Our homeschool week - Zz is for . . .

In our homeschool this week . . . 

Reading, Learning, and Exploring 

We looked up New Zealand on the map and we read about it in the Children's Atlas by Reader's Digest 
We learned about the population - did you know there are about 4,115, 771 people in New Zealand and that there are 20 x that many sheep? Yup. Lots of sheep. They do a lot of farming, and fishing.

Zz is for sheep ZONE 

We read about their volcanoes and whale sharks and so much more -like ooZy volcanoes.

Zz is for Zacchaeus 

In our Master Books - A is for Adam book - we read about: 

Zz is for Zip - how quickly Jesus will return to take back His own- those whose names are written in the Lambs book of life. (which reminds us of all those lambs in New Zealand) It gives us a chance to pray for those around the world when we realize Jesus died for them too. 

Zz is for Zacchaeus - we sang the song about Zacchaeus . . . was a wee little man, a wee little man was he - he climbed up in a sychamore tree to see what he could see - Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to your house today." Luke 19:5 

Free printable bible verse sheet to practice cursive and print AND Free bible lesson here
Read the passage in Luke, with your kids, from the NIV here and from King James here

In our life this week . . . 

Zz is for Zany AdventureZ - 

We went to the Disney Wilderness campground

Then we Zigged on over to Legoland FL for Homeschool day 

And then Zagged on over to the MOSI Science Center in Tampa 

Zz is for Zoom - virtually to the International Space Station 

The kids did simulated real jobs - just like the astronauts do - even driving a rover on the moon 

Our AdventureZ weren't over yet - we headed for the FL Aquarium 

Zz is for Zealous - the boys worked on their photography and were really excited about it! The shots above were some of theirs. 

We learned that even the fish need to catch some Zz's 

And I'm now in recovery mode . . . . . Zzzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzz 

These are just a few of our Fave's from this week - Read about how we enjoy frugal AdventureZ here. 

Linking with - Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun
Sun Scholars  , Camera Phone Friday, Favorite Resources this Week, Homeschool Freebie Fridays, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers  ABC blogging, Collage Friday, Educating Laytons ihomeschoolnetwork Mommy Teaches   homeschool fridays  friday faves Read.Explore.Learn I choose joy

Chess is Child's Play - Review and Giveaway

We were recently introduced to Laura Sherman's book called Chess is Child's Play and let me tell you, it was impressive from the get go. The quality of the hard back book itself is top notch. The text is well written and easy enough that even I was able to follow it. Not only that, but I managed to teach my kids the basics of how to play chess almost immediately.  

From day one, they were following along and learning how to move the pieces. The "mini games" that Laura has set up grabbed their attention right away. They were told how to move the pieces, and then put it into practice - a hands on learning technique of which I am a fan, for sure.


The boys had no trouble setting up the board. The instructions in Chess is Child's Play are such that my son followed much of it without needing input from me. The quality of the book is impressive from the cover to the illustrations and has become a welcome addition in our family homeschool.

What's the value in teaching your children to play chess? Aside from the fact that it provides hours of healthy family fun, chess has been around for so many years for a reason. It's good for the brain!

Chess helps children develop problem solving skills they can use throughout their lives. It helps them learn to think ahead and improves lateral thinking. It's a game of strategy and encourages creative thinking and improves concentration.

Chess is Child's Play  teaches etiquette and helps children learn good sportsmanship whether winning or loosing. By following the step by step instructions laid out in the book, children will begin playing and winning  mini games right away - which builds their self confidence immensely.

I thought chess was a game far too difficult for young children, but I was wrong. There are more complex concepts which can be developed and learned as your child's abilities grow - but even very young children can learn how to move the pieces around the board properly and build a strong foundation for the game.

One of my favorite things about this experience is the teamwork it encouraged in my boys as they reminded and helped each other along in learning which direction to move each piece.

Laura Sherman has graciously offered to give one of my readers a FREE copy of her book to try with your own family. I am certain you will be as impressed as I have been - and remember - the age of your child is not much of a factor as you can begin even with toddlers and pre-school kids.


Easy entry through the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Fun School - Our time of thanks

Fun in the kitchen preparing and cooking together 

Making it special with tlc and family traditions 

Simply enjoying each other 

Extra wacky fun cousin time at the beach 

Our Friday fun school included grandparents, aunts and uncles with 6 grandsons running around

I didn't get too many pictures because I was too busy serving and enjoying - We've cooked family 

traditional food - we've played games - enjoyed conversation that flows naturally in family 

We've built forts and had spend the night parties - and now we head back to the beach to collect 

more sea shells and build more bigger sand castles while we make warm family memories. 

I'm eternally grateful for the family God has given me. 

I pray your Friday fun school and the rest of your weekend is as happy as ours- 

God bless you and yours! 

linking with:  Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun ,
Favorite Resources this Week, Collage Friday,   homeschool fridays  friday faves 

Link up your Friday FunSchool posts for my sweet friend Marcy @BenandMe: