Flat Stanley fun.

We took a bunch of the Flat Stanley books out of our local library. Jack has been reading them for his silent reading the last few weeks, and really enjoying them. Today we decided to sit together and read one out loud. Jack picked the Flat Stanley and the magic lamp. 

It spawned many discussions, including these:

• what we would wish for if we had 15 wishes
• the adventures we would like to have
• the types of hybrid pets we would like, the liophant is so cute
• the relationship between Stanley and his brother Arthur, sibling rivalry and the specialness of brother-friends
  
• what it would be like to be famous and have no privacy
• consequences
• similarities between this story and the Aladdin movies, which we have recently watched

I have been looking around for suggestions on how to do our own flat stanley project after seeing some awesome photos from the website galleries. I especially like this one with Clint and Stanley on the red carpet... I love Clint Eastwood! I wonder whose stanley he had with him. so cute!

In any case. We have a few ideas brewing if you have any ideas for us, let me know. This is a growing unit for us, I think. It could be big. Because I love the homeschoolshare.com resources here are some ideas for a lapbook to go along with furthering our interest in Stanley Lambchop. 

speaking of lambchops and sweetpeas...

WELL, BLOW ME DOWN!

In other news my kids have decided to eat spinach. weirdos! There is power in packaging! They are only interested in being strong like Popeye. I will take it, if it means my kids will eat something green. Solomon just showed me the sandwich he made with toast, cheese, jam and spinach... okay eww.

education beyond our doors.

 

A recent visit with family in Saskatchewan opened a few more doors to discovery. 

A farm has such a wealth of learning opportunities, and a chance to explore and enjoy the sights and smells of animals. 

We had opportunities to feed and brush horses, and experienced a farm accident (Ephraim fell under the wheel of the pony wagon-wanting to play like the big boys) He is A-OK.

We pet and held a baby sheep and fell in love with the big Great Pyrenees, Snickers, who protects the flock.

We walked in with the giant Legacy bulls and tried with all our might to witness a calf be born, always missing it by a half hour! 

We weeped for a dead baby bunny found on the path.

We helped bottle feed 3 week old puppies who have been rejected by their momma. 

We learned the difference between hay and straw.

We treasure hunted in an abandoned old farm house.

We developed deeper connections with family that we see too rarely. Cousins, Aunties, Uncles, Great Grandma, Grandma and Grandpa.

We realized we didn't bring enough changes of clothes for everyone.. mucking about in pastures is dirty business. Phinehas spent a great deal of time sitting in puddles of unimaginable yuckiness. 

We stocked up on clothes and rubber boots at a small town thrift store.

We learned some new words, like brindle, which describes the colour of our dog, Lenny.

We tried out the weigh scale that Uncle Trevor uses to weigh the calves.

And we passed on some of our talents by teaching cousins to needle felt and making tutu's.

We are blessed by you Branvolds! Thank you for great memories and loads of learning.