Nov. 15, 2008 - Great page for Field Trips

I found this link on a homeschool loop.
It lists field trips in Maine.
Happy Homeschooling.

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/all-field-trips/?input_state=ME

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Aug. 19, 2008 - Giveaway of the Day-Software.

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Aug. 2, 2008 - 10 common mistakes of new homeschoolers

Common Mistakes Made by New Homeschoolers

The following list contains some of the more common mistakes that are often made by families new to homeschooling. These items are in random order and are by no means all of the mistakes that could be made, nor is the existence of this list a guarantee that all new homeschoolers will make these mistakes. In an effort to help families avoid these errors, I have included links to other articles containing further help, encouragement, or explanations.

1. Doubting their ability to teach their own children

2. A. Attempting to copy the schedule, curriculum, or lifestyle of another homeschooling family
B. Attempting to copy public school classroom models for time schedules, room arrangements, or teaching methods

3. Being overly strict with schoolwork, teaching methods, and discipline, thinking that is how to avoid homeschooling failure

4. A. Leaving the house too often, due to over-involvement
B. Not leaving the house enough, due to fear or due to a too-intensive load of schoolwork

5. Trying to do too much -- too many subjects, too many activities, or too many projects

6. Viewing the household chores as Mom's Work, instead of as a team activity that benefits everyone

7. Assuming that what they may have heard about homeschooling is true, without checking into the facts: legal accountability requirements, time or financial commitment, or curriculum availability

8. Giving too much information on official documents

9. Refusing to try alternate methods or materials, even when something is not working well, feeling that changing methods will bring inconsistency

10. Giving up too quickly, instead of allowing themselves time to adapt to this totally new lifestyle (the second year is much easier than Year #1)


Once again, beginning to homeschool your children does not mean that you will make any or all of the above mistakes, especially if you attempt to tailor the academics to your children's interests and fit the educational experiences into your family's lifestyle (instead of the other way around). Guilt-Free Homeschooling is based in the homeschooling method which is comfortable for you and keeps you relaxed (not tense and stressful). Guilt-Free Homeschooling fits your family's lifestyle -- and there can be few mistakes in that.

For more encouragement, browse through the Titles Index for intriguing articles, or check out the category listings in the Topical Index for help with a specific problem you may be enduring.

Posted by Carolyn M @ 4:07 PM | 4 comments

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Jul. 31, 2008 - Great Deal! Today only! From Biblical Womanhood

