When you share what you know...
1. You teach
2. You encourage
3. You motivate
4. You inspire
5. You help
6. You give peace
7. You give understanding
8. You promote oneness
9. You are generous
10. You make yourself vulnerable
11. You mentor
12. You bless
13. You give wisdom
14. You help prevent problems
15. You show the way
16. You lead
17. You comfort
18. You give insight
19. You calm fears
20. You _________________.
I was blessed this week by a group of homeschool moms that made time to get together and share what they know about teaching and parenting. I can't tell you everything I gained....so much more than I imagined...even to some degree so much more than I can even completely comprehend. I'm still sorting through the wealth of advice, encouragement, curriculum and ideas that we exchanged. I'm beginning my 8th year of homeschool and find myself still needing the blessing of friends who walk this road too.
Whether you homeschool or not isn't really the point of this post...It's sharing what you know. When we are selfish and keep what we know a secret for whatever reason, we rob others of the wisdom God has given us through our own life experiences. You never know who will hear your story and be inspired and motivated. Let's be a people that is eager to share with those around you. Stingy people don't get nearly the satisfaction and fulfillment that generous people do.
Be generous. Share.
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Complain Much?
One of the many hazards of homeschooling is that my kids aren't always quite as polite to the teacher as they might be if the teacher were someone else. There's a comfortableness that, while endearing, can also be taken advantage of if we aren't careful.
Complaining seems to be the most popular issue at hand right now. Complaining about doing schoolwork, how much schoolwork, how hard the schoolwork is, how boring it is, how tired they are, how long it takes....need I go on????
Anyway...I've explained until I'm blue in the face, we've spanked (yes, we do that), we've prayed, we've raised our voices (ok..maybe that was just me), I've lectured....And I've grown weary.
And since I'm not a complainy type person for the most part, this is under my skin. WHEN DID THEY BECOME THIS WAY??? I think the same way we all do sometimes.
1. We only want to do what we want to do.
2. We think what we want is the most important thing on earth.
3. We think we are right.
4. We don't think of the effort others have made for us to have, do, be....
5. We become covetous. We want what others have even if that mean different but not better.
And so now I'm figuring out a plan of action that might help my kids think before they complain...at least some of the time.
1. Gratitude. Speak and write thanks when you are tempted to complain.
2. Do something for someone else when you are tempted to complain.
3. Pray about your attitude. Is this really something that is important enough to complain about?
4. File your complaint. Write it down and place it in the complaint jar. If it's still worthy of conversation at the end of the day, we will read it.
As I was thinking about these things I thought how they really apply to any area of our lives. We waste so many words complaining about things that don't matter, that when we really do have a concern that deserves our words, no one listens. I'm praying that I can teach my own kids the extreme value in a word spoken in due season. Just because I'm an adult doesn't mean I've mastered this concept. In fact, it's just a great reminder to use my words wisely.
Complaining seems to be the most popular issue at hand right now. Complaining about doing schoolwork, how much schoolwork, how hard the schoolwork is, how boring it is, how tired they are, how long it takes....need I go on????
Anyway...I've explained until I'm blue in the face, we've spanked (yes, we do that), we've prayed, we've raised our voices (ok..maybe that was just me), I've lectured....And I've grown weary.
And since I'm not a complainy type person for the most part, this is under my skin. WHEN DID THEY BECOME THIS WAY??? I think the same way we all do sometimes.
1. We only want to do what we want to do.
2. We think what we want is the most important thing on earth.
3. We think we are right.
4. We don't think of the effort others have made for us to have, do, be....
5. We become covetous. We want what others have even if that mean different but not better.
And so now I'm figuring out a plan of action that might help my kids think before they complain...at least some of the time.
1. Gratitude. Speak and write thanks when you are tempted to complain.
2. Do something for someone else when you are tempted to complain.
3. Pray about your attitude. Is this really something that is important enough to complain about?
4. File your complaint. Write it down and place it in the complaint jar. If it's still worthy of conversation at the end of the day, we will read it.
