D is for Duck

Make way for Ducklings! Have you read this book? Do you know about Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack and Quack? They are Mr. and Mrs. Mallard's 8 ducklings. Adam loved this book. Every time we read the story he would point out quack (always the last duckling in line) and count the eggs to make sure all 8 were still there. It really amazes me how such a simple story with black and white pencil drawings can truly draw children in. Adam was so excited everyday to be reading his "duck" book. His love for ducks was so intense that we even read through a bunch of the non-fiction books on ducks and waterfowl. (Every week we have a book basket overflowing with library books on our theme for the week for Adam. Jason usually reads through them all, Beth flips through one or two, and Adam will look at the pictures if I sit with him). One of the books this week is "Ducks don't get wet." Ducks secrete an oil and rub it on their feathers so they don't get wet. Adam thought this was hilarious and really enjoyed the book. Because his interest was high, I wanted to be sure he understood so we compared oiled paper to non-oiled paper. Wow, water on oiled paper pooled and didn't soak in...a very successful demonstration. And for a bonus, the next week Jason and Beth were learning about Pilgrims and how they used oiled paper for windows! I love when everything connects. And for another great connection...this week was homeschool week at the Long Beach Aquarium. There's a decreased admission price, no school groups, and learning stations throughout the aquarium. We went for those reasons but you should have seen how excited Adam was to find that they actually have ducks at the Aquarium! Again, I love when everything connects!Last week was carrots so there were obviously many food related activities. Well I wasn't going to cook duck (I know I could have...) but Jason and Beth kept trying to think up a good D food to eat. The only fruit or veggie I could think of was Dates. Well, Andrew supplied Adam with this alternative - donuts! Adam proudly declared, "donuts starts with D!" I was not going to buy donuts but ok, we made homemade donuts. It was educational...and yummy :)