Your kids have had the flu for what seems like months now.  Your routines lay shattered around you.  Your heart is sinking with the mess all around you.  Anyone relate?  If you are not there, you will be at one point this winter.  So what are we to do when those dulldroms come? 

The greatest gift we posses as homeschoolers is our opportunity to change.  We can change things up when school starts to get us down.  Change the location where you do school.  Change the books you are reading for awhile.  Change your attitude! 

Remember that quote from Charles Swindoll I posted the other day?  Attitude is in our power to control.  Are you going to see the negatives only?  Or are you going to see what treasures you have laying all around you?  It's up to us, Moms.  We set the tone of our homes. 

I delared this week to be "Serve Others Week" at our home.  We made dinner for friends with a new baby.  We babysat for friends.  We visited our elderly grandparents in a nursing home.  We wrote thank you notes to others who have been kind to us. 

I tell you these things not to brag or make you feel bad about yourself.  I tell them to you because I want you to be encouraged.  The antedote to feeling blah is to serve others and to be thankful for all you have.  It is really that simple.  How that looks in your world will be different from how it looks in mine. 

"You live more fully once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted." 

~Ruth E. Renki

"Happiness is contagious.  Be a carrier. "

~Robert Orben

"What the mind dwells on, expands."

~Norman Vincent Peale

I challenge you to find ways to shake things up next week in your studies if you are feeling blah, take a walk in the fall sunshine, rake leaves together, write letters to others, visit a shut-in, whatever that is for you,  just do it! 

~Jenn

Have you met my new friend, Annie Kate?  Oh, she is so wise.  I wanted to be sure to introduce you to her so that you might glean from her as I have.  Go on over and read her latest post about her guidelines for going out.  You won't be sorry!  She put into words what I have been thinking about outside activities, especially this winter.  Thank you, Annie Kate. 

Blessings on your day!

~Jenn

I am having one of those homeschool moments, so you'll have to excuse me.  An idea has finally come together and I am so excited.  So, of course, I had to post.  It's not like I can call a neighbor to come over and see my wonderful homeschool idea.  (That's what you are for!) 

We have this small table upstairs that has been unused for the last 6 months that we've been living here.  The previous family had a computer set up there.  I did not want to use the space in that way, so it sat collecting stuff and getting marked up when someone would decide to draw on the table.  (Accidentally, I am sure.) 

So, I had this idea come to me.  Why don't I make it a Science Learning Center.  So I did!  Here are some photos. 

I gathered our science supplies and as the saying goes, "If you build it, they will come!"  I think I will also hang some of our science posters when I get some of that stuff you can hang posters on a wall without messing up the paint. 

Grace promptly ran out in the rain to gather leaves that she wanted to investigate further. 

I set out some books that we are studying.  I also put the science dvd that we are using up there, so they can watch it and do some of the less messy things with magnets.  Also, I put their Math U See dvds up there so they can now have a more quiet spot to view their math lessons. 

Certainly, this little spot is a blessing to us and we will enjoy it for as long as we are still here. 

Even the kitty likes it. 

One more thing...

Grace and I are working on a new nature journal for her.  I bought this notebook for 35 cents on clearance at Target.  (Wish I had bought more!)  We took some scrap paper and pasted it on the front. 

She is working on her first page.  She is using pictures from travel brochures that I collect.  She will also write in some of her observations from our last trip to the Dunes.  I just love how it is coming along.  I am going to cut some of those pictures to use in my own nature journal. 

Happy Learning to You,

Jenn

Spelling City

Are you looking for a way for your kids to practice spelling?  A way that they won't complain about?  Well, Spelling City just may be for you, too.  (This is not a paid endorcement or anything else.) 

Perhaps this fantastic website is not news to you.  Somehow, I must have over-looked it.  Anyway, my children are now enjoying this excellent, free, learning website.  All I do is make up a list of words that they are studying and the program does the rest with fun games, tests and more.  And it is worth mentioning that it is free! 

It also helps me in my ever-challenging need to provide meaningful work while I spend one-on-one time with my children.  Now, if there was just something (for free) for other subjects that was as much fun. Anyone know of a site like this? 