As I was thinking about these things I thought how they really apply to any area of our lives. We waste so many words complaining about things that don't matter, that when we really do have a concern that deserves our words, no one listens. I'm praying that I can teach my own kids the extreme value in a word spoken in due season. Just because I'm an adult doesn't mean I've mastered this concept. In fact, it's just a great reminder to use my words wisely.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Ready, Set, School
While most kids are enjoying the last few dog days of summer vacation...and most teacher's are slowly moving in the direction of the classroom doors, my kids were begging to start school. Now, before anyone thinks that I believe this is because of all the creative and fun learning that I have planned for our first year homeschooling both kids, please don't think I'm that naive.
We've traveled the better part of the last five weeks. Between camps, a mini-vaca for the kids while Bruce and I were at a conference, a mission trip to Wyoming and my quick trip to Ga, I feel like I need to take a deep breath and just take a moment or two to enjoy unpacking the suitcase for the last time for a while.
But for the kids, they see it totally different. School means...new pencils, new books, new folders, new markers, new new new. I remember being the same way as a kid. The fresh smell of new school supplies, even today, excites me just a little bit. A clean page to write on, a book binding not quite broken in yet, the smell of a new sharpie marker. I know...crazy.
So, last Friday when the kids were begging for the school year to begin, I gave in.
We've traveled the better part of the last five weeks. Between camps, a mini-vaca for the kids while Bruce and I were at a conference, a mission trip to Wyoming and my quick trip to Ga, I feel like I need to take a deep breath and just take a moment or two to enjoy unpacking the suitcase for the last time for a while.
But for the kids, they see it totally different. School means...new pencils, new books, new folders, new markers, new new new. I remember being the same way as a kid. The fresh smell of new school supplies, even today, excites me just a little bit. A clean page to write on, a book binding not quite broken in yet, the smell of a new sharpie marker. I know...crazy.
So, last Friday when the kids were begging for the school year to begin, I gave in.
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| Science....earthquakes...oh my! |
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| Keeping up and on track....BTW, have you seen the chalk markers? LOVE LOVE LOVE! |
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| Mom...this is pretty easy stuff. |
And today....after chores...and me falling down the den stairs (that will be a whole 'nother post...maybe) we began again...easing our way into the school year. We aren't going full force or even starting at a reasonable time yet....all that happens after Labor Day. We're excited...and today as we were talking about the Creation Story, I was reminded again why this is such a good fit for us. Yes, right before Tucker covered his ears to block out hearing how the woman was taken and formed out of man's ribs and let's not even breech the subject of their nakedness. Yes, that's when I remembered, I don't want to miss a moment of the good and the funny. Will it be laced with moments of frustrations and pulling hair out?....yep, but then I'll have a diet coke and a moment of prayer and things will be better.
So however you school your kids, I hope you enjoy watching them learn as much as I do my own. The moments are going to fly by.....Ready! Set! School!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday's Reading
Hopefully you're able to enjoy this Lord's Day basking in His goodness. Here are a few of my favorite links this week...articles and music that spoke to me. Maybe you'll have time today to take a look.
1. I Know Who You Are - JJ Heller writes songs about real life and Jesus. This is a song is powerful for anyone...but especially someone who is going through a time of faith testing.
2. Memorial Day Activities you can do with your Kids...via The Pioneer Woman
3. Audio Spanish Lessons...for FREE!! I think I will use these with my kids in the fall. They also have French Lessons.
4. Religion and the Oklahoma tornadoes ...a little warning...there is a little course language that I wish wasn't there...but it's a good article otherwise...and one that my heart resonates with.
5. Article about Teaching our kids to serve others... and fight the feeling of entitlement. HERE
1. I Know Who You Are - JJ Heller writes songs about real life and Jesus. This is a song is powerful for anyone...but especially someone who is going through a time of faith testing.
