Jun. 19, 2009 - Milwaukee Bucks Game!
We were given tickets to the Milwaukee Bucks game we had a great time!
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Mar. 11, 2009 - Museum of science and industry free days 2009
http://www.msichicago.org/2009 Free Day ScheduleGeneral admission is free1 on the following dates: |
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|---|---|
| January | 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 |
| April | 22 |
| June | 1 2 3 4 5 19 |
| October | 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 |
| November | 11 |
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Mar. 11, 2009 - Fun for Free in Mil.wau.kee
Milwaukee Offers Many FREE Things to Do!
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
ATTRACTIONS & TOURS
Milwaukee Art Museum
Museum Admission
www.mam.org$12 Adults
$10 Students (w/ID), Seniors (65+), Active Military
Free to Members & Children 12 & under
Free on Wednesday to Milwaukee County residents with proof of residency
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee County Residents
Admission is always free on Mondays, a valid I.D. is required for proof of Milwaukee County residence. Additional charges apply for the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater, Daniel M. Soref Planetarium and special exhibitions.
Mitchell Park Domes
http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm
2009 Admission Rates
Age 18 & up $5.50
Milwaukee County Senior Age 60+ $4 with proof of residency
Person with disability $4*
Student with ID $4
*Note: A few wheelchairs are available free of charge for use on a first-come, first-served basis
Age 6–17 $4
Free to all Milwaukee County Residents with proof of residency on Mondays 9 a.m.-noon, excluding major holidays and celebrations of major holidays
Milwaukee County Zoo
FEES
Admission:
- January 1 through March 31 & November 1 through December 31, 2009
Adult: $10.75
Junior (age 3 to 12): $7.75
Child (2 and under): FREE
Senior Citizen (age 60 and over): $9.25
- April 1 through October 31, 2009
Adult: $12.25
Junior (age 3 to 12): $9.25
Child (2 and under): FREE
Senior Citizen (age 60 and over): $11.25
Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off regular Zoo admission everyday. Every Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents with I.D. are admitted at a reduced rate of $7 for adults and $4.50 for children (age 3 to 12). Group rates available.
The Zoo accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Unfortunately, we do not accept personal checks.
2009 Family Free Days sponsored by North Shore Bank and Fox 6:
• January 3
• February 7
• March 7
• April 4
• November 7
• December 5
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Mar. 11, 2009 - Spring Has Sprung!!
So much has happend, since our last homeschoolblogger entry!
My son has turned 12!!
We had a blast at his birthday party with lots of carnival style games including Bozo Buckets!!
We are moving forward with our homeschool and he is enjoying it a great deal.
We are looking for field trip ideas for the spring and summer,seeing that we homeschool year round.
Hope Everyone is adjusting to daylight savings time..
Spring forward Fall back
God Bless
J.
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Dec. 7, 2008 - Let it snow Let it snow..
Ahhh, Wisconsin Winters.
Cold..snowy
FUN.
Our family loves this time of the year,We visit the holiday sights and sounds and enjoy every minute of it!
We have tons planned for the next couple of weeks and two huge assignments. One on the pilgrims and native americans and one on the nativity story. We decided to make gifts this year for family and friends as a part of homeschooling we are going to be making spa salts(epsom salt recipe) in beautiful jars with scoops and labels they will look beautiful in anyone's bathroom. Back to work..busy busy..
God Bless!
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Dec. 7, 2008 - Fall Fun!
We went on a family trip to the pumpkin farm and had a blast! We learned alot of important information about early wisconsin homesteading and farming history. The kids enjoyed picking out their pumpkins and bumping around on the hay ride though the farms fields.
My best Friend and her kids..
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Aug. 25, 2008 - Great resources
Found these resources on a great website www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com they have great articles and information! Check them out.
A Plus Teachers Store (Waterford, MI) 5725 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI, 248-623-0002, offers 10% discount on regular priced items. It's located in the Waterfall Plaza (by Trims & Togs Costumes & Dancewear).
A.C. Moore To apply for a teacher discount card, please mail a copy of one of the following requirements to the address below. I have not included information for teachers, but you can visit their website at http://www.acmoore.com/faq.aspx#c3 for more detailed information. Please note that discounts only apply to merchandise purchased in an A.C. Moore store. You cannot use the discount online. If you do not fall into one of the categories, or if you have any questions, please call 1-888-ACMOORE, extension 171. You can also email your question to TeachersClub@acmoore.com.