Yesterday was sadly, the last Science Saturday at Conner Prairie for the season.  Science Saturday, free with admission, was a fantastic way to get my kids some  hands on science.  The best part was that I did not have to do anything and they did not know they were learning.  Yesterday's theme revolved around rocks, but we also attended Science Theater, which was about electricity.  Of course, we had to do some farm chores, too.  Here are some photos. 

 Ryan mixing cement. 

Each child got to mix cement and then put it into a mold to take home.  Ours are still drying. 

Trevor and Grace writing on slate with soap stone. 

 Trevor looking for the perfect rock to take home.

In addition, the kids saw geods smashed, made rock necklaces, looked at rocks with a microscope hooked up to the TV, used magnets to find out which rocks were magnitized, and did a blind taste test to tell which  crystal was salt or sugar. 

Science Theater...

It's kind of hard to see, but Ryan is holding onto a machine that is generating electicity.  Trevor is holding onto Ryan with one hand and the other is over a plate of little pieces of paper.  As the current flows through the boys, the little pieces of paper dance. 

Grace and Trevor enjoyed helping with laundry.

Ryan worked up a sweat getting the water bucket filled. 

I'll save some of the other pictures for another time. 

Today is a Library School Day for us.  It's a made up term for what I describe as the perfect day!  Spending a whole day at my library is pretty much wonderful.  My oldest even said the last time we did this that he could live at our library.  (Me too!) 

So what is Library School?  Simply put, we pack up all our books, a lunch, and head to the library to do our lessons.  We use one of the study rooms for reading aloud.  Then we move to the more open areas to do our individual work.  This allows the ones who are done or who are waiting for help, to be able to move around the children's area having book time with me in sight.  And as a reward for a job well done, we all go to the computer room for some computer fun.  Our library also has a local artist exhibit that changes monthly.  We love to gaze at the art and choose our favorites.  Sometimes we ask one another,"Which picture do you want to live in." 

So what are the benefits to Library School, you might ask?  The biggest for me is that the library is free from distractions.  I am totally focused on our lessons.  And if something comes up where we need more information, we are already at the library to do a search. 

There are limitations, of course.  If you had a younger toddler, this would not work so well for an all day event.  Unless, you had a play area like our library has and you could assign an older child to supervise the toddler.  Another limitation is if your library doesn't have a cafe.  We eat our lunches at our library's cafe, but we could aslo eat outside if the weather is nice.  Another downside is that I don't get my laundry done as well as when I am home.  But that is minor compared to the progress that is made with our lessons.  We do run into other homeschool friends, which can be a little distraction, but is also a joy.  The benefits outweigh the effort it takes to pack up ALL our books.  It also helps to use a rolling cart.   

So there you have it, Library School.  Perhaps you might consider giving it a try.  Or if it is not at the library, perhaps someplace else free of distractions and temptations, like a nature center at a park.  My goal is to do this once a month.  My kids certainly appreciate the change of pace.  And I think it is a good wittness to others who visit the library, including the staff, to see a homeschool in action.  (We get stares from the preschool moms.    Maybe we will plant some seeds?)

Blessings,

Jenn

A couple weeks ago, I was blessed beyond my expectations to go to a night of encouragement for homeschool moms at my church.  One of the speakers gave us a list of things that she was glad that she did in her homeschool.  If I remember correctly, she was speaking from the point of view of having her son just entering college and a daughter in high school at home.  This gave me the idea to write my own list.  Of course this is not a complete list.  I do not have the time it would take to write that list.  This is just the beginning.  I will try to add to this over the next few weeks, as well. 

I am glad...

• My children can learn at their own pace.
• My children think learning is fun. 
• My children have friends of all ages.

• My children can sleep in when needed. 
• My children can spend extended time with their great grandparents. 
• My children still play with toys. 

• My children are not influenced by peer pressure or worldly ideas. 
• My children beg for more when I come to the end of a chapter. 
• My children think being together is desireable. 
• My children  want to be home.
• My children sometimes get up early to write more chapters in their books they are writing. 
• My children know more about God than I did at their ages. 
• My children  have two loving parents who are committed to one another.
• My children love books! 
• My children call me blessed. 