2. Memorial Day Activities you can do with your Kids...via The Pioneer Woman
3. Audio Spanish Lessons...for FREE!! I think I will use these with my kids in the fall. They also have French Lessons.
4. Religion and the Oklahoma tornadoes ...a little warning...there is a little course language that I wish wasn't there...but it's a good article otherwise...and one that my heart resonates with.
5. Article about Teaching our kids to serve others... and fight the feeling of entitlement. HERE
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic
Over the last six months I've poured over homeschool curriculum, wanting to make the best choices for the kind of learners my kids are. What I've learned is that if you want to homeschool, there's a curriculum for you! It's overwhelming and a little daunting, but in the end, I feel like we've made some good choices for our 2013-2014 school year.
Tucker and Savannah will both be using Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study Series for Children. We will be doing six, six week workbooks. Check them out HERE.
They will also be doing US and World Geography using Youth with a Mission (YWAM) curriculum.
You can take a look at their WEBSITE . They also have hundreds of biographies of Christian historical figures and religious heroes. It's an impressive collection. Both kids will be reading missionary biographies from this site.
Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's Horizons Math again. We have found that this is a challenging curriculum and although I strongly considered changing to Math U See, I decided to keep her in something familiar.
Tucker will also be using Horizon's Math. He's done ABeka since PreK and I think this will be a pretty good transition for him.
For Language Arts, Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's LifePACs. Of all the decisions I've made this is the one I'm most apprehensive about...so, I only ordered the first 4, to get us to Christmas and if it's not a good fit, I won't feel too guilty, since they aren't that expensive.
Tucker will be doing the Horizons Penmanship, which will introduce cursive during the second half of the year. He will also be doing the Horizons Reading and Phonics program, along with the phonics special sounds he has learned through his years doing ABeka.
I'm still searching for a science curriculum. The kids want to study Oceanography, so I'm looking for something along those lines, with a Biblical worldview. Suggestions? Leave a comment, please!
Along with the missionary biographies, Savannah will be reading the 10 book, Reel Kid's Adventure Series . These are books about young people who take the gospel to the ends of the earth. On their adventures Savannah will learn about people groups, geography and a broader worldview. She will also read Anne of Green Gables, The Brian Series by Gary Paulsen and anything else she can get her hands on! Tucker will be reading the TIME LIFE Children's Adventure books, The Happy Hollisters (yes, we are kickin' it old school) and the Ready Freddy series.
We're planning on doing some cooking, library trips, field trips with friends, art and maybe some sort of cooking or baking class - plus keep up with piano and taekwondo.
Now, deep breath and enjoy the summer!
Tucker and Savannah will both be using Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study Series for Children. We will be doing six, six week workbooks. Check them out HERE.
They will also be doing US and World Geography using Youth with a Mission (YWAM) curriculum.
You can take a look at their WEBSITE . They also have hundreds of biographies of Christian historical figures and religious heroes. It's an impressive collection. Both kids will be reading missionary biographies from this site.
Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's Horizons Math again. We have found that this is a challenging curriculum and although I strongly considered changing to Math U See, I decided to keep her in something familiar.
Tucker will also be using Horizon's Math. He's done ABeka since PreK and I think this will be a pretty good transition for him.
For Language Arts, Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's LifePACs. Of all the decisions I've made this is the one I'm most apprehensive about...so, I only ordered the first 4, to get us to Christmas and if it's not a good fit, I won't feel too guilty, since they aren't that expensive.
Tucker will be doing the Horizons Penmanship, which will introduce cursive during the second half of the year. He will also be doing the Horizons Reading and Phonics program, along with the phonics special sounds he has learned through his years doing ABeka.
I'm still searching for a science curriculum. The kids want to study Oceanography, so I'm looking for something along those lines, with a Biblical worldview. Suggestions? Leave a comment, please!
