Five in a Row

Five in a Row is a curriculum I've happened upon in my research of possible homeschooling options. There are so many positive reviews. (check out www.homeschoolreviews.com) I like that it is a literature-based unit study guidebook with very little preparation and includes lots of hands-on activity and project ideas. The guide comes with a list of literature selections you can check out from your local library, and each work contains positive moral values reflecting Biblical principles. Interestingly enough Five in a Row is so named because you read the same book for 5 days in a row; however, each day focuses on a different subject area. A Christian character & Bible study supplement is also available. For the Starter Kit (3 volumes plus the Bible supplement), it runs just $125 (good for children in Pre-K through 3rd grade). From what I can deduce, each volume is equivalent to about a semester of study. Each volume can be purchased separately as well for $35 each. Additionally, there is the option of buying each literary work to have in your home library (individually or as a package deal). All of the Five in a Row materials can be found at www.rainbowresource.com. The FIAR curriculum can be used as a supplement to others or as one in and of itself. It is recommended that you purchase phonics and math programs to complete this curriculum when using it with older children. All-in-all I'm interested in finding out more about this curriculum.

Pros:

• inexpensive
• little planning/prep time required
• unit study approach
• includes Bible focus
• good for various ages
• literature based
• lots of possible activities

Cons:

• not sure about reading the same book all week long!

Green Bean Harvest

As the kids & I were taking a walk this morning around the mission, we came by the green bean garden and saw how many beans there were! Cutlet wanted to pick some, and I figured if we didn't help ourselves soon, they would go to waste. So we got our plastic bags and returned to the garden to harvest some beans. We looked for the long and slender ones... not too small and not too big. I love tender green beans! The ones we find in the market here in Pucallpa are always so huge and tough.

After getting back to the house and washing them up, I went ahead and blanched the majority to freeze. We probably gathered about 2 pounds. 

For blanching green beans:

• Bring a big pot of water to boiling
• Dump in rinsed green beans & start timer for 3 minutes
• Meanwhile fill a sink full of cold water & add ice cubes to make really cold
• When the timer goes off, quickly drain the green beans and transfer them to the cold water bath until completely cool
• Drain & package in freezer bags

I kept out a few fresh ones to have with lunch today and then divided my blanched beans into 3 quart-sized freezer bags. I'm so excited to have garden-fresh veggies!!!