One of the negative consequences of homeschooling is the fact that my kids miss out on the ever-anticipated "snow days" in the school system. Growing up, I loved listening to the radio on a snowy morning to find out if there were any closings. When they started reading the list, I'd sit down and listen very carefully and jump for joy when my school was named. Fact is, I still listen to that list for the name of my alma mater!
A few years ago, I began to give my children a modified version of the Snow Day. The first good snowfall resulting in most of the ground being covered with snow gives us a reason to take a bit of a break. In recent years, the snow has come at night and we've been surprised with both the winter wonderland and the treat of a snow day. This year, however, the accumulation didn't begin until late morning when school was already well underway. That was yesterday. So, the plan was that if the snow stuck around (ha ha) until today, we would have our day off.
So, as the snow is still here, the children have been throwing snowballs, making snow angels & snowmen, and sliding down the hill with their sleds. They've warmed up with cups of hot chocolate accompanied by a peanut butter cookie. I had the time to make mac & cheese (a favorite around here) for lunch, as well. Most of them are inside now playing quietly, reading books, or making Christmas presents while one of them is outside helping her daddy.
You know what? I still love snow days!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Blood
My girls have been learning about the components of blood this past week. Today, they made a blood model. I love activities that they can do on their own!
I labeled the first picture with the ingredients, but I fear it may be a bit small for many of you to see.
Red Blood Cells: cinnamon candies White Blood Cell: white jelly bean Platelets: candy sprinkles
Plasma: light corn syrup
Though it was "edible" the "blood" was awfully sweet, so we have to discard it in the "Hazardous Waste" bin!
Great way to visualize the substance which gives us life. Try it with your children and then discuss how Christ gave His blood to save us!
I labeled the first picture with the ingredients, but I fear it may be a bit small for many of you to see.
Red Blood Cells: cinnamon candies White Blood Cell: white jelly bean Platelets: candy sprinkles
Plasma: light corn syrup
Though it was "edible" the "blood" was awfully sweet, so we have to discard it in the "Hazardous Waste" bin!
Great way to visualize the substance which gives us life. Try it with your children and then discuss how Christ gave His blood to save us!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
MidWest Homeschool Convention
If any of you are looking for a homeschool convention that is worth going to, you may want to check out the MidWest Homeschool Convention taking place at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, OH
March 31-April 2, 2011. In recent year's, the convention in our area has become exorbitantly priced with very few good speakers and fewer vendors.
Though we will have to pay gas and hotel, my husband and I think the MidWest Conference will be worth going to this year. If you register by November 18, the cost for a FAMILY to attend all three days of the conference is ONLY $40! There are over 300 workshops with such speakers as Ken Ham, Ted Tripp, Carol Barnier, Todd Wilson, etc. Saturday night will cap off the weekend with a presentation by the Duggar family ($1 reservation for family). A bonus is that the convention is not far away from the Creation Museum.
For more info (there is a lot of it!), follow this link. To find out the prices after the early-bird deadline, be sure to check out the registration pricing page. The earlier you sign up, the more you save, but the prices are reasonable for the next month or so. Be sure to book your hotel early as they will sell out early.
March 31-April 2, 2011. In recent year's, the convention in our area has become exorbitantly priced with very few good speakers and fewer vendors.
Though we will have to pay gas and hotel, my husband and I think the MidWest Conference will be worth going to this year. If you register by November 18, the cost for a FAMILY to attend all three days of the conference is ONLY $40! There are over 300 workshops with such speakers as Ken Ham, Ted Tripp, Carol Barnier, Todd Wilson, etc. Saturday night will cap off the weekend with a presentation by the Duggar family ($1 reservation for family). A bonus is that the convention is not far away from the Creation Museum.
For more info (there is a lot of it!), follow this link. To find out the prices after the early-bird deadline, be sure to check out the registration pricing page. The earlier you sign up, the more you save, but the prices are reasonable for the next month or so. Be sure to book your hotel early as they will sell out early.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Not for the Easily Nauseated
Tuesday's science lesson with Katrina involved dung beetles, flies, & maggots. You think I'm kidding. Seriously, a whole 3 paragraphs on the dung beetle. Do you know there are parts of this world where people will special order dung beetles to help clean up the excess...well, you know...dung...in their areas?
Then there was the interesting tidbit about flies vs. cockroaches. Did you know that one fly landing on one part of a slice of bread will leave more bacteria behind (and, yes, they did inform us from where!) than a whole troop of cockroaches marching over the same slice of bread? I live on a farm, people. This is NOT what I need to know!
And, what about those maggots? I finally learned how dogs and cats go about getting worms. Worms, which, apparently like to feast on Rover & Fluffy's insides.
I need to learn to do science AFTER lunch. Way after lunch.
Then there was the interesting tidbit about flies vs. cockroaches. Did you know that one fly landing on one part of a slice of bread will leave more bacteria behind (and, yes, they did inform us from where!) than a whole troop of cockroaches marching over the same slice of bread? I live on a farm, people. This is NOT what I need to know!
And, what about those maggots? I finally learned how dogs and cats go about getting worms. Worms, which, apparently like to feast on Rover & Fluffy's insides.
