Today was a gray day, but inside during the make-it class the kids had a lot of fun with color as they tie-dyed t-shirts. I didn't have a camera with me this time so I'm hoping I can get everyone to wear theirs next week. (hint, hint)
There is just 3 more weeks of classes and then we start to plan for next semester. If you are thinking about joining our co-op let us know now to get in on the ground floor so to speak. We'll have the regular parent information meeting in the late summer, but now would be a good time to plan to meet us and see what we're all about!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
1940 Air Terminal Museum
I finally found a field trip to interest the Parrish family! Today we went to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby airport. I was impressed with the art deco architecture and the circa 1940s fixtures--including the original water fountain. The boys seemed to like the aircraft. Hannah liked the gift shop!
We got a guided tour of the museum and visited the hanger. We got to go inside several of the planes and see the flight simulator and close-up views of the Hobby runways.
We got a guided tour of the museum and visited the hanger. We got to go inside several of the planes and see the flight simulator and close-up views of the Hobby runways.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Halfway Through
So, we're halfway through the semester, and things are humming along nicely. My personal computer stopped wanting to turn on, so I brought it to Computer Hardware class, and they took it apart, and determined that it was the power supply. A huge thanks to Willem for working on finding a part for me...hopefully, I'll be up and running again on my PC soon so my husband can have his laptop back!
This past week we had the most fabulous field trip I've ever been on! Alvin Community College puts on an art workshop that is all about clay. The kids--and adults--all got to make a clay mask, and we all got to have a try at throwing a pot on a pottery wheel. There were plenty of teachers and helpers around, offering lots of help, and we each got to make multiple pieces, which is far different from most workshops like this where each child gets to make one item. My son, Avery, got to make 3-4 pieces on the pottery wheel, and did the last one entirely by himself from start to finish. They will fire our art in their kilns, and we can go pick our pieces up in two weeks. In addition to all this, they fed us! We had donuts, milk, and orange juice when we first arrived, then pizza, sodas, and mini-cupcakes around noon (we were there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). I know it's not the most nutritious food, but I'm not going to complain as I didn't have to worry about feeding my kids breakfast or lunch. Now, you would expect to pay at least $30 or so for a workshop like this, but ACC Art Department provides this absolutely free of charge. I can't recommend this enough to other groups...I think you just have to call to set one up. Lastly, they do take donations, and I think those of us who attended should pitch in a few dollars at least and let Laura take it when she goes to pick up our artwork.
Lastly, let me say to all the co-op families that I hope you will feel free to come talk to any officer if you are having trouble in the co-op. We may not always be able to accommodate each and every need, especially as we experience growth in the numbers of families we are serving, but our by-laws state that EASTS exists to meet the needs of home schooled teens and their families, and that is what we will try to do. EASTS Co-op really is quite flexible, and there are only a few policies/rules that are necessary to ensure our continued relationship with St. John's Episcopal Church, and our ability to have meeting space there.
Enjoy your Spring Break!
This past week we had the most fabulous field trip I've ever been on! Alvin Community College puts on an art workshop that is all about clay. The kids--and adults--all got to make a clay mask, and we all got to have a try at throwing a pot on a pottery wheel. There were plenty of teachers and helpers around, offering lots of help, and we each got to make multiple pieces, which is far different from most workshops like this where each child gets to make one item. My son, Avery, got to make 3-4 pieces on the pottery wheel, and did the last one entirely by himself from start to finish. They will fire our art in their kilns, and we can go pick our pieces up in two weeks. In addition to all this, they fed us! We had donuts, milk, and orange juice when we first arrived, then pizza, sodas, and mini-cupcakes around noon (we were there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). I know it's not the most nutritious food, but I'm not going to complain as I didn't have to worry about feeding my kids breakfast or lunch. Now, you would expect to pay at least $30 or so for a workshop like this, but ACC Art Department provides this absolutely free of charge. I can't recommend this enough to other groups...I think you just have to call to set one up. Lastly, they do take donations, and I think those of us who attended should pitch in a few dollars at least and let Laura take it when she goes to pick up our artwork.
Lastly, let me say to all the co-op families that I hope you will feel free to come talk to any officer if you are having trouble in the co-op. We may not always be able to accommodate each and every need, especially as we experience growth in the numbers of families we are serving, but our by-laws state that EASTS exists to meet the needs of home schooled teens and their families, and that is what we will try to do. EASTS Co-op really is quite flexible, and there are only a few policies/rules that are necessary to ensure our continued relationship with St. John's Episcopal Church, and our ability to have meeting space there.
Enjoy your Spring Break!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Settling Into a Routine
Lord of the Rings literature class had a unit test, and although I haven't graded all of them yet, I am seeing improvement in scores compared to the last two tests. Strength Training class started recording how much weight they are using and how many reps they are completing, so they can track their progress over the semester. P.E. class played a fun Valentine's day version of tag, and Walking Club walked all the way to Five Points Plaza and back. Math/Science games worked on 3-D shapes and their components (corners, sides, etc.). Computer Hardware class took apart a hard drive to see how it works--and they learned that doing so renders it useless--while Make-It class made masks in honor of the Mardi Gras celebration that just passed. The best part of the day, for me at least, was having a nice, hot lunch prepared by the Cooking class. The lasagna was delicious, and it saved me from having to rush home to make lunch for my family!
