As we looked at the calendar at the beginning of the week, we noticed a couple of fun days to observe. Tuesday was National Teddy Bear Day, and Friday, National Chocolate Milkshake Day. Who knew? We decided that both would be fun to celebrate in the OG. On Tuesday, most children brought in their teddy bears and other favorite soft friends, making it a very cozy kind of day. It was so comfy that several children have now requested Teddy Tuesdays. We’ll see what develops from here.
 
After lunch on Tuesday, we watched the Unicycle Skill Levels video. We invited children from the YG to join us, and many did. I love to show the video at the beginning of the school year because children can see some of the amazing things that can be done on unicycles. After watching the video, many of the children went out to  either learn how to ride or to try new skills.

Ibi decided to try “walking the wheel.” This is accomplished by walking your feet along the wheel instead of using the pedals to move the unicycle. It is not easy to keep your balance doing this, or to keep moving in a steady forward (or in a more advanced wheel walking backward) direction. Persistence pays off! In a relatively short time, he was able to wheel walk almost to the post. I don’t think it will be long before he is able to wheel walk around the cycle circle.

Once again, we are enjoying music with Dennis Farmer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Some of the new musicians had gotten their instruments this week and were able to meet with Dennis to begin making music on their instruments. We now have a new clarinet, a cello, a violin, a xylophone, bells, a French horn, a trombone, and trumpet added to the group. We are really rounding out our band/orchestra very nicely.

Of course, we do have time each day for academic learning. One of Bill’s math groups is working on percentages and another is strengthening their memorizing multiplication facts. I am teaching geometry with both my groups and Bill’s. Children have been calculating, identifying and naming angles and triangles, and using protractors to both measure and draw angles.
 
For language arts, we have been working on spelling, writing in cursive, journaling, creative writing, and writing nature observations on our nature hikes.

We are continuing our study of where different countries are located in Africa and a brief overview of the history of each. Soon children will select an African country to learn more about and share the information with the rest of the class. This will allow us to go deeper into the cultural  history, nature, art, etc. of these diverse countries. We will also be cooking some African cuisine. Is anyone going to Jungle Jim’s? I may have a short shopping list for you.  I am quite certain we can find recipes with available ingredients though.

I’m looking forward to our visit from the Dayton Philharmonic next week, as well as our geology trip to Ohio Caverns and Cedar Bog. Sally, Jennifer, Teri, Cindy, and I will be driving.
 
Chris