I need to learn to do science AFTER lunch. Way after lunch.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Missionary Stories
We enjoy reading Christian biographies in the morning - especially missionary biographies. A month or so ago, we finished the book, "The Adventure of Missionary Heroism" and last week we finished "Cowboy Boots in Darkest Africa." Both are fantastic books with true heroes for our children to learn about.
However, I realized the stories were really staying with my children when, a few days ago, my 6-year old came running through the kitchen chasing my 3-year old. As they raced through, the 6-year old said, "I'm a cannibal and I'm chasing my supper!"
Monday, we started reading "In His Steps." I'm thinking my kids are ready for something a tad less violent. :)
However, I realized the stories were really staying with my children when, a few days ago, my 6-year old came running through the kitchen chasing my 3-year old. As they raced through, the 6-year old said, "I'm a cannibal and I'm chasing my supper!"
Monday, we started reading "In His Steps." I'm thinking my kids are ready for something a tad less violent. :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Applied Science
The other day, Anna and Katrina were heading outside when Katrina tripped. Anna, who has been studying the skeletal system in science, asked, "Did you hurt your femur?"
I'll take that as a success.
I'll take that as a success.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Field Trips
A good friend of mine told me years ago that the best time to visit some of the museums in our area was during the first week the public schools are in session. I have taken her advice often and it has always been great. Yesterday, I took my kids to the local Science Center and we only had to share it with about 3 other small families.
While planning your field trips this year, look to schedule them in the early afternoon. If a school does have a field trip to that particular place, they will be leaving shortly after lunch time in order for their students to catch the bus and you and your children will have the place to yourselves. Also, schools rarely plan field trips for Mondays. When you don't have to share a place of interest with 300 other school children, guides will have more time to talk with you and answer questions and your children will be able to handle any hands-on displays without being rushed.
Just some helpful homeschool hints!
While planning your field trips this year, look to schedule them in the early afternoon. If a school does have a field trip to that particular place, they will be leaving shortly after lunch time in order for their students to catch the bus and you and your children will have the place to yourselves. Also, schools rarely plan field trips for Mondays. When you don't have to share a place of interest with 300 other school children, guides will have more time to talk with you and answer questions and your children will be able to handle any hands-on displays without being rushed.
Just some helpful homeschool hints!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Science Fun
I love that my son sees experiments in his book and goes ahead and tries them without my prompting. It's also great entertainment for the whole family!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Understanding my Children
In sitting with my children helping them do their schoolwork, I have come to a deeper understanding of them and their struggles. In spending hours sitting with each precious child day in and day out, I have come to a poignant conclusion:
The reason my children often SEEM brainless is because the ARE! It is no fault of theirs, but their school books have the power to deplete the majority of their brain cells during the course of the morning.
How did I come to such a profound conclusion? Because by the time the morning is over, MY brain cells have been severely reduced by textbooks on 5 different grade levels. By 2:00 in the afternoon, there is nothing left of me than a mere shell of a human being.
Brain cells DO grow back. I know this because I have a fully-functioning brain by 7:00 every morning. I enjoy them the few hours they actually last.
Here's hoping your brain cells remain plentiful always...
The reason my children often SEEM brainless is because the ARE! It is no fault of theirs, but their school books have the power to deplete the majority of their brain cells during the course of the morning.
How did I come to such a profound conclusion? Because by the time the morning is over, MY brain cells have been severely reduced by textbooks on 5 different grade levels. By 2:00 in the afternoon, there is nothing left of me than a mere shell of a human being.
Brain cells DO grow back. I know this because I have a fully-functioning brain by 7:00 every morning. I enjoy them the few hours they actually last.
Here's hoping your brain cells remain plentiful always...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Making Life Easier: Get Your Own
One of the new rules we have this school year is that each of the four oldest children are responsible for preparing and cleaning up after their own breakfasts and lunches. I only serve the 3 youngest (and the 6 year old will probably graduate to self-sufficiency in the next few months) and the person scheduled to do that meal's dishes only has to do their own plus the two youngest children's. It's quite a bit less work for everyone which takes less time away from the school day.
It's making my life easier. Let me know if it does the same for you. Or, give me some ideas of what has made your life easier.
It's making my life easier. Let me know if it does the same for you. Or, give me some ideas of what has made your life easier.
Monday, August 16, 2010
First Day of School
Today was the big day. I must say, it was the best first day we have had in a couple of years. I don't remember ever being so nervous about the school year beginning, but I felt about as panicked as a new teacher in a classroom of 30 students!
Until last night. Last night I finally felt organized enough to start this year off on the right foot. I still have much of the yearly lesson planning to do, but I'm well under-way. I have the whole week completed, so imminent catastrophes have been avoided.
We took a family trip out to the stores last night to buy school supplies. That is something I realized I never really did last year. We just kind of used the old stuff and did a quick job of clearing off the old materials to make way for the new. I made sure this year to get the kids new pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, etc., whether they needed them or not. They'll use it all eventually and new things give them a positive sense of anticipation. With all of their school shelves cleaned up and brand new books setting on them, they could not wait to get under-way with school. My 8th grader had two subjects completed before 8:00 this morning! Always a great start!
