Bottle Rocket Fun *Updated*

The boys have been working hard today designing and building their bottle rockets. It's going to be very interesting to see how their designs work.

Before launching the rockets I had them fill out their science data sheets.

We had two out of three successful launches one sprung a leak. The baking soda and vinegar method did not come out good. Between adding the soda and inserting the plug the method failed. The air pump and water method worked best for us.

Exchanging Languages

 

What a wonderful day. Bennett had his first experience teaching someone English one on one.

 

 

The best thing about this was they both were exchanging languages. He would teach "Mrs. Ueda" English words and she would teach him Japanese words.

 

 

Both helped each other with words they did not understand.

 

 

 

Japanese Cooking Class

Today we experienced a hands-on, intimate and practical cooking class. We made two kid friendly dishes japanese curry and pan fried yakisoba noodles. Our teacher "Mrs. Yoshida" did a great job involving everyone in the cooking process. We look forward to future classes.

International Friends and ESL

We had an awesome opportunity to be a part of an International ESL class at a local church in our area. Since Bennett has been teaching himself the Japanese language and culture this has been a blessing. We have met some awesome friends in the process and look forward to volunteering more in the fall.

I was invited to the end of the year celebration given by the ladies group. The mens group had a dinner as well but I was not able to get any pictures.

The ladies were really nice in explaining to me the difference between American Japanese and Japanese food. They always laughed when I showed them what was considered Japanese cuisine here. It was nice to try authentic Japanese food.  

Bennett has really enjoyed this experience and looks forward to the direction that God leads him. 

Field Trip to Greenfield Village

I really enjoy taking pictures here are a few of my favorites from the trip. 

Backyard Nature Study

 

We love sitting in our kitchen watching nature. Every spring we discover a new bird. This year we have hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles. It's always exciting to see new birds at your feeders.

 

 

While walking through the woods the boys discovered a cocoon. We had never seen anything like it before so it was fun researching what it was. It turned out to be a tent caterpillars cocoon.

 

 

 

 

 

Nutrients for Life

 

I'm excited I got my free Nutrients for Life material in the mail today. I can not wait to utilize it this summer as part of our summer science fun.

 

Technical Career Fair

 

Middle school and high school students and their parents were invited to attend a free Technical Career Open House at Schoolcraft College. During the Technical Career Open House, they were introduced to the manufacturing, metallurgy, welding, CAD and electronics fields. Schoolcraft College faculty was on hand providing tours and demonstrations in the college’s various technical and production labs. They participated in hands-on activities, including the CNC machine operations, and tensile testing from the metallurgy department and many others.

 

 

My youngest son Jaedan was not old enough to attend. So we did a little shopping and went to breakfast.

 

 

 

Drivers Ed

Our Week in Review 4/27

The boys cashed in their chore tokens for a lunch date.

God really blessed Malik this school year with his reading. He is now able to read the "I Survived Series" of books.

Bennett is now officially a ESL teacher assistant.

Our homeschool cooperative yearbook featured an awesome picture of Jaedan and his friends.

Bennett's first time driving through Mcdonalds drive thru. He caught me taking pictures of him.

I did an inventory of all our science supplies to prepare for a summer of science fun.

Ford Motor Company "Take Your Child to Work"

 

The boys woke up excited Thursday to ditch their homeschool studies and tag along with their dad. The event gave an upclose look at the innovative activities conducted at the Research and Innovation Center, the nerve center for many of Ford's future technologies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESL Classes

I am so proud of my oldest son Bennett. He has been asked to volunteer as a ESL teacher. The program organizers were so impressed with how well he spoke Japanese fluently. Did I mention that he is self taught. The class has 8 class members right now. Seven are Japanese and one of them is from Sri Lanka. Generally averaging around 3-5 class members in attendance each week.

Volunteering will give him some exposure to what it's like to interact with Japanese men and to understand their needs and interests.

The main purpose each week is to build friendships with these men, discuss life issues & experiences, help them understand any English words they don't understand, learn everyday American expressions (i.e. Idioms), read a short story from bible and also sharing how Jesus impacts our everyday lives.

Jaedan's 10th Birthday Weekend