- Home Schooler Affidavit or IHIP approval letter from School District or your state
- Home Schooling Certificate
Academic Superstore Software savings for students, teachers, & schools. Not all manufacturers listed on their website offer discounts to K-12 students or home-schooled students. Eligibility matrix and special restrictions: http://www.academicsuperstore.com/geninfo/eligibility.html
All The Right Stuff offers a 10% discount for home educators and scouts (as well as seniors and military). To receive your discount certificate code, email them at info@alltherightstuff.com and note your affiliation (i.e. AARP, Senior Search, Military unit or location, homeschool) in your email. They will email you your special discount code which can be used for a 10% discount whenever you make a purchase.
Apple's Home for Homeschools Apple now recognizes the growing demand of homeschoolers, and they are making the full range of Apple’s educational products and solutions available to homeschools. Visit online or call 1-800-MY-APPLE.
ASTC Passport Program The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) allows members to sample some of the world’s most exciting science centers and museums while on the road. The Passport Program entitles visitors to free general admission. It does not include free admission to planetarium and larger-screen theater presentations nor does it include museum store discounts and other discounts associated with museum membership unless stated otherwise. Please see their website for program details at at http://www.astc.org/members/passlist_about.htm.
Barnes & Noble offers PreK-12 educators, librarians and homeschoolers a 20% discount off the publisher's list price on most hardcover and paperback books used in the classroom (school materials). To receive the discount, present your Educator's Discount Card and valid photo ID at time of purchase. Discount does not apply to café, music, DVDs, videos, periodicals, textbooks, gift cards, membership or shipping fees, shop-to-home orders and bn.com orders. This discount may not be combined with any other promotional or special discount, including the Barnes & Noble Membership program. The educator's discount card is accepted at: Barnes & Noble, Bookstop, Bookstar, B.Dalton Bookseller, Doubleday, Scribner's. My local Barnes & Noble has a used book section where you can also receive the Educator Discount on. Note: Not all Barnes & Noble has a used book section.
- Here is a list of the Barnes & Noble that have a Used Book Section:
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Rochester Hills, MI
- Roseville, MN
- Paramus, NJ
- Burlington, VT
- Madison, WI
- Pittsford, NY
Field Trips - Looking for an interesting destination for your next field trip? Just call your local Barnes & Noble bookstore. The Community Relations Manager will be happy to help you plan an informative, fun-filled visit.
Book Warehouse For educators, librarians or home schoolers with a current ID, they offer an additional 15% discount off of their already low prices. It’s part of their Teachers of America program, and you can sign up at any National Book Warehouse, Foozles or Book Market location.
- The Three Michigan locations are:
- Tanger Outlet Center in Howell, MI, 517-548-0941
- Horizon Outlet Center in Monroe, MI, 734-457-3510
- Tanger Outlet Center in West Branch, MI, 989-343-0568
Borders (Borders, Borders Outlet, Borders Express, Waldenbooks, or Brentano's store) Border's program is called "Borders Classroom Discount" (scroll down on their page to "Teachers & Librarians".) If you are a homeschooler and can provide any applicable state certification, you are eligible for the 20% Classroom Discount Card. The 20% discount applies to materials used in the classroom or for classroom preparation. Homeschoolers in states without certification should contact a manger at the store for instructions on how to document your status as a homeschooler. They offer their discount program to teachers of pre-school through high school including school librarians and homeschoolers. The card entitles the bearer to 20% off list price on books, music or videos for classroom/homeschool use only. DVD discount not to exceed 15%. Excludes gift certificates, non-stock special orders, net books, periodicals, newspapers, shipping and Borders.com orders.
Boulder Book Store (Boulder, CO) offers a 20% discount to educators. View program info at http://www.boulderbookstore.com/Teacher.html.
Dinosaur World 15% off to educators. Also offers a free educators guide to paleontology.