I listened to kids read, instructed the younger ones with their math & English, and the kindergartner with her letters until about 1:30 this afternoon. Other than feeling a little numb, I enjoyed the peacefulness of it all.
No complaining, no arguing, no lost pencils, and all work done before 2:00. Whether or not that will happen ever again during the course of this year, I don't know. But it made for an excellent first day of school!
Hope yours goes as well. Would love to hear about it!
Until last night. Last night I finally felt organized enough to start this year off on the right foot. I still have much of the yearly lesson planning to do, but I'm well under-way. I have the whole week completed, so imminent catastrophes have been avoided.
We took a family trip out to the stores last night to buy school supplies. That is something I realized I never really did last year. We just kind of used the old stuff and did a quick job of clearing off the old materials to make way for the new. I made sure this year to get the kids new pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, etc., whether they needed them or not. They'll use it all eventually and new things give them a positive sense of anticipation. With all of their school shelves cleaned up and brand new books setting on them, they could not wait to get under-way with school. My 8th grader had two subjects completed before 8:00 this morning! Always a great start!
I listened to kids read, instructed the younger ones with their math & English, and the kindergartner with her letters until about 1:30 this afternoon. Other than feeling a little numb, I enjoyed the peacefulness of it all.
No complaining, no arguing, no lost pencils, and all work done before 2:00. Whether or not that will happen ever again during the course of this year, I don't know. But it made for an excellent first day of school!
Hope yours goes as well. Would love to hear about it!
Monday, August 9, 2010
We're Starting School Next Week...
...and I was feeling a bit guilty about cheating my kids out of the last 4 or 5 weeks of summer. Until I found out that schools in the South are beginning this week.
Guilt-free.
Not to mention, my kids only have 4-day weeks and we like to finish school by the beginning of June. Am I not an awesome mother? *wink, wink*
I had great visions of having my entire year's lesson planning finished by now. Let's just say that guilt-free feeling didn't last long.
How about you? Are you beginning school soon or haven't you even begun thinking about it?
Guilt-free.
Not to mention, my kids only have 4-day weeks and we like to finish school by the beginning of June. Am I not an awesome mother? *wink, wink*
I had great visions of having my entire year's lesson planning finished by now. Let's just say that guilt-free feeling didn't last long.
How about you? Are you beginning school soon or haven't you even begun thinking about it?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Cost of Education
A little while ago this morning, I was listening to the radio. There was a conversation taking place about the cost of education in our area. I always think about that this time of year as I am planning and purchasing my curriculum for my 5 full-time students. The average cost PER STUDENT in our area is $15,000.00. Let me say that again - 15 THOUSAND dollars. Per student. Per year.
What?
I realize that there are bills to pay for each school building. I realize that the salaries of the teachers are included. I realize that there are insurance, food, and many other costs included in these figures - not just books. But, for heaven's sake. $15,000.00? Some quick calculations on my part tells me that with those figures, it should be costing my husband and I about $75,000.00 to teach our 5 children each year - and that's only figuring about 8-10 hours worth of their care, five days a week for 9 months a year. I can tell you, I am pretty certain we don't spend $15,000/child/year in our home - period. We not only school them, but house them, clothe them, meet their health care needs, feed them 3 good meals a day, entertain them, and the list goes on. And, we pay school taxes.
So, I ask you - where is this $15,000.00 per student going? Because, on my paper, it's just not adding up.
What?
I realize that there are bills to pay for each school building. I realize that the salaries of the teachers are included. I realize that there are insurance, food, and many other costs included in these figures - not just books. But, for heaven's sake. $15,000.00? Some quick calculations on my part tells me that with those figures, it should be costing my husband and I about $75,000.00 to teach our 5 children each year - and that's only figuring about 8-10 hours worth of their care, five days a week for 9 months a year. I can tell you, I am pretty certain we don't spend $15,000/child/year in our home - period. We not only school them, but house them, clothe them, meet their health care needs, feed them 3 good meals a day, entertain them, and the list goes on. And, we pay school taxes.
So, I ask you - where is this $15,000.00 per student going? Because, on my paper, it's just not adding up.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
What I'm Using Next Year
Ok - I know you all have just been dying to know what our curriculum will be made of next year. All (maybe) 1 of you. Seriously, is anyone out there?
Anyway -
Math - Grades Michael, Cassia, and Anna - A.C.E. This curriculum works great for us as I am not mathematically minded and when the kids can't get it on their own it's written write there in their book where I can understand it!
Katrina, Seth, & Gloria - BJU. What else?
English - All grades will use the best curriculum in this area - BJU. Not that I've tried them all, but I did major in English when in college and their concentration on the writing process and the intricacies of grammar are superb.
History - This year, I let the older kids actually choose what they're going to do. Daring, I know. Mike is doing (surprise) Evan Moor's Civil War History Pockets. He already knows much more about this war than I do, but I have a feeling it's going to play a part in whatever he chooses to do in his future. So, I don't mind him spending a year of concentration on it. He has purchased even more books and will do reports on it on top of the projects included in the pockets. I truly hope one summer in the next few years he'll be able to intern as a guide at Mannasses.
Cassia is also doing a History Pocket - Moving West. She is very much interested in pioneers, etc. She will be doing the projects, a report or two, and reading various books including on on Narcissus Prentiss & Marcus Whitman.