• My children are home. 
• My children don't require new clothes for back to school.  (Thanks Melissa!) 
• My children love Good Will as much as I do. 

Just thought I'd post about what we are doing in school this year, in case anyone wants to know and for my journal. 

Ryan 6th Grade:

Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Tan Book 

We used the Purple Book last year and he really enjoyed it.  I like how literature is woven together with grammar, spelling, writing, and other subjects as well.  It mirrors real life.  In the past we've always used Abeka.  It was great for drill, but did not put it all together. 

Writing Strands, book 3

Just started, so I will post later on how it is going. 

Math U See, Delta

We really love Mr. Demme's DVDs and teaching style.  Won't be long until we have to purchase the next level.  Ryan worked on this one all summer.  (Anyone have a used Epsilon for sale?)

English from the Roots Up, book 1

Since he loves the idea of studying Latin more than actually studying Latin! 

Daily GRAMS 6

 A great way to keep reviewing those grammar rules!

Sonlight Readers

Always a treat, these books are read on his own and each chapter is narrated to  his teacher. 

Grace, 4th Grade

Abeka Language 3

Grace is finishing up this workbook and then we will use LLATL like Ryan.  Like I said, drill is good and that is what she needs right now. 

Sequential Spelling, 1

Spelling is a hard thing for Grace.  We are trying a new approach.  We are on day 9 and today Grace said that she loves spelling.  I am so happy! 

Write Away by Kemper/Nathan/Sebranek

This is a nice little book that talks about the writing process for younger students. 

Crusive Success by Handwriting Without Tears

About to finish up this book as well. Have Can Do Cursive waiting. 

Daily Grams, 4/5

This helps put things all together for Grace.  We do these as a warm-up before Abeka. 

Together, Grace and I are reading Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher .

Grace likes her girlie books!  (Me too)

Math U See Gamma

Working on remembering our multiplication facts.  Seemed to have forgotten them over the summer break.  After 3 weeks, I see a big improvement. 

Trevor, Grade 2

Abeka Language 1

Only has a few more pages and he'll be in Language 2. 

Explode the Code 6

He loves these books.  They are fantastic.  I like how they repeat patterns of lessons with different sounds.  Very helpful with reading and spelling.

Abeka Reader:  Strong and True

This is the last First Grade reader.  He is eager to start the 2nd grade ones. 

Write Away

Also doing this with Grace. 

Sequential Spelling, 1

Trevor doesn't ever like to make mistakes, so learning from them while studying spelling is a hard concept for him.  I think he will adjust soon. 

Math U See Betta

He is plugging away and will finish this book by the end of this semester. 

All three  are doing the following together. 

Sonlight 4, Science

Sweet friends loaned us this set of fine books.  We are just diving in and so far so good! 

Finishing up Dune Boy by Edwin Way Teale.  This is an excellent natural history book!!!  Love it. 

Sonlight, Core 4

Finishing up World War II right now.  We really enjoyed this time period and so I have added some other books.  Currently we are reading aloud, Snow Treasure, by Marie McSwigan.  Next we will do a unit on Canada.  I hope to purchase Core 5 before Christmas.  UPDATE  Our plans have changed.  A friend is loaning us My Father's World. 

Bible

AWANA, daily readings & discussions, Karate memory verses, Sunday School, and attending worship as a family all make up our Bible curriculum. 

How Great Thou Art's I Can Do All Things

Bought these books two years ago!  Decided this is the year or I am selling them.  (Ever say that?) 

It's going well.  I am doing art along side of them to sharpen my skills.  We do about two lessons a week. 

With only a few weeks until we launch back into our school routine, I thought it might be encouraging to myself and others if I wrote down some goals/guidelines for our homeschool.  These are not all original.  They are ideas I've adopted as my own over the years.  They will not be expressed perfectly in my homeschool.  But they are the desire of my heart for this year. 

