With today's digital camera capabilities, we have awesome opportunities to snap those perfect shots of our own families, and often we do--only to have them sit for years--unused or lost somewhere in computer limbo.
It's time to do something about it!
Plus! You can get this month's November Molly's Digest for FREE when you buy a Molly's Money-Saving Digest Pick-a-Pack deal!
When you buy any 5 Molly's Money-Saving Digests listed in the Schoolhouse Store you'll be saving almost 20% over purchasing each separately!
Then put the November Molly's
Money-Saving Digest in your cart as well.
At check out just use coupon code: NOVFREE
and you'll get 6 Molly Digests for only $20.00!
It's the November Molly's Money-Saving Digest Pick-a-Pack deal that will save you even more money!
Smile BIG now . . . Molly's Special Feature for November is:
Family Photography
Remember your child's first steps? The sweet expressions of those far away?
Perhaps a birthday or wedding . . .
And the abundant holidays, outings, and non-occasions you've since enjoyed--
all captured in timeless fashion?
Now is a great time to fine tune your photography skills and learn some nifty ways to use those prized photos.
Whether you long for new ideas for feasting, frolicking, or festooning during the coming months, Molly offers help and insight through this fun and fascinating issue. Keep your camera handy though, and get ready to seize and snap those unforgettable moments.
Become a master at taking meaningful photos, and do more with them!
Learn about digital photo editing, options for photo storage, and benefit from many hyperlinked sources of information.
Take a blow-up photo idea to create a lovely, multi-functional, display piece.
See what one creative mom did with old curtains.
Enjoy saving with coupons--when you know where to find them.
Start scrapbooking and do it less expensively!
Discover how one family's dream of owning their own home came true with an antique fixer-upper!
Save time, and feed your hungry family with a week's worth of delicious slow-cooker recipes, including some yummy slow-cooker desserts.
And much more!
This month's Molly's Digest explores the delights and "how to" of taking great, stress-free family photos and putting them to creative, good use, plus a seasonal bouquet of frugal topics for your enjoyment.
Take a more detailed look at the many topics you'll find:
Family Photography (November's Feature): Grab your camera and the kids and get ready to "create a memory, not just a picture." (You'll love all the photo examples too.)
Take Great Pictures of Your Family: By Becky Emerick, professional photographer and homeschool mom. Why pay big bucks when you can do it yourself? Create lasting memories with the who, what, when, where, why, and how of taking pictures of your own kids. You'll learn practical information and expert advice. What backdrops should you use? Think of using great-grandma's rocking chair. How do you discipline during your photo shoot? What about digital photo editing? Becky lists good software programs--including some that are free. Become inspired to really capture the photos you want with some wonderful tips and examples.
Be Your Family's Best Photographer: Take Great Photos and Do More With Them! Digital photography has revolutionized picture-taking in most homes. What can you learn about storing photos? There are many links to further your photography education. Have you thought of making personalized photo gifts? Want free online lessons? Links to craft and project sites? Think Thanksgiving and Christmas--you'll love the ideas presented to use those perfect family photos.
Slice Grocery Spending in Half and Double Your Groceries: Couponing, Part 3. This third installment on couponing will give you more than enough reason to pull out your scissors and get serious! The Sunday newspaper is a great place to find the bulk of your coupons--but not the only place. Online? At the store? In magazines? In the mail? Coupon clippers? Have you ever thought to just ask the manufacturer for them? Amy Howard shares her experience and advice once again to help you enjoy saving with coupon basics.
On Sale in November: Thanksgiving items, Halloween candy, and Black Friday sales come to mind, but don't stop there! Every month different items are discounted, and you won't want to miss out. What items will you stock up on for the approaching holiday season?
Save Money on Scrapbooking: What's the drawback to digital photography? Do you have years' worth of photos stored on your computer? Don't lose those memories! Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby, and it doesn't have to cost a lot. Learn many things about storing, sorting, and saving photos, as well as how to scrapbook on a limited budget. Where do you look for clearance sales? Discover the time-saving method of digital scrapbooking and get the list of free digital scrapbook supply sites. Your children can have fun creating their own pages too!
A Room With a View: Aubrey Lively shows off her creative talents with a lovely room-divider version of the family photo frame. Wow! Check out this functional but priceless treasure, complete with instructions and lots of photos.
Favorite Slow-Cooker Meals and Desserts: Starting with the recipe for Slow-Cooker Lasagna, you'll find complete recipes for seven meals and three desserts. Your family will gobble up this slow-cooker smorgasbord: Vegetarian Chili; Cheesy Chicken; Pot Roast; Southwestern Egg Casserole (an easy breakfast!); Fish Chowder; Baked Ham; Cherry Cobbler; Turtle Cake; and Baked Apples. Yum!
Get your scissors and scrapbook supplies ready . . . Download Molly's Money-Saving Digest instantly! Only $4.95!
There's much more in the November Molly's Digest . . .
What to Celebrate in November? Thanksgiving, of course, but you probably didn't know that it is Peanut Butter Lover's Month or that the 3rd is Housewife's Day and the 15th is Clean Your Refrigerator Day. And the 17th has three different holidays to celebrate all at once. Liven up a few special days and make yours a very interesting November.
Smile More--Stress Less: Laugh along with Familyman Todd Wilson's cartoon in this month's Parenting That Pays. The holidays can be stressful times when we find ourselves getting impatient with the children and losing our focus of what's important. Most parents could probably use these tips on smiling when you just don't feel like it. Enjoy a thoughtful poem and a suggestion for taking that family holiday photo. (Molly always has such encouraging thoughts for parents.)
What to Do About Grandmother's Curtains: This was Aubrey's dilemma when two boxes full of old, mismatched curtains didn't quite meet her window needs. These lovely curtains turned into lovely _______. Well, you'll just have to read the article and see the results for yourself.
Goal-Getter Spotlight: It's a story full of hope and the labor of love an entire family of eight worked on to make their dream of owning a home come true. Buy a house with their $5,000 savings? Make it livable only two months later? Yes and yes! Renovating their new, 110-year-old home provided a lot of excitement for this family. Michelle tells the cheerful story of their fixer-upper "palace."
Readers Write In: Even more photography tips and a frugal craft idea are shared by Molly's readers.
Molly's Question of the Month: Have you ever made and kept a New Year's resolution? What was it, and how did you succeed? Molly would love to hear your story!
Words Worth Saving: Consider these relevant quotes and apply them to your daily living!
Directory of Links: For those of you who print and bind your Digests, you'll have easy access to over two dozen fantastic links worth saving in the back of this issue. It makes your Digest easier to use!
Don't just say cheese--say ease and expertise when you purchase
Molly's "Family Photography" issue!
Molly's readers are enthusiastic about the November issue. Here are some of their comments:
"One of the 'school' projects that we're going to work on next summer (okay--I'm disguising schoolwork as fun!) is digital photography. . . . The November issue of Molly's Digest is going to really help me out with our lessons. I've been learning tips from how to set up a photo and how to suit the photo subjects, to how to get interesting angles and perspectives (e.g. getting down on my knees). All of these tips will help us in learning how to take great photos--ones that are really interesting. Let's not forget that once you get finished taking the pictures, you need to do something with them . . . after reading Molly's November issue, I have been enlightened to the many ways to organize a photo album (by trip, event, by child, etc.) other than just by date order. These tips are really going to come in handy. . . . If you haven't ordered your November issue yet, don't wait, and order it today. It'll definitely be worth the small investment!"
-Meredith Duke, Liberty Hill, TX
"As Molly's niche is being frugal, this month's Digest also has part three of couponing written by Amy Howard, who now tells us where we can find coupons to help us save when we are shopping. Doesn't everyone want to save in the current economic climate? The usual places like the newspaper are not the only ones she lists--some of these places I never would have thought of to obtain coupons from! This is a great resource for anyone wanting to gain more knowledge about couponing. . . . There is so much more in Molly's November Digest, and I could continue to rave about it but I won't. . . . Once you get the November issue, you'll want to get the back issues; they are truly worth their weight in the money-saving ideas that are included each month . . . !"
-Sarah Bailey, Springfield, OH
"To start off this November's Digest, she talks about saving money grocery shopping; how to make purchases using coupons, sales, and store-saver cards. Can you imagine saving $19,000 in one year of grocery shopping? How awesome that would be! . . . I looooove scrapbooking, but with the kids home all day everyday with homeschooling them, fitting scrapbooking into our daily schedule has been a chore. But after reading this E-Book, I'm so hyped to begin scrapbooking again. . . . I have a new digital camera and I am planning to use lots of Molly's advice (well, not technically Molly's advice but Becky Emerick's). Great pointers!"
-Vickie Butterfield, Mountain Home, ID
"For years I have been spending money on cameras, film, and processing just to have them sit in a box waiting to be placed in an album--if they ever were processed at all. I found myself frustrated at the piles and piles of pictures that I had gathered from those I had taken and the many given by family and friends and even more frustrated that I had lost some pictures in all the chaos. I did not know where to start to get my photos in a presentable format, but I knew it was going to cost a fortune! It had never occurred to me that I could stretch our dollars and get great pictures that were arranged and presented in creative ways at the same time. That is, until this month's issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest! . . . I am looking forward to those crisp days of fall with my stack of pictures and a plate of Slow-Cooker Cherry Cobbler. Who knows--by spring I just may have a scrapbook or two to share!"