***End-Of-Summer Blowout Sale!*** Get over $100 Worth of eBooks, Downloadables, and Audio Workshops $5.97--TODAY (July 30, 2008) ONLY Hurry! The price will increase $3 tomorrow! On Wednesday, July 30, 2008 only, you can get all of the following ebooks, downloadables, and audio workshops for the low, low price of $5.97. This is the lowest price we've ever offered and likely the only time we'll do a sale like this. Get it while you can! For $5.97, here's what you'll get: Supermarket Savings 101: Learn How To Drastically Reduce Your Grocery Bill! ($17.97 value!) by Crystal Paine, aka MoneySavingMom Don't let the rising costs of fuel and food break your budget! This best-selling course has taught thousands of women around the country how to cut their grocery bill by 30-50% or more! Through six short and simple audio lessons, downloadable easy-to-understand course materials, hands-on assignments to help you learn the ropes, and a private message forum, this course will walk you through all the basics to becoming a savvy grocery shopper. Written with busy moms in mind, this course would also be excellent for an older daughter, a newly-married woman, or even a grandma! Topics include: Designing a menu plan that really works; menu planning on a budget; simple, no-fuss, frugal menu ideas and recipes; creating a workable grocery budget and sticking with it; learning how to find good deals; time management and efficiency in frugal shopping; the basics of using coupons--where to find them, which coupons to cut, how to organize them; step-by-step explanations on how to make the most of deals at CVS and Walgreens; a photo tutorial of a typical $35/week grocery shopping trip for our family including some of our favorite $35/week menu ideas; links to helpful resources and websites to aid you in this money-saving journey; and more! Six audio downloadable audio lesson. 57-page downloadable handbook. Simple Tips for Successful Home Management - Volume 1 ($5.97 value!) by Crystal Paine Simple Tips for Successful Home Management: Volume 1 is a collection of some of my favorite tips, tricks, techniques, and even a few recipes I've used over the last few years of being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Especially written with young mamas in mind, it includes sections on attacking clutter, organizing small spaces, conquering the laundry pile, homemaking during difficult seasons, getting motivated, having a weekly household plan, accomplishing cleaning with young children, successful kitchen management, learning contentment, finding time for a devotional life, and more. Sprinkled throughout are essays and stories of encouragement from my first few years of being a wife and mom. 32 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. What to Do While Waiting for Prince Charming: Encouraging Young Women and Their Parents in the Incredible Potential and Possibilities for Unmarried Women ($3.97 value!) MP3 Audio Workshop by Crystal Paine “I believe that God has something so much greater for Christian young women today than following the careerism, consumerism, humanism, and feminism that the world wants to offer you.” In this session, originally given at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo, Crystal Paine, a homeschool graduate who is now happily married and mother of two, shares from her heart and personal experience three keys to living a vibrant, meaningful life while unmarried. Packed with practical ideas and Biblical encouragement. 70-minute downloadable audio presentation. Includes an audience question and answer segment at the end. What My Parents Did Right: Encouragement for Weary Parents from a Grateful Homeschool Graduate ($3.97 value!) MP3 Audio Workshop by Crystal Paine “I well remember those days growing up... You know, those homeschooling days when it seemed like everything went wrong - the baby was fussy and wouldn't nap, the house was a mess, there were piles of dirty laundry overflowing out from the laundry room, everyone was in a bad mood, and after a few hours, mom would end up in tears saying, ‘I just can't do it anymore...’ My parents didn't choose to homeschool because it was easy. In fact, it was probably one of the hardest things they ever did - besides having seven children!” In this workshop, originally given at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo, Crystal Paine shares seven specific things her parents did which she is eternally grateful for. Chock full of practical ideas and real-life examples from a grateful homeschool graduate who is now a young wife and mother herself, this talk will be a special blessing and encouragement to those of you feeling overwhelmed in your homeschooling or parenting journey. 56-minute downloadable audio presentation. Includes an audience question and answer segment at the end. A Proper Tea ($6.97 value!) by Mrs. Kelli Wilt Want to learn the art of hosting a proper and beautiful tea? This ebook will show you how! Lovely pictures, practical ideas, yummy recipes, and much more grace the pages of this 33-page ebook. From unique invitations, creative favors, eye-pleasing table decorations, to mouth-watering scones, this ebook covers it all with flair! In the back you will even find a checklist to make sure you don't forget any of the important details for your special event. 33 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. Make Your Own -Simple Crafts and Decorating ($6.97 value!) by Mrs. Kelli Wilt A compilation of craft ideas to warm the heart and home. Learn how to make: Resurrection Eggs, Topiaries, Kitchen Curtains, A Menu Board, Spring Placecards, Monogrammed Diaper Bags, A Front Door Wreath, Toile Padded Picture Frame, Sugar Shaker Candle, Floral Swag, Mason Jar Luminaries, House Garland, and more! 65 pages of detailed instructions and illustrations and color pictures. Instantly downloadable ebook. Simply Centsible Breakfasts ($4.97 value!) by Crystal Paine For the first three years of our marriage, our grocery budget was $20-$30/week. I had a very hard time at first coming up with anything decent to serve for breakfast on such a limited budget. With time, trial and error, and creativity, I've come up with a number of recipes which have become staples for our morning. This ebook is a collection of some of those favorite recipes. They are all inexpensive, most take very basic ingredients which you probably already have on hand, and take a minimal amount of time and effort. All of our family's favorite frugal breakfast recipes including all my make-ahead batter recipes, bargain banana breakfast recipes, marvelous muffin recipes, and much more. Sprinkled throughout are quick and frugal tips to help you get breakfast on the table in an easy, nexpensive manner. 