Apr. 21, 2008
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Did you all know about The Homeschool Buyer Co-op?  It is a free homeschooling organization for both new and veteran homeschoolers.  The Homeschool Buyers Co-op is the nation's largest purchasing cooperative for homeschooling families  The Co-op is able to combine the purchasing power of thousands of homeschooling families around the country to give homeschoolers the same purchasing discounts as school districts -- they can offer homeschool member discounts from 10% to 70% off publishers' retail prices!

Co-op membership is FREE (and confidential), and entitles homeschooling families to discounts from over a hundred educational suppliers.  They also sponsor "Group Buys" for curriculum packages that save homerschooling families lots of money. On the site you'll find lots of free information, such as databases of free curriculum, field trips, and educational contests and scholarships. You also earn 100 SmartPoints absolutely FREE just for joining the Co-op, and you can find out ways to earm more by going to their website.  (SmartPoints are a special form of Co-op currency that you can use to purchase many of the award-winning programs through Co-op exclusives).

Click on the icon for the HOMESCHOOL BUYERS CO-OP on my right side bar for more information

Mar. 13, 2008
50 States Study

I Am A New Creation has a fabulous idea that our family hopes to join in on.  She is spearheading a 50 Great States Study over on her blog. 

She'll be using Beverly Hernandez's Our 50 Great States Study.  She is also going to use "The Complete Book of Presidents & States" grades 4-6 from American Education Publishing.  We already have that ($6 at Sam's), as we are going to be focusing on US History & Geography in our Classical Conversations cycle next year (both our 8 yo DD & 4 yo DS know their states and capitals, thanks to Audio Memory).   She also has a file with recipes from each state and other things to share with those who want to participate.

Jul. 9, 2007
How to Draw

 A big "THANK YOU" to Jill Novak for sharing on her blog some great video links and pointers on how to draw.  I was never shown these things in art class in high school and my DD and I got a lot of good help today.  Off to draw!

May. 2, 2007
Free Homeschool Videos

Looking to add some more fun & yet educational resources to your homeschooling journey?  Well the Erskine family has created yet another one -- www.GreatHomeschoolVideos.com

Head on over there and see some great educational videos, such as....

 A LEGOs version of a Bible Parable; a time lapse clip of rotting strawberries; a homeschool report "All about Cows"; 3 clips on the moon & tides; how Mummies were made; two experiments with water; how to measure yourself scientifically; alphabet songs and more....

Also check out their homeschool radio show site at http://www.homeschoolradioshows.com/ and sign-up to get their free weekly radio show also. 

Feb. 23, 2007
Handwriting Worksheets and Activities to Help Memorize Scripture

http://www.akidsheart.com/bible/biblev.htm

Found the link through HeartnSoul's site and thought it would be good to do with my kiddos.  It's neat to see something that will make nice worksheets (with no/very little work on my part) and help them memorize scripture and reinforce it with activity sheets.  While Little Man is still a little young, I think he will get a kick out of the parrot.  =)

Jan. 9, 2007
Yikes! Annual Testing is Around the Corner

A mom from our homeschool group called me this morning, asking me in a "trying-to-keep-calm" panicky voice if I knew who administered the Stanford test, as she used Bob Jones and she needed to order it by Jan. 16, and she had NO idea where to have her daughter take it.

Even though I am the coordinator for our group this year, (I am so new to this as this is my first year leading and I have learned ALOT and still have a long way to go!) my DD is only 7 -- which means, according to NC state law, this is the first year we have to worry about testing -- and it's been about a year since I've even thought about testing, or what test we were even going to give our daughter.

Growing up in public school, I remember the agony of two to four day testing in the abnormally cold gym with all of the other nervous students as we griped our yellow number two pencils in our sweaty hands, and read page after page of the Iowa Basic Skills Test and filled in little circles on the anwer/scoring sheet under the harsh florescent ligting.

"Hum.. I have no idea what the answer to number 102 is -- I haven't used "C" in awhile, so I think I'll fill-in that one." 

It was awful.  Then you had to wait for weeks to find out your score -- I always did ok, but testing like that is not anything I feel is beneficial to do to small children.  Taking tests in that fashion, with all if it's pressure, etc may explain why my hubby & I were kindred spirits as we freaked out studying for big tests in college -- the pressure made us study hard and we did well, but often at the expense of our sleep, emotional well-being, and loving to master the material just for the sake of enjoying the subject.

In searching out questions for the mom in our group (she eventually found the answer after calling BJP), I discovered the test I would like DD do this year.  Two of my homeschooling friends that I called said they use the Woodcock-Johnson test and they shared with me about it.  This sounds like something that says "perfect for us" all over it.