Anna is my more orderly, no-frills student. Therefore, she chose to use the BJU 6th grade Heritage Studies. She's basically covering world history & geography. I personally like the organization and "no-thinking" planning that gives me, as well.
Seth & Katrina will be doing history in our homeschool group. As we have 19 weeks total and most history curriculua for that age-group tend to only last half a year, that will suffice. We will build on what they are learning in class and we will also be reading the Little House series. We read that series together when the 3 older ones were young (Anna, my 9 year old, barely remembers that) and I think they'll enjoy it very much. It also ties in nicely with Cassia's history studies.
Health - each of them will be using the A Beka health books geared towards their grade level. It's basic, easy to read and understand and covers all sorts of issues such as diet, hygiene, changes in teens, manners, etc.
Science - I'm really excited to join the Apologia family this year. Mike & Cassia will be doing the General Science program. Mike will be taking the Hands-on Science class in our homeschool group, as well. Cassia is undecided. We will be doing as many of the experiments in our book as possible. Anna is doing Apologia's Human Physiology & Anatomy and Katrina is doing Flying Creatures of the 5th Day. The fact that they have notebook activities to go along with their lessons was a huge selling point for me. Science is more about observing and doing. Seth will be doing A Beka's Enjoying God's Creation. It's only about half a year's worth of information and he will enjoy the experiments of the older children.
Reading/Literature - Katrina and Seth will continue with Hooked-on-Phonics for improved reading skills and utilize the Pathway Readers for practice. I love the Pathway Readers and so do all of my children. I don't make my kids do a lot of workbook work for reading and I think that has proved a good decision. None of them see reading as work, but as something they love to do.
I didn't plan on the older kids doing a formal reading program until I came across some great literature books as a used curriculum fair. Mike is going to use an old BJU edition of "Explorations in Literature", Cassia is using A Beka's "Of People", and Anna is using the 6th grade Pathway Reader, "Step by Step." Each book has questions at the end that my kids can answer aloud. This way, I can make sure they are reading and comprehending all of the material. This is important especially for those stories that seem to be a bit more dry to them.
Handwriting - Katrina and Seth will continue to use the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. Katrina is in the 2nd cursive book and Seth is in the 3rd printing book. I began using this series about 4 or 5 years ago and I love it. My kids' never minded doing handwriting and they improved without much time put forth every day. This program won't last a whole year, but they'll continue to get practice as they write out their spelling words, etc.
Spelling - I found a great antique speller among my husband's grandmothers' books - "The Essentials of Spelling". This speller was published in 1919 and covers 5-8 grades. Michael and Cassia will be using the 7th and 8th grade word lists given. Anna has opted to use the BJU 6th grade spelling and Katrina & Seth will also be using BJU for their grade levels, as well.
Bible - We rarely use a formal Bible curriculum. We will finish reading Adventures of Missionary Heroism and probably continue reading other missionary biographies together. We also go over our church's Sunday School lessons together on school mornings and sing a few hymns together. I plan on implementing more Scripture memorization, as well.
My children, as I've mentioned, are also involved in our church's homeschool co-op. They receive their physical education and art instruction from this group. They will also be involved in choir, home ec., and literature classes besides the classes I have previously mentioned.
I've already planned what days we will be doing school. With 4-day weeks beginning August 16, having all school-year birthdays off, a short Thanksgiving & Christmas break - we will still have 180 days of school (19 are co-op days and 6 are field trip days). I'm excited to have next year planned out ahead of time.
So, there's our plan. Even if no one is reading this, it's nice to have it all in one place. Wonder if I could send a link to this blog to my school Superintendent and use it for my IHIP.....:)
Anyway -
Math - Grades Michael, Cassia, and Anna - A.C.E. This curriculum works great for us as I am not mathematically minded and when the kids can't get it on their own it's written write there in their book where I can understand it!
Katrina, Seth, & Gloria - BJU. What else?
English - All grades will use the best curriculum in this area - BJU. Not that I've tried them all, but I did major in English when in college and their concentration on the writing process and the intricacies of grammar are superb.
History - This year, I let the older kids actually choose what they're going to do. Daring, I know. Mike is doing (surprise) Evan Moor's Civil War History Pockets. He already knows much more about this war than I do, but I have a feeling it's going to play a part in whatever he chooses to do in his future. So, I don't mind him spending a year of concentration on it. He has purchased even more books and will do reports on it on top of the projects included in the pockets. I truly hope one summer in the next few years he'll be able to intern as a guide at Mannasses.
Cassia is also doing a History Pocket - Moving West. She is very much interested in pioneers, etc. She will be doing the projects, a report or two, and reading various books including on on Narcissus Prentiss & Marcus Whitman.
Anna is my more orderly, no-frills student. Therefore, she chose to use the BJU 6th grade Heritage Studies. She's basically covering world history & geography. I personally like the organization and "no-thinking" planning that gives me, as well.
Seth & Katrina will be doing history in our homeschool group. As we have 19 weeks total and most history curriculua for that age-group tend to only last half a year, that will suffice. We will build on what they are learning in class and we will also be reading the Little House series. We read that series together when the 3 older ones were young (Anna, my 9 year old, barely remembers that) and I think they'll enjoy it very much. It also ties in nicely with Cassia's history studies.