Discovery's program is called "Discovery Passport Rewards". You sign up for the free program. You can also fill out an application in store and receive your card. Use it whenever you make a purchase from a Discovery Channel Store, from Discovery.com or from most Discovery Channel Catalogs. You will earn one point for every dollar you spend. Each time you accumulate 150 points, they'll mail you a reward certificate good for $10 off your next purchase. If you want to check on your point totals or have other questions, ask a store associate, go to https://passport.discovery.com/ or call 800-814-3137.
FedEx Kinko's Educator Savings Program offers 15% discount on most products and services at participating FedEx Kinko’s nationwide. To receive your discount, present your discount card when making a purchase in-store or at fedexkinkos.com and the discount will automatically be applied. Unlike other educator discount programs, the Educator Savings Program has no limit on the savings you can acquire each quarter and each year. You’ll also receive special e-mail messages from time to time with information and special offers geared specifically to educators. Card must be presented at time of order to receive benefit and is non-transferable. Stop in to your local Kinko's for an enrollment form or fill out the online application. Your card will be processed and mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. View restrictions and more info at https://psg.kinkos.com/educator/.
The German Corner and Amish Market They automatically offer a 10% discount for all orders going to schools.
GreatScopes GreatScopes Microscopes is now offering a 10% discount to homeschoolers on any microscope $149 or more. Their microscopes are already discounted 25% or more from retail, so the total value to homeschoolers is very high.
As a microscope dealer for twelve years and a homeschooler for twenty years, John Lind can tell you there really is no one-size-fits-all microscope for homeschoolers. At GreatScopes they have a microscope to meet the needs of just about any homeschooler.
How do you get the discount? Homeschoolers are invited to use the customer code "HS10" at checkout, and the discount will immediately be taken off your microscope order of $149 or more.
Quality equipment, great prices. Call toll-free 877-454-6364
Many thanks to John Lind for providing this information.
Half Price Books You will receive a 10% discount card good at all of their brick-and-mortar locations. Homeschoolers should provide some sort of identification that verifies you're an educator from their state or local homeschooling organization where applicable. Discount cards must be renewed annually. Apply in-store for their Educator's Discount Card to save 10%. View program info at http://www.halfpricebooks.com/educators.html.
Halfway Down the Stairs (Rochester, MI) This children's book shop recently closed shop January 2008. I had enjoyed this little independent book seller and hope you did too. You can read about the decision to close and the owner's fond farwell to all her customers.
Hancock Fabrics does have educator discount cards offering 15% off purchases. It's called the Red Apple Card. You can obtain a Red Apple card at any Hancock Fabrics store or email them at customerservice@hancockfabrics.com .
Holcomb's KnowPlace has phased out their Frequent Buyer Card program. In its place they offer Partner Cards. This free card allows customers to take advantage of sales prices that they have on hundreds of items in their stores. It also places you on their email and mailing lists so you can receive coupons and information about events happening in stores. For a store near you: http://www.holcombs.com/locations.html.
Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts Offers a 15% discount card to educators for purchases in-store or online. The discount is available for both regular & sale priced items. Discount excludes special orders, leased department merchandise and gift cards. For this year 2007-2008, when you visit Jo-Ann's, take your card from last year with you to the service desk and ask for the new one. The store can then provide you with the 2007-2008 Teacher Card. More info about the card and how to use it online is on the back of the Jo-Ann Teacher Rewards card. You do not need to join any business or consumer group to receive your card in-store. If you do not have a card from last year, bring along other information such as your homeschool support group membership card or the cover of a homeschool publication showing your subscription information, you could also bring your other educator discount cards -- which are probably already in your wallet anyway :o). If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact Cyndie Hood-Taylor of Guest Services directly at 1-888-739-4120 ext 6672. Ms Hood-Taylor gave me that phone number in 2005. If you cannot contact her there, you can email Guest Services through Jo-Ann's website at http://www.joann.com/joann/help/contact_us.jsp.
Lynn Gendron of Knitcetra emailed to offer home educators 12% off all products in crafts, scrapbook, knit & crochet, cross stitch, latchhook, embroidery, needlepoint and even puzzles! http://www.knitcetra.com/catalog/articles.php?authors_id=25
Lakeshore Learning offers a Teacher's Club Card that is valid on in-store purchases only. You'll save 15% on most teacher resource items; receive advance notice of upcoming sales & events, and more. Fill out the application in the store & they'll hand you your card. New store opened May 2006 in Michigan at 12210 Hall Rd, Sterling Heights, phone: 586-803-1435. The store has Saturday afternoon craft time for kids ages 3-up.