Along with the missionary biographies, Savannah will be reading the 10 book, Reel Kid's Adventure Series . These are books about young people who take the gospel to the ends of the earth. On their adventures Savannah will learn about people groups, geography and a broader worldview. She will also read Anne of Green Gables, The Brian Series by Gary Paulsen and anything else she can get her hands on! Tucker will be reading the TIME LIFE Children's Adventure books, The Happy Hollisters (yes, we are kickin' it old school) and the Ready Freddy series.
Now, deep breath and enjoy the summer!
Monday, December 5, 2011
11 Carolers Caroling
Last week some homeschool friends of mine and I, along with our kids, headed out to Christmas carol a few shut ins from our church. One of us had mapped the route, one of us had baked a few dozen cookies and one of us had chosen three familiar carols that our kids would know. We loaded up in two cars, drove into the country and there began our Christmas caroling adventure. (BTW, an adventure is anytime you have to turn around more than once because you aren't sure where you're going!)
Did you know that lonely has a face? Did you know that it knows no season? As we went from house to house I was so touched by the gratitude each of these senior citizens had for such a small...very small act of kindness. Of course they were touched to see the children. Of course it was nice to have some company for the few minutes that we were there. Of course they enjoyed the slightly too high key picked for singing Silent Night and the too low key picked for Away in a Manger....according to one lady the kids sounded better than what she hears on TV (made me laugh) then of course she retracted her statement saying she wasn't talking about our church television broadcast (I was cracking up!)
But what wasn't so expected were the tears that flowed freely down one particular shut-ins face. It nearly broke my heart. As we sang, she cried. When we finished she invited us in...and oh, how I wish we could have spend an afternoon visiting. But we were on a schedule and there wasn't time to make a day of it. Instead we all hugged her...and she hugged back...tighter...because...
Hugs don't come as often when you're stuck in your house.
My kids learned some valuable lessons that day that we discussed later as we gathered around the table that night:
1. We are grateful for the ability to get out and fellowship with other believers...especially this time of year.
2. There are things that we can do to minister to these beautiful people in their time of home boundness. We started thinking and making a list of things that even little kids can do.
3. We are going to make it a point to visit these sweet people more often this next year. We learned that loneliness doesn't know a season and that missing someone or being sick or just growing old is hard on person.
4. We learned that God can use little children to minister.
5. We learned that it doesn't take much money, time or effort to brightens someone's day.
6. We learned just how much a hug means to someone who hasn't see another person in a week.
We all learned something...even me.
Did you know that lonely has a face? Did you know that it knows no season? As we went from house to house I was so touched by the gratitude each of these senior citizens had for such a small...very small act of kindness. Of course they were touched to see the children. Of course it was nice to have some company for the few minutes that we were there. Of course they enjoyed the slightly too high key picked for singing Silent Night and the too low key picked for Away in a Manger....according to one lady the kids sounded better than what she hears on TV (made me laugh) then of course she retracted her statement saying she wasn't talking about our church television broadcast (I was cracking up!)
But what wasn't so expected were the tears that flowed freely down one particular shut-ins face. It nearly broke my heart. As we sang, she cried. When we finished she invited us in...and oh, how I wish we could have spend an afternoon visiting. But we were on a schedule and there wasn't time to make a day of it. Instead we all hugged her...and she hugged back...tighter...because...
Hugs don't come as often when you're stuck in your house.
My kids learned some valuable lessons that day that we discussed later as we gathered around the table that night:
1. We are grateful for the ability to get out and fellowship with other believers...especially this time of year.
2. There are things that we can do to minister to these beautiful people in their time of home boundness. We started thinking and making a list of things that even little kids can do.
3. We are going to make it a point to visit these sweet people more often this next year. We learned that loneliness doesn't know a season and that missing someone or being sick or just growing old is hard on person.
4. We learned that God can use little children to minister.
5. We learned that it doesn't take much money, time or effort to brightens someone's day.
6. We learned just how much a hug means to someone who hasn't see another person in a week.
We all learned something...even me.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Doing Hard Things
A couple of years ago I read a book entitled, Do Hard Things. This book is the personal story of two brothers whose parents weren't afraid of teaching their boys the value of hard work, determination, perseverance and goal setting. From school work, to chores, to Christian living....these boys have exceeded the average and excelled in areas that even most adults only dream of.