-Dana Warwick, Bartlett, TN
Think of all the money you save by using a digital camera--no film to buy and process or unwanted pictures going to waste! It's worth the small price of $4.95 to come away with fabulous tips and information you can begin to use right away--minimizing frustrations while helping you create, rescue, and hold on to all those treasured photo memories! Plus, you get all the rest that Molly's Digest has to offer--wonderful recipes, creative projects--well just go back and reread all of the above!
What's up in December?
Molly's Money-Saving Digest has another treat for you in December. The special feature is Comfort and Joy for Christmas, focusing on faith, family, and friends, just in time for frugally maximizing your holiday home. You won't want to miss it.
You'll more than recover your investment and find encouragement to keep going strong in your commitment to the Lord and your family. That's what Molly's Digests are all about.
Still not convinced this E-Book is for you? Click HERE to View a Sample of This Item
Over 30 Pages--A wealth of information and support for a wonderfully low price!
There's a photography-extravaganza awaiting you with the
November Molly's Money-Saving Digest!
Join Molly daily and follow her adventures in fiscally-responsible homemaking at www.Econobusters.com.
And then keep watching for next month's Molly's Money-Saving Digest.
Are you ready to learn, have fun, and go for adventure? Your wait is over--your FREE download of Autumn Treasures is now available!
The Old Schoolhouse® and Amanda Bennett have been working hard to create a new and innovative homeschooling product--one that seamlessly blends the unit study concept and lapbooking fun into one great adventure.
With the arrival of cooler weather, timing couldn't be better for you to take advantage of this free study--like a breath of fresh air for you, your family, and your homeschool!
Spice up your homeschool with sweet apple cider, pop some corn, and decorate with colorful autumn finds! Embark on a wonderful learning adventure about this season and all that it holds. Your child will examine how seasons change, find out what autumn is all about, discover the life cycle of pumpkins and apples, see how candy corn is made, and much more.
Make sure your friends know about this!
Feel free to pass the link along to your support group!
Don't forget to spread the word from your website or blog!
Just grab the code for this attractive button and paste it into your template.
Where Unit Studies and Lapbooks Come Together Easy . . . Innovative . . . Effective . . .
An exciting, brand new, E-Book series by Amanda Bennett and The Old Schoolhouse®. Amanda Bennett is well-known for her groundbreaking unit studies that are popular with homeschool families around the world.
Download instantly! The learning process is on GO from that point on--let the fun begin!
Units are theme based and full of exciting discoveries and motivation to develop lifelong learners.
Each study is one week in length, having five daily lessons with lapbook components for each day.
Each student creates a complete lapbook--a finished capsule of learning.
All the research and preparation have been done!
Hyperlinks are embedded right in the study--saving you time!
Integrated studies include history, geography, reading, science, spelling,
vocabulary, writing, art, and more.
Units are reusable year after year--nothing is consumed.
There are no expensive resources required!
Includes a great list of books that you can use to enrich your study, but
they are not required.
Check out some of the fun and unique upcoming themes for 2010:
Seasons Americans that Made a Difference
Places in the World Toys and Gadgets
Presidents & Patriots Sports
Ocean Animals Literary Giants
When you take these two, outstanding, homeschooling resources (TOS and Amanda Bennett), along with the best learning components, you have a superior product . . . one that blends the unit study concept and lapbooking fun into
one great adventure!
Is it hard to teach my homeschooler a foreign language?
Posted 12:12 PM, Oct. 12, 2009
Greetings!
Are you looking for the perfect lessons or program for your child to learn a foreign language? Here's your chance to save on top-name homeschool foreign language programs.The foreign language sale will end at midnight (EST) on October 16. Hurry on in before the sale ends! Don't forget, there's ALWAYS free shipping at the Schoolhouse Store.
Auralog - Save 30%
Save 30% on any Auralog TeLL me More® language learning program!
Here are a few of the 10 available Auralog TeLL me More®
language programs on sale right now in the Schoolhouse Store:
The Fun Spanish is a beginning Spanish
program which teaches Spanish the Charlotte Mason way--one phrase at a time. It is appropriate for students who can read and write comfortably in English.
Professor Pocket, LLC 25% Off
Save 25% when you buy either of the following CD-ROMs from Professor Pocket, LLC
Professor Pocket's Our Silly Farm Adventure CD - Early Spanish
Spanish made fun for kids! Finally, a CD that got it right! This audio CD provides a perfect combination of bilingual storytelling and songs to introduce your children to Spanish. Plus, it's fun and great for the car!
Most linguistic experts agree that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the greater his chances of becoming proficient in the language. Bilingual Activity Books are a fun and creative way to jump-start your students' foreign language adventure. The books are easy and fun to make.
The words in this program are consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words such as cap, pen, big, fox, and cup. Short stories bring these words to life and enjoyable repetition reinforces key concepts. Enjoyable spelling review for all words is included.
This is the first book in our series for children. It includes a list of 42 key words such as basic nouns, counting words, and colors that are easy to begin studying.
This book is designed to be printed, cut into flash cards and review sections, and traced and written upon by enthusiastic students!
Greek 'n' Stuff
We have 0ver 100 Greek 'n' Stuff foreign language items in the Schoolhouse Store. Here are just a handful of them:
To find all of our sale items, go to the Specials Category in the store. Or go to the Foreign Language category to see all of our foreign language items. Or Remember there is always free shipping in the Schoolhouse Store!
Help them learn how to be with our latest module . . .
Play it Safe!
The newest Planner module from The Old Schoolhouse ®--full of information, puzzles, quizzes, and more--all designed to help your children understand how to be prepared for anything from bike safety to natural disasters!
For an easy way to teach your children about safety, $7.95 goes a long way towards peace of mind!
Look inside to find:
Video demonstrations of bike helmets being made, as well as a video showing children how to use proper hand signals while riding a bike.
Lessons on being prepared in case of natural disasters.
Information on what a child should do to stay safe when he is left home alone.
Activity pages to help reinforce the safety lessons learned throughout the module.
Quizzes that help you ensure your children have remembered these safety lessons.
Yummy, simple recipes that will leave your tummy happy!
Lapbook Beginnings, a wonderful way to jump-start your next lapbooking project.
The High School Expansion--we are including high school students on their own level. This allows the entire family to learn together.
You'll find all of this and more inside this module! You can discuss safety topics in a fun way, so your children feel more prepared in case of an emergency.
What is a module?
A module is an add-on for The Schoolhouse Planner, the amazing planner brought to you by The Old Schoolhouse ®. Click here to see The Schoolhouse Planner for yourself. The Planner has a theme for each month, and these modules follow those themes. This module includes a study guide, activity pages, quizzes, coloring pages, copywork, and more!
You do not have to have The Schoolhouse Planner to use the modules.Each module is designed to be its own stand-alone unit study. You can choose to purchase the modules by themselves or bundle them with The Schoolhouse Planner. Click here to see your options!
You no longer have to spend long hours planning hands-on learning activities for every grade level in your homeschool!
Become a member with a Module Membership!
Take an additional $10 off! Use coupon code 10OFFMM at checkout and save $33 over purchasing each module individually!
Schoolhouse Planner monthly modules have the time-saving solution!
Purchase a Module Membership and have a module delivered to your inbox each month.
Play it Safe will explain various types of safety to your children in a way that is easy to understand. We have searched high and low to bring you an educational, entertaining module that will leave your kids begging for more. On top of the enjoyable text, the fantastic activities, the beautiful coloring pages, and amazing copywork pages, we have included a helpful resource list.
This resource list will allow you to expand your studies even further, showing you fantastic products that you can add to your lessons. The resources listed will allow you to include older children and younger children in the same study, saving you time! These products are all sold in our Schoolhouse Store. You'll also find links directly to valuable information right on the Internet. That's right! We have done all of the time-consuming research for you, allowing you to spend your time with your children having fun learning about safety, trying new recipes, and playing new games! This is a wonderful unit study that will keep your children engaged and learning from the first page to the last.
A custom-designed study guide complete with additional links to further expand the research.
Coloring pages made just for this module. You will not find these anywhere else.
Activity pages that relate to the topic. These include crossword, word search, an acrostic, and more!
Original copywork pages.
Resource pages to increase your knowledge.
Additional activity pages created for older students. We want your entire family to benefit from this module, so we are offering resources to expand the learning up through high school!
Lapbook Beginnings! We provide the first couple of lapbooking activities for you along with links to resources that will help you build beautiful lapbooks with your children. Create a project that your entire family will enjoy!
Our High School Expansion, which allows older siblings to study the same topic-on their own level!
Here's your chance to help teach
your children how to Play it Safe!
Special limited time offer! Money-saving ideas and $5 dinner recipes in one package deal!
Molly Green and her October Money-Saving Digest have arrived early in the Schoolhouse Store, and she brings along a special deal. But hurry! This deal won't last long.
Purchase the October Molly's Money-Saving Digest and Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts and save over 20%!
To get this winning combination of frugal ideas and recipes, you'll need to do the following:
Proceed with the check out process and look for your download links when the transaction is succesfully completed. Enjoy!
Now let's find out what the Molly October Digest is all about!
You're not afraid of the big, bad wolf, are you?
During the time of the Great Depression, many people closely identified with the story The Three Little Pigs. Some are comparing that time period with the economic downturn of today, but regardless of how accurate the comparison is . . .
"This really is a season of opportunity to rethink our resources
and re-evaluate our needs, repair what we can,
and rejoice in all that we've been given."
This month's Molly's Digest explores the resourcefulness and ingenuity that are still alive and well in 2009.
