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Review: Fun Science

11/17/2016

I have to admit, I love science. I love science that takes an unconventional approach as well as science that follow a more conventional route. This book, Fun Science, by Charlie McDonnell is a mixture of both.

So just who is this Charlie McDonnell? He is an English Vlogger, musician, author. He is not scientist, but can talk about science, hence this book. :) I found it fascinating (having watched some of his videos with my lad) that he writes just like he talks. The first few pages of the book I wanted to read them as fast as he talks in real life. :)

Here's what you get:

Fun Science: A guide to life, the universe and why science is so awesome.
Quadrille Publishing c/o Chronicle Books
8.88 x 9.33
224 pages

10 chapters.
Mostly black and white with some illustrations and coloured pages.

I like the coming up with ways to help children understand, like the layers of the atmosphere

Those kinds of things grab my son's attention. They help him want to learn. Toss in a few experiments that are easy to do... and you have an additional hook. Toss in the little mouse quip and you have laughter and an easy way to remember information.

Is there anything that raised concerns?
The first forty pages are dedicated to the big bang theory or other theories as to how the universe could have come into being. I admittedly believe that God brought everything into being by his word and touch, but that in the midst of theories there are often grains of truth that can help explain the science so I approach these theories with skepticism. I have learned over the years tho science behind God's actions, like how point a makes point b possible. So I wouldn't completely toss these pages, but my advice is to read and weed out the interesting nuggets. :)

Also, he uses words at times that I wouldn't use. Some folks might see it as inappropriate language, but I struggle a bit, for a learned in my college years, that people have different sensibilities about words depending on their culture. For instance, just as I grew up saying "S__T" without it being a BAD word and don't bat an eye when someone says it, but others mindsets are different.

I would suggest that you read through the whole reproduction chapters with your children, especially if you are bible based in your teaching. Charlie has failed to realize that people and nature are distinct from each other. :)

This is clearly a science book, written by a guy who likes science, but isn't a scientist who is not a believer, who is able to do research and formulate thoughts and ideas and interesting connections. It is worth looking at, seriously.

I say this because it's fascinating how he weaves different snippets of information together. Seriously...just fascinating. Science is fascinating and fun, and this book helps point that out.

Days of November: Reading

11/17/2016

On the Instagram challenge this word is supposed to post on the 18th, but that's a Five Minute Friday day and I didn't want the confusion so I am posting a day early.   :)

Reading... Things I love.

1. "MOM, is it okay if I read longer tonight, it's at a really exciting part".
2. "Mom, can you come read with me?"
3. Books. Any size or shape and MOST genres.
4. Reviewing books.
5. Listening to books as a family. Currently listening to "Keeper of the Lost Cities" by Shannon Messenger.
5. Actually READING books. Currently I am reading a book about Jack London, a book about how to make zen drawings, and several books with my son. I am also reading two other books that currently I can't recall the names of.
6. Buying books that I can then read. Currently I have a book by Mercedes Lackey in my "want to buy list" through Amazon. It's in the cart, just awaiting the splurge funds.
7. The Lord's Protection.   Since I will pick up most any book and read it, and after reading a scary book that sticks with me to this day, I asked the Lord to keep me from doing that again.   To that end, books that I shouldn't read feel sticky/slimy and just make me want to wipe my hands off. Highly effective. Catches me off guard sometimes and one time I fought it as it was a book by one of my favourite authors. Suffice it to say... that's another book that left me with the heebie-jeebies to this day. I no longer fight the impulse.

So go on, grab a book but before you leave, tell me what books you are reading lately?   it's always good to find new authors you know?

Field Trip: Joseph Schneider Haus

11/16/2016

Taking some time to get caught up on some field trips we've done this year and thought you might like to hear about. We visited Joseph Schneider Haus I think back in August this year. Located in Kitchener, right off Victoria Park, the day was hot, we stopped for a run in the sprinkler pad and when cooled off walked up the museum, and cooled off again on the way back.

