It's about that time again, planning for a new homeschool year.  Has your mailbox started popping with homeschool catalogs yet?  Some may think it's way too early to start thinking of planning now, but some publishers offer nice discounts for early orders.  This is something to keep in mind if your are working with a tight budget.

I just received my Alpha Omega catalog and they always offer a nice 20% discount in April and 10% discount in May.  So be on the look out for those discounts!!  Please feel free to post about homeschool discounts that offered.

How do you plan for a new school year??  As some of you may already know, I'm trying to use the girls laptop computer more.  It allows them to take their studies where ever we go.  I know which programs or publishers I will be using for most of their studies but there are a few I'm still in search for.  Here is what our studies look like.

Math - Teaching Textbooks & Quarter Mile
History- TruthQuest
Science- Apologia
Vocabulary - Wordly Wise
Literature - Our Library Book Club (This is a classical homeschool club)
Computer - Mavis Beacon
Foreign Language - Before You Know It

Here is a list of the subjects I'm still in search for.  
Grammar
Writing
Health/PE
Home Eco. 

Blessings,
Lisa

• The World of Neuroscience - Find out about the history of neuroscience, what it's like to be a neuroscientist, meet some Nobel Prize winners, and ponder neuroethics.
• Brain Basics -- Is there a difference between she brains and he brains? Learn about the composition of the brain and its many functions. Get some tips for keeping your brain fit.
• Higher Functions -- Explore the myth that we only use 10% of our brains, find out if the full moon really has an effect on behavior, and discover the impact of chocolate on the brain. Does music make you smarter? Get the answer to that question and more...
• The Spinal Cord -- Get familiar with the different segments of the spinal cord and learn about reflexes.
• The Peripheral Nervous System - Find out what organs and muscles are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
• The Neuron -- Learn about brain cells, synapses, and neurotransmitters.
• The Sensory System -- Find out where your sensory receptors are located, and get the 4-1-1 on your 5 senses. Discover the amazing senses of animals.
• Neuroscience Methods & Techniques -- Scientists explain electrodes and brain imaging. Learn about careers in neuroscience.
• The Effects of Drugs on the Nervous System -- discover what alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and other drugs do to the brain and nerves.
• Neurological and Mental Disorders -- learn about the effects of diseases and injuries to the brain and nervous system including: Alzheimer's Disease, Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Soccer Head Injuries -- and learn the latest research info on Dyslexia, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and ADHD.

TIP:  I have made a library notebook for the girls to use each time they are in the library.  I made a Dewey Decimal Chart for them to put on the front inside cover.  This made them self efficient in the library where I could spend some nice library time myself.  The chart is at the bottom of this section for you to download.

I have the children write down ANY word they may not understand.  I take the books while they are not in use and start on my vocabulary list and I take the lists that the girls made and combine them.  While they are reading, taking notes and writing down their ideas (or so I hope!!); I’m busy making the vocabulary list and important points in the books we are reading.  This will serve me well for question and answer time to see if they are comprehending what they are reading.

As the mother, I need to stay one step ahead.  The girls are reading their books and creating their design layout, so I’m working on the next section we will be learning about.  Pyramids.  I decided which books I would like to find from the booklist I have.  On one of my late night/early morning web surfing “ME” times I go to my library database to see first if they have them.  If they do, GREAT my job just became easier, if not then I need to go on a search and find mission for books that we can use to cover this section.

My next step is going on my search for fun pictures and graphics that we can use as well as websites that we may can take a look at as well.  I store this information in my file folder for easy access when I need it.

IDEA: If you are wanting to make a notebook with ancient looking paper, here is how you do it.

You can do this before the child writes on the paper or after.  I did it after.  Sometimes it’s hard to make things neat with crinkles in the paper.

After the child is finished with their report and it’s notebook ready.  Make a nice pot of strong coffee or tea (let it cool).  When everyone is done with the kitchen for the night, plug up a side of the sink and pour the coffee/tea in.  Take the paper and crumple it up, unfold it and crumple it again.  Place your paper in the coffee and let it soak for an hour or so.  Place it on some paper towels to dry over night.

Learning is FUN!!

Blessings,