Molly's Money-Saving Digest
October 2009:
What Can We Learn From the Great Depression?
"There's much folklore and fiction woven through the facts of history. It's not accurate to paint every family's experience during the Great Depression with the same sweeping brush . . . So what can we learn? Here's my perspective from the little research I've done: We can learn about resilience, resourcefulness, courage, responsibility, relationships, and character. We can learn how to reduce, re-use, and repair. And we can learn how simple, and yet how life-changing, it can be to show compassion to our neighbors."
-from Molly's Minute
Keep reading!
We have a new Pick -a-Pack deal--another way Molly Green helps us be more informed and frugal!
There's a lot packed into the October issue--practical and creative ideas inspired by stories of the Great Depression era; smart, money-saving opportunities to try; Christian character lessons; gentle wisdom and encouragement shared by real homemakers like yourself, and a whole lot more . . .
Reduce Your Food Budget Unbelievably with Coupon Basics: Couponing, Part 2--Amy Howard had read reports of moms just like her with way more mouths to feed, spending as little as $40 or $50 a week! She was determined to learn all she could. What did she learn? "Using coupons doesn't work . . . about 92% of the time!" But you'll want to read the rest of her story . . . How do sales trends and stacking and couponing all come together? Discover how this clever strategy can work for your family!
Sale Merchandise for October: Every month different items are discounted, offering you big savings! What items can you stock up on for the approaching winter and holiday season? Find out now.
What Can We Learn From the Great Depression? (October's Feature): Take a look back through the window of time--there's so much we can learn . . .
What Exactly Was the Great Depression? By taking an elementary look at a complicated subject, you'll learn some basic facts and develop a context for learning from that era. What parts did economics, the "Dust Bowl," and Franklin D. Roosevelt play? How does the plot of The Three Little Pigs parallel the experiences of many families in 1933?
Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make it Do, or Do Without: Learning From the Women of the Great Depression and World War II by Lisa Vitello--How did women living during the Great Depression survive so well? Our situations are not as desperate as theirs were back then, but many of us do live on very tight budgets. Learn how to adapt to some of the thrifty sense our grandmothers had. They managed, and so can you!
My Father's Memories of the Great Depression by Kim Sponaugle--Take a close, real-life-story look at a time when people were forced to become resilient, frugal, and industrious! Kim's father experienced the Great Depression through the eyes of a child. She writes:
"Dad never gave us the impression that it was the end of the world during the Great Depression or that all was lost for people living through this difficult time. No, from his standpoint, there was still a lot of life to be lived, and dad found humorous situations aplenty . . . and so he shared them."
She recounts some interesting facts, humorous accounts, and provides a number of lists: What could money buy back then? What games did children play and what toys did they make themselves? What did farmers' wives do just about every day? What salesmen came to your door? Plus much more!
A Cup of Cold Coke* by Aubrey Lively--For Aubrey's great-grandfather, generosity was a means of survival.
"Grand Dad spent his youth in the Depression years like a thief, one step ahead of disaster, always on the run from a poverty that haunts our memories in gray and yellow photographs of starvation. He got by with hard work, luck, and reckless generosity."
And where does the cup of Coke fit in? It's a heart-warming story you'll just have to read!
Save $ by Feeding Your Family on a Budget: Reduce dollars spent on your grocery bill by putting a little extra effort into learning how to use a budget. Enjoy a week's worth of frugal, family-favorite menus--easy on both your pocketbook and on your time. Check out many delicious meals and recipes like these: Chicken Fajitas, Slow-Cooker Potato Soup, and Grilled Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon. Plus, treat your family, and get the recipe link for homemade chocolate shakes made very rich without any ice cream!
Creative Use of Candy Wrappers: Don't throw out those gold candy wrappers--there are lots of ways to use them! What can you do with them? Check out these nifty ideas in this month's Readers Write In, and get connected with others in this fun atmosphere!
Bring in extra cash by using four important steps for selling your antique, garage-sale finds online. Plus, get tips for reselling your repurposing projects to help supplement your income!
There's even more in the October edition of
Molly's Money-Saving Digest . . .
Sale Merchandise for October: Every month different items are discounted, offering you big savings! What items can you stock up on for the approaching winter and holiday season? Find out now.
Keep a Positive Attitude: In Keeping it All Together you'll read, ". . . we can all agree that money doesn't necessarily buy happiness. No matter the state of the economy, there are things we can do to stay focused on the positive in our lives. There is a whole world of resourcefulness out there and we just have to 'step out of the box' and rethink the steps we can take to stretch our budgets and still enjoy a happy life." Wouldn't it be great to have an emergency fund, no credit card debt, and a lot less stress in your life? Find out some encouraging things you can do along with that attitude adjustment!
Repurposing to Supplement Your Income: Gain some great tidbits of knowledge as you begin your research journey into not only repurposing those items you find at a great price in garage sales, but also reselling them to make a profit from home. What Web sites will help you identify age and worth when considering an antique item (plus save you money)? What should you understand about "the age of eBay"? What steps should you take once you find an authentic thrift item and want to sell it online? There's much to consider and glean from Amy Howard's expert advice.
Days to Celebrate in October and Molly's Special Date Night: Did you know that October is Computer Learning Month? Just in case you're looking for an excuse for a celebration or theme for a get-together, there are some special days and dates for October you'll want to mark on your calendar. And you may want to surprise your hubby with Molly's special, date-night idea!
Stop, Look, and Listen: It's an excellent reminder for busy moms--we should pay attention, observe, and note the condition and growth of the little lambs God has given us. What takes priority in your busy life? This little checklist will help you stay on track.
Something Old, Something New: How many millions of dollars are spent designing and manufacturing product packaging that goes from store shelves to a landfill? How could you give new use to some of this packaging? What can you do with brown grocery sacks or the lids from frozen lemonade concentrate? You'll find some creative ideas here, one being a lovely fruits of the Spirit twig decoration, plus many more.
Goal-Getter Spotlight: In September's Digest, readers found out what it means to have S.M.A.R.T. goals! They are specific, measurable, achievable, rewarded, and have a target date for completion. Discover how one family set and met a personal SMART goal--a wonderful learning experience that included their children.
(Share your SMART goal story with Molly's Digest readers too. Email Editor@Econobusters.com. If your story is used in a future Digest--you get that issue for free!)
Molly's Question of the Month: This month there are two questions: What goal(s) do you hope to accomplish in 2010--both personally and with your family? And do you have any tips/recipes/traditions for the holiday season that help keep things sane instead of stressed at your house?
Words Worth Saving: Consider these relevant Scripture verses and make them part of a monthly memorization activity!
Directory of Links: For those of you who print and bind your Digests, you'll have easy access to over a dozen fantastic links worth saving in the back of each issue. It makes your Digests so much simpler to use!
Put Molly's Money-Saving Digest for October to work for you today for only $4.95!
Don't forget! You can get more of Molly for less!
Choose any 5 Molly's Money-Saving Digests listed in the Schoolhouse Store for only $20.00!
Save almost 20% over purchasing each separately!
It's the Molly's Money-Saving Digest Pick-a-Pack deal
that will save you even more money!
What are others saying about the October Molly's Money-Saving Digest?
"I'm really enjoying the article segments on couponing, how to do it, things that do and do not work . . . Smart shopping makes for a less-frustrated mom when you have what you need in the cabinet already! All the information on the Great Depression was used as a history lesson for my kids while we were camping over the weekend . . . Our menu for next week is going to be based on what was written in 'Pull Up a Chair' . . . From 'Something Old, Something New' I'm going to make the fruits of the Spirit twig decoration . . . I like simple, easy projects to do with the kids and love things that glorify God at the same time! It might actually turn into my SMART goal for the week! . . . Thanks for another wisdom-packed Digest that directly affects my daily living and how to improve, inspire, and encourage my days!"
-Katrina Russell Flaws, Murphy, NC
"Molly's Money-Saving Digests have so far been really great, but this month's October Digest was the best so far for me . . . I always hear about those who save hundreds of dollars using coupons. Not me. I am lucky if I save $0.10. Ahh, but this issue showed me why I do not save money using coupons and showed me how to work the system. She even offers a free class you can get weekly via email that will help you to slowly implement your new coupon-clipping habit. I've signed up and so should you! . . . there are so many good articles in the October 2009 Molly's Digest that are very convicting to us to start to treat our stuff as if it were the last thing we will have instead of everything being disposable. . . . I highly recommend the October 2009 Molly's Money-Saving Digest. It really has been an eye opener to me, and I think it can be for you too."
-Kristin Nitz, Santa Ana, CA What will you find in future issues?
Next month's November special feature is photography, and look for a special holiday-survival-guide theme in December. Molly would love to hear your ideas for topics to be featured!
Join Molly daily and follow her
adventures in fiscally-responsible homemaking at
Did you know that in the days of your great-grandparents the inclusion of nature instruction in school was a serious concern? Many of you have read a bit of Charlotte Mason's books or A Girl of the Limberlost or Freckles. Some of you even own Anna Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study, though for many of us it is collecting dust daily. Did you know that in days gone by, students routinely went on nature walks at all times of the year? They learned about the animals, trees, insects, stars, rocks, and weather, and they learned about them in great detail through daily observation, daily lessons, and daily application.
What has happened in the years since? Has nature grown less amazing? Is it less magnificent and less important these days to notice colors, sounds, smells, designs, and all the beauty that is free just for the taking? Is it less important to one's well-being to have times of quiet solitude in beautiful surroundings? Is it less interesting now to be swept away with the beauty of the night sky or go owl watching together? What has happened?
