School at home, part 1

I'm grateful for learning that takes place in just everyday living. It's really the best kind, isn't it? We have worked on some awesome life skills lately. It may not be traditional school, but that's what we need to do, apparently.  Plus, it's just fun to not sit inside a classroom all the time, or much of the time, when the weather is so lovely. I would prefer this type school ALL the time, to be honest! Here is the first in a couple of installments on school at our house, this fall.

Lawn Maintenance: I've been teaching Isaac (12) and Abigail (9) each to use a push mower. Since it's not self-propelled, they are getting quite a workout on the multiple slopes of our yard, and are very proud of themselves. I love cutting the grass, and have always done it, but am glad to share the job with them, since for now, they're really enjoying it. They're getting so big and despite their skinny selves, they're both really strong.

 

Our brief lessons have included: basic info on priming the engine and its function/design, fuel, cutting technique, patterns, personal safety (notice the safety goggles, ear protection, and close-toed shoes), attention to surroundings, and awareness of large rocks. They retained and applied skills well!

O had to get in on a photo

Abi with Scarlett, Elijah with Eugene, and Isaac with Domino

Chicken Farming: Our recently acquired chickens are entertaining, and we love learning more about these animals too. We are working hard to protect them from predators and though the coop and original two hens were given to us, we have done some serious coop strengthening lately. We have added more chicken wire to the sides, tightened up any tiny gaps with additional wire, woven by hand from piece to piece, as well as burying chicken wire around the perimeter of the coop to deter anything that might want to dig under, since we don't think they can get in the coop from the outside.

Miss Scarlett and Little Red

I love that the children are so aware of the potential harm, valuing their lives, and are serious about our responsibility to care for these animals. They check out the window, and run up the hill "just to see the chickens" a few times a day. It's really precious how diligent they are with these creatures. All four kids have shared feeding and watering duties, and love to check for eggs. Elijah especially loves to gather grasshoppers and worms for them, and eagerly feeds those treats too.  After a fatality within the first few weeks, and the addition of 2 more pullets and a young rooster since, we are learning that chicken farming can take its toll on our emotions. The circle of life is really true, and painful, but we are hoping to even have learned some life lessons from that experience.