The Learning Shop (Wisconsin) Educator's Discount Program is available to all educators with proof. The discount card entitles educators to an in-store 10% discount on selected traditional classroom supplies. View program info at http://www.learningshop.com/teachers.cfm.
Makin' Music Rockin' Rhythms Fun, Educational Music for Families with Young Children. They offer a 10% discount. If you order online, just indicate under special instructions that you would like the home school discount, and they'll make the adjustment to your final bill.
Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO) The Garden is pleased to offer teachers a 15% discount in the Garden's gift shop to purchase materials such as curriculum guides, children's literature, educational toys, plants, and planting supplies, for classroom use. The cost of the discount card is just $1 and the card does not expire. To receive a discount card, please bring proof as an educator and ask for an educator's discount form. The discount applies only to educational materials. View program info at Teacher Resources.
Office Depot The program is called "Office Depot Star Teacher Program". The information sheet I picked up states that you'll receive a 5% discount on every purchase you make, plus 15% off all Copy & Print Center Services. When you sign up, you can use the discount that day but be sure to get your enrollment confirmation sheet. It will take approximately 10 - 14 business days to receive your card. Office Depot was very courteous and helpful when I asked them about their educator's discount, and they had their information sheet readily available. Savings not valid for purchases from Tech Depot, purchases of Gift Cards, computers, postage stamps, package delivery services, wireless, satellite or Internet services or online orders. Please see their terms & conditions for more info on the program. Discount valid for in-store purchases only. The snail mail address is: The Office Depot Star Teacher Program, P.O. Box 1276, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443 To phone Office Depot: 877.789.4544 Mon-Fri 9:00am-8:00pm EST. For more information or questions about the Star Teacher program please call 1-877-789-4544.
Office Max Sign up for a free "MaxPerks for Teachers" Membership that will earn $10 for every $75 spent on eligible OfficeMax products whether in-store, online, or by phone at 1-877-OFFICEMAX. You will be issued Membership Card, Key Fobs to put on your keyring, and ID Stickers to put where convenient which has your MaxPerks ID number. They send you a quarterly detailed statement and any MaxPerks Certificates you might have accumulated. Offer available nationwide. Items not eligible for merchandise credit: computer hardware, software, peripherals as well as Specialty Shops and Business Service purchases. If you any any questions about your account or the MaxPerks Program, email them at maxperks@officemax.com or call at 1-866-MAXPERKS.
PrintPal.com Eligible organizations receive a 10% discount on all orders over $100. They offer free shipping on orders over $40 and same day shipping on in-stock items. For more information, or to confirm your eligibility; please call 541-770-3298 or email mechelle@printpal.com .
The Rag Shop offers discounts to teachers who buy supplies for student use. Teacher Discount Card: Teachers of elementary school through college age children may obtain a special discount card good for 15% off purchases. To apply for your 15% Rag Shop Discount Card, present your teacher identification to the manager at your local store. You will be issued a discount card for future school purchases. Student Discounts: Extend your 15% discount to your students! To receive this discount, your student must present a letter on school stationery, signed by you. The letter should indicate the project and supplies needed. The sales associate can assist your student and guarantee he or she is totally prepared with the necessary supplies. The Rag Shop has over 60 locations in five states. Excludes sale and reduced price merchandise, sewing machines, custom framing and candy. Be sure to check out their children's craft projects for fun things to do! Discount also applies to scout leaders.
Scholastic Book Fairs The link will take you to their webpage and you can find your nearest location. My first book fair was pretty amazing. Boxes of books all over the place, and they carry cd's too! Scholastic does not advertise their book fairs. Since we are homeschoolers we may attend. I do not recall them checking my id when we went the previous times. I know public and private school teachers have their "card" and I also have one for the local homeschool group I belong to. You can always make a card if you do not have one and put your school name on it. I made myself business cards with my school name printed on them.