DD is creative, sweet, and smart, but often dislikes sitting for long periods of time and feeling pressured to work against the clock.  Like most kids, she will start to day-dream if things get too long.  I know the day will come when she will have work longer, etc,  but that will come soon enough and when she is physically and emotionally ready for it.

The Woodcock-Johnson takes about an hour and you do it with a specially trained administrator.   They orally ask your children questions, and a portion of it is written.  This is the only test in the world that has had the acheivement & cognitive batteries co-normed, which means they can assess whether your child is working up to, below, or beyond their potential.  Also, the cognitive batter can give an IQ score and highlight how the child learns/processes best; the later is something I think would be wonderful information to have to confirm, tweak, or change what we are doing in our homeschooling.  Both moms said their kids were relaxed and enjoyed the testing.  And the administrators sit down afterwards and give you the results then and there. 

Boy, do I wish the school board would of had us all take that test when I was in school....

Here is more information on the 21 portions of the test: http://alpha.fdu.edu/psychology/woodcock_ach_descrip.htm

Jan. 3, 2007
"Freebies & How to Organize Them" -- and also "New to Me: Kakuro"

After getting back from a long weekend seeing friends, I sat down this morning to plug through my email while the kiddos played.  Always a fan of Dover Publishing, I get their free Teacher Sampler & regular sample weekly freebies.  (How I love "free."  It's many a homeschooler's delight to here that word.  I print the ones I think we will use in the future and put them in a large accordian folder according to topic, etc in alphabetical order, along with other things that I find from various homeschooling/educational e-newsletters and sites.  That way, when I do my lesson plans, or we have a topic of interest, I can just check out the file and see what we have in there to use.)

In this week's teacher sample, they had a free Kids' Kakuro, also known as "cross sums," which I had never heard of before.  They look awesome!  DD loves magic squares (which we had read about in "Ben Franklin & The Magic Squares" and also have them in our Math-U-See curriculum this year) and just got a sudoku book for Christmas, and I think these puzzles will be great to add to our "let's sneak in some math and make it fun." 

Here are some other free sites where they can be found:

http://www.kakurolive.com/

http://kakuro.cc/

http://puzzles.about.com/library/kakuro/blindex.htm

I'm also going to check out the dollar stores next time we are in town and will let the grandmas know, as they are always on the look out for good ideas on things to get the kids.

Dec. 20, 2006
Resource for a Mid-Year "Personal Homeschool Conference"

Do you feel like you need a mid-year pick-me-up? How about a mini-homeschool conference at your own convenience?

Aug. 1, 2006
The "Stash Box" and Homemade Games Site

Here is a wonderful site I found today while searching for some fun educational games to make for our family.  I feel like it's Christmas, finding this. 

http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm

We school year-round, but every year I make a "Back to School" gift bag for my kids.  School supplies, books (curriculum, reading, etc) we are going to be using, and some fun games go in it. 

I also have a "Stash Box" of school supplies, craft supplies, games, etc stashed away in a closet for little "gifts" to give for rewards, extra supplies on hand, just-because, etc.  I'm going to spend a few days at this site, print some of this great games out, and stash them away in that box. 

I also do the same for a "Gift Box" that I have for Christmas, Birthdays, etc.  Throughout the year, I keep an eye out for items that are "just perfect" for family members & friends, or for good things to have on hand for gifts.  I find great deals at Dollar (more so for kids) and Discount Stores, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc.  I get extra supplies, etc that are clearanced at Walmart and other department type stores.  Any time I see a deal & have extra $$ in the budget, I get it to put in my "Stash Boxes" for the future.

Jul. 14, 2006
The "Gallon Girl"

The "Gallon Girl"

DD is learning how many cups equal a pint, how many pints in a quart, etc.  So today we made this handy little thing to help her out. 

Quick Instructions:

Using information I found at here as a guide, I scanned an orange juice gallon jug we had in the fridge and my 1 cup measuring cup.  Then I found the pyrex pint and quart containers on the internet and copied and pasted them.  Printed them out.  Cut them out.  Put them together with brads so they move.  Printed off a picture of sweet darling daughter for the head and viola!  We have "Gallon Girl!"

You can make a simplier one, but we were feeling creative.  

Jul. 14, 2006
Chicka Chicka ABC project

DS (2.5 yo) loves the Chicka Chicka ABC book.  LOVES IT!!!!!  Asks for it.  Begs for it.  With book in hand, he will overtake your lap if you sit down and look too comfy.  And it's not over once the final page is read, oh no!   It must be started all over again from the beginning!

So I got out the little ABC fridge magnets, copied the coconut tree from http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/zes/chickachicka/default.htm and away we went to play with it.