In the classroom it could be that the topic itself is slowly escaping from many school curricula. In our present culture, the Creator has been removed from the traditional classroom. With His departure, much of the wonder and amazement with which teachers eagerly tied Him to what has been made left as well.
Take, for example, the simple adventure of walking outdoors and collecting a few specimens of tree leaves. Careful observation could disclose that there are those with beautiful red stems and others with the palest of greenish-brown ones. For many young students, finding that each of these different, beautiful leaves belong to a particular kind of tree might be an awesome discovery. Yet, in many traditional classrooms, the entire process has been reduced to "memorize twenty leaf formations and the test is Friday." The students are left wondering, "Why? Why should we study this?" Because appreciation of the beauty and carefulness with which the Creator has made each and every natural thing is left out of the teaching, there no longer seems to be a good reason to learn about such things. Wonder and amazement have just evaporated from most nature lessons.
And all this while everything out there--from the stars in the sky to the minute worlds inside a single drop of pond water to the cells in a blade of grass--shouts the praises of the One who spoke it all into being. Yes, perhaps we should break away a while from our televisions, video games, soccer games, and central heating and air-conditioning to once again acquaint ourselves with the great outdoors! We have become more and more an indoor-dwelling people, and we've not noticed that so much of what speaks of the greatness of our God has therefore been closed out of our lives and out of the lives of our children. The very topics that used to be taught enthusiastically to both the tiniest child and the student of higher education are no longer on the agenda or are taught only from textbooks, rarely through personal adventures.
Even in our homeschooling we are hesitant these days to get outside and find safe places to examine what has been made. We just don't take the time, because we've forgotten how vitally important this activity really is! Many of us don't live on acreage with ponds and meadows to scout out, and it is more difficult for some to find safe parks and places to explore. Yet, if we truly believed that taking time to get out into nature was critically important, wouldn't we have a new desire to pray for and seek out special spots to view the natural wonders that are close at hand? Even in the heart of city life, one can find so many great examples of natural phenomenon, and nature is always as close as our own backyard. We even know one family who strolled through cemeteries, enjoying lovely trees of all kinds, ponds, flowers, birds, insects, and more with their children.
If you believe in the need, you will find a way, so here are seven extra special reasons to get up and get out!
Seven Special Reasons to
Get Up and Get Out!
Nature walks will teach your child to watch everything around him. These outings will greatly increase his observational skills and his outdoor life skills. Take your children walking often, and watch your science lessons become more relevant year after year as your students are able to apply experientially, through this time outside, the concepts you have presented. You see, it is one thing to teach the life cycle of a frog and quite another to find egg masses and tadpoles in a nearby pond! Children are filled with wonder as they use a net to collect specimens or turn over rocks on a lakeshore and find crawdads escaping every which way! This is life! This is the making of memories! This is real learning, not book learning!
Take your children out often, and they will find that one thing in nature always leads to another. If they are interested in a frog they see one day, the next day they will wonder and want to find out about the crickets and worms that the frogs eat. Then they may get interested in the condition of the pond water, and so it goes. This is experience-directed learning that is so exciting to your children. By walking outdoors with them on a regular basis, you will set off a chain reaction of learning experiences for your children that will continue for a lifetime, as they find that each discovery is connected to many other parts of nature.
Camaraderie--that special intimacy that comes from adventuring and making discoveries together--is another benefit of a good nature walk. Whether a mother or father walks with all their children or they take their journeys with just one child at a time or they use different combinations over the months, the time spent will reap intimacy as well as nature knowledge. Yes, you all will see and learn together, and that is wonderful. The times of quiet togetherness and the times of deep conversations along the way are special features of nature outings. It is as if the Lord has provided a miraculous setting for you to "be" with your children. Planned nature walks will provide years of the type of environment that enhances rich family ties.
At certain times when viewing nature, some quietness, solitude, and patience are necessary. Of course a small child doesn't understand this at first, and the lessons that a parent uses to teach a little one to walk more quietly, sit for a bit, and watch what is around him must be gentle and full of patience. If you model (especially fun when acted out over-dramatically) walking softly and being as quiet as possible for part of your walks, your child will begin to see that it is often in times of quietness that the greatest marvels are seen. Then you will have done your job well. The desire to be quiet in order to see something special will be catching, and in time your child will begin to value quietness and solitude. Nature walks, begun simply and continued over the years--time spent watching and thinking--will develop a "deepness of heart" in a student who learns to quiet himself in these journeys together. Couldn't our world use a few more inhabitants with "deepness of heart"?
As your child grows in his awareness of the magnificence of creation, he will grow to love it. What he grows to love, he will want to take care of. Nature walks, begun early and continued throughout your teaching days, will lead your child to an awareness of the necessity of stewardship of our natural resources. We are all called to be the "gentle tenders" of our world. But if we don't even know anything about it, it is difficult to want to preserve it and use our resources wisely.
Taking time to walk outdoors will create a lifetime appreciation for what the Lord has made, and that deep love of nature will become a rich field for worship. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and those who spend time in the out of doors discovering the wonders and learning that it comes from Him will have a vast and limitless resource for worshiping the One who created it all! Modeling a grateful heart for the beauty of nature all around us will flow out onto our children. Every leaf, each bug, every cell under a microscope is a marvel worthy of all our praise. If we display a heart of praise and worship for such a magnificent Creator, then wonder and worship will come to our children as well.
Something else will grow from enjoyable nature walks and seeing the magnificence of nature on a regular basis. A new understanding in the heart of your student will develop: nothing in nature is "common." In the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, we read that the people in Bentley's day thought snowflakes were "as common as dirt." But Mr. Bentley knew, because he had seen them under a microscope, that each snowflake was utterly and beautifully unique. All of nature is like that! Each stone has its own loveliness; each drop of water has an entire world of creatures swimming in it; each bit of moss or lichen-extraordinary! Everything that the Lord has made is amazing--nothing is common! How wonderful to begin at a young age to teach our children about the amazing natural world around them and the One who made it all.
So, if we took a quick quiz, what are the seven important reasons to get up and get out?
Gaining observational and life skills, as well as actually experiencing school lessons so that they become relevant.
Understanding the connectedness of life.
Experiencing camaraderie, intimacy, and the joy of making rich family ties.
Developing a quiet heart . . . one that can actually be still now and then, and one that can find benefits from moments of solitude.
Becoming aware of stewardship and conservation.
Creating a rich avenue for worship.
Learning that nothing in nature is "common."
Perhaps nature walks truly are more important than we first imagined!
Jane Claire Lambert and her husband Steve operate Five in a Row Publishing and are busy speaking at homeschool conferences and creating new products in the Five in a Row tradition. Visit their website at www.fiveinarow.com and www.fiardigital.com for more information, including details about their new four-part nature series: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Want more Charlotte Mason?
Karen Andreola will be visiting with us on our Homeschooling with Heart Facebook page. Join in as Karen answers your questions about the Charlotte Mason approach to learning! Karen is the author of Pocketful of Pinecones and A Charlotte Mason Companion.
For many of us, the family budget seems to get tighter each month. Usually the luxuries are the first to go when we're pinching pennies. However, groceries remain on our must-have list. How do we feed our family well and continue to find ways to save on the grocery bill? Molly Green at Econobusters.com shares her tips for helping us think beyond coupons and get fiscally creative when it comes to saving on food costs.
Beyond Coupons-
Seven Ways to Save Money While Eating Well
I'm not knocking coupons. There's a lot of money to be saved by using coupons, and I hardly ever shop without using at least a few of them. We'll likely be discussing coupons in detail in a future digest. In the meantime, if you haven't done this yet, try doing an Internet search on "grocery coupons." I got over fifteen million results! Many sites offer free, printable coupons, and there's lots of good advice out there for maximizing your food savings using coupons.
But here are a few suggestions to re-think ways of getting food on the table. We can enjoy healthy, creative meals and enjoyable mealtimes without over-spending.
1. Don't forget to shop discount and dollar stores for food products. I find cereal, juices, canned goods, pasta, and much more at rock-bottom prices at my local discount store (Big Lots). I've also picked up perfectly good spices and other products at the dollar store. It only takes a few minutes to check the aisles and the savings can really add up.
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2. Watch your waist, and your waste! Re-think portion control. Most of us eat far more than we need to. Cook conservative quantities unless you have specific plans for the leftovers. Throwing food away or allowing it to spoil is just plain wasteful. Eating large portions just because the food is there and you don't want to "waste" it is not a good approach either.
3. Are you menu planning? If you haven't done so yet, visit my website to download a free E-Book and menu planning form. This is one habit to get into that will save you so much time and money, you'll wonder why you never did it before!
4. Practice recipe substitutions. Nothing wastes time and money like running out to the store to pick up missing ingredients in the middle of a recipe. Allrecipes.com has a handy chart that lists common substitutions for cooking ingredients.
Pick five (5) of your favorite Molly's Money-Saving Digests and begin saving right away.
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January 2009--Let's Get Organized for Fiscal Fitness
February 2009--Gardening Basics and Natural Cleaners
March 2009--Making Money from Home
April 2009--Making a Frugal Fresh Start
May 2009--Learning for Life-Your Child's Education
June 2009--Frugal Family Vacations
July 2009--Frugal Fashion
August 2009--Organization for Busy Families
September 2009--Frugal Decorating
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5. Get out of a rut. Plan a cooking party. Have a few friends over and make meals for the freezer together. Each person can bring ingredients to make a dinner for everyone's freezer. Try it! This can be a lot of fun and can bring some welcome variety to your meals. Foods we've done this way include chicken enchiladas, mini meatloaves, stuffed shells, and sweet and sour chicken with rice.
