Real Life Homeschooling + Puffy Paint Recipe

Today was a lesson in flexible homeschooling.

Last minute, we had to make a doctor's appointment for Scoutie Girl.  As this was only our third day homeschooling, I had no idea how this was going to work with our school schedule.  In order not to lose time, I loaded (and I mean loaded!) my purse with crayons and toys and worksheets and headed out the door.  

While we waited to be called in to see the doctor, I attempted to teach the children their Bible lesson.  Though the other lady in the waiting room probably learned something new about Cain and Abel, I'm not sure it was too effective with the children.  The distractions of the waiting room were just too tempting for the twins.  There was just too many new people to whom they needed to give knuckle bumps.

Like how Merrick just kicks off his shoes and makes himself at home in the waiting room?  :)

Once we got home, we finished our Bible lesson.  I really like this lesson.  By reading through the story of Cain and Abel, we were able to learn a lot about anger and how to deal with anger in a righteous and healthy way.  And, we got to make these cool little altars (below).  As always, we used the bible curriculum here.  

Later in the day, while the twins were still down for their nap, we attempted a new handwriting activity.  Handwriting has been the biggest challenge for Merrick.  Just last night, after doing some reading on education.com, I realized that Merrick is approaching handwriting the same way he would drawing.  Instead, I need to teach him that every letter is made of of either a straight or curved line (a "stick" or "ball" letter).  

Since I don't want him to get bored with handwriting worksheet after handwriting worksheet, I'm trying to throw in different handwriting fun activities as well.  Today, we went with Puffy Paint.  Truthfully, this was kind of a bust in regards to actual handwriting practice.  However, it was fun for the kids.  Sweet Scout didn't want to stop!

Here's the recipe (repeat for each color):

1TBP self rising flour

1 TBP salt

few drops of food color

water

Just mix the ingredients together with enough water to either make a paste or paint consistency.  Use q-tips to "paint" on cardboard.  Afterward, zap the painting in the microwave for 10 - 30 seconds depending on how thick the design is.  Start off with 10 seconds, then zap it longer if needed.  We used an old stroller snack tray to keep the three colors separate.  

Fun, fun, fun!