He can play while big sister does school (although she thinks it's fun to play it with him) and during our time together, we go through it and go over the letters and their sounds.

Just a quick and fun idea for your little ones too! 

Jul. 11, 2006
Educational Cow

When we went to Boston in June, we toured the city and saw wonderful "cow art." The farm kid and homeschool teacher in me couldn't resist taking some pictures of this one.  Have Fun!!!!!

(To see more of these great cows, click on http://boston.cowparade.com/cow/gallery)

May. 28, 2006
Vocano Unit Study, Notebooking, Lapbooks & PodCasts

Since co-ops are over and summer is upon us, we are focusing on one of my favorite things -- unit studies!  We are using lapbooks and notebooking to help us organize our information and record what we are learning. 

Two great egroups I joined that are fantastic in regards to ideas and links, are:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lapbooking

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Notebooking

And I love KONOS of course.  DH's aunt let me borrow her 3 volumes, which are a wealth of information and ideas.

Also, Cindy Rushton has a great podcast at http://www.momtomomradioshow.com/ that has very valuable information about notebooking.

Since we read in the paper 2 weekends ago about a possible volcanic eruption of Mt. Merapi in Indonesia, we are doing our first unit study of the summer on VOLCANOES!!!  We've been following it, and not only is in now erupting, but there was also a terrible earthquake today.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/indonesia/Story/0,,1784686,00.html

Things we are using for our study:

1.  KidsHaven book on Volcanoes (a gal in our county co-op has a dollar store on-line and I got a lot of great resource books for only a dollar! http://annmoon12.mydollarshop.com/ )

2.  Magic School Bus:  "Blows It's Top" book and also I going to tape the show on Volcanoes from Magic School Bus that airs in TLC and Discovery Kids.  I plan on taping shows in the areas of our interests this summer from them.

3.  Library books

4.  Googled "volcano" and got lots of great links that we looked at and printed info off of. 

5.  Did 3 cool experiments from: http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/Instructor/Mar04_volcanoes.htm

6.  We are creating a lapbook.  I even glued a manila envelope on the back & am going to tuck with the tectonic plate "puzzle and some worksheets.

May. 14, 2006
Barnes & Noble's Summer Reading Program

Barnes & Noble's has a Summer Reading Program that you may be interested in. Your kids can earn a free book by simply read any eight books—library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble—write about their favorite part, and bring a completed A Summer of Unfortunate Events Journal page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore.  More information and forms can be found by clicking on the highlighted area above.   (Note:  One mom who did the program last year wrote on the Robinson Curriculum group that she consideres 80% of the selected free books twaddle, but that you can sort through and still find a good one that you don't mind your kids reading.)

I'm not a fan of the Lemony Snicket books (no pie throwing please -- I just prefer other stuff) but I am ALWAYS a fan of encouraging kids to read and to get rewards from it.  Our local library always does a summer reading program, so we may be able to "kill two birds with one stone" this summer. 

May. 4, 2006
The Learning Calendar's Daily Podcasts!

The Learning Calendar is a daily podcast brought to you by the Homeschool Learning Network! You and your children will learn about holidays, famous birthdays and anniversaries, and teachable moments in history! Tune in Monday-Friday to hear a new podcast!

I just discovered this wonderful resource and wanted to pass it on.  Our family loves listening to things as we go about our day, drive in the car, etc and this one is just a great learning tool!  I'm all for "sneaking in" learning when the kids are thinking they are just being entertained!  After all, learning should be fun! 

(From a mom who does have a daughter who complains lately that she "hates" math and doing seatwork.  *sigh*  Training her that in life, you do need to do "focused" work, and then move on to the more enjoyable things!)

Apr. 26, 2006
Homeschool Help: Trip and Summer Ideas

Are you going back "home" or on even on a long extended trip that you fear may make it difficult for your kids to come back home without their brains turning to mush, or an unfortunate case of "discipline decay?"  Are maybe you are wondering what do to about this l-o-n-g summer that is approaching?

We just got back from a week-long "whirlwind" of a trip.  And I know a lot of people who go back to see family for extended visits.  I was the queen of this when our DD was an infant and toddler.  DH would have a heavy work-load or there was a family emergency, so DD and I would take off for 3-6 weeks at time.

It's always interesting being "out of your norm" but you can do it!  Remember to have lots of grace and patience.  Remember to have fun yourself!   And learn when to be flexible, but yet keep some sense of "normality" for you kids.  

We know a missionary family from India that comes to the States every spring and they are so good at having a few rules for their kids and the hosts (they don't straight out tell us them, but they are sweetly firm in what they do for their kids).  Kids stay in parent's room on floor (I was told they are used to it).  They go to bed with the same tape every night.  The kids don't get to stay up late every night -- just when there is a special event, dinner, etc. 