It's good to go out with a boy child, just mom and lad exploring. This day took us to the Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener, Ontario.

As we walked up along the tree lined road my son exclaimed.."Oh.. Is that where we are going mom? The place with the garden?" When I replied yes, he ran ahead and found his way into the garden. He discovered currant bushes! BUT I pulled him away and said..."let's explore inside first and get cooled off again, then we'll come out later to the garden and get hot before walking back to cool off again". :) He agreed that it was a good idea.

I LOVE when I got museums with my lad and we are the ONLY people there other than staff. I find the staff are more easy going and you learn so much since they don't have to divide their attention. Today was no exception to the rule.

This young man, I regret I can no longer remember his name, was a delightful guide and interacted so nicely with my lad. He asked my son good questions and actually WAITED for a response before continuing his history lesson for us. He was doing a summer internship at the Haus.

Part of the house was dedicated to the Mennonite people and how they can raise buildings quickly. We were able to see a frame model of the haus, and also watch a time lapse movie of a barn raising. It is startling how quickly a barn can go up.

They had a few quilts and pictures up in the area as well.

Going through the rest of the house, we were able to talk with the kitchen staff (dressed in period costume). They were very friendly as allowed us to take a few of their currants, telling the lad he was more than welcome to eat some fresh from the bush out in the garden later.

Then our young guide pointed out some interesting aspects to the kitchen, what they restored, what they guessed at and showed us the inner workings of their clock and how it keeps perfect time...just five minutes off the hour.

Much of this pottery came from the house and/or from relatives of Joseph Schneider.

More scenes from the house.

As interesting as this small museum was for us, my son was delighted when we finally made it outside to the garden. Our guide came along, helping us understand how the garden was designed. He was better informed than many museum staff as he actually knew the names AND uses of the various plants in the garden. As we talked, the lad planted himself near the currant bushes and had a delicious snack.

I found the gardens well maintained despite the heat wave we've been going through (who wants to work in the garden when it's hot out eh?).

Anyways, I've given you a bit of a walk through of the Joseph Schneider Haus, next time you are in Kitchener, stop by and learn some local history eh?

Fall Hours:
September to December
Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Christmas Books, Where Jesus Slept, a Review

11/15/2016

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

Over the next few weeks I plan to bring some Christmas books your way. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as we do. Connecting with different aspects of our lives here in Ontario. :)

Do you know what we celebrate at Christmas? For those of faith in the bible, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.Growing up my parents made a distinct effort to help us see the difference between celebrating the birth of Christ, and the act of having presents. They never went overboard in the gift-giving department, and I try to follow that same pattern in our home now. We open presents on Christmas Eve, which makes for a nice meal together and a great evening, this leaves Christmas Day for Church services and a quiet day remembering that without the Lord coming to earth there would be nothing worth celebrating.

Today I bring you a lovely book called "Where Jesus Slept".

Simple repetitive verse make up this book, each page adding another line to the story of where Jesus slept.

Not only that, the illustrations by Katy Hudson are stellar.

When you put it all together, you have a sweet Christmas book for your younger children. Geared for ages 4-8.

All told, Norma Lewis and Katy Hudson put together a great, 32 page book to introduce your young ones to the true meaning of Christmas. The celebration of the promise that God made for us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Format: jacketed hardcover
Trim size: 10x10
Page count: 32
Retail price: $16.99
Reading age: 4-7

Affiliate links for your ease of locating product. Sales will benefit my blog.

Amazon.ca : Where Jesus Slept Amazon.com : Where Jesus Slept

Recipe: Garlic & Cheese Breadsticks

11/15/2016

I've made this recipe a few times now, each time the youth in this house gobble them up so fast it's amazing. :) So I need to keep making them. The original recipe is here, I've adapted it a bit.