Staples Program is named "Staples Teacher Rewards". Reward Checks - Earn 2% back in rewards up to $15 per quarter when you spend $200 or more at Staples within a calendar quarter on most items with a few exceptions. Get all your phone and online orders delivered FREE, no matter how much you spend. Find out more information on Staples' savings programs such as Reward Checks, Teacher Bonus Seasons, Staples Bonus Rewards, Free Delivery, 20% back on Copy & Print Center purchases, Upgrade Benefits, Exclusive Offers by visiting their website. Staples also offers Upromise points.
Teacher's Helper (Rochester Hills, MI) 117 South Livernois, Rochester Hills, MI, 248-652-8444 has a 10% discount on regular priced items. It's located in the Campus Corner shopping plaza south of University (near Kublai Khan Chinese Restaurant).
The Teachers Store (Michigan) Sign up in-store for their Valued Customer program. They'll give you a plastic card with a customer id on it. You'll get get 5% of your total (before tax) plus the amount of sales tax to use toward future purchases in the form of a Store Credit Voucher (which expires in one year) -- The savings begins when you've accumulated $100.00. I called to double-check the info and was told the saving offer fluctuates. When I first wrote of this discount, it was minimum purchase of $25.00 required to take advantage of the savings. Don't lose the voucher - treat it like cash. I asked them if the credit voucher reflects on the card -- it does not. Example of the discount: When I found the store the other day, I spent $58.72. My total (before tax) was 55.40 and the sales tax was 3.32. The next time I make a purchase there, I will get a store credit of 2.77 (5% of 55.40) + 3.32 (the sales tax) totalling $6.09. It's a really neat store and has a clearance area.
Tell them Homeschooling on a Shoestring sent you.
The UPS Store The discount, if available, is store-by-store, you must ask for it. The Auburn Hills, MI location at the NE corner of Walton & Squirrel will honor an educator discount. You must notify them you are a home educator. It would be helpful to show your homeschool support group card. If you go to the Auburn Hills, MI location, tell Jeff that Jodi sent you! The discount, I believe (ask first!), is available on copying, laminating and binding services. It is a 10% discount.
More information on this program is in the works so please check back.
Educational Rewards Programs
Chuck E. Cheese's program Tokens For Grades Up to a 15 token maximum, kids can receive 3 tokens for each "A", 2 tokens for each "B" and 1 token for each "C" on their report card. You should be able to benefit from the program if you have any documentation showing a student's progress and explain to the manager that they are homeschooled. View their website for more info.
McDonald's Students with a straight "A" report card receive: Kindergarten-5th grades - free Happy Meal. 6th-12th grades - free Value Meal. I had emailed McDonalds to verify this information. Their response is basically since each McDonalds is independently owned & operated, any educational reward program is handled by each store. It would be best to ask your nearest location if they participate in such a program and what it entails.
Peter Piper Pizza Incentive awards and programs offer free pizza and pop.
Pizza Hut's BookIt Program Parents set monthly reading goals, and Pizza Hut provides special rewards to recognize children’s reading accomplishments. Enrollment deadline for the coming public school calendar year is June 09, 2006.
Pizza Hut's Three A's Program Each marking period, any child who has 3 A's or the equivalent thereof, will receive one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting his or her report card to the manager. This offer is good for Elementary and Middle School students. Dine-in only. Student must be present. Available at participating locations.
Showcase Cinema's Bookworm Wednesdays is a fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. It entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film every Wednesday from June 28th to August 16th at 10 a.m. when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Stay tuned for more details about this year's program.
Showcase Cinema's Baby Pictures Parents and babies can enjoy the latest movies in a baby-friendly setting. Join them every week at select theatres. Program features: Dim lighting to allow for easy child care in the auditorium, movie volume will be lowered for babies' sensitive hearing, baby changing stations, area for strollers, food cart offering breakfast goodies and concessions for sale. See their website for more info on participating theaters, dates, films and pricing.
The Weekly Reader's Read To Succeed Program is designed to enhance your curriculum and includes free lesson plans, posters, stickers, and the popular Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club where students earn free tickets to participating Six Flags theme parks. To learn more or find out if your school is eligible to participate, call 1-866-308-1362 or visit the Read To Succeed website at www.weeklyreader.com/rts.asp.
Thanks to reader Stephanie B., Bristow, VA
Four Seasons Bowling Center (Hillsboro, OR) Games for Grades incentive program for free bowling. Ask your favorite bowling alley near you if they also offer a program.
