Where has the time gone?
Apr. 16, 2008
The Basics of Doing Research (Notebooking) - how we do it.
Posted in Research How-to
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Our method was VERY simple. Choose a non fiction book or several books on the topic of your choice and study through it. I say study through it because all of the book may not have been read. Some sections of a book may not be applicable to the present subject of study. While studying or after, take notes, photocopy small sections, write essays, etc. and place in binders. That is it. VERY simple. At high school level, approximately 2-3 hours a day was required for the research portion of their education plan. However, many days more time was spent as the student got excited about what he was studying and hated to stop for a break.
I would periodically check through the work and assign grammar/usage assignments that were necessary but I never "corrected" the notebooks. I would guess that 95% of the time nothing NEEDED to be corrected. As it was copywork and notes from sources that they had on hand, they would check spelling and wording, etc to be sure they were putting accurate information into the notebooks. Accurate information was very important to them. Side note: I have always LOVED a good used book sale and we have hundreds of good books right on hand. Both of our sons have quite extensive libraries of their own as well. We have also used local libraries a lot over the years (a mild understatement!
So as you can see, using the research method in homeschooling is very easy on Mom (yahoo!!) and VERY effective for the student.
Till next time, ~Penni |
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)Apr. 14, 2008
Notebooking/Research
Posted in Research How-to
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For years our sons did research (many people refer to this as notebooking) for part of their home education program. Each day they were required to spend a certain amount of time reading non-fiction books and adding information to their notebooks = doing research. The time required to spend on research each day varied according to their ages. By the teen years usually at least 3 hours each day was required. This time did NOT include the time spent doing math and reading aloud with the family, personal devotions, etc. This method worked really well for our family; both of our sons were able to see what area of study they had a desire to study at a higher level. Much of our method of doing research came from the writings of Chris and Ellen Davis, Marilyn Howshall, Ruth Beechick, and Barb Shelton to name just a few. I'll share more in the future- including details of how we did what we did (and how we still do it) and links to really awesome websites and articles. God bless you on your journey through life! ~Penni |
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Apr. 12, 2008
New focus for this blog
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I'm going to change my focus for this blog a "wee" bit. In the past I have basically wrote about whatever was on my heart. Now I am going to focus on just the homeschooling topic; resources, best books, our experiences, etc. I have started a new blog at Xanga Penni's Xanga blog that will focus more on Bible topics, homemaking, etc (I haven't narrowed it down yet). ~Penni |
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Mar. 28, 2008
Elementary Math
Posted in GREAT books
I had the incredible honor of writing a chapter on math for one of Lorraine Curry's books Easy Homeschooling CurriculumIt can be purchased through the Schoolhouse Store atEasy Homeschooling Curriculum or directly from Mrs. Curry at Easy Homeschooling Please don't let the word "easy" mislead you. This book (as with Lorraine's other 2 books) give solid homeschooling tips and advice. Her books are very meaty and detailed--No Fluff!! ~Penni |
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Mar. 27, 2008
The History of Our United States
Posted in Homeschool Reviews
I am not a fan of history textbooks per se, but this text by ABeka Books is an outstanding example of what a history book should be.  The copy I have is an hardbound edition from 1981. I purchased it at a used book sale for $1.00. Prior to this I had a well loved soft bound edition. This book spans a large time range, which usually is why I don't like history texts, too many tidbits about too many people and not enough in depth writing and knowledge. However, this book has excellent writing and covers its topics quite well in spite of the limited number of pages. One of the very best points about this book is that it gives you a desire to learn more about the events and people written about within its pages. For example, after reading about hornbooks on page 106, we "just had to" research hornbooks more and make one of our own out of cardboard and wax paper. Although this book is intended for grade 4, we have read this through it in its entirety several times and referred to it again and again. I intend to have our 17 yr. old read through it one last time before he is finished with schooling to give a good review of American history. This is another plus of this book - the writing is interesting for ALL ages. An older student or adult does NOT feel like they are reading a children's book. I believe every household needs a copy.  Nearly every used curriculum sale has at least one copy for sale and the older editions are nearly always very CHEAP - people just don't realize what a treasure they are!~Penni |
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Feb. 9, 2008
Blessings
Posted in Blessings