See you on Thursday!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Biosphere 1 Recycling Center
Our tour guide, Cindy, explained that Texas City accepts aluminum cans, food cans, assorted metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, untreated wood, glass, tires, motor and cooking oil, anti-freeze, computers, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and batteries for recycling. To drop off trash for the landfill you have to live in the city, but they'll take recycling from anyone.
Our tour was very informative. I even learned who to call to dispose of road kill! (The answer is Animal Control). Also, a real find--Texas City will give you free mulch--you don't even have to be a resident. She said you could come three times a week to pick up mulch or compost. She said the local landscapers do it all the time.
Friday, February 8, 2013
So Far, So Good!
I am so excited about our co-op! We've gained three new families this semester, and are now serving a total of 21 young people. I know that in my Lord of the Rings literature class, adding in a few more people really has livened things up. A special thanks to Bev for bringing the name tags so everyone can learn the names of the new folks, and they can learn ours.
One of the things we have decided to do is assist our host institution, St. John's Episcopal Church, in one of their ministries. St. John's runs an after school program serving underpriveledged children in La Porte. The children in the program get help with homework, plus enrichment activities, and a place where they are under the supervision of adults who care about them while their parents are working in the afternoons. The director of the the program and the board of directors have identified 59 children who go hungry for some portion of the weekends because there is not enough food in the home. The director got those kids enrolled in Backpacks for Kids, and our co-op families help by packing the bags with the food given to us by the director. This past week, Ms. Buskirk had the children who receive the bags come in to say thank you to us. I cried a little. (of course, my own children would say that's pretty normal--I am a leaky little faucet) I would like it if some opporunity came up for us to serve them further, because I love participating in activities that further people's personal development. I mean, really, it's why I homeschool!
Anyway, that same day, the cooking class made a yummy tortilla soup! There was plenty of soup, so I invited Father Reid and his wife, Marie, down to eat. I was so glad they took us up on it, although I wished I had introduced them to everyone, and everyone to them. We were all cleaning up and trying to get out of there, so I didn't get the chance. They really liked the soup, so maybe we can invite them again another time, and introductions can be made. But maybe some other time.
I am just beside myself to see the vision that was placed in my heart and head coming to fruition! I know we are serving some families in the co-op that for various reasons do not feel like they belong in other homeschool groups, and that is an issue very close to my heart. Everyone needs a place to belong, and so far our group is a fantastic mix of people of different ethnicities and beliefs. So far, we are all getting along and being respectful of one another. So far, it looks like there is a lot of learning and having fun going on (see previous posts for photos!).
So far, life is good EASTS this semester.
One of the things we have decided to do is assist our host institution, St. John's Episcopal Church, in one of their ministries. St. John's runs an after school program serving underpriveledged children in La Porte. The children in the program get help with homework, plus enrichment activities, and a place where they are under the supervision of adults who care about them while their parents are working in the afternoons. The director of the the program and the board of directors have identified 59 children who go hungry for some portion of the weekends because there is not enough food in the home. The director got those kids enrolled in Backpacks for Kids, and our co-op families help by packing the bags with the food given to us by the director. This past week, Ms. Buskirk had the children who receive the bags come in to say thank you to us. I cried a little. (of course, my own children would say that's pretty normal--I am a leaky little faucet) I would like it if some opporunity came up for us to serve them further, because I love participating in activities that further people's personal development. I mean, really, it's why I homeschool!
Anyway, that same day, the cooking class made a yummy tortilla soup! There was plenty of soup, so I invited Father Reid and his wife, Marie, down to eat. I was so glad they took us up on it, although I wished I had introduced them to everyone, and everyone to them. We were all cleaning up and trying to get out of there, so I didn't get the chance. They really liked the soup, so maybe we can invite them again another time, and introductions can be made. But maybe some other time.
I am just beside myself to see the vision that was placed in my heart and head coming to fruition! I know we are serving some families in the co-op that for various reasons do not feel like they belong in other homeschool groups, and that is an issue very close to my heart. Everyone needs a place to belong, and so far our group is a fantastic mix of people of different ethnicities and beliefs. So far, we are all getting along and being respectful of one another. So far, it looks like there is a lot of learning and having fun going on (see previous posts for photos!).
So far, life is good EASTS this semester.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Mercury Orchestra Field Trip
Thursday, January 31, 2013
First Day of Classes 2013
The start of our 4th semester!
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| Elementary Math--learning about patterns |
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| Lord of the Rings Literature Class |
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| High School Computer Class--What is inside there? |
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| Cooking Class--making artichoke spinach dip |
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| Cooking Class--making queso |
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| Make-It Class--made duct tape wallets |
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| Classes are over--time for our service project |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Angleton Recreation Center
Yesterday for most of the time we where there we had the place to ourselves. I mostly enjoyed the hot tub. The girls did everything.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Mises Institute Economics Seminar
Reviews were mixed. One of our students felt the seminar was dead boring. The other, who had attended a previous Mises Seminar, felt that it was more interesting then the last one, but admitted that it really helped that she'd taken a semester of economics since the first time. I thought it was a very good presentation, but do I think it was aimed at students who already have a good grasp of the subject.