Ingredients
1 h 50 m

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup warm water
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups warm water

2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (sometimes use this not always)
cheese! Whatever cheese with a slower melting point that you have, like cheddar, monteray jack, tex mex mixes etc. just enough for half of them.

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 15 minutes. Add flour, 1 1/4 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1 tablespoon salt; knead until dough is well mixed and soft, about 3 minutes.
Roll dough into a 2-foot log. Cut into 16 equal pieces, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Knead each piece and shape into a 6-inch breadstick. Arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet; let rise for about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter and garlic powder together in a bowl; brush onto half of the breadsticks. Sprinkle cheese on half of them. If you want you can lightly garlic butter the bread first but my lad prefers no garlic on the cheese buns.
Bake breadsticks in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Immediately brush with remaining melted butter mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. I only do this on the garlic breadsticks

Days of November: Create

11/15/2016

Create.... as soon as I saw this word I was brought to mind of my art class that I am teaching.

We are studying Art from the Master's. We are using Get into Art Places and Draw, Print Paint Like the Great Artists. Reviews will be forth-coming on both of these books.

Watching this group of children create art is SO MUCH FUN. Seriously.

I teach them about Cubism and then issue a challenge. I set forth the challenge as written in the book and provide them lots of examples of cubism and then say "GO". and you know what... they eagerly go and it all comes out differently.

Check it out.

Don't you just love how art comes through in different formats?

I do at least. I hated when I was in school being taught a way to do art and EVERYONE had to do exactly the same piece of work. I can understand that it's easiest to do it that way in a large classroom, but doing things differently allows for children to inspire each other, to dare to be different, or to follow a friends thought patterns.

Create! It's a fun part of life and shows how we can be the same, and yet rather different from each other. It's a good thing eh?

Praise Song: King of Heaven

11/13/2016

A bit of a different fare this week.   Since my hubby had the week off, we decided to explore a new church.

We went to Forest Church Now in London.   You can find out more about them here.

They follow a praise and worship style.

I mostly liked this song.   I disliked the repetition in it, but I generally do. :)

I did like the reliance on God, of seeing Jesus as the King of Heaven, of calling to see his glory reign. How he is strong to save us and how none can stand against him.

Jesus,
Let Your kingdom come here
Let Your will be done here,
In us

Jesus,
There is no one greater
You alone are savior
Show the world Your love

[Chorus]
King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come

King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You are strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come
[Verse 2]
We are,
Children of Your mercy
Rescued for Your glory
We cry Jesus,

Set our hearts towards You
That every eye would see You
Lifted high

[Chorus]
King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You are strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come

[Bridge]
Oh, Oh

[Hook]
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come

[Chorus]
King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, rise up
Who can stand against us?
You were strong to save
In Your mighty name
King of Heaven, come

[Hook]
King of Heaven, come (oh, King of Heaven)
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come
King of Heaven, come

[Chorus]
King of Heaven, come down
King of Heaven, come now
Let Your glory reign
Shining like the day
King of Heaven, come

Paul Baloche. was born on June 4, 1962. He is an American Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter. He has written many popular praise and worship songs. He has produced 12 albums, geared to helping churches.

Baloche is currently the worship pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas.

Vacation Week

11/11/2016

Hubby had the week off!

So we took school off too... isn't it grand when you can do such a thing?

First job...fix up the trailer... cut up some old carpet to give us a warm floor, fixed up the hole that a bear thought we needed this summer, and water proofed the tenting. The lad and our student did the carpet, with me providing moral and occasional instructional assistance while helping hubby with the rest.

Then we headed out camping. We camped Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Valens Conservation area. A good half way point between home and Toronto. I enjoyed a couple of walks, one solo and one with the lad.

We had a great time at the Royal, we saw lots, laughed, cheered and groaned, and were occasionally amazed. It was good to see life through the eyes of a visiting lad and to see the joy in another lad.

And Friday we had hope days. Children making, creating, doing art.   FUN. Pokemon Going with Dad in the park, and having a good supper together.