Health - each of them will be using the A Beka health books geared towards their grade level. It's basic, easy to read and understand and covers all sorts of issues such as diet, hygiene, changes in teens, manners, etc.
Science - I'm really excited to join the Apologia family this year. Mike & Cassia will be doing the General Science program. Mike will be taking the Hands-on Science class in our homeschool group, as well. Cassia is undecided. We will be doing as many of the experiments in our book as possible. Anna is doing Apologia's Human Physiology & Anatomy and Katrina is doing Flying Creatures of the 5th Day. The fact that they have notebook activities to go along with their lessons was a huge selling point for me. Science is more about observing and doing. Seth will be doing A Beka's Enjoying God's Creation. It's only about half a year's worth of information and he will enjoy the experiments of the older children.
Reading/Literature - Katrina and Seth will continue with Hooked-on-Phonics for improved reading skills and utilize the Pathway Readers for practice. I love the Pathway Readers and so do all of my children. I don't make my kids do a lot of workbook work for reading and I think that has proved a good decision. None of them see reading as work, but as something they love to do.
I didn't plan on the older kids doing a formal reading program until I came across some great literature books as a used curriculum fair. Mike is going to use an old BJU edition of "Explorations in Literature", Cassia is using A Beka's "Of People", and Anna is using the 6th grade Pathway Reader, "Step by Step." Each book has questions at the end that my kids can answer aloud. This way, I can make sure they are reading and comprehending all of the material. This is important especially for those stories that seem to be a bit more dry to them.
Handwriting - Katrina and Seth will continue to use the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. Katrina is in the 2nd cursive book and Seth is in the 3rd printing book. I began using this series about 4 or 5 years ago and I love it. My kids' never minded doing handwriting and they improved without much time put forth every day. This program won't last a whole year, but they'll continue to get practice as they write out their spelling words, etc.
Spelling - I found a great antique speller among my husband's grandmothers' books - "The Essentials of Spelling". This speller was published in 1919 and covers 5-8 grades. Michael and Cassia will be using the 7th and 8th grade word lists given. Anna has opted to use the BJU 6th grade spelling and Katrina & Seth will also be using BJU for their grade levels, as well.
Bible - We rarely use a formal Bible curriculum. We will finish reading Adventures of Missionary Heroism and probably continue reading other missionary biographies together. We also go over our church's Sunday School lessons together on school mornings and sing a few hymns together. I plan on implementing more Scripture memorization, as well.
My children, as I've mentioned, are also involved in our church's homeschool co-op. They receive their physical education and art instruction from this group. They will also be involved in choir, home ec., and literature classes besides the classes I have previously mentioned.
I've already planned what days we will be doing school. With 4-day weeks beginning August 16, having all school-year birthdays off, a short Thanksgiving & Christmas break - we will still have 180 days of school (19 are co-op days and 6 are field trip days). I'm excited to have next year planned out ahead of time.
So, there's our plan. Even if no one is reading this, it's nice to have it all in one place. Wonder if I could send a link to this blog to my school Superintendent and use it for my IHIP.....:)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A New Vision
So, I just ordered the last of my curriculum for next year. I am sure you all are anxiously awaiting to find out what we are doing in our homeschool for the 2010/2011 school year. But, first, let me explain something I feel the Lord showed me.
These past couple of years, we have been doing unit studies. As you know, we have enjoyed them very much. We have been able to do a lot more fun things together and I really believe the kids retained a lot of knowledge - in the history department. However, I was struggling with the other subject areas as I felt they were a bit weak. I LOVE history, so doing more research and doing the projects were not difficult. I am not gifted in the area of science and expounding on the prepared lesson plans (which seemed a bit unorganized) were difficult. English is my specialty and I know this was very weak in the curriculum I was using.
Another problem was the fact that I now had 2 younger children not old enough to really get involved with the unit study we were doing. I was doing things with them and that was fine, but running two studies was getting a bit stressful. Also making things hard was the fact that all of the kids had to be together at the same time to teach them our "together" school. If one child was out helping a friend or another one was in deep concentration over long-division, we lost a lot of time.
Most of all, I noticed that I spent most of my time doing school with my kids, leaving little time to minister to others or truly keep my home. Looking through Scripture, it was confirmed to me that my first priority as a mother is to manage my home and be a help to my husband. Where is it taught that the Proverbs 31 woman actually sat down all day and schooled her children? Her children learned how to be a wives (or what kind of wife to seek), how to work in business, how to minister to others by watching their mom and, I daresay, by working along-side her. She was a mom who loved and spent time with her children - but not just by educating them, no matter how creatively.
Sending my children to school is not an option. Yet, sacrificing ministry and the organizational management of my home is no option, either. My children need to be educated to make it in this world and to be a good testimony. They also need to see me ministering and minister alongside me in order to please God and to be a good testimony.
So, my answer? Textbooks. *GASP* Yes, I realize that textbooks are evil. They zap my children's love of learning. They aren't real life.