6. A similar idea is to start a supper or brunch club with a few other couples. I know a group of couples in their 70s who have been doing this for 30 years. It's like going out to eat, but cheaper and cozier. Once a month the group gets together for a Saturday morning brunch or an evening dinner with each couple taking their turn to host the meal. Enjoy some good meals out and maybe forge lifelong friendships in the process.
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Make your home and décor a pleasing, personal, frugal reflection of you--with Molly's help.
Molly's Money-Saving Digest for September is: Frugal Decorating
There's so much packed into this special issue--ideas to express creativity and enjoy beauty; inspiration for daily living; and gentle wisdom and encouragement shared by real, contemporary families.
Check out the fabulously frugal topics you'll find in Molly's September Digest:
Begin with the Basics
On Sale This Month
Keeping it All Together
Feather Your Nest Frugally
Pull up a Chair
Parenting that Pays
Something Old-Something New
And more!
Find information and tools to help you create a uniquely decorative home that is a perfect (and frugal) reflection of you.
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7. Consider bartering and gleaning. It's not as "out there" as you think! An acquaintance designed a website for a local butcher in exchange for half a side of beef. What skills or goods could you trade for fresh eggs or garden vegetables? Gleaning is alive and well in 2009. A local vegetable farm hosts a "glean the harvest" day where the public is invited to come and help pick produce at the end of the season. Half of the yield is donated to local food banks, and the volunteers take home the rest. Look for similar opportunities in your area.
Another form of gleaning is to help with clean-up when your church or other organization hosts dinners or special events. Gleaning is different from mooching-bear that in mind! Believe it or not, even in this economy, many people simply do not use leftovers, and are happy to send food home with whoever will take it, rather than throw it away.
A friend of mine noticed that the apple tree on the property of a nearby fast food restaurant was dropping fruit all over the drive thru lane. She offered to pick the fruit and clean up the mess-and as a result ended up with quarts of apple sauce for her freezer.
We've become so used to just buying what we need. With a little practice we can learn to recognize other opportunities to help ourselves while helping others as well. _________________________________
Molly Green is passionate about cheerful, creative homemaking on a down-to-earth budget. Visit her online home, www.Econobusters.com for tips on frugal and tasty cooking, fresh decorating ideas, affordable family fun, simple but effective organizing, and much more! Sign up for her free weekly E-Newsletter, and get a bonus menu-planning E-Book too!
Molly's favorite project is her monthly Money-Saving Digest. In each issue she features columns on decorating, hospitality, parenting, and more, as well as one focus topic, like working from home, education, family vacations, or gardening.
Molly is learning that frugality that means freedom, not drudgery, and it can be fun, too!
Is your child tired of reading a textbook and spitting out facts onto worksheets? Does the idea of unit studies excite you but you're afraid to step away from the safety of question-and-answer sheets? Do you have a handle on every subject but craft time?
Lapbooking is the latest craze in education and for a good reason! It utilizes the question-and-answer technique and putting the facts down on paper through creativity and fun. Whether you study all subjects through one topic or just one subject all together, lapbooking is something any homeschooler can do. Stephanie Ruby is The Old Schoolhouse's expert on lapbooking and designs the lapbooking activities for our own Schoolhouse Planner modules each month.
TOS: When moms see something new, they get excited by how it can open a whole new world of learning for their children. How did you get started with lapbooking?
Stephanie: When my son, Deuce, was 6 years old, we were unschoolers. Whatever he was interested in, we studied. He happened to become interested in bees that fall; I came across a lapbook about bees while helping him find some information to read on the subject. I became interested in the concept and asked him if he would like to give it a try. From then on, Deuce and I have loved lapbooks, and now my younger son loves them too. It is a fun way for the entire family to learn about a topic together, because each child can create his own lapbook on his own level.
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You no longer have to spend long hours planning hands-on learning activities for every grade level in your homeschool!
Become a member with a Module Membership!
Take an additional $10 off. Use coupon code 10OFFMM at checkout! Save $33 over purchasing each module individually!
The Schoolhouse Planner monthly modules have
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Purchase a Module Membership and have a module delivered to your inbox each month.
Use coupon code 10OFFMM to save $10 off the discounted price of the Module Membership.
You'll save Organizing fun learning activities has never been easier. It's all right there in your inbox each month, ready to print what's needed for your family!
You do not need to own the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner to use and enjoy the Planner modules.
Hurry! The $10 off coupon code ends September 30.
Use 10OFMM at checkout! _____________________________________________
TOS: Notebooking is another fairly new learning tool, but what exactly is lapbooking?
Stephanie: For lapbooking, you take a file folder and add "mini books" to it. The mini books are different shapes (and folds), all filled with information covering one specific topic. For instance, in our "Bee" lapbook we had a mini-book that went through the vocabulary words, another that covered the different stages of a bee's life, etc. The style of the mini books can vary, depending on what you need, and there are many different types of folds. The best thing about lapbooking is that there is no right or wrong way to design your lapbook, so it can truly be a reflection of your child and what he has learned about a particular topic.
If you keep a portfolio filled with work from the school year, the lapbook will provide a nice addition for that. With a quick glance, you can see exactly what was learned on a particular subject.
TOS: Often a lapbook will encompass a single story, such as The Story of Ping. This would suggest that lapbooking is better suited to literature. Is this true or can lapbooking be done with every subject?
Stephanie: While lapbooks are wonderful studies to use with literature, they can include any subject at all. We have, personally, made lapbooks with science topics, favorite books that we have read, math, and even grammar! Some topics are easier to come up with mini books for, but lapbooking is a very flexible way to learn.
TOS: If lapbooking can be used for every subject, can it be used for other learning approaches like unit studies, classical, and Charlotte Mason?
Stephanie: Yes, a lapbook can fit in with any type of learning--as you fill your mini books, you are teaching the subject in whatever style you choose. The children are taking the information taught by you, and writing it down as they understand it.
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A Weather Unit Study--Ready to Use! What causes thunder?
Is "high pressure" good or bad for weather?
How does a meteorologist know what will happen with the weather?
Your kids want to know all about the weather . . .
Teach them with our newest unit study
Wondrous Weather!
Only $7.95!
We are providing more variety than ever before with our High School Add-On and Lapbook Beginnings!
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TOS: Lapbooking guides seem more directed at the elementary grades. Are there lapbook guides for middle and high school grade levels as well?
Stephanie: Yes, you can find studies all the way through high school. We are still only working at the elementary level (Deuce is ten right now), but I have had my eye on a few studies that I would like him to try as he gets older. I have seen plenty of studies on history, economics, government, and novels, all made for the older child.
TOS: Money is tight for everyone these days, so taking up a whole new learning approach may not fit in everyone's budget. Is there a lot of cost involved with lapbooking?
Stephanie: That's the great thing about lapbooking--it is a very inexpensive way to learn. The materials that we use are things that most families have on hand--a file folder, glue, scissors, construction paper, brass brads, and staples are the objects that we use most frequently. If you are creating your own lapbooks, then the cost stops right there. If you are purchasing a lapbooking kit, then you might find yourself paying $10.00-$20.00 per study.
TOS: It's exciting to order a new curriculum, and the days seem long while waiting for it to come in the mail. Then the curriculum arrives and you find you need to buy a few supplies before you can get started. Let's help the readers out by telling them what materials they will need to make a lapbook, other than the purchased guide itself!
Stephanie: The two biggest things that you will need for lapbooking are the file folders (1 or 2 per lapbook) and the paper for your mini-books. Beyond those two things, you will need glue, crayons, scissors, a stapler, brass brads, and a few other small odds and ends to attach the mini books to the folders. If you want to make them a bit dressier, you can also use stickers, scrapbooking paper, and little extras here and there. Lapbooking does not have to be a very expensive activity at all.
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Hands-on fun easily and affordably integrated into your homeschool! Only $7.95 each!
Each modules includes:
A custom-designed study guide complete with additional links to further expand the research.
Resource pages to increase your knowledge.
Additional activity pages created for older students. We want your entire family to benefit from this module, so we are offering resources to expand the learning up through high school!
Lapbook Beginnings! We provide the first couple of lapbooking activities for you, along with links to resources that will help you build beautiful lapbooks with your children. Create a project your entire family will enjoy!
Coloring pages made just for this module. You will not find these anywhere else.
Activity pages that relate to the topic. These include crossword, word search, an acrostic, and more!
Original copywork pages.
Writing prompts that will encourage your children to continue to write, no matter how young they may be.
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TOS: The Schoolhouse Planner modules don't just cover schedules. They're jam-packed with learning resources! Tell us how TOS has integrated lapbooking into the Planner modules.
Stephanie: TOS now has a section in each Planner module called "Lapbook Beginnings." I design two lapbooking activities to match the theme of the module, and then provide links for parents to create more mini-books. This gives parents a good starting point while having the freedom to come up with their own activities to match the level and interest of their child. TOS: All of this sounds way too easy! Can you show us an example of lapbooking you have done using the Planner modules with your children?
Stephanie: I am including a picture of my kids doing a couple of activities that are included in the September module.
TOS: If your family has been lapbooking for several years, you must have some favorite activities in the modules. What are they?