17 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. How to Start Your Own Business ($15.97 value!) by Crystal Paine Ever since I finished writing The Merchant Maiden, I have received many emails, letters, and phone calls, asking me for advice and ideas on how to start up a business. I’ve felt rather inadequate to answer these questions as I have only had my own business for a few years and am still learning everyday. But, the Lord has allowed me to learn a lot through making many mistakes and through being mentored by older, wiser people. This course contains everything I wish I knew before I started our business and many of the things I have learned through trial and error over the past few years. My desire for this course is to try and answer those questions I have been asked and provide the motivation to those who really want to earn an income from home, but have no clue where to begin. I want to share what I have learned through trial and error, so that you will hopefully not have to make as many mistakes as I have. 80 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. Menu Planning Made Easy! ($5.97 value!) by Sheri Graham This ebook contains: 4 weeks worth of dinner menus, recipes, and shopping lists; cooking and money-saving tips to make your life easier; forms and instructions to make your very own menus; ideas and some recipes for breakfast, lunches, and desserts! 54 Pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. Homegrown Business ($15.97 value!) by Jesse and Crystal Paine Wonder how you could manage homeschooling and a home business without losing your sanity? 29 families share their real-life experiences! A wealth of practical advice woven into these inspirational stories. Topics covered such as: how to balance homeschooling and home business, how to involve your children in your home business, how to integrate your home business into your children's education, and much more! Over 80 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. In Good Season: Autumn ($6.97 value!) by Mrs. Kelli Wilt Within this ebook, you will find delightful thoughts to multiply your enjoyment of the Autumn season. Includes simple and inexpensive ways to decorate your table, your living areas, and even the outdoors of your home. Many simple Autumn craft patterns and pictures are to be found, as well, from napkins and napkin rings, placecards, leaf projects, and more. The delicious Fall recipes are sure to tempt your tastebuds. This ebook shares three different menus - a formal dinner, a casual dinner, and a tea. You will also find an abundance of beautiful pictures and some creative Fall family activity ideas. 41 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. The Bread by Hand eBook ($4.97 value!) by Kimberly Eddy Wish you could make fresh, homemade bread just like your grandmother did? Well, now you can with The Bread by Hand eBook! You don't need a mixer, bread machine, special tools, or any experience to bless your family with wholesome homemade bread on a regular basis. This eBook explains the bread-baking process in detail and even helps the most inexperienced baker understand the ins and outs of baking bread by hand. Whether you are interested in learning how to bake white bread, wheat bread, or any other sort of bread, you will learn how in this ebook. In fact, this ebook doesn't just stop at baking basic breads, but also covers sourdough bread, rye bread, homemade soft pretzels, bagels, cinnamon rolls, and more. 43 pages with illustrations. Instantly downloadable ebook. Momma's Guide to Growing Your Groceries ($7.97 value!) by Kimberly Eddy One of the best ways to save extra money on the grocery bill is to grow your own groceries, but getting started with a garden can be challenging and intimidating. If it's not done properly, a garden can potentially cost you more than you actually save. The majority of the gardening books on the market today do not focus on gardening specifically to save money, and therefore contain many costly suggestions. And, most gardening books were not written for busy mothers with young children either. That's where this new ebook, Momma's Guide to Growing Your Groceries comes in! Over the last several years, Kimberly Eddy has been canning an average of 500 jars per year, and dehydrating, freezing, and eating fresh vegetables and fruits that she and her family have grown in their own backyard at their lovely Michigan villa. Kimberly has five young children who help her out in this venture and in this eBook she shares with you many helpful tips and tricks she has learned over the past few years to help you to also grow your own groceries and lower your food bill. 69 pages with illustrations. Instantly downloadable ebook. Simply Centsible Suppers ($4.97 value!) by Crystal Paine Short on Time and Money? Simply Centsible Suppers is the surefire solution! 10 complete dinner menus which are quick and easy, inexpensive, and most importantly, delicious! Crystal also shares tips and ideas for eating well on a tight budget gleaned from the past two years while her husband was in law school and they lived off of a small part-time income. 20 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook. Thriving on One Income ($7.97 value!) by Kimberly Eddy Do you feel as if there is no way you can make ends meet on one paycheck? Does it seem as if there is more outgo than income? If so, you must read Momma’s Guide to Thriving on One Income! Kimberly Eddy has done us a marvelous favor in writing such a book. This will both inspire and encourage wives and mothers who are seeking to wisely stretch limited resources. You do not just have to survive on one income, in this book Mrs. Eddy provides stores of down-to-earth wisdom to help you to thrive on one income. Momma’s Guide to Thriving on One Income is chock full of practical ideas which can be accomplished on the tightest of budgets. In addition, the author shares personal testimonies from her own family of how the Lord has been faithful to provide and carry them through very lean times. 80 pages. Instantly downloadable ebook.   TODAY ONLY, you can get ALL of these ebooks, audios, and downloadables--over $100 worth in all--for the incredibly low price of $5.97! That's what I call a screaming good deal! The price will increase by $3 tomorrow so hurry get yours while you can still snag this unheard-of price!   Click Here to Purchase This Entire Ebook Package for ONLY $5.97 today!   Please Note: After you pay, you will be redirected to a page with all the ebook and audio files. If for some reason you have any trouble accessing these or you are not automatically redirected to the link, please email us! Any questions? Feel free to email us! Ordering Information: eBooks are in a PDF file and can be downloaded immediately upon purchasing, anytime of the day or night. After placing your order, you will be forwarded to our download page where you will have access to the ebook and the bonus specials.   Money Back Guarantee: We feel that this eBook package is a very good product and an exceptional value. But, if for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with the eBook, we are happy to offer you a 45-day money-back guarantee! Earn Money By Signing Up for Our Affiliate Program!