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God is good isn't He? Even amidst sad or trying times, we have SO much to be thankful for. Whether it is a mug, a favorite quilt or even a pen that writes nicely, I have so many blessings in my life. Satan wants us to focus on what may be the trials or tough times in our lives. When we look away from those things and focus instead on our blessings, we notice so many truly wonderful things (not just material items) we have in our lives that help to make our journey through this life one that is joyful or even just a little more pleasant than it might otherwise be. The great majority of our blessings are either free (such as God's incredible gift of salvation, His living Word, our family, friends, etc.) and so many more blessings are tiny, insignificant items that everyday we seem to take for granted such as our computer chair, a pen that writes without leaking or skipping, a clean kitchen floor , etc.I would like to challenge anyone who might read this entry to take time today and name 5, 10, 20 or more blessings. In spite of what the circumstances may be in your life right now, I think you will find it hard to not find 20 or more blessings in your life. As for me, ~~ today I am especially thankful for the opportunity to have guests in our home. Last night we were able to have a wonderful couple stay here. We had a couples banquet at our church last evening and the guest speaker and his lovely wife stayed here for the night. They had stayed here back in the summer for a night or 2 and it was so good to have them back again. - What a blessing it is to have a spare room and good friends to come visit! ~Penni |
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Jan. 21, 2008
Blessing #2
Posted in Blessings
Before I share another blessing I want to make an important note. These blessings are "little" things and are in no particular order. If I was to name ALL my blessings, Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour would be at the top, followed by God's precious Word, my AWESOME husband and WONDERFUL sons.  At this time in my life there are moments when it is hard to remember the many, many blessings that I have. These are what I am sharing.Today's blessing that Lord wanted me to take special note of is my coffee mug. I must say I really like this mug. It is Redware pottery and made by Henderson's pottery. I purchased it at Leonard's Mills during Living History Days on the first weekend in October. It is a "second" with a big crack in the handle which, in my humble opinion, adds much character to the mug and in no way hinders it's worth or usefulness. I love the rough, almost bumpy texture of the mug. Another wonderful plus is that since it is pottery it holds the heat in longer and keeps my coffee warm longer. The mug itself stays warm for quite some time after the coffee is gone and on chilly evenings, sometimes I will sit with the empty mug in my hands for warmth. Even though it is such a small blessing, I do thank the Lord for my wonderful coffee mug. ~Penni |
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Jan. 16, 2008
Blessing #1
Posted in Blessings
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Well to start it off and to prove that I am definitely focusing on the obscure blessings in my life, things I might not otherwise take any real time to be thankful for; my first blessing of note is my computer chair. This chair is comfortable and reliable. It serves me well when I need (or want) to sit at my computer. It is always here and always the same. Everyday I sit in this chair and use it for at least half an hour - sometimes several hours- and I do not remember ever thanking the Lord for this wonderful gift. I am thankful for this chair. It was lovingly given to me approximately six Mother's Days ago as a gift from my husband and sons. It has stood the test of time and shows no signs of wearing out. I could be sitting on an uncomfortable, straight, dining room chair but instead I have this blessing. I am thankful. ~Penni |
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Jan. 16, 2008
Thankfulness
Posted in Blessings
Sometimes we just don't feel like being thankful. Situations come into our lives that make us sad or angry or disappointed and we struggle to see the good in ANYTHING. In November "The Homeschool Minute" (or at least I think it was the Homeschool Minute) had a theme along these very lines. It was very poignant and I kept that email for a few weeks and I reread it several times. It helped to me to focus on my blessings rather than my burdens. The Lord once again is placing the need for me to focus on my blessings. Over the next several days (weeks, months, years ) I plan to share a blessing the Lord has given me. You know, the simple things we often overlook. I am sure nothing will be strikingly, amazingly insightful - just simple little thoughts on the blessings I have been given. ~Penni |
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Oct. 20, 2007
An Unsettling New Trend in Homeschooling
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The last few years I have noticed an unsettling trend in homeschooling. Many homeschool Moms feel a great need to have their homeschools be like the pubic schools. "We have to do it like the schools to be sure they learn all they should." This is a statement that is not uncommon to hear as local homeschool Moms gather together. I find this mindset unsettling. Just 5 - 10 years ago, the prevailing thought at local homeschool groups was "What the schools are doing isn't working. We need to do it different in order for it to be better." What has happened? Is it all the advertising for new curriculum? Or??? We used to be confident that what we were homeschooling because we were suppose to be (for Christians this was because we knew God wanted us to.) and we knew that He would guide us and give us the strength to do this job. Now there is such a sense of uncertainty and fear among Moms. My prayer is that this fear will be turned around to trust in the Lord and His provision for us and that homeschool Moms will have a renewal of the "old - time" feeling of "we are different and we love it!" with loving thoughts, ~Penni |