Let's face it. Even in unit studies, the kids know when we are doing school. No amount of projects and reading aloud is going to mask the fact that they are in school-mode. They still look forward to being "done" with school and having free time. As far as textbooks - I don't know, but it seems that I'm still picking up textbooks to learn how to do various things (ie: cookbooks, photography books, sewing books, etc). Textbooks seem to be a large part of my real life.
I realize that much of my time will still be spent educating my children. My older children will be able to read most of their material and figure it out on their own. I will do review questions with them, aide them in their writing projects, correct their work, etc. My younger ones will still require a lot of one-on-one with me. That's understanable. That's expected. However, I'm hoping that with the organization of textbooks I will have more time to do what I need to do - be a true help to my husband. Teaching our children is only one of the many ways I need to aide him. It is not the only way.
I want to spend more time teaching my children scripture. If you study the Bible, THAT is what parents are supposed to be teaching their children. I need to teach them what God wants from them - His Words, His principles, His love. I don't need to be concentrating on getting my children to love reading the classics. I need to be concentrating on developing their love for the Word. I don't need to teach my children every word of the Gettysburg Address. I need to memorize Scripture with them. I don't need to spend time developing their love of learning all things scientific, literary, etc. I need to develop their love for Christ and for others by ministering. That is what being a Christian mom is all about.
I've decided that I'm not a homeschooling mom. I'm a Christian mom who homeschools. There is a difference. The difference is in my priorities.
These past couple of years, we have been doing unit studies. As you know, we have enjoyed them very much. We have been able to do a lot more fun things together and I really believe the kids retained a lot of knowledge - in the history department. However, I was struggling with the other subject areas as I felt they were a bit weak. I LOVE history, so doing more research and doing the projects were not difficult. I am not gifted in the area of science and expounding on the prepared lesson plans (which seemed a bit unorganized) were difficult. English is my specialty and I know this was very weak in the curriculum I was using.
Another problem was the fact that I now had 2 younger children not old enough to really get involved with the unit study we were doing. I was doing things with them and that was fine, but running two studies was getting a bit stressful. Also making things hard was the fact that all of the kids had to be together at the same time to teach them our "together" school. If one child was out helping a friend or another one was in deep concentration over long-division, we lost a lot of time.
Most of all, I noticed that I spent most of my time doing school with my kids, leaving little time to minister to others or truly keep my home. Looking through Scripture, it was confirmed to me that my first priority as a mother is to manage my home and be a help to my husband. Where is it taught that the Proverbs 31 woman actually sat down all day and schooled her children? Her children learned how to be a wives (or what kind of wife to seek), how to work in business, how to minister to others by watching their mom and, I daresay, by working along-side her. She was a mom who loved and spent time with her children - but not just by educating them, no matter how creatively.
Sending my children to school is not an option. Yet, sacrificing ministry and the organizational management of my home is no option, either. My children need to be educated to make it in this world and to be a good testimony. They also need to see me ministering and minister alongside me in order to please God and to be a good testimony.
So, my answer? Textbooks. *GASP* Yes, I realize that textbooks are evil. They zap my children's love of learning. They aren't real life.
Let's face it. Even in unit studies, the kids know when we are doing school. No amount of projects and reading aloud is going to mask the fact that they are in school-mode. They still look forward to being "done" with school and having free time. As far as textbooks - I don't know, but it seems that I'm still picking up textbooks to learn how to do various things (ie: cookbooks, photography books, sewing books, etc). Textbooks seem to be a large part of my real life.
I realize that much of my time will still be spent educating my children. My older children will be able to read most of their material and figure it out on their own. I will do review questions with them, aide them in their writing projects, correct their work, etc. My younger ones will still require a lot of one-on-one with me. That's understanable. That's expected. However, I'm hoping that with the organization of textbooks I will have more time to do what I need to do - be a true help to my husband. Teaching our children is only one of the many ways I need to aide him. It is not the only way.
I want to spend more time teaching my children scripture. If you study the Bible, THAT is what parents are supposed to be teaching their children. I need to teach them what God wants from them - His Words, His principles, His love. I don't need to be concentrating on getting my children to love reading the classics. I need to be concentrating on developing their love for the Word. I don't need to teach my children every word of the Gettysburg Address. I need to memorize Scripture with them. I don't need to spend time developing their love of learning all things scientific, literary, etc. I need to develop their love for Christ and for others by ministering. That is what being a Christian mom is all about.
I've decided that I'm not a homeschooling mom. I'm a Christian mom who homeschools. There is a difference. The difference is in my priorities.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Speaking of Planning...
...I already have a plan for the upcoming school year. I know, I know. THIS school year isn't even over, yet. But, I like to plan ahead.
My goal is to sit down with my Well Planned Day planner several days throughout the summer and plan each lesson for each day of the new school year. For instance, get out my children's math books and go through and plan what lessons and what pages they will be doing for each day. Then, on to English. When will that test be?
As we know, the best laid plans tend to fall victim to real-life. There will be days that someone is sick or an unforeseen field trip occurred. But, I will have finished all of the hard lesson planning during the summer, so will only have to take a few minutes each week to re-evaluate where we are and plan my children's days accordingly in the Home Schooler's Journal.