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Jul. 23, 2008 - Read classic books on line free.

Visit this website for classic books that can be read for free.
You can save them to your computer so you can read them offline
if you would like. Happy reading.

Page by Page Books

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Jul. 14, 2008 - Test Preparation & Vocabulary Building Made Fun

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Jul. 13, 2008 - The Earth Bowl

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Jul. 11, 2008 - Pirates!

For a limited time only, Scrapandlearn.com is offering a free pirate resource list.  You will find a pirate book list, pirate websites, and several pirate unit studies.  If your kids would like to learn more about pirates, this free resource has done all the work for you!
I am copying and pasting the website list (http://www.scrapandlearn.com/resources.html) here but click on the link above for the book list.
Have fun Mateys!

PIRATES !
WEBSITES
*We have checked these sites for age appropriateness, but parents should always be vigilant, as websites can easily be changed or added to.

ANNIE SILVERJINK’S PIRATE KINGDOM http://pirateannie.fateback.com/ Good site for kids. Biographies on famous pirates, interactive “pirate adventure”, suggested books, etc. Ages 4-12 . Educational Value: A Entertainment Value: B

GENTLEMEN OF FORTUNE http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com/ 12 A goodsite forages and up to get detailed information on pirate clothing, equipment, weaponry and ships. The text is straightforward, but very informative and has some good pictures of pirate items. Educational Value: B Entertainment Value: C

THE GOLDEN HIND http://www.goldenhind.co.uk/education/index.html The Golden Hind was the ship sailed by Sir Francis Drake. This site has some very good information on Drake and this ship in particular. There is also some general interest information on food (a list of typical daily rations), health, navigation and more. Educational Value: A Entertainment Value: C

HISTORY CHANNEL http://www.history.com/ A general search of “pirates” will bring up lots of options, which are ever-changing. When we went to the site, there was not a whole lot of anything really worthwhile but it might be worth checking back. Educational Value: C (When we looked) Entertainment Value: C Immodesty Alert: .Be very careful here – we tried to watch a short video on weaponry and were forced to watch a Viagra commercial first and then hear the narrator use the word “fricken”. Strongly suggest a parent preview anything first.