Stephanie: My kids love to make any of the mini books that are in the shape of whatever we are studying. For example, the rain activity in the September Planner module (Wondrous Weather) is a little book in the shape of raindrops. Those are always a lot of fun for the kids.
They also love any chance to learn new ways to fold the mini-books. You can literally find hundreds of different folds and techniques for these projects, each one allowing you to customize your end project. You and several friends could all lapbook the same topic, but have completely different end results.
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Music Mania--Only $3.98 until September 18th
Looking for a fun way to teach music this school year? This unit study is full of information, ideas, crafts, and work sheets to encourage the love of music. Your student will enjoy these fun-filled lessons. Music Mania is a wonderful addition to your studies for this school year!
For just under $4.00, you can enjoy a music unit study. Just print the pages you need for your family and let the fun begin!
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TOS: A part of planning is knowing what you want to do next. What are some of the topics that will be covered in the 2009-2010 Planner modules?
Stephanie: We have a lot of great things planned for this year! Here is a complete list of all of the topics for 2009/10:
July: Summer fun--Here is a module guaranteed to help when your children say, "Mom, I'm booored!" You'll find fun travel games, solutions to rainy day boredom, arts and crafts, great snack ideas, and so much more!
August: Favorite childhood books--Which books did you read over and over as a child? We will look at several favorites and include reading guides and activities to help you share these favorites with your own children.
September: Weather--What causes thunderstorms to happen? How can it be hot in one state and cold in another? Join us as we explore weather on a kid-friendly level.
October: Life skills--Let's talk about safety in the home, in the neighborhood, and in the car. What should your child do in an emergency? Help prepare your child with this module.
November: Elections and the government--Who is in charge of the school district? Why do we pay taxes? Who makes the rules for your town? Your children will better understand the division of government after working through this module.
December: Astronomy--If the sun is smaller than other stars, why does it seem so much brighter? How far away is Jupiter? And is Pluto a planet these days? Don't miss this fun look into space.
January: Celebrate the new year--How do they ring in the new year in Spain? What about China? Let's visit foreign countries and see how they celebrate.
February: Favorite Bible stories--Let's sit down and visit with Noah as he builds the ark. We will talk about David and his battle with Goliath and see some of the miracles that Jesus performed. We will have a great time as we dig deeper into the Word of God.
March: Aviation--Where did man learn to fly: Ohio or North Carolina? Which plane is the fastest? How long does it take to travel across country in a plane? We'll build airplanes and rockets as we explore the history of flight.
April: A green planet--Let's take a look at the wonderful natural resources God provided for us. We'll learn how to be good stewards of God's earth and how we can take care of it.
May: Buggy for bugs--Do you love bugs or hate them? What purpose do they serve? Your kids will "bee" so excited to learn more about creepy critters that fly, creep, and sting.
June: World geography--A trip around the world awaits you as we travel the globe in search of the most beautiful places on the planet. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for the adventure!
TOS: Wow! Those topics sound so exciting and fun! Lapbooking is such a fantastic way to learn and create all at the same time. Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your love of lapbooking with all of us!
We have music lessons on sale right now in the Schoolhouse Store. Whether your young musician is learning how to play an instrument, sing with an angelic voice, or just wants to enjoy leaning through songs, we have it right here. This fabulous sale will end at midnight (EST) on September 18, so hurry on in for your chance to save on these items now. Don't forget, there's ALWAYS free shipping at the Schoolhouse Store.
eMedia Music Corp. Save $10.00
Save $10.00 NOW when you buy either of the following CD-Roms from eMedia Music Corp.
A quote: "Val, your song "God Says They're Gifts" is so beautiful.. You are a blessing to so many. Your music is anointed of God. I am enjoying listening to it. Thank you for your obedience to His leading to write and sing for Him."
The Old Schoolhouse Store
- Save 50% on Music Mania Module
Save 50% on our Music Mania module!
Looking for a fun way to teach music this school year? This unit study is full of information, ideas, crafts, and work sheets to encourage the love of music. Your student will enjoy these fun-filled lessons. Music Mania is a wonderful addition to your studies for this school year!
Be sure to check the Specials Category, and here, in the store to see all of the music-related items on sale now. Remember there is always free shipping in the Schoolhouse Store!
There are fewer than 50 of these classy, brown and pink tote bags left in the Schoolhouse Store! Easy to clean and perfect for grab-n-go outings, you'll always be sportin' your homeschooling attitude with the Homeschooling with Heart logo imprinted on the side!
How does a meteorologist know what will happen with the weather?
Your kids want to know all about the weather . . .
Teach them with our newest unit study
Wondrous Weather!
The newest Planner module from The Old Schoolhouse--full of information, puzzles, quizzes, and experiments!
We are providing more variety than ever before with our High School Add-On and Lapbook Beginnings!
Look inside to find:
Facts and information on weather patterns and what causes those patterns!
Recipes that are sure to make snowy days more fun.
Handwriting practice and copywork for printing and cursive writing.
Quizzes so that you can assess how much your children have retained from the module.
Creative writing activities to encourage even the youngest children to write.
Amazing weather experiments that are easy and fun!
Lapbook Beginnings, a wonderful way to jump-start your next lapbooking project.
The High School Add-On--we are including high school students on their own level. This allows the entire family to learn together.
You'll find all of this and more inside this module!
These activities will spark an interest in science and help your children understand more about the world around them.
What is a Module?
A module is an add-on for The Schoolhouse Planner, the amazing planner brought to you by The Old Schoolhouse Click here to see The Schoolhouse Planner for yourself. The Planner has a theme for each month, and these modules follow those themes. This module includes a study guide, activity pages, writing prompts, quizzes, coloring pages, copywork, and more!
You do not have to have The Schoolhouse Planner to use the modules. Each module is designed to be its own stand-alone unit study. You can choose to purchase the modules by themselves or bundle them with The Schoolhouse Planner.
Wondrous Weather will explain the ins and outs of weather to your children in a way that is easy to understand. We have searched high and low to bring you an educational, entertaining module that will leave your kids begging for more. On top of the enjoyable text, the fantastic activities, the beautiful coloring pages, and the amazing copywork pages, we have included an extensive resource list.
This resource list will allow you to expand your studies even further, showing you fantastic products that you can add to your lessons. The resources listed will allow you to include older children and younger children in the same study, saving you time! These products are all sold in our Schoolhouse Store. You'll also find links directly to valuable information right on the Internet. That's right! We have done all of the time-consuming research for you, allowing you to spend your time with your children having fun learning about weather, trying new recipes, and playing new games! This is a wonderful unit study that will keep your children engaged and learning from the first page to the last.
A custom-designed study guide complete with additional links to further expand the research.
Coloring pages made just for this module. You will not find these anywhere else.
Activity pages that relate to the topic. These include crossword, word search, an acrostic, and more!
Original copywork pages.
Writing prompts that will encourage your children to continue to write, no matter how young they may be.
Resource pages to increase your knowledge.
Additional activity pages created for older students. We want your entire family to benefit from this module, so we are offering resources to expand the learning up through high school!
Lapbook Beginnings! We provide the first couple of lapbooking activities for you, along with links to resources that will help you build beautiful lapbooks with your children. Create a project your entire family will enjoy!
Instantly and affordably add hands-on activities to your homeschool!
"A house is made of walls and beams;
A home is built with love and dreams."
-Author unknown
Is your home a beautiful, cozy nest
and shelter--like God provides for the birds?
Start finding and gathering some favorite feathers, tidbits, and twigs to weave your own attractive love- and dream-filled nesting place!
Make your home and décor a pleasing, personal, frugal reflection of you--with Molly's help.
Molly's Money-Saving Digest September 2009
Each monthly E-Book provides an in-depth look at a specific topic.
Molly's special feature for September is:
Frugal Decorating
"A lovingly decorated home is not about high price tags, debt, or keeping a set of design rules. It's about pulling together pieces that work for your family, at a price you can afford, in a way that makes you smile . . . After putting together this Digest, I have a whole new set of projects on my 'to-do' list, and not one of them involves putting a dent in the family budget."
-Molly Green
There's so much packed into this special issue--ideas to express creativity and enjoy beauty; inspiration for daily living; and gentle wisdom and encouragement shared by real, contemporary families.
Wouldn't you like to save, on average, 65%-90% of what you've previously been spending at the grocery store? Is couponing worth all the hassle? Jump-start your grocery savings with coupons. Really!
Create your dream décor for a warm, inviting home. What can you learn from Molly's favorite décor bloggers? Be inspired by the decorating talents of thrifty, modern homemakers!
Have you ever bought something that you thought would be perfect for your home, only to get it home and find out that it was too big or small, or not the right colors, and then waste time and gas to return it to the store? If you create a home décor binder, you'll no longer find yourself in that predicament!
Molly's readers share their creativity and you'll appreciate all of the inspiring before and after pictures as well as step-by-step photos for many special projects.
It just makes good cents--with the money you save by couponing, you can be adorning your home in family-loving style and beauty.
Some of you may be asking, "Why should I buy Molly's Digest when I can find some of the same stuff on the Internet myself?"
Molly has proved herself over and over again to be a credible source of information, and she's done all the work for you! Do you really want to spend all that time with in-depth research online when you could be doing something more important? When you see all that is jam-packed into a single issue (including loads of resources and links), you'll understand the enormity of what Molly offers and the amount of time you'll save.
"The best part of this Digest . . . is the directory of links at the end. Whether you print out your Digest or store it as an E-Book on your computer, this directory ensures that you will not miss out on anything! You will be able to refer to these Web sites again and again."
