Term Four - Part Two

The last half of term four was not a particularly productive period of time. End of year fatigue set in shortly after our return from Broome. 

Unexpectedly though, Bee decided he was interested in undertaking some courses at TAFE in 2025. Together we researched what requirements he needed to proceed. He has shown an interest in becoming some type of therapist.

In 2025 he will undertake Cert II in Adult General Education in semester one, with a view to do some other courses in semester two (as yet to be decided).

Starting with a destination

At the start of term four we travelled to Broome. Bee was extremely reluctant to go, but rallied around upon arrival

We visited Gantheaume Point first. We were a little disappointed that the tides were not in our favour and we were unable to view any dinosaur prints. We did see some therapod prints at Crab Creek. Lots of great information to be found at The Dinosaur Coast site.

Later in the week we went to Broome Bird Observatory. We were particularly interested in the shorebirds that migrate from Broome to Siberia. The unique biodiversity of the region is fascinating.

There were lots of walks at Cable beach, family catch-ups and swimming in the pool. Unfortunately our planned trip to the crocodile park had to be cancelled as we all came down with a flu.

Term 3 - Part Two

We were all knocked out with the flu (again) for the best part of the second half of the term. Bee has reached a point where anything that looks remotely like "school" is a no-go. 

Our focus has been on everyday life skills: cooking (planning a meal, shopping for it, preparation, and cooking), hygiene (personal, hygiene with food preparation, etc), discussing how taxes work in Australia (and how it differs from other places like the USA).

Thai yellow curry - Bee's favourite

Term 3 So Far

I'm not sure where the last few weeks have gone. It has been a bit of a blur. We have definitely moved from a relaxed home-schooling approach to unschooling/natural learning approach. Anything formal results in strong PDA and set backs. This has been a complete leap of faith for me, but I can see the results and Bee's confidence grow.

I had started the term with some prepared materials, having purchased a molecules model set. It was met with mild interest. Later that same week we were in the kitchen preparing breakfast, and in the process of making an iced chocolate drink the glass exploded. This totally captured Bee's interest and we discussed how the hot air and water trapped by the ice-cream caused pressure on the glass due to the uneven temperature distribution. Bee posited some theories about which forces were at play and we debated as to whether it was an implosion or explosion. After some research we found that it was an explosion rather than an implosion. These moments are far more invigorating for Bee than anything I can plan.

There have been some breaks recently in the dreary winter weather, allowing us to get out in nature more. We have enjoyed some family walks in the forest and visited the waterfalls to see the effects of all the rain we have had. 

The most recent podcast we have listened to was about bonobos with anthropologist Natalia Reagan. Natalia mentioned that bonobos, chimpanzees and humans have a common ancestor which lead to some robust discussion about evolution and DNA.

Bee has been assisting me with shopping and experiencing first hand that maths is indeed a part of everyday life. Working out prices based on cost per kilo, percentages and fractions have been highlighted through his experiences. Bee has been playing Geometry Dash again, building his own levels. He relishes making impossible levels.

Week 10

 

We have continued on with our discussions in hygiene and self care. Bee's father spent time helping Bee deep clean his bedroom (in an attempt to get on top of Bee's ongoing allergy issues). Bee's dad had a thorough discussion about the how's and why's of self care and health hygiene. 

Bee has started reading 1984 (George Orwell). 

Week Nine

 

Monday we listened to a Podcast on Anatomy with Professor Alice Roberts. This led to a variety of discussions during the week on health and the human body.

I dug up our anatomy chart and we took a look at the skeletal system. We found a book in our library about the human body. 

We also had some discussion about hygiene, particularly around self care and acne. There was also some discussion about hormones.  

We were also on the hunt for some good apps for world maps and the solar system. We settled on these: World Map 2024 and Solar Walk Planetarium.