Miscellaneous Discount Information
AMC/Loews/Star Summer Movie Camp invites kids and adults alike to enjoy FREE entertainment and G- and PG-rated Hollywood movies on the big screen every Wednesday morning at participating locations. Summer MovieCamp is, of course, seasonal so check their website in the spring. Tickets are available up to a week in advance at all participating AMC theatre locations, with doors opening one hour before scheduled showtimes.
AMC/Loews/Star Theatres Reel Moms Mainly on Tuesdays, some locations offer the program on Saturdays, at participating movie theatres around the country, moms and their babies get together at AMC for a first-run movie and each other's company. Reel Moms is exclusively for moms (and dads, too!) with infants. They give you a special theatre environment: the lights are dimmed and the sound level is reduced so you can see and hear your baby throughout the show. Stroller check and changing tables are available. And babies get in free! Tickets to Reel Moms are NOT limited, and go on sale online or at the box office the day of the show. Admission for grown-ups is regular ticket price. Click http://www.moviewatcher.com/jsp/reelmoms.jsp for additional information as well as participating theatre locations.
Information is not on their website anymore. Call your local movie theater to see if the program is still available near you.Looking for curriculum suppliers? Check our listing page here.
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Aug. 20, 2008 - Ten Things
Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
•1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily "autistic."
- As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of.
•2. My sensory perceptions are distorted.
- This means ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of every day that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself.
•3. Please remember to distinguish between won't (I choose not to) and can't (I am not able to).
- It isn't that I don't listen to instructions. It's that I can't understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: *&^%$#@, Billy. #$%^&^%$&*.
•4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally.
- It's very confusing when you say, "Hold your horses!" when what you really mean is "Please stop running." Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions, and sarcasm are usually lost on me.
•5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary.
- It's hard for me to tell you what I need when I don't know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened, or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express.
•6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented.
- Please show me how to do something rather than telling me, and be prepared to show me many times; consistent repetition helps me learn. I'll need visual schedules, even when I'm older. Here's a good website: www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/str11.htm
•7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can't do.
- Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one way to do most things.
•8. Help me with social interactions.
- It may look like I don't want to play with the other kids on the playground but sometimes it's just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you could encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, I might be delighted to be included. Also, I don't know how to read emotions of others, so if, for example, I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it's not that I think it's funny. It's that I don't know the proper response. Teach me to ask, "Are you okay?"
•9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns.
- Meltdowns, flow-ups, tantrums, or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you and occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload.
•10. If you are a family member, please love me unconditionally.
- Remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you-I am worth it.
And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience.
It may be true that I'm not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don't lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates, or pass judgment on other people? I probably won't be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next:
Einstein , Mozart Or Van Gogh.
They had autism, too.
So, be my advocate, be my friend, and we'll see just how far I can go.
...........................................................................................................................................................
Notbohm, E. (2005).
Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew. Arlington, TX:
Future Horizons.
(sent to me by a friend thank you Ms)
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Aug. 15, 2008 - Soothing Words In Today's World
Some days I just cannot understand the injustices in life with all the issues in the world to just see this verse brings understanding or at least soothes the questions that rummage through the thoughts & mind.
A Time for Everything
3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
.........................................................................................................................
Injustices In Life
4:1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that [1] youth who was to stand in the king's [2] place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
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Aug. 4, 2008 - Assumptions
"We don't live in a world of reality
we live in a world of perceptions"
Gerald J. Simmons
After going out on our first homeschool field trip I noticed something about people in general.
Perceptions always outweigh reality.
We had a great day taking in the sites at the museum and it was finally time for us to have lunch so we went into the museums outdoor lunch area and let the children have at it.
My husband sat next to me and my best friend was on the other side of this very large concrete bench when we noticed all the stares from another homeschool group.
Not just stares rude snickering and pointing to say the least and I do not know how other mothers feel about this but I have always deemed pointing and whispering rude and disrespectful.
I looked towards the table of the mothers and they were just as bad actually staring and whispering to each other without same, they all wore skirts and long sleeves no makeup and looked unkept. I usually would not notice this but the kids seemed to be small version of the parents which took me by surprise no individuality what so ever.They choose to dress this way and to teach there kids a certain way and I can accept them as who they are and what they believe but what gives them the right to pass judgement against someone else?