That is my plan of attack in lesson planning for the 2010/2011 school year. Do you have a plan? I would love to hear it. I'm not above changing my plan for a better one. :)
My goal is to sit down with my Well Planned Day planner several days throughout the summer and plan each lesson for each day of the new school year. For instance, get out my children's math books and go through and plan what lessons and what pages they will be doing for each day. Then, on to English. When will that test be?
As we know, the best laid plans tend to fall victim to real-life. There will be days that someone is sick or an unforeseen field trip occurred. But, I will have finished all of the hard lesson planning during the summer, so will only have to take a few minutes each week to re-evaluate where we are and plan my children's days accordingly in the Home Schooler's Journal.
That is my plan of attack in lesson planning for the 2010/2011 school year. Do you have a plan? I would love to hear it. I'm not above changing my plan for a better one. :)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Planning is Everything
But how do you plan?
Some people don't. They fly by the seat of their pants. Some make it look effortless and manage to accomplish much. Others, like myself, fail miserably in this method. Sometimes, it's necessary to just be flexible and do what you can when you can. But, for the most part, a plan is needed for homeschool survival.
In the past, I created an Excel spreadsheet to help organize my children's lesson plans. I've used individual assignment books so each of my children can see what is expected of them each day. Unfortunately, this creates a lot of work for me and my kids somehow seem to lose things in about 10 seconds flat.
In my search for the perfect planner, I've come across a few very helpful materials. I am listing them on my website this week including the one planner I've stuck with these last several years. Go on over to Homeschool Potpourri an take a look. Let me know if you use or have tried any of the planning helps I've listed. What do you use & why do you like it?
Have a blessed homeschool day!
Some people don't. They fly by the seat of their pants. Some make it look effortless and manage to accomplish much. Others, like myself, fail miserably in this method. Sometimes, it's necessary to just be flexible and do what you can when you can. But, for the most part, a plan is needed for homeschool survival.
In the past, I created an Excel spreadsheet to help organize my children's lesson plans. I've used individual assignment books so each of my children can see what is expected of them each day. Unfortunately, this creates a lot of work for me and my kids somehow seem to lose things in about 10 seconds flat.
In my search for the perfect planner, I've come across a few very helpful materials. I am listing them on my website this week including the one planner I've stuck with these last several years. Go on over to Homeschool Potpourri an take a look. Let me know if you use or have tried any of the planning helps I've listed. What do you use & why do you like it?
Have a blessed homeschool day!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
New Site for Booksellers!
Funny. I posted about Homeschool Classifieds the other day and I get an invitation in my e-mail inbox to be among the first to join another homeschool book selling site. Ironically enough, the site is called sellhomeschoolbooks.com. If not catchy, it's easy an address easily remembered!
Though I'm still getting a bit used to this site, it's really easy to use. Posting is similar to e-bay, though much less complicated. The best part is that it's FREE!! Looks like you could use some options that would cost money. This leads me to believe that someday they may decide to charge for membership fees and other niceties on the site. But, for now, I'm taking advantage of my free year.
Check it out. Be one of the founding members. Who knows what you might find there.
Though I'm still getting a bit used to this site, it's really easy to use. Posting is similar to e-bay, though much less complicated. The best part is that it's FREE!! Looks like you could use some options that would cost money. This leads me to believe that someday they may decide to charge for membership fees and other niceties on the site. But, for now, I'm taking advantage of my free year.
Check it out. Be one of the founding members. Who knows what you might find there.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Homeschool Classifieds
I absolutely love Homeschool Classifieds. It is a great site for homeschoolers to buy and sell their used books for free! You can pay a minimal fee in order to list more than 5 books at a time, but it is more reasonable than e-bay. Not to mention, they also allow you to sell Teacher's Editions!! I mean, really, aren't those the books we're looking for the deals on or desiring to make some of our money back?
Check it out. You do not have to have an account in order to buy, only to sell. Let me know what you think!
Check it out. You do not have to have an account in order to buy, only to sell. Let me know what you think!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Taking Time
I wish I had already known some things several years ago when I began to teach my oldest child. Being the first child, he was the one with whom I compared the "normal" home-schooler. If "most" kids were understanding something at a certain age, then he should be as well. If it wasn't a difficult concept for me to understand in my childhood, then why was he struggling? If he didn't get the day's concept, we worked on it until he got it - some nights we worked until 9:00 p.m. It was my immaturity as a homeschool mom that many of our "bad" days were formed.
Now that I've been homeschooling for 7 years, I'm either wiser or just plain tired.
My six year old son is a first-grader this year. He has been doing quite well, though he would much rather be outside running around than writing spelling words. At the beginning of the year, he really struggled with expanded form in Math (i.e - 50 + 2 = 52). This concept was so easy to me as a youngster. My previous 4 children never struggled with this and I had no idea why he just didn't "get" it. Just recently, I realized it had been quite a while since we had done expanded form - months, in fact. I wondered if he would get it now that so much time had elapsed and he was doing quite well in other areas of Math.
Wouldn't you know it? Just the other day, his review section on his math page was....expanded form. And, again, wouldn't you know it? He got EVERY SINGLE ONE.....RIGHT!!!!!!!!! No problem. Piece of cake.
All it took was time. Not time in beating the lesson into his head over and over. Not time in making him write different numbers in expanded form for hours on end. Not time in me worrying and pulling out my hair. Just time off without even thinking about it. Through time, stress was removed. Through time, precept was built upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little. And, he GOT it.