The Mises Institute has a lot of great resources at their website: Mises.org
Friday, January 11, 2013
Sprinkles Yogurt Lounge
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Join Our Co-op
Interested in our co-op? Have questions? Want to meet us?
We are hosting a new-parents meeting 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 10 at St. John's Episcopal Church in La Porte. The meeting will be pretty casual and children are welcome. It shouldn't last more than about an hour and we can even get you out quicker if you can't stay long.
Our co-op will meet most Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon starting Jan. 31 and ending on April 25. We are a parent-led co-op so we do expect each family to try to have at least one parent at the co-op helping out each time we meet. We are open to children of all ages and abilities from birth up--although our primary emphasis is on teenagers. We have a family registration fee of $50 a semester (that covers insurance, paperwork, and such) and then we charge $10 per student per class (for materials). Some classes may have an additional required textbook or equipment.
Spring 2013 we will begin each day with physical education: we plan to offer Beginning free-weight training for young men and women who are into puberty enough to have good muscle control (so they don't risk dropping something on their head!) We will work all body parts each week, with an emphasis on proper form and safety. Students will need to provide their own free weights. We will all begin using 5 lb. weights the first week, in order to perfect form, and to determine the most appropriate additional weights needed. We will also have a Calisthenics and activity class for those too young or not wishing to use weights. This class will focus on increasing body strength and flexibility with rhythmic activity and games. (Our parent teacher is a nurse!) Finally we will also have a Walking club to promote this life-long, low cost, exercise option.
Second period we have three options: For the teens we are offering the second semester of Lord of the Rings literature class. This curriculum is a one-year high school English class teaching elements of literature, vocabulary, and writing. Homework is assigned and there is a required text. Our middle group offering is Make-it, a hands-on project based construction and science class. In the fall these students launched rockets, made marshmallow shooters, paper airplanes, and periscopes among other things. Protective glasses are required! Finally, we will have a Math and Science enrichment for our younger group. They will alternate math games with science labs.
For the last class of our day: we have Computers, Cooking and Reading and language arts class. The computer class will be putting their electronics skills to use to work on building a computer. The cooking class has their own full kitchen and we are hoping they will make lunch for everyone before the end of the semester! In our class for our youngest students they will be working on reading fluency and spelling.
We currently don't have any nursery age members, but if a family with babies joins we have the space and toys to set up for them as well. Any questions prior to our meeting please contact me at laura@libertyworks.org or you can call me at 281-993-9193.
We are hosting a new-parents meeting 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 10 at St. John's Episcopal Church in La Porte. The meeting will be pretty casual and children are welcome. It shouldn't last more than about an hour and we can even get you out quicker if you can't stay long.
Our co-op will meet most Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon starting Jan. 31 and ending on April 25. We are a parent-led co-op so we do expect each family to try to have at least one parent at the co-op helping out each time we meet. We are open to children of all ages and abilities from birth up--although our primary emphasis is on teenagers. We have a family registration fee of $50 a semester (that covers insurance, paperwork, and such) and then we charge $10 per student per class (for materials). Some classes may have an additional required textbook or equipment.
Spring 2013 we will begin each day with physical education: we plan to offer Beginning free-weight training for young men and women who are into puberty enough to have good muscle control (so they don't risk dropping something on their head!) We will work all body parts each week, with an emphasis on proper form and safety. Students will need to provide their own free weights. We will all begin using 5 lb. weights the first week, in order to perfect form, and to determine the most appropriate additional weights needed. We will also have a Calisthenics and activity class for those too young or not wishing to use weights. This class will focus on increasing body strength and flexibility with rhythmic activity and games. (Our parent teacher is a nurse!) Finally we will also have a Walking club to promote this life-long, low cost, exercise option.
Second period we have three options: For the teens we are offering the second semester of Lord of the Rings literature class. This curriculum is a one-year high school English class teaching elements of literature, vocabulary, and writing. Homework is assigned and there is a required text. Our middle group offering is Make-it, a hands-on project based construction and science class. In the fall these students launched rockets, made marshmallow shooters, paper airplanes, and periscopes among other things. Protective glasses are required! Finally, we will have a Math and Science enrichment for our younger group. They will alternate math games with science labs.
For the last class of our day: we have Computers, Cooking and Reading and language arts class. The computer class will be putting their electronics skills to use to work on building a computer. The cooking class has their own full kitchen and we are hoping they will make lunch for everyone before the end of the semester! In our class for our youngest students they will be working on reading fluency and spelling.
We currently don't have any nursery age members, but if a family with babies joins we have the space and toys to set up for them as well. Any questions prior to our meeting please contact me at laura@libertyworks.org or you can call me at 281-993-9193.
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