January
The Homeschool Group of JFB has had a busy couple of months with lessons, trips and recess! In January, we were able to learn all about the Philippines from Laura Hartung while she was here visiting. Since it was right after Christmas, we focused on how Christmas is celebrated in the Philippines. We made Parols (or at least a simplified version of it), which is a traditional Christmas decoration in the shape of a star.
February
Next up in February, we were able to visit the Menomonie Police Department. It was interesting to see the inside of the station and offices, including the 911 dispatch center. The kids were able to try on the bullet proof vests and some of them even volunteered to be handcuffed! The highlight of the tour was definitely the police squad car, as all the kids took turns turning on the lights and sitting in the driver’s seat and the hard, plastic backseat. We enjoyed learning about how this important part of our community works.
March
As the weather finally started to warm up and the sap started to flow, we were able to visit a local maple syrup operation in March. We learned about all parts of the process including: tapping the tree, gathering the sap into a tank named “Sappy” and boiling it down into syrup. The end of the trip included sampling the maple syrup over ice cream and in cookies!
April
A few days ago, we filled up the van (complete with seven child car seats) and drove to Minneapolis to play at a child maker-space called Snapology. The facility is filled with Legos, blocks and other child “building materials”. After spending some time playing, the kids built helicopters and then were able to create the code on an iPad to control them.
May
Coming up, we have a field trip to the Rassbach Museum planned that will focus on local history, including learning about one room schoolhouses. Some outdoor time is also in the works for the upcoming summer months.
Weekly Recess
In addition to our field trips once a month, we also meet every Thursday afternoon for recess at local parks in Menomonie. Throughout the winter, we brought our sleds and hit the hills at Elmwood Park. Most of the time, besides a little snow in the face, we ended up having great fun together. When the weather didn’t allow us to be outside due to subzero temps, we met at church to dance along to worship videos together! Now that it’s warming up, we’ve been hiking on paved trails, because the playgrounds are too muddy for us right now. It’s a nice chance to talk with each other and get some exercise in at the same time.
Parenting Discussions
Besides recess and trips, one additional activity we get to be a part of is quarterly parenting discussions. Every few months, parents of younger children are invited to eat breakfast together in the Blind Munchies Coffeehouse and then watch a video related to parenting and discuss it. It is an opportunity to come together as parents and discuss issues in raising children.
If you or anyone you know is interested in joining our homeschool group for recess and trips or for the parenting discussions, please contact homeschool@jfbelievers.com.