I can understand not wanting to be apart of society the way it is as a whole but the reality of the matter is that all races and cultures exist in this world and if we all tried to get along a little better the world as a whole would be a lot better. Why not teach your children to love their neighbors as it says in the bible,why teach them that anyone that does not fit into their mold of normal is weird or wrong? why not just teach them that they are just different? Not better not worse just different?
When they were leaving the lunch area they actually slowed down to stare even more, it was strange to see such behavior from adults I knew that being a homeschool family would cause people outside of the homeschoolers to question or not understand our decision to homeschool, but to see this kind of intolerence from another homeschool group? I thought the homeschool movement was to uplift and support other families as we embark on this wonderful journey with our children not to discriminate against other people or families we see as unfit,weird or have different beliefs.
I seen it as a slap in the face to all the homeschoolers that teach with love and show their children life through the masters eyes that all people are beautiful in their own way.
I do not understand it and for the life of me cannot agree with another parent teaching ignorance to their child.
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Jul. 31, 2008 - Before I was a Mom
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep..
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
(Thanks to a dear friend Melissa for sharing this with me)
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Jul. 29, 2008 - A day in the park
This past saturday my family went to a park near our house and we took some awesome pictures there here are some of them.
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Jul. 29, 2008 - Our day at the museum part 2
In addition to the Streets of old milwaukee the kids checked out the some other cool exhibits
Bugs Alive & Puelicher Butterfly Exhibit
Both of these exhibits are awesome especially for kids that are learning the life cycle, my son had alot of questions about butterflies and cocoons. The live butterflies flying around and landing on you is wonderful for children that love to learn literally hands on. The bug exhibit was fascinating and showed creepy crawlies from around the globe alive and some on museum models.
One of the coolest parts was the giant beatle they had at the outside of the exhibit for photo opts.
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The third planet:
I loved this exhibit it showed life in wisconsin millions of years ago from the oceans with its coral reefs, the dinosaurs that lived in wisconsin and my sons personal favorite the minerals, rocks and fossils that were found here and around the world.
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In the rainforest exhibit awesome waterfall made to look like its from the rainforest.
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Jul. 29, 2008 - Our day at the museum
Today we took a hiatus from getting ready for the first day back homeschooling and went on a outing to our local public museum.
Mondays at the MPM is free for all county residents so we took advantage of the "freetrip"and packed a great lunch.
My son loves going to the museum and I love taking him there, we had some of his friends with us this time and everyone had a blast.
The kids loved the Streets of old milwaukee the exhibit shows life in milwaukee from the 1880 till about WWI.
It has a candy shop (you can actually buy candy), a bakery,small working cinema and lots of other cool shops that would have been open in this era.
Some of the shops and companies in the exhibit are still in operation and are some of milwaukee's best known businesses.
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Jul. 27, 2008 - Learning My Lesson
I cannot believe I am actually the parent of a middle school student 
All day today I worked on our son’s lesson plans and took stock of what we had and what we needed.
I looked through his work from the last couple of years and smiled to myself, I remember when he could barely read and had such a difficult time with penmanship, he has come such a long way since then.
It renewed my energy and gave me such a sense of pride; I can say that I had a major part in my son's life.
It is such a huge responsibility to have my child’s education in my mindful hands but at the same time, it is also a relief that if he is having trouble with a subject we can focus on that and help him through it. When he was in public school he had such a hard time grasping what was barely being taught.
With this renewed spirit I am actually looking forward to starting our new school year.
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Jul. 23, 2008 - The last dog days of summer
I cannot believe that summer is almost over here in the Midwest where we are from it was slow to start this year. Thinking back at how this past winter was makes me nervous as the fall will soon be here again.
Football season is almost on us and I live with the worlds biggest Green bay packers fan as a special treat for him and our son I ordered tickets to the green bay packers family fun night for both of my boys(hubby and son) they have been so looking forward to going to see lambeau field.
Thinking of my boys going to family fun night makes me think of fall and how the leaves will be turning to those beautiful fall colors only god could create.
Do I dare say it ? Christmas will be here soon.
