Inside the Feb/March Issue:
*Page 1*
Newsletter
Future Fun Stuff
Cool Links
Gabrielle's Grab Bag
Page 2
Book Review
Poetry Corner
Math Challenge
Page 3
Current Event
My family will continue skating lessons through the end of March. The rink closes because it is outdoors and they can't keep it frozen. I have started learning some hard steps in my lessons. Two of the hardest steps for me are backward stroking and backward crossovers. One of the easier moves is the forward half-swizzle pump. One of my teachers was a pairs skater in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, in 2002. He skated for Ukraine.
In school I have been studying Ancient China and its dynasties, as well as Ancient India and its contributions to world philosophy and religion. In science, I have been learning about the properties of matter. The properties are density, mass, weight, texture, color, smell, taste and shape. I have learned how to determine the mass, weight and volume of an object and use this to determine its density.
It took my mom over a year to locate a filmstrip projector, but now we have one on loan from a nearby library. Sometimes during the day my mom shows us educational filmstrips. My mom calls these times "Filmstrip Festivals," and we get to lounge and eat snacks while we watch!
I went with my dad one Sunday to see author Kate DiCamillo speak about her new book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane . Ms. DiCamillo is also the author of the books: Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux. I have read both of her other books and was looking forward to hearing her. She read the first chapter from her new book and then answered questions from the audience. After hearing the first chapter, I can't wait to read the book myself. It sounds like the main character, Edward, is not like other main characters in books. Ms. DiCamillo spoke a little bit about her own writing process. It surprised me to learn that she doesn't like the writing process until it is done! She told us she has Christmas lights around her desk so that she can pretend that she is having fun! She also let everyone know that her book, The Tale of Despereaux, is being made into a movie, which is scheduled to be released in 2008.
It seems like spring is arriving! I've seen buds on trees, yellow crocuses and robins. I hope spring is arriving arriving at your house! Enjoy the rest of this month's edition of the website!
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Calling all chocolate lovers. This is the week for you! Here is a reason to eat as much chocolate as you want!
Today is a day to wear green! Maybe make some colorful shamrocks for your window and find a leprechaun!
Do an earth-friendly deed today. Many towns hold celebrations on earth day. Check out your local paper for activities near you. Official Earth day is celebrated on the spring equinox.
This is the day when the sun crosses the equator and heads north for the year. Most places on earth have nearly equal daylight and night on this day.
Shish kebobs, popsicles, marshmallows...If it's on a stick, today is the day to eat it.
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Time to break out the practical jokes to play on your friends and family.
If it doesn't rain outside, make your own rainbow with a prism or glass of water, paint or color a rainbow or dress in rainbow colors!
Let the kids take a field trip to the place where mom or dad works. Lots of businesses and companies across the country have activities planned for this day. If you want your business to get involved or want an excused absence form, check the national website:
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work
http://mag5.nonsco.free.fr/
Here is a link to the website of my penpal friends we met in France. They are three sisters who are homeschooled. They are also great musicians. They have a monthly "magazine" in PDF format that includes articles, jokes, puzzles and recipes. Their website is in French, but they also have photos and audio and video files of them playing some of their instruments!
http://geobirds.com/
A website for helping with identifying wild birds. There is a great on-line identification tool that allows you to select the shape of the bird, color the bird the way you saw it, give information about where you saw it, and then ask for help with identification. The tool narrows down your choices and then you can click to see photographs of actual birds to help you identify your mystery bird. There are also pages for viewing breeding ranges, taking "challenges" and keeping a bird journal online.
Several years ago, Gabrielle asked for a dog for her birthday. Our parents told her, "When you're older, like 6 years old." Well, she didn't forget, and now that she is six, she is ready for her dog! In February, we went to visit a Shetland Sheepdog breeder. We got to play with puppies and adult dogs. They were really cute. They liked jumping up on Gabrielle and licking her! They especially liked her long hair! In March, we went to visit a family who might need to give up their Golden Retriever. The dog is two years old, very nice, already housebroken, and trained to come, stay and heel! We really think that is the dog we want, but we have to wait to find out if the family is going to keep the dog or not.
In March we also went to the Allentown Art Museum for their "Winter Festival." Gabrielle made masks, 3-D animals, sketch books and wire sculptures. She really loved using the wire to make scultpures. We were able to bring home some wire, and she has been making things at home, too.
Gabrielle is looking forward to our trip to Florida. We will be staying with our friends again at their house and hopefully taking trips to the beach!