-Laura Delgado, PhD, Houston, TX
Find great advice
from the frugal experts--
Purchase Molly's Money-Saving Digest! Download it instantly!
(If you've missed any of our prior issues, be sure and check out our new Pick-A-Pack offer where you can buy any five Digests for the price of four!)
Are you ready to decorate, beautify, and really enjoy your peaceful nesting place? Check out the fabulously frugal topics you'll find in Molly's September Digest:
Begin with the Basics: Are you couponing yet? Maybe you're not convinced that it's worth the hassle. Listen up with a sensible, step-by-step introduction to why and how coupons really can help your family's budget. This is the first part in a series by Amy Howard that takes a good, close look at how a real family uses coupons for real savings. If you are tempted to shy away, you need to read this!
On Sale This Month: Every little bit adds up! What items are usually discounted? What should you stock up on? Find out now.
Keeping it All Together: Creating a Home Décor Binder--Learn from Kris Price how to create and maintain your own three-ring binder that will save you time and money and keep all of your pertinent decorating information in one place! There are sections devoted to information about your home, a wish list, and an idea file, among others, providing organization that will ensure that you have what you want when you need it to guide you toward acquiring the fabulous results you envision.
Feather Your Nest Frugally: How did Virginia help her son find and refurbish a solid-wood dining room set for only $135? It took ingenuity and a bit of handiwork, but the results proved perfect. See this photo transformation!
Pull up a Chair: There are plenty of interesting reasons to celebrate in September! Monthly occasions and special days such as Honey Month and Chocolate Milk Shake Day should inspire you to get out the spoons, spatulas, and Scrabble and enjoy a cozy fall evening of old-fashioned fun. What should you put on the menu for game night? Get the recipes for Black Bean and Sausage Soup, Paul's Cornbread, and easy-but-tasty 1-2-3 Cheesecake (with several variations). Yum!
Parenting that Pays: Todd Wilson, the funnyman of Familyman Ministries, shares a cartoon, and Molly shares some brief but sound advice on keeping your family's decibel level lower. You can have a more peaceful home--within minutes! This advice alone is worth the price of this E-Book!
Something Old, Something New: What do you have already in your home that's just screaming for a li'l update? One of Molly's favorite bloggers, Tracey Buxton from A Cottage Industry, takes an old calendar frame and gives it a charmingly new, 2009 look. Sometimes it's all in the paint!
Monthly Feature: Frugal Decorating--With the word count down and the picture count high, you'll hear from three special guests and then go on a "blog walking tour," visiting a dozen additional favorite décor bloggers. These are real women with real families living in real houses and creating lovely home environments on a realistic budget. Molly has already done all the scouting for you!
Who Says Decorating Your Home Has to Cost a King's Ransom? Pearl Sanborn--"For many, the cost factor of 'pulling a room together' keeps them from even getting started! Well, no more! I'm here to tell you that you can have a beautiful nest the same way the birds do: by going out and finding beautiful tidbits here and there, and then weaving them together into one beautiful nest!" Glean lots of ideas and tips to pull together beautiful rooms and displays in your home.
Do-It-Yourself French Painting by Edie Wadsworth--Get step-by-step photo help and instructions to finish and recreate your own beautiful pieces. Discover how to get that classically French look you want.
Sensory Homemaking by Rebecca Rogge--"Just as kids learn from a physical, hands-on approach, we can make our homes more inviting by examining them in a sensory way. Get ready to explore the relationship between your home and your five senses! Being aware of your senses and using them to create a warm, comforting environment in your home will heighten the enjoyment of everyone who enters."
Fabulously Frugal Inspiration--"There are dozens of fabulously talented decorating bloggers sharing their inspiration on the Internet. They do things like buy old furniture pieces at yard sales and thrift stores and fix them up. They use drop cloths for drapes and tablecloths, paint their kitchen cabinets, repurpose 'trashed' furniture into usable pieces, put together beautiful tablescapes for pennies, and so much more . . . These women are gifted and love what they do . . . and it shows!"
Goal-Getter Spotlight: Find out what it means to have S.M.A.R.T. goals! Get your pencils out, write down some smart goals, and then set about meeting them. Send Molly your stories at Editor@Econobusters.com. If she uses your story in a future Digest--you get that issue for free!
Readers Write In: You can have your story published too! Looking ahead to 2010 and planning future Digest topics, we want your input. What subjects would you like to learn about? Anything involving thrifty homemaking and healthy family life is ideal. Get connected with others in this fun atmosphere!
Molly's Question of the Month: Photographs can evoke so many memories or emotions. Do you have a treasured photograph? What makes it so special? Share your vignette like this in the upcoming November Digest!
Words Worth Saving: Consider making this a monthly memorization activity!
Hey . . . did you know that Scrabble was invented during the Great Depression by an unemployed architect? Who says you need money to have fun? The October Molly's Digest is all about stories and lessons we can learn from the Great Depression. Don't miss it!
Goon a satisfying creative journey with Molly--
And enjoy it instantly!
Satisfy your curiosity--
Take a peek inside!
What are others saying about the September Molly's Money-Saving Digest?
"What's that verse about God knowing what you need before you ask for it? That's the conclusion I came to after reading the September Issue of Molly's Digest . . . I'm just loving the article by Kris Price on keeping a decorating binder close at hand and filled out thoroughly . . . And finally, all the articles on frugal decorating topped my list for this Digest! I found myself running to the computer to look up the many site links that were listed towards the end, and I even contacted Edie Wadsworth about her blog and information that I have found so helpful . . . Just loved it and am ready for some mini-makeovers all over the house!"
-Katrina Flaws, Murphy, NC
"I'm well versed in all things frugal, but I generally run from all things decorating! Happily, Molly's Digests are very user-friendly, even when the topic is not one which immediately speaks to an individual's particular God-given talents! . . . Fortunately, Kris Price speaks directly to my organizational side in a piece entitled, "Keeping it All Together.". . . If the highlighted topic of the month is of particular interest to you, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to invest in one of Molly's Digests. As it turns out, though, I would also encourage you to purchase Molly's Digest when the featured topic is not something that you think speaks to your heart. In fact, these Digests are likely the ones from which you will benefit most!"
-Laura Delgado, PhD, Houston, TX
"You won't want to miss this month's E-Book. They are starting a wonderful series about how coupons can really save you money. WOW! I learned a ton already by reading the first installment, and I can't wait to find out what's next and how I, too, can save on my monthly groceries . . . I am in awe of how many great ideas I've gleaned so far . . . It's nice to see that we can have a nicely decorated home and not spend a fortune on the things that look good and make your house feel like a home. There are yummy recipes to try and share as well. I would recommend picking up this next addition of Molly's Money- Saving Digest. I am now sold on purchasing all of Molly's monthly E-Books. I can't wait to learn more."
-Lynn Pitts, TOS Research Panel
"Refrigerator art, crayons, tractors, & dolls . . . This would probably appropriately describe the 'décor' that currently is the theme of our home . . . Molly's Digest had some helpful information for me, the all-thumbs decorator! I appreciated the frugal tips that were interspersed throughout the decorating articles. All of these were reasonable and very doable on a frugal budget . . . There is one parenting tip on achieving a quieter home, which, if it works, it is well worth the cost of this month's issue! . . . There are some very helpful blog links--why purchase a decorative magazine when you can get great, beautiful advice for free? This would save you a tremendous amount of time if you were searching them out on your own."
-Wendy Stoller, Orrville, OH
"I am a HUGE fan of country cottage decor, but you'd never know it by looking at my house. I was excited to find some tips on changing that . . . It ended with a great article on incorporating all five senses in home decor that I really liked, and it came with lots of great links. I think the Molly Digests are great for those just starting out and new to setting up home and budget or for those that are brand new to the idea of budgeting."
-Jennifer Harrison, Mtn. Grove, MO
"I did find the articles and various links Molly included on decorating very inspiring. I'm one of those people who believe that decorating the home can get very expensive. I was able to gather some ideas here for decorating my home without making too big a hole in my pocket. The most useful article for me in this Digest is Familyman Todd Wilson's article on parenting. It is short, I must admit, but I've applied it immediately to my children and it worked!"
-Michelle Padrelanan, Paranaque City, Philippines
". . . like most single-income families, our redecorating budget is slimmer than the string beans growing in my neighbor's garden. Not only that, but my experience in decorating is even slimmer . . . This is the first Molly's Digest that I've had the fun of reviewing. While the cost is reasonable, any extra spending money I have has been going into the redecorating budget. However, I'm willing to spend a little if it will save me a lot in the end. I think this $4.95 will be well-spent . . . I can't wait to really dip into the ideas contained within this Digest and create a cozy, beautiful home."
It's never too early to begin gathering information about homeschooling through high school. Regardless of our children's future dreams and aspirations--whether they want to graduate and begin missionary work, own their own businesses, learn a trade, or attend college, for many homeschooling parents, homeschooling through high school seems daunting. However, with the impressive selection of high school curricula and resources on the market, the explosion of online classes, and the increasing overall support, homeschooling high school is not as tough as you think!
One mom shares her tips for organizing a high school student. Even if high school is still a few years off for your family, you'll want to keep this list as a reference.
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5 Ways to Organize Your High School Student
by Susan Spann
1. Planner up! Make or give your student his or her own day planner, preferably one with hourly divisions. Let the student mark independent study time, and periodically transfer that record to your own master planner. Not only will your student learn to track and organize time, but an individual planner also fosters independence and responsibility.