Keep your rules, but bend them if necessary.  After all, you are on vacation.  If Grandma wants to give them a cookie, I've learned to finally say, "Sure!" without cringing.  Ask if you can help her bake some!  Do watch out for too many sweets though -- no one will want to be around junior if he's bouncing off the walls.  My kids may stay up past their bedtime and miss a nap or two, sure -- but not every day if we can help it.

This is not an excuse to not discipline though.  Be discreet if you have to, but you are the parent!  Don't send your kid mixed signals.  What they can't get away with at home, they shouldn't get away with there.

JUST SOME ACTIVITY IDEAS:

• FIELD TRIPS & JUST THE TIME YOU ARE THERE ITSELF:  Help your kids make a notebook or lapbook of your trip.  Gather brochures, tourist magazine, etc of things you go see up there.  You can also request an info packet before you go and look through what they send you with the kids and have them choose something to do.  (Do a search on the internet of the area -- most states, cities, etc will send you a tourist infor packet.)  While there, see if something catches your child's interest and then dive in and study it with them, either then or when you get back home.

•  NATURE STUDY:  Make a nature notebook.  Get your kids a notebook -- or we use a 5x8 binder and cut computer paper in half, three-hole punch it, and stick it inside and then you can move around or add sheets.  Take a hike, or just sit on a blanket in your backyard or a park, and see what you can spy at eye level.  I bought field guides from a used bookstore (also look in thrift stores and libary book sales, etc.), or you can look up that strange, unknown thing on the internet.  We go out and choose one thing that catches the kids' eyes.  If we can, we will pick it or capture it or take a digital pic of it so we can study it up close and draw it.  We also do flower presses, leaf rubs with crayons, tape things into our book, and put pics in it, and then write out where we found it, what it is, etc. 

 http://www.backyardnature.net/nsop/welcome.htm

http://sites.silaspartners.com/CC_Content_Page/0,,PTID61309%7CCHID452232%7CCIID,00.html

http://www.naturalsciences.org/funstuff/notebook/index.html 

 (this is from my state! =)  Sign up for their newsletter.)

 

** I will also try to post some forms and ideas in the next few weeks that I have on nature journaling.  

• CRAFTS:  I get plastic totes from Dollar General or WalMart with a lid with a handle for lots of things.  (They come in several sizes -- I like the CD or file folder -- I keep DD current homeschool stuff in the file size so when we travel, we just pick it up and go.)  Load it up with cheap stuff -- cotton balls, tongue depressors, markers, glue, pipe cleaners, foam shapes, paper, old fabric and yarn, etc.  It's all in one spot and the kids can be creative.  They can even make "thank you" gifts for your hosts before they leave.

• INCLUDE FAMILY:

1. Include the cousins, etc in on the fun.  A family at our church came to Abby's bday party last year when we did a Nature Scavenger Hunt.  The dad, who previously wasn't so sure about homeschooling, said, "If this is what homeschooling is, I'm sold!"
2. Let the grandparents teach -- even if they don't know it.  Have a broken radio, etc?  Can Gpa help the kids take it apart and show them how it works?  Have Gma use baking cookies to share why a recipe is her favorite, what fraction of a cup to use, etc. 
3. Take a birdfeeder/house as a hostess gift, have the kids help set it up, and they can wait and see who comes to the feeder with the family you are staying with.

Apr. 24, 2006
Homeschool Help: Charlotte Mason & Lapbooks

Apr. 23, 2006
Homeschool Help: Copywork

I was asked the question today by a family member who is homeschooling:
What's copy work?
What are the reasons for doing it?

Copywork:
  We do this in leu of a "formal" handwriting, language arts program.  At first we did 100 Easy Lessons, so traced the "letter of day" from that.  Then we moved to me writing with a highlighter in a notebook bible verses, definitions of character traits, a poem, etc.  and she would trace it.  Abby has now phased into copying on her own from a book, etc.

Positives: 
  1.  You choose a verse, etc that is applicable to training them up, etc.  (we did verses we were trying to memorize, etc.
  2.  Except for a pencil, a highlighter and notebook paper, it's free.
  3.  Mom will also end up memorizing the verse, etc as she writes it down for child.
  4.  Great for hand-eye coordination.
  5.  Natural way to learn punctuation, grammar, spelling, good sentence structure, etc.

A few good websites on copywork and Charlotte Mason education:
http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/styles/nutshell.php
http://www.amblesideonline.org/Copywork.shtml
http://home.att.net/~bandcparker/copywork.html
http://simplycharlottemason.com/progress/index.php/2005/09/26/copywork-manuscripts/

Mar. 7, 2006
Grammar Poem