HISTORY OF PIRACY http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/index.html A good all-around site for information on topics like pirate biographies, currency, flags, ships, weapons and even the facts behind the fiction of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. This is also a very good place to print out maps, a cross-section of a ship, and pictures of weapons and currency if you’re keeping a ScrapandLearn.com pirate scrapbook. Educational Value: A Entertainment Value: B (only because there’s not much interactive)

PIRATES OF THE WHYDUH http://www.shipwreckcenter.org/pages_chsp/museum.html In 1984, underwater explorer Barry Clifford and his Project Team discovered the site of the 1717 shipwreck of the Whydah off Cape Cod; the only verified pirate shipwreck ever discovered. This site chronicles the findings by the person who actually used them on board. For instance, press the “Captain” button and you will find information on ship captain Samuel Bellamy as well as photos of recovered treasure. Under the “Surgeon” button you will find recovered syringes and information on who the ship surgeon was and what he did. A nice little online museum trip. Educational Value: A Entertainment Value: A

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S REAL PIRATES: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WHYDAH http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mission/real-pirates/ Another site about the Whyduh. Artifacts were recovered and are, at this writing, on tour and this site can tell you where. This site is a good one for reading about the Whydah and includes some other features including some excellent lesson plans for educators. Educational Value: A Entertainment Value: A

A UNIT STUDY ON TREASURE ISLAND http://www.easyfunschool.com/article2275.html This unit study is not as comprehensive as the one on Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter, but it does offer some fun activities and thoughtful questions. Educational Value: B Entertainment Value: A

A UNIT STUDY ON PIRATE DIARY: THE JOURNAL OF JAKE CARPENTER
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/pirate_diary.php
A comprehensive unit study using this book. Very well-laid out and thorough and includes ideas for everything from art to math.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: A

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Jun. 21, 2008 - Homeschoolers of Maine upcoming Events.

HOME Upcoming Events

*** Barry Stebbing Returns to Maine!

In July, Barry Stebbing, artist, author and teacher, will be in Maine to
present art classes for homeschoolers aged 5 - adult. Three-day classes are
scheduled for July 21, 22 and 23 from 9:00am - 11:30am or 1:00pm - 3:30pm
in Skowhegan and July 24, 25 and 26 in Rockland from 9:00am - 11:30am.
Classes will include instruction in art appreciation, beginning drawing,
beginning painting, and more!

Register now to receive a reduced rate. Late fees will be applied to those
registering after July 7. For more information and to register for the
Skowhegan class, please contact Tracy Smith at 474-5349 or
onaturel@o-nature-l.com. For more information and to register for the
Rockland class, please contact Kathy Green at 763-2880 or
homeschl@midcoast.com.

For more information on Barry Stebbing, his books and his
classes, please visit www.howgreatthouart.com

*** Getting Started in Homeschooling

- Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 2:00pm at the HOME Office

Are you just beginning to homeschool? Are you researching the option for
your family? Plan to attend this workshop!

We will cover the following topics:

Maine's new homeschooling law
Record keeping
Curriculum planning
Helpful resources
Portfolios and evaluations
Support groups
Special needs
And much more!

Call the HOME office at 763-2880 to register.

*** Saturday Morning Coffee at the HOME Office

Are you in need of support, encouragement, answers or ideas? In some areas
of our state, local support can be hard to find. Help is never really very
far away, though. You are always welcome at the HOME Office! Support from
HOME is always just a phone call or email away. Visits to the HOME Office
are welcomed, too (please call ahead first). Now you can also join other
homeschoolers on the third Saturday of each month at the HOME Office for an
informal time of fellowship and sharing over a cup of coffee. Join us at
10:00am on any or all of the following Saturdays in 2008:

June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18,
November 15, and December 20 (please call ahead to confirm).

*** For a list of all upcoming HOME Events in 2008, visit
http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/event_calendar.htm

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Jun. 11, 2008 - Free Audio Books

Free Christian Audio Books like  Pilgrims Progress and the Story of William Carey.
http://www.freechristianaudiobooks.com/

Free Classic Audio Books like Buffalo Bill and White Fang.
http://www.freeclassicaudiobooks.com/

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