Oct. 26, 2009 - Monday

 

With working f/t outside the home, we have had to be creative and flexible with how we manage to get hs'ing done.  On Thursday, dd asked dh if he would give her the weekly spelling words so she could practice before her test on Friday.  He couldn't at that moment but said he would do so later.

 

DD came up with an ingenious solution.  She got the digital camera and recorded herself reading the words.  Later, she played it back to herself and wrote down her spelling words.    You gotta love a mind that thinks like that!    

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Oct. 5, 2009 - Funny hs comic strip

I saw this funny comic strip at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JandRlearnathome/ and just had to share it here.  I hope you get a laugh out of it.

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Sep. 14, 2009 - Homeschool survey

Here is a survey about homeschooling:

http://jessica-parnell.com/mom-homeschool-teachertwo-hats/comment-page-1/#comment-6757

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Sep. 7, 2009 - Funny homeschooling comment

I thought I would post something humorous (yet, at the same time, sad), in regard to the types of comments we often get from those who are opposed to our choice to homeschool.  We were discussing this on a homeschool board to which I belong.  One gal even added corrections to the original poster's comment.  (I have put the corrections at the bottom of this post.)

A woman on Facebook has decided to bring one of hers home to be homeschooled (the other will remain in public highschool.)   This was the first response on her announcement:  

"Don't let my sister try and convience you its a good thing. Home schooling is not a good idea unless you are prepared to do intense work and study youself otherwise you are setting your children up for failure. Les then 10% of homeschooled kids actually get a real education, take it from a teacher and don't do it."

Um,...
Can you say spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, run-on sentences and misleading and/or misinformed comments?  Take it from a teacher? Perhaps, but not this one.   Without even realizing it, she proves the whole point of why many of us homeschool. 

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Aug. 10, 2009 - Fibonacci Numbers

I remember reading about Fibonacci numbers. (I may not have spelled that right.) Anyway, how they do it is 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8...... so your numbers climb rather quickly because you are always adding the second number of the previous equation to the answer from the previous equation.

In looking at how many activities we do, we often count 2 classes as two more activities. Yet, what if those 2 classes run 3 times a week? What if those classes are at two different times, and you have to tote kid #1 to their class, kid #2 to his class, then back to get kid #1, and off to get kid #2? Suddenly, those "two" classes require you to be running 3 nights a week, with 4 different trips EACH time! No wonder we mothers are exhausted!

It really *is* something to consider when you think about adding more activities into your day.

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Jul. 27, 2009 - Homeschool Humor For You

Here is some socialization humor for you:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/181.htm

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Jul. 13, 2009 - funny homeschool story

We recently had a young man show up at our door selling educational books.  He is a foreign exchange student from Bulgaria.  I thought it was a neat experience for dd to be able to hear his accent.  When he told me where he was from, he asked, "Do you know where that is?"  I was able to tell him we both knew exactly where it is because dd learned where every country in the world is located, except for the continent of Africa.  (We haven't studied that one much yet.) 

When I mentioned to the young man that we homeschool, you could see that "clueless" expression on his face.  He had no idea what I was talking about.  I quickly explained what homeschooling was.  Later, I had to chuckle when I thought of his expression at the word "homeschool."  It was pretty funny. 

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Jul. 6, 2009 - Homeschooling and working full time

I thought I would post an update on how homeschooling and working full time are playing out for us.  On the rare days that I am off, if it is a weekend, I really have a hard time making myself get into the homeschool-mom mode.  After all, it is the weekend. 

When I have a day off during the week, while it is a bit easier to get into the mode of doing school, oftentimes, I have errands and catching up to do, so it is still very difficult to do school.  I have actually found it easier to do school on the days when I work a later shift.  Those are the days when I want to be home until time to leave for work.  On the days when I must work an earlier shift, dd is basically on her own.  If she gets stuck, she will occasionally email me at work to see if I can quickly answer her question.  Most of the time, if she is stuck, we just have to work on it when I get home later in the day.

We are currently working on home ec, health, and geography over the summer months, in hopes of at least getting two of those subjects completely finished before we tackle starting up in August with a heavier load.  At this point, we are finding it a bit easier to do a few subjects on a consistent basis, rather than waiting until fall, then having to conquer all subjects.

That is one of the blessings of homeschooling -- you can find what will work for you and your family, and you go with it.    While it is rarely easy, it is "do-able."

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May. 18, 2009 - Make use of your library

Use your library!!  Ok, I know -- all home schoolers use the library.  However, you may not have thought of this one.    If you are looking at purchasing a new curriculum, try using the inter-library loan and see if they can get the item first.  This way, you can look "try before you buy."  I used our inter-library loan and was able to view Drawing Basics by Thomas Kinkade.  I also viewed Story Starters by Karen Andreola.

Money is tight for all of us right now.  For those supplemental things you'd like to have but can't afford, ask your library to purchase them.  I did this with the Dave Stotts Drive Thru History DVDs.  (For those of you who are local, our library bought the four that cover Europe.)

Most of the time, they will buy the item you request.  I have only been denied a couple of times when I asked them to purchase something.  It never hurts to ask.    And taking the time to ask could save you money! 

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May. 11, 2009 - Keyboarding

I got this suggestion from another home school mom.  If your child will be pursuing any field that will require typing skills, be sure to have them take a keyboarding class in high school.  Otherwise, they will likely have to pay a lot of money for a college class on keyboarding.

I am going to use Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Deluxe Version 16.

Also, I mentioned a course I planned to do in high school, using The Five Love Languages, Wired That Way, and Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.  I wasn't sure what title I was going to use for the course.  I have decided on sociology.  The first two books will be the core of that course, with the Seven Habits book being an extra credit assignment.  I plan to make it a one-semester course.

If you need an inexpensive gift for a homeschool co-op teacher or a Sunday school teacher, here are some very clever (and inexpensive), ideas:  http://www.skiptomylou.org/2007/05/06/teacher-appreciation-week/

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May. 6, 2009 - Boundaries

A friend of mine posted this on another board.  I got permission to post it here.  It is very good stuff!  It would be an excellent idea to discuss this with older children so they get a practical example of real-life situations on how boundaries can be used.

Keep it simple and to the point
When you sense that you need to set a boundary with someone don't feel like you have to explain every detail of why. Keep your explanation simple and to the point.
Example: Your new friend asks you to pick her up but it is out of your way. You simple say, "I'm sorry this will not work for me today. I hope you can find another ride so you can go shopping for the shoes you want." If she pleads for you to still come and pick you up, just simply say. "Sorry, this is not going to work with my schedule today." You give her an open door to continue to push this subject if you make too many excuses.
Example: Someone at church asks you to work in the nursery but you are certain that you have been putting in more than your fair share. You say, "I'm sorry, I will have to pass this time. I've was in nursery recently and feel it is best to say no." This person may press for details, like- when was the last time you worked in nursery etc and you answer back with a simple, "I'm sorry, but I'm not able to say yes at this time." You do not owe them an explanation etc.

Setting boundaries first-someone's feelings come second
You cannot set healthy boundaries and at the same time coddle someones feelings. I'm not saying that you have to trash their feelings but setting the healthy boundary is the primary goal and their feelings on the subject comes secondary.
Example: Your long time best friend wants you to attend their 10th wedding anniversary BBQ picnic and also wants you to bake a sheet cake and decorate it for the occasion. You did this at your other good friend's party and she really liked it and wants it at her party too. In the past you have had trouble saying no to this friend so she just assumes that you will say yes. You answer: "I'm very sorry this is not going to work for me. I'm far too busy this week and decorating a sheet cake would leave me no time for the necessities of this week. I can bring some chips and soda if that would be helpful."
Example two: Your spouse promised his mother that he would come over and cut her grass and promised that you would plant flowers just like you did last year. You, however, made plans to help another friend who just had a baby and you can't do both. You say, "I'm sorry, I can't do it this year...explain in short why...we could do it next weekend but I can't do it this weekend." He is hurt that you won't drop your plans. Just say, you are sorry he feels this way and try to remember that he made the promise without you being aware and you are not obligated to come through on his promises. Smile and tell him you will try to be helpful with more notice.

Set boundaries even if it makes you feel badly
Most people do not recognize that they may assume that you will just jump at the chance to help them out but you need to firmly and lovingly tell them what you are and are not willing to do. You may feel a sense of shame and guilt when you set these new healthy boundaries. This will make it feel like it is wrong to set these boundaries but DO SET the boundaries because people often just do not realize that they are overstepping your boundaries because of a lack of you reinforcing your boundaries in the past. If you have gotten a reputation of being "easy to use" then they don't have much respect for you.
Example: Your long time friend becomes angry because you refused to color her hair tomorrow night. You have simply stated that it will not work for you because you have plans to spend time with your family. She first tries anger and then pouts for 15 minutes. You hate this behavior but do not say anything further. She leaves your presence with a huge huff of air to let you know that she is not pleased. You feel very guilty but know it is for the best to establish these necessary and healthy boundaries.
If you start to set and maintain your boundaries then they will begin to get a sense of respect for you and that will become the new normal. If people start to see that when they ask you to do something and you say no appropriately then when you say yes, they know that this is something that is truly a gift and not just because you can't say no. Strong boundaries make people feel more secure about their relationships. Unclear boundaries led to hurts and feelings of distrust.
Example 2: Your friend asks you very politely if it would work into your schedule to color her hair on a particular date. You see that your schedule is free at that time and you gladly help your friend and feel pleased that she is starting to give you respect.

Red flags for knowing when to set healthy boundaries
When someone whines, complains, uses anger and shovels on the guilt, these are red flags that you KNOW that a boundary must be established. Other indicators might be feelings of being suffocated, swallowed up, overwhelmed and that feeling like you will have to run away to get any peace. It might take getting angry before you are ready to set healthy boundaries but if you set the boundaries early on then you save yourself loads of grief and even physical symptoms of stress (headache, stomach knots, panic and depression) Setting healthy boundaries will save you from feelings of resentment and guilt for later on abandoning this person totally because you could not take the drama any longer.

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Apr. 27, 2009 - End of the year

We will finish school this week!    Yearly testing is next week.  I had dd start reading Island of the Blue Dolphins today.  I have a study guide from Progeny Press to go with it.  I'm not going to grade her on it, but rather, just want her to get used to the idea of using a study guide since she will be using a lot of those in high school.

Once the yearly testing is done next week, we will start on Home Ec and hopefully, complete it during the summer months.  We both prefer to keep doing some schooling over the summer months because it keeps us in a good routine, as well as keeping us from doing this:   

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Apr. 12, 2009 - PASS test

Since I am no longer working outside the home, I decided to start up this meme again, but with some modifications.  I am no longer going to add Mr. Linky.  I am also only posting on Mondays when it is convenient for me.

Dd will have her yearly testing the beginning of May.  We do the Iowa Stanford Achievement Test, which can be quite pricy, but dh insists that I have her tested each year by someone other than myself.  He looks at it more as a test on how I am doing as her teacher.

For those who may wish to test, but can't afford the above test, here is a cheaper alternative:

http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/test/tmain.asp

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Mar. 9, 2009 - Preparing for next year

I start my new job on Monday, March 9.  Ever since I decided to re-enter the work force, I have been thinking ahead of things I can do to make life (and school) easier for us since I am hoping to continue homeschooling next year. 

I went through all of my curriculum for next year, putting everything in one location.  I have copied the table of contents on all textbooks and workbooks.  (This is highly recommended for all high school classes.)

I have started a file for high school papers.  I also took three workbooks to Staples to have them remove the binding and add a 3-hole punch to them.  This was fairly inexpensive and will be very helpful next year. 

I printed out my lesson plans sheet for next year.  It is a very generic paper I made on Word, but it works well for us since I have an "only."  I have also printed out my attendance sheet for next year.

We should be finishing up this year's schooling shortly after spring break, followed with the yearly testing (Iowa Stanford Achievement Test) which will be done the first week of May.

I share with you what I have done because I know many of you will be taking spring break soon.  Perhaps this will motivate you to look ahead and try to get better-organized for next year.  I know that for me, having my "ducks in a row" can make starting a new school year more peaceful and less stressful.

Due to the huge adjustment that going to work will require in our home, this is the last week I will do the Homeschool Spotlight.  I really need to keep my priorities in order, and blogging has immediately been placed toward the bottom of my list so that I can focus on my family and home as much as possible when I am not working.  Thank you to those of you who participated in this meme.  Also, I will not be able to visit those of you who post today.  My work schedule is 10:30-7:00, so time won't allow me the opportunity.

If you sign Mr. Linky, please link back to me.  Thanks.

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Feb. 23, 2009 - Gelosia Method for multiplication

Here is a neat method for doing long multiplication problems.  After learning this method, many kids enjoy approaching Dad when he gets home and asking him the answer to a really long multiplication problem.  Dad will typically get a calculator to find the answer, only the answer is so large that the calculator shows "ERROR."    Yet, with this cool method, kids can quickly find the answer.    One word of caution:  I would not teach this method to your students until they have first mastered how to do multiplication the normal way.

http://www.susancanthony.com/pdfhandouts/Mathhandout.pdf

You might enjoy perusing Susan C. Anthony's website.  She has some really neat resources there.  I have attended two of her conferences.  She is like a "shot in the arm" to a stressed out, weary homeschool mom.  If you ever get the chance to see her, GO!   You will not regret it!

I have lots of homeschool items listed on Ebay right now.  (From K4  through 8th)  Lots of A Beka, Beautiful Feet Medieval History, Computer Science Pure & Simple (Logo Adventures), and so much more.

Please link back to me if you sign Mr. Linky.  Thanks! 

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Feb. 16, 2009 - Girls's Group and Spumoni Cake

   and

Our girls' group got together on Friday to celebrate Valentine's Day.  We baked a 4-layer cake.  (Here is the recipe.)   

Here they are working on the icing:

 

Here is the cake:

 

Goofing around:

 

And who says homeschoolers aren't socialized? 

~~ Stacy ~~

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Feb. 9, 2009 - Charlotte Mason website

     DD just finished her computer science course last week.  It is called Logo Adventures.  She wants to start the next book in the series, but I told her we need to wait a while since it is more advanced.   Plus, I want to be able to use the other two books for her high school credit. 

     I posted last week about the geography game we are using to help her master where countries are located.  After one week, she has mastered every country in Europe, and nearly half the countries in Asia. 

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Feb. 2, 2009 - Where in the World -- Geography

I admit it -- I have been very lax in teaching my daughter geography skills.  I feel it has been more important to make sure that she knows how to read, write, and do her math.  However, being that she is now in 7th grade, I need to be making a concentrated effort to help her with geography so that she is equipped when she starts high school.   

Here is what I have implemented, along with a workbook:

This comprehensive world geography game includes the facts about every country in the world including names, locations and vital facts of all 196 countries. With 6 games in one, with six levels of play, it's possible for players of all abilities to play together providing challenge and a world of fun for everyone. 

After only three days of playing this game, my daughter has memorized where 25 countries in Europe are located! 

These are the facts you'll learn: country name, continent, flag, capital, population, rank in size, literacy rate, monetary unit, languages, religions, imports, exports, seacoasts.  You can find out more by going to their website. 

Since there are six different games, we can vary the way we use it to master the necessary skills.  It makes learning more fun since we aren't just using books.

Next year, though she will technically be in 8th grade, we will be doing a program that I will count for high school credit.  We will be using Around the World in 180 Days, World Geography Challenging Edition, and The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide. 

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Jan. 26, 2009 - Freebie Websites

Free Audio Books.
http://www.free-books.org/

On-Line e-mail and communication etiquette.
http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/
http://www.emailreplies.com/

Natural Living, and Environment.
http://www.eartheasy.com/article_enviro_sites_kids.htm
http://www.nrdc.org/reference/kids.asp
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9489.asp

Health and Science.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/
http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/index.php
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/kitchenscience/
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/
http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/science.html#animals
http://www.extremescience.com/
http://junkscience.com/

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Jan. 12, 2009 - After the Christmas break

I thought I'd post today about how our first week back to school after the Christmas break went.  We actually worked on Logos Adventures during the break so that we could have 1/2 of it completed before the break was over.  That was nice since we also added health to our curriculum for the second half of the year.  DD has reached the section where she is learning to do animation by computer code.  It is really neat!  It usually takes about 20 minutes to do a lesson, then I allow her an extra 10 minutes just to "play" with the new concepts.

I was shocked last week when I told dd to work some more on her creative writing project.  It was writing a short story.  I thought she would spend about 15-20 minutes on it.  Later, I discovered she spent 2-3 hours on it.  She really seemed to enjoy that assignment.  We are using Writing Strands + the daily 10-minute assignments from Jump In for creative writing.  Jump In was written by a lady who used to belong to our local homeschool group.  She has since graduated all of her students.  We are using A Beka health and it seems to be going pretty well.  I am studying it at the same time that dd reads her assignment, just to refresh my brain a bit.  After all, it has had many other things floating around in it since I last took health, which was in 9th grade. 

We will finish her vocabulary (Wordly Wise 3000) in two or three weeks, so that will lessen our load a bit.  We only have to do LA 4 times a week since we are so far ahead with it.  I mapped out a rough idea of when we will finish school.  We should finish up around the first week of May.  Though if I find a job, that may shift abruptly. 

(Please pray I find a job that suits me very soon, and also that the Lord will lead dh in what to do.  It's been a constant struggle, and now, with the economic times, it is even worse.  Plus, with being self-employed, when there is no income, there is also no unemployment.)

This Friday we will be doing a jewelry making class at my home.  With things being so dismal with the economic situation, I wanted to come up with something fun, but low-cost.  Plus, with dd being an "only," it is nice to have some other girls here for her.  I am looking forward to it.   If I don't have a job by February, I need to find another very low-cost activity for the girls.  If you have any suggestions, please share them.  (Please keep in mind this also needs to be low-cost for me.)    I was thinking of doing a game-day, but the last time I sent an email about that, no one was interested.  That may have been, in part, to the fact that the holidays were quickly approaching.

So how are things going for you, now that school is back in session?

To participate in Mr. Linky, please link back to my blog in your post.  Feel free to use the picture at the top of this post.    Thank you.

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