Tomorrow our student is busy all day with the youth group and then going out to a movie with friends.   We are doing karate with our son and then probably heading out as well.

While I've been away I've had some posts up on the blog

Word Prompt Posts
FMF: Common.
Outside
Colour.

General Posts:
Art Series: Art Play.
Field Trip: Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.
Recipe: Apple Pandowdy
Hymn Study: There is a Fountain Filled With Blood.

Reviews:
Marie Curie for Kids.
One of the Few.

Devotional
So Turn and Live. Devotion on Ezekiel 18
Two Eagles, a Willow, The Lord Speaks.   Devotion on Ezekiel 17
Remember.   Devotion on Ezekiel 16 (last few verses)
The Amazing Love of God.   Sunday Sermon on Romans 5:6-11

Linking up to the folks below

FMF: Common

11/10/2016

This week Dad had sometime off work so we pulled our student out of school and took three days away.

We went up to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto where I had a chance to observe something in common between two lads of different lands.

Other than the obvious, of them both being boys under the age of 16, what could these two have in common?

Patriotism.     OH MY!!! It came out in spades. :)

In polo we had Canada up against the USA... cheer loudly my boy did and Canada came SO CLOSE to the win...but alas.. the final score was 11-10 in favour of the USA.

In the horse jumping competition we had a number of different lands represented, but one of them Brazil.   My having fun but not thrilled student perked up quickly. He clapped and cheered on his rider. Who, like the Canadian polo team, came SO close to making it through to the final few...but knocked one jump unexpectedly.

Two boys.
Cheering madly.
Two boys.
Disappointed.
Two boys who handled their disappointment well.

It's one of the joys of hosting an international student... seeing the similarities as well as the differences.   :)   It's a good thing.

This #Fmfparty is hosted by our dear Miss Kate. You can find her blog right over here. Do join us won't you for a five minute free write on the word COMMON this week. Write for five minutes. Link up. Encourage those who have gone on before. :) You will find it becomes a great part of your week. :)

Art Book Series: Art Play

11/10/2016

You know what happens when I look at this book Art Play by Marion Deuchars? I see FUN with 6-8 year olds. Doing art, exploring different ideas, seeing what others are doing, learning and growing and experimenting. This is indeed a neat book to review.

So not only did I learn new terminology (like what in the world is gouache paint), but I had fun looking at different way to blend colours, ways to make the same piece of art work different, how much fun ink blots could be and SO MUCH MORE.

This is seriously, a really neat book. :)

Divided into seven different areas:

Within the 224 pages of this book, you will find numerous ways to explore art with your child. Using your fingerprint, paper people, drawing, repeating patterns, engaging your mind and body as you explore new ways to do art, or even rediscover old ways.

Don't you think it would be fun to get a group of children of different ages working together, letting an 11 year old inspire a 6 year old to think broader, to see more possibilities? To let the uninhibited 7 year old show a 12 year a new way to mix colours? Seriously... it would be GREAT!!!

So many things to think about with lots of opportunities to not only learn about doing art but different ways you can do it yourself.

Oh...the possibilities are endless.

Take the time today.. Do some art with your children.
It can be fun! It is DEFINITELY play

The way this book is written it is meant to be used, to set yourself or your child loose it in. That is the intention of the book.

But I see this book and I just see the possibilities of having fun with a group of children. Learning and growing. It would be so easy to replicate the pages to create a classroom experience for your class. To use the pages as a springboard for discovery.

Won't you add it to your library today?

Art Play
Author: Marion Deuchars

Laurence King Publishing
Book size: 8.45 x 11.41 ·
224 pages
Ages 7-11

Reviewed for : Raincoast Books

Affiliate Links are used in this post as a way to help you find your own copy should you be inspired to get one. :) Doesn't hurt your bottom line, and helps support this blog.
I thank you.

Amazon.ca : Art Play Amazon.com: Art Play