2. Clock in, clock out-always have a clock about; Older students should have a clock or timepiece available in every room they use for school or study. Teach them to pay attention to the times they start and stop studying, as well as how much work they achieve in each session. Don't put inappropriate pressure or emphasis on speed; the timing technique is designed to help your student learn his or her standard pace and estimate the time required to complete a given task. Knowing this makes it easier to schedule time--a major component of an organized day!
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You CAN homeschool through high school! Read our newest E-Book!
Do the words homeschool and high school make you a bit uneasy?Are you unsure if you have what it takes to teach higher-level curricula? Are hints of weakness discouraging you? Be inspired and encouraged by experienced homeschoolers as they direct you back to the all powerful Superintendent of
Christian Homeschools--God! TOS brings help in:
Help, Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler!
Enjoy getting to know other homeschoolers in the pages of the Help, Lord . . . E-Book. Many include photos of themselves and their families--get to know them as fellow homeschoolers as they bless you with their kind words of encouragement and point you toward the finish line that is homeschooling through high school. You can do this!
3. Set Aside "My Space". Middle and high schoolers have more books, papers, and projects than elementary students, along with a growing need for personal space. Give your student a special place, separate from and inaccessible to younger siblings, to store books and other course work. A personal desk with cubbies or shelves works best, but creative solutions work too! Consider one shelf on a bookcase, a drawer in a filing cabinet, or even a milk crate turned sideways. Let your student organize and maintain the space in his or her own way. Encourage neatness, but leave room for your student to develop an individual method of organization. 4. Color Coordinate. Let your teen pick a color for each subject and mark or label related materials with matching colors. For example, if the English book has a blue cover, use a blue spiral notebook for essays and blue divider tabs to mark English assignments in three-ring binders (or a blue binder, if you have one for English alone). Removable colored stickers can also mark books, bindings, and folders.
Purchase The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner and receive a one-year print subscription (U.S. only)
for only $5! This is a $20 savings!
Get organized and stay informed for an entire year while you save $20!
We only have 250 of these special "Back-to-Homeschool" encouragement bundles.
Once they're gone, they're gone!
Homeschooling the High Schooler Ebook--Save 50%
Packed with answers, encouragement, and resources, Homeschooling the High Schooler: From Transcripts to Graduation will equip you to homeschool through high school with confidence! Our authors, all armed with firsthand experience, share more than just practical advice.
Save with the Homeschooling High School Bundle!
Homeschooling your high school student can be a scary proposition, but with our Homeschool through High School back issue bundle, you will find encouragement and information.
Included in this bundle are the Fall 2003, Fall 2006, Fall 2007 and Fall 2008 Issues. And as an added bonus, you will receive the E-Book-Homeschooling the High Schooler to get you started right away.
The College Success Program--SAT Save 10%
The College Success Program with the SAT workbook includes:
The Complete Guide to College Financing and Admissions (DVD-ROM): This award0winning and proven effective interactive disc-based system takes the guesswork out of the college process, taking you by the hand and providing critical information.
Zero Hour Threat (CD-ROM): A skills-building game created by i.d.e.a.s. at Disney-MGM Studios. You won't believe what you'll absorb . . . while saving the planet!
The Essential Guide to the SAT (Workbook): Provides a unique approach to mastering these critical college admissions tests, offering an opportunity to increase scoring potential through enhancement of verbal, writing, and math skills . . . at your own pace.
E-Book Wee-book™
High School Bundle
These three We-Ebooks will help you and your
children explore potential professions. Discover and explore higher-education options and look into whether apprenticeship is the right fit for your children when you read these short E-Books filled with just the information you need.
Transcript Book Camp from Inge Cannon--Save 10%
Transcript Boot Camp on DVD is a special training seminar on DVD for parents of homeschooled junior and senior high students, featuring Inge Cannon.
Attend Transcript Boot Camp in the comfort of your own home on your own schedule. Watch the DVD as many times as needed. Get your teens involved and learn how to produce credible, professional high school transcripts that will be respected.
The College Success
Program--ACT Save 10%
The College Success Program with the ACT workbook includes:
The Complete Guide to College Financing and Admissions (DVD-ROM): This award-winning and proven effective interactive disc-based system takes the guesswork out of the college process; taking you by the hand and providing critical information.
Zero Hour Threat (CD-ROM): This totally interactive action game combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with skills building for math and vocabulary. The Essential Guide to the ACT (Workbook): Provides a unique approach to mastering these critical college admissions tests, offering an opportunity to increase scoring potential through enhancement of verbal, writing, and math skills . . . at your own pace.
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5.Teach academic organization. Don't assume your teens automatically know how to organize! You taught them to clean their rooms--help them learn to clean their academic houses. Talk about using separate notebooks (or separate sections) for different subjects,
and talk about keeping each subject's notes, flashcards, books, and tests together. Mixing everything up leads to confusion and costs precious minutes that could be spent in study--or recreation.
Bonus Tip: If your student has trouble figuring out how to highlight or underline important information in textbooks, consider the use of multiple colors to help with organization. For example, underline new words or definitions in red, critical facts in yellow, and important people or places in blue. Not only will this help your student focus on the kind of information he or she underlines, but finding the right passage is a snap the second time around! If you don't or can't permit writing on the pages, colored Post-it Notes serve the same purpose without creating permanent marks.
Susan Spann, Senior Contibuting Writer Susan Spann is a partner in the law firm Llewellyn Spann, where she specializes in copyright, trademark, and corporate law. Formerly a professor at Trinity Law School in Santa Ana, California, she currently teaches business law at William Jessup University. She blogs on legal issues from a Christian worldview at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/SusanSpann.
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Homeschoolers are often asked what they will do for high school; first, because your child "won't have a diploma;" second, because your child "won't be ready for college." With colleges and universities actually seeking out homeschoolers, it's been proven that the concerns of our well-meaning friends and families are not something we need to worry about.
Still, as homeschoolers, we don't have school guidance counselors to help us and our student figure out college planning. It's even more challenging for those of us who don't have our own college planning experiences from which to glean. When should the SAT be taken? How do we find out about scholarships and financing? What about sports scholarships? My College Options, and Terry Wilfong, have these answers and more!
Read our TOS interview with Terry Wilfong of My College Options Here.
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Organization for busy families!
From preschoolers to high schoolers, get your busy family happily organized-buzzing like bees as you start to organizzzzze!?
Are you ready to tackle the dirty dozen?
As a month, August means organization for many households . . . Is your home looking dignified and grand? How impressive are your organization skills?
Wouldn't it be nice to be prepared for the new school year with make-ahead kitchen mixes, spotless closets, and a renewed spirit in your heart?
Start now, and strategize to organize with this motivating issue of . . . Molly's Money-Saving Digest August 2009!
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Earn while you shop!
You can earn up to $25 in "Back-to-Homeschool Bucks" in the Schoolhouse Store! When you shop, you'll earn "Back-to-Homeschool Bucks"--a coupon code good for dollars off your next purchase of TOS products listed in the wide selection of our Totally TOS category in the Schoolhouse Store.
Lapbooking and notebooking have become very popular with homeschoolers in recent years. This week, the Schoolhouse Store is having a sale with top-name vendors offering huge discounts on lapbooking, notebooking, and unit study items. This sale will end at midnight (EST) on August 28. Don't forget, there's ALWAYS free shipping at the Schoolhouse Store.
Take a look below and you'll find the following items on sale:
Now's your chance to save 30% on any Hands of a Child item from the Schoolhouse Store!
There are 245 Hands of a Child Lapbook Project Packs on sale right now! Click HERE and take a look at these wonderful studies on a HUGE selection of subjects.
Be sure to check our E-Lapbooking and E-Notebooking categories for more great items to fit your notebooking and lapbooking needs. Always free shipping in the Schoolhouse Store!
Do any of you bloggers have lesson plans, notebooking pages, unit studies, etc. that you have created and would like to sell? Heidi is our new e-Book Reviews Specialist at the Schoolhouse Store and she would love to take a look at what you have!
Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first?
Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - we even cover the shipping!
Welcome to the HSB announcement blogboard from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine,
LLC. We hope you will enjoy the articles posted here by the Porch Team. Please feel free to leave comments!
~ Tia Linschied, Senior Editor of HSB
Our E-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox, and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
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Stephanie: When my son, Deuce, was 6 years old, we were unschoolers. Whatever he was interested in, we studied. He happened to become interested in bees that fall; I came across a lapbook about bees while helping him find some information to read on the subject. I became interested in the concept and asked him if he would like to give it a try. From then on, Deuce and I have loved lapbooks, and now my younger son loves them too. It is a fun way for the entire family to learn about a topic together, because each child can create his own lapbook on his own level. 
he Schoolhouse Planner monthly modules have 
Stephanie: While lapbooks are wonderful studies to use with literature, they can include any subject at all. We have, personally, made lapbooks with science topics, favorite books that we have read, math, and even grammar! Some topics are easier to come up with mini books for, but lapbooking is a very flexible way to learn. 
A Weather Unit Study--Ready to Use!
Looking for a fun way to teach music this school year? This unit study is full of information, ideas, crafts, and work sheets to encourage the love of music. Your student will enjoy these fun-filled lessons. Music Mania is a wonderful addition to your studies for this school year!
TOS: A part of planning is knowing what you want to do next. What are some of the topics that will be covered in the 2009-2010 Planner modules?
Curious about The Old Schoolhouse
