sermon on Easter. The eggs are fake ones found at Wal Mart. You are supposed to be able to dye them. We never got that far.

The Easter Bunny came and brought candy to the girls, and W. left these cute bunnies for Husband and I. The plate is a salad plate size. I don't know when she became British (Mum) but I think it is cute. The dinner list.

Cousin Birthday

Mr. H is one now. He's wearing a rock lobster headband from Brother's play.

We were at O's celebrating his 10th birthday.

Earlier in the week we watched him in his stage debut as a most excellent rock lobster named Elton in a children's theater production of Alice in Wonderland. He was great!

Book Letters Again

Butterflies Book

While looking for books for my insect class, I found this delightful one about a teenaged girl who studied the life cycle of butterflies during the middle ages, a time when spontaneous generation was the science of the day. People believed that insects were evil, born from the mud in a mysterious process. Maria Merian studied the life cycle of butterflies in secret for fear of being branded a witch. Delightful story, beautiful illustrations and interesting picture history book.

Cinderella Party, circa 1997

 

It's true, they scrubbed the floor. I just learned that they still talk about this party, even though they are in their mid to upper 20s now. (bottom pix, L to R: Angela M. Rachel L., __, Taryn G., Jenna H., Anna S.) This was the year we moved into our current house.

Bees, Horses and Negative Space

 

We have moved on to bees in our entomology study. We like to watch short videos when appropriate. Anything Richard Attenborough narrates is usually our first choice.

We bowed to the beautiful weather this week and took a walk during music class. Got to see the horses and kitties that live near our co-op meeting place and soak up some sun!

We made some pipe cleaner bumble bees as our quiet busy work while I read text. Google provided instructions.

 

Our art explored negative space. We outlined recognizable objects and colored in the outside of them. New thoughts about what makes art. Idea found on artprojectsforkids.org.

Top down: Ian, Gideon, Tessie, Elea, Whitney

Senior

Soon to be graduating.