What I wouldn't give to have known that seven years ago.
Now that I've been homeschooling for 7 years, I'm either wiser or just plain tired.
My six year old son is a first-grader this year. He has been doing quite well, though he would much rather be outside running around than writing spelling words. At the beginning of the year, he really struggled with expanded form in Math (i.e - 50 + 2 = 52). This concept was so easy to me as a youngster. My previous 4 children never struggled with this and I had no idea why he just didn't "get" it. Just recently, I realized it had been quite a while since we had done expanded form - months, in fact. I wondered if he would get it now that so much time had elapsed and he was doing quite well in other areas of Math.
Wouldn't you know it? Just the other day, his review section on his math page was....expanded form. And, again, wouldn't you know it? He got EVERY SINGLE ONE.....RIGHT!!!!!!!!! No problem. Piece of cake.
All it took was time. Not time in beating the lesson into his head over and over. Not time in making him write different numbers in expanded form for hours on end. Not time in me worrying and pulling out my hair. Just time off without even thinking about it. Through time, stress was removed. Through time, precept was built upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little. And, he GOT it.
What I wouldn't give to have known that seven years ago.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Fantastic Opportunity
My husband, myself, and five of our children recently returned from a whirlwind tour through history. Most of our time was spent in Southern Virginia - more specifically, Williamsburg. We spent one day at the Jamestown Settlement where the America we know today began, one day in Yorktown where the Revolutionary War ended, and two days in lovely and historic Colonial Williamsburg. For the seven of us to tour Colonial Williamsburg for 2 days this time of year, it would cost us $207 - and that's the "special" rate. However, a special opportunity just for homeschoolers is extended twice a year - one week in September and one in March. With this deal, the seven of us had a 5 day pass for a whopping total of - ready? - $77!!! I could have bought the 2-day pass for just $8/person, but at the time of purchase, I wasn't exactly sure of our schedule. Jamestown and Yorktown also offer a combined pass to both sites for $10.95/person for the entire week. This includes the guided tours, full access to the museums, and special classes offered to the students.
I would highly recommend any homeschool family to take advantage of these offers - especially if the number of children you have limits where you can go on vacation. This was our first family vacation in three years and I am so grateful to the historic sites in Virginia for making it possible for us to have such a memorable time together! Each of the three areas had wonderful interpreters and there were many hands-on activities to make history truly come alive for my children. The ages of the children we took were 6-12 years old. Each of them had something they loved. We didn't take our 2 & 4 year old as we were sure they wouldn't be able to keep us with all the walking and would become bored (we all have been around bored and tired toddlers - not "happy-family-memory" material!). We were glad we made that decision and they were happy with Grandma!
Check the offers out at the following sites: Colonial Williamsburg (they are still showing the Spring Program, but I know they will be offering their Fall Program in September for the same price) and Jamestown/Yorktown (their Spring info is still up as well, but they mention the Fall program). Let me know if you are seriously considering taking this trip or let me know if you've gone already. Tell me what you think!
I am logging our trip over at my other blog, Love & Rewards. If you care to read more about our time there and see pictures, feel free to stop by.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Massachusetts Night
It's been 2 months since I've posted here? Good grief!
I must say, last year there seemed to be much more to post about as we had a special evening scheduled every few weeks at the end of a unit. However, though I am using the same curriculum this year, there aren't as many special evenings planned as there are only 3 seperate "units" in our area of study this year.
We did, however, do a little something special a couple of weeks ago as the children had done some information gathering on the state of Massachusetts. We had Boston Baked Beans for dinner (along with some chicken & biscuits) and Boston Cream Pie for dessert. It was the first "pie" I had made and the first the children had eaten. It was a hit! The children read to us their papers about the Wampanoag Indians, who are indigenous to Massachusetts. They also read aloud their journal entries for the week. I had them write on each day of creation as that is what we are discussing in our church's Family School.
I will post a couple of pictures tomorrow. Though the Massachusetts night was not in the planned curriculum, I am grateful to have set aside a special evening so "daddy" could get some insight into what the children have been doing. He always enjoys that and the kids love being able to show off the fruits of their labors! We will do another special evening again soon, I'm sure.
I must say, last year there seemed to be much more to post about as we had a special evening scheduled every few weeks at the end of a unit. However, though I am using the same curriculum this year, there aren't as many special evenings planned as there are only 3 seperate "units" in our area of study this year.
We did, however, do a little something special a couple of weeks ago as the children had done some information gathering on the state of Massachusetts. We had Boston Baked Beans for dinner (along with some chicken & biscuits) and Boston Cream Pie for dessert. It was the first "pie" I had made and the first the children had eaten. It was a hit! The children read to us their papers about the Wampanoag Indians, who are indigenous to Massachusetts. They also read aloud their journal entries for the week. I had them write on each day of creation as that is what we are discussing in our church's Family School.
I will post a couple of pictures tomorrow. Though the Massachusetts night was not in the planned curriculum, I am grateful to have set aside a special evening so "daddy" could get some insight into what the children have been doing. He always enjoys that and the kids love being able to show off the fruits of their labors! We will do another special evening again soon, I'm sure.
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