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Aug. 30, 2007
Updates
You know it has been a LONG time since you blogged when you have to stop and think what your password is!  This summer has literally flown right bye! Alex is on his way back to Pensacola Christian College for his 3rd year. Oh, how I miss him when he is gone. As my sons have grown older, they have become such good friends to me. I miss Alex now that he is gone. I miss talking with him. I praise God that Alex is happy and doing what he believes the Lord wants him to do. We do miss him here but are so THANKFUL that he is in a good place and doing what he should be. We will be starting our homeschooling year the day after Labor Day. Ken has greatly enjoyed all his work and outdoor time this summer and now it is time to once again buckle down. This will be his junior year. I am so glad to have another 2 years with my boy! We are doing another girls' craft time this fall, meeting each Wed afternoon. What fun to spend time with these young ladies! I really enjoyed the time we had at our planning meeting. The new Sunday School term starts this Sunday as well. I am "losing" 2 students and gaining 2 new ones. I love teaching God's Word to these children. My class is kindergarten and 1st grade and a real joy to teach. Well, my plan is to keep this blog updated more often. We'll see! God bless, Penni |
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Jun. 26, 2007
I'm featured in a blog carnival!
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Maine-ly blogging carnival hawkhillacres.blogspot.com/2007/06/maine-ly-blogging-carnival-1_26.html |
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May. 22, 2007
A Living Books High School Science Curriculum
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I received in the mail a couple of days ago a mini catalog for creation science resources from R and D Educational Center In the back of the flyer are their high school resources. They offer high school level Human Anatomy and Physiology and High School Astronomy. Both courses are designed with real, living books and dvds!! They look fabulous - both high quality educational resources and very interesting materials as well. I am glad to see a company putting together high school level science with living books. I hope more companies follow suit.  What is extra exciting for me is that we already have several of the books, if we decide to go this route with our son, we won't have much else to purchase!! The prices at R and D are excellent as well.  God bless, ~Penni |
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May. 21, 2007
An Excellent **FREE** Grammar Resource
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Write Guide's Skill Sheets I have found a wonderful free resource to supplement any writing program. Write Guide has a series of skill sheets available free in pdf on their website. We have used these and they are very helpful. There are 5 sets available: These skill sheets would be helpful for anyone wanting to improve their writing. I have not used writeguide.com but if their skill sheets are any indicator of the quality of their program, Write Guide would certainly be outstanding. I would love to hear from anyone who has used writeguide. I am considering it for my 16 yo son.  ~Penni |
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May. 18, 2007
Biology 101, My Review
Posted in Homeschool Reviews
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We are using Biology 101 (sold by www.Timberdoodle.com). I say we because if my husband or myself are in the room while this is playing, we can't help but sit and watch. It is so interesting! The DVD's are professionally done with sharp graphics and clear audio. Although this was produced by a homeschool dad and son, this course does not have a "homemade" flavor to it. It is top notch all the way. Included on one of the DVD's is the accreditation booklet and the guidebook, which includes the quizes as well as "textbook". Following the guidelines in the accreditation booklet (which has included self guided lessons for your high schooler) this could very easily be a full year long Biology course. We are using it as a review and sort of finalization of my son's Biology course. If we had not done so much Biology previously, I would definitely use this for a stand alone Biology class. The price is great and the program is great. My only regret is that we didn't find it sooner!! Now if we could only find a writing program and a chemistry program like this!! I am in no way affiliated with the folks who make this or sell it. It is just a great program (the BEST homeschool course I've seen in 14 years of homeschooling) and I thought others would like to know about it.  God bless, Penni |
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Apr. 7, 2007
A Method of Finding Facts Beyond Text Books
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Charles Kettering writes in Short Stories of Science and Invention about Thomas Midgley, Jr.: "His versatility was evidenced by a correct evaluation of education. He had learned the usual text book facts dealing with mechanical engineering problems. But he had also learned that a method of finding facts in other lines was just as important. His knowledge of how to proceed with any problem coupled with his great desire to find the answer would have made him an outstanding figure in any field. Honors were conferred upon him from many directions." Thomas Midgley, Jr. was one of the key researchers and developers of gasoline for car engines in the 1910's and 1920's. |
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Mar. 20, 2007
The end is in sight, but the best days are yet to come!!
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Each day is a blessing. It really is. Of course there are days (sometimes too many) that don't necessarily FEEL like a blessing. The Bible tells us "this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" So, even when I'm blue, even when others disappoint me, even when I disappoint me by doing or something stupid or just plain wrong, I am to rejoice in this day. It helps to keep my perspective in the right place and remember this. As the years move on, I can get a bit blue thinking that the end of our homeschool journey is nearing. It seems as though I can see the end in sight. Less than 2 1/2 years from now, my youngest will graduate. It all seems so impossible that time could have gone by so fast. I have so enjoyed homeschooling my children. Even the toughest days the Lord used to grow and mature me. I look forward to the next season in my life and am so excited and pleased with what the Lord is doing in my son's lives, but I will miss the homeschooling - the closeness and times together we have shared. Thankfully they are not gone YET and I do have a couple more years! Well, as the sun struggles to shine thru the clouds on this cold and windy day, I will keep reminding myself to rejoice!! -- after all the Lord made this day!! ~Penni |
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Mar. 6, 2007
Finally, help with spelling for my 16 yr old son!!
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AVKO Spelling If It's To Be It's Up To Me To Do It This program is such a blessing! My son has always struggled with spelling. We studied phonics REPEATEDLY over the years and although my son is an excellent reader, he has been unable to spell well. We had tried every spelling program that I could get my hands on. I did so much research on spelling and bought so many programs over the years, I felt like I could be a "spelling expert" or "spelling curriculum consultant"! So, it was with trepidation last year that I ordered the AVKO spelling. Honestly, I had serious doubts that it would work. I had come to believe that my son would always be a very poor speller. I loved to joke that if he became a world famous author one day, he would surely keep the editors busy and after all they need jobs too, so that is a good thing!!  Well, I no longer am so sure that my son is going to pay the college tuition of a future editor's future children's college education. AVKO is really helping my son become a better speller. It is amazing to me how much it has improved his spelling and the challenging words he can now spell. Granted, he still has quite a ways to go to be labeled a great speller or probably even a good speller at this point. Only today when looking for something online he repeatedly spelled harvest h-a-r-v-i-s-t. But in his defense, we do pronounce it that way here in Maine.I look forward to seeing his spelling continue to improve and one day hearing him say that he is a good speller. What a joyous day that will be!! ~Penni - in the cold and frozen North (-40 with wind chill!!) |
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Mar. 5, 2007
Poems on "Work" for copywork
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The following are some of my favorite verses/poems on work and our attitudes toward the work we must do. They are great for memory work, penmanship or copywork.
If a task is once begun, Never leave it till it's done;
Be the labor great or small Do it well, or not at all. p. 163, Daily Lesson Plans in English by Caroline Griffin Beautiful hands are those that do Work that is earnest and brave and true, Moment by moment, the long day through. p.112, Daily Lesson Plans in English by Caroline Griffin Seven Days make a week Sixty seconds make a minute, Something sure you can learn in it; Sixty minutes make an hour, Work with all your might and power; Twenty-four hours make a day, Time enough for work and play. Seven days a week will make; You will learn, if pains you take. ~Selected p. 114, Daily Lesson Plans in English by Caroline Griffin |
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Mar. 2, 2007
High School History - Interesting and Alive!
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Must we as homeschoolers resort to using textbooks for High School History? Many homeschool Moms do wonderfully teaching history with real, living books throughout the elementary years, but begin to worry as the high school years approach if these will be enough. A high quality high school history curriculum is possible by simply reading, studying, and writing about interesting non-fiction history books. Think about it for a moment - where do text book writers get their information from? They go to the source - non fiction works, biographies, etc. Wouldn't it be great to go to the source and get the full story as they do and not just the condensed down version that the relatively small amount of space in a textbook allows? We, as homeschoolers, have whole libraries at our service: using an online library service (Books by Mail) we have the benefit of many libraries at our service. Real books, not condensed, not watered down, not edited to only give us what they think we should know, but the whole story. If our students go to the source, just as the textbook writers do, think of all the knowledge they'll gain. Have them write about what they read and they will essentially be writing "textbooks" of their own! History is so exciting and so interesting, yet many, many people believe it to be boring and dry stuff. Why? Because when you mention history to the average adult they are remembering the textbooks they had to read in school. We can give our students a full, rich, live and interesting history curriculum. Why would we want anything less for our children? ~Penni |
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