• Make it a priority to have regular time in the Word before the day begins, before the computer comes on, before I even start a load of clothes.  (But not before I make coffee.)  I must honor Him first and ask Him to give me the desire and power to do what pleases Him before each day starts.  Otherwise, it is not pretty! 
• Respect my husband.  Ask him how to pray for him each day.  Ask him for ideas about how to be  his helpmeet each day.  And then do it! 
• Get my kids up at a scheduled time.  This will be a big change this year.  In the past, it has not been a priority.  I am feeling led to be a little more careful with our time this year, making the most of each day.  I only have a few years left with my oldest.  I must be purposeful. 
• Guard our school day hours:  no computer, no phone calls, don't let household tasks interfere, use school time for school (appointments, errands,well-meaning friends).  There will be time for all of these things after school. 
• "Inspect what I expect."  This is a quote from my dear husband.  I must be willing to do some follow up and hold my kids accountable.  In the past, I've let this slide in the name of comfort.  That is teaching my kids slothfulness.  We will be doing chores every morning and afternoon. 

These are just some of the things that have been on my heart that I am praying for our next school year.  I hope reading them will be a blessing and encourage you. 

~Jenn

The Teacher

by Leslie Pinckney Hill (1880-1960)

LORD, who am I to teach the way

To little children day by day,

So prone myself to go astray?

I teach KNOWLDEGE, but I know

How faint they flicker and how low

The candles of my knowledge glow.

I teach them POWER to will and do,

But only now to learn anew

My own great weakness through

and through.

I teach them LOVE for all mankind

And all God's creatures, but I find

My love comes lagging far behind.

Lord, if their guide I still must be,

Oh let the little children see

The teacher leaning hard on Thee. 

Perhaps, I am just plain weird.  Today, when I counted up the number of days we have left to reach 180, my heart sank. We only have 15 more days!  15?  Where did they go?  I am not ready to end this year.  It's been so nice! 

I know that I am not bound to only 180 days.  I could go farther.  And we will do some summer work.  I just didn't want this wonderful year to end.  My only comfort is knowing that next year will be here in late August. 

Despite this sadness, I do think making myself take a break is healthy and necessary.  We can spend our free time getting so much done and preparing for next year.  Plus, the kids enjoy the freedom, too. 

We have plans to do some container gardening.  We will continue reading aloud.  We will sign up for our library's summer reading program.  The kids' grandma will come down once a week to visit.  And don't forget our camping trips!   The weeks are going to fly by! 

Perhaps next year I should find a year-round schedule to follow.  I think I would do better with a shorter summer break and more breaks through the year.  I will look into that option.  I wonder if I could sell the kids on it? 

~Jenn

One of the things I just adore about homeschooling is the fact that my kids are independent thinkers.  My daughter regularly reminds me of this by how she dresses. 

I did not get a photo from today, but all three were dressed up in character all day for a play they surprised us with tonight after family read aloud time with daddy.  I just love that my kids are free to express themselves in this way.  They have not been "socialized" into thinking it is baby-ish or silly, not cool.  And another great thing is that it is frugal.  I don't have to worry about designer fashion prices.  My kids think Good Will is the greatest store on earth. 

I love that peer pressure doesn't affect us either.  I often wonder what it would be like not to worry about what others think of me.  I remember growing up feeling less than wonderful because my peers were eager to tell me that I was!  My kids only have sibling rivalry to deal with and the occasional neighbor incidents that come up.  Praise God they are unsocialized! 

~Jenn

One of the fun things about ordering from Sonlight is that you get a box with a castle printed on the inside! 

The box that arrives from Sonlight has special memories for me.  I remember the first box arriving and my husband's thrilled reaction.  I have a picture of him and that box somewhere!  So, from then on, the day "The Box" arrives is a big deal at our house. 

But back to this year's box.  I feel kind of bad because I made them wait the entire school year before cutting it out for them.  I guess I was just waiting for the right time, and I did need a place to put all those wonderful books, anyway!  My oldest has claimed "dibs" on next year's box, which we will be ordering very soon. 

Thank you, Sonlight!

Here are our efforts:

One more picture.  Here is the fortunate family that will live in this fab castle.  They are Grace's "Castle People."

Reason #999 why homeschooling is the way for me: 

Because on a rainy cold morning, I can allow my kids to sleep a little extra and ease into our day. 

Have a great one with your blessings,

Jenn

Here's a great opportunity for us nature nuts.  Our good friend Melissa is teaching a class to her co-op and has offered to share this with us.  Go to her blog for all the details, but hurry, it starts tomorrow.