I've been thinking about my expectations of my own children and what I am teaching them by my life and by my instruction lately. We are out of school for three months and I don't want this to be a summer full of channel surfing and sun bathing. While there will be time for that, I want them to learn a little about teamwork, hard work and determination. So, we started with some simple chores yesterday.
I've been thinking about my expectations of my own children and what I am teaching them by my life and by my instruction lately. We are out of school for three months and I don't want this to be a summer full of channel surfing and sun bathing. While there will be time for that, I want them to learn a little about teamwork, hard work and determination. So, we started with some simple chores yesterday.
Scrubbing down cabinets
Does Anyone Else have a tupperware cabinet that looks like this?????
All in all this lesson only took about 20-30 minutes, but let me tell you what was neat to see later in the day. When Bruce got home he asked the kids what they had been up to and they were eager to tell him about their chores they had helped with. There was a certain pride in learning to organize and scrub....and doing something a little more difficult than just making a bed or gathering laundry....which yes, they still have to do!
So....here's a question....What kind of chores to do have your kids do? Do you think it's important to teach them harder things (in all areas) or can it wait til they are older and bigger? I'd love to hear your thoughts on these points.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
More from Download N Go!!!!
I wanted to let you all know that DNG has decided to offer a coupon code for 20% off multiple packs of the DNG units! Wow - 20%. The code is: DNG20PKS - just use that code at check out and receive 20% off any multiple pack purchase!
And then there's a contest!!!! This contest is geared toward Homeschooling moms - but does include Starbucks, Baskin-Robbins and Amazon.com gift certificates (that would appeal to non-homeschoolers too)!
THE PRIZE:
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and Amanda Bennett Unit Studies have teamed up to celebrate the successful launch of Download N Go™ with a Sweet Treat Prize Package in The Adventure Begins ... Giveaway!
They're offering one lucky winner the SWEET chance to go EXPLORING this FALL!
The entire FALL curriculum lineup of Download N Go™ (Wow! That's 19 studies!).
A $25 gift certificate to Baskin-Robbins (yummy ice cream).
A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com (for those back-to-school supplies).
A $15 gift certificate to Starbucks Coffee (a special treat just for the teacher).
A full year's subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine (encouragement and resources all year long).
A "sweet" blue and brown Homeschooling With Heart tote bag (THE must-have accessory for FALL!).
Contest will run May 24 and through June 12!
Enter HERE
Download N Go - Homeschool Curriculum Review
I loved it! First of all, it was extremely easy to save and download. No computer mumbo jumbo that was difficult to understand. Secondly, the content was clear and child-friendly. There was plenty of color and up to date graphics. It's clear someone took great thought to create something that my 4-8 year old student would be happy to dive into. Thirdly, it's a unit study so there are various subjects covered, from art projects and Bible stories to reading and writing activities...Download N Go covers it all. There are also hyperlinks throughout the curriculum so if you decide never to print it out you still have computer generated reasons to follow the links to more valuable information.
At the end of the week they give you precise directions on how to design a lapbook with all the things your child has created during the unit study. There are extra hyperlinks with tutorials to show beginner lapbooking teachers how to assemble the book.
Overall, I'd give this two thumbs up!
Connect with them on Facebook or learn more about them HERE .
Monday, April 12, 2010
Budgets
Today I spent the day with this gal:
She's grown so much over the last year that a shopping trip was in order. Dad told her she had X amount of dollars to spend and that she couldn't go over it. So we headed out to her favorite stores...Children's Place, Old Navy and Kohl's. She found some great deals and came home with lots of summer clothes that FIT! She did a really great job weighing her purchases. Once she even found something that she really liked, but decided it was just too much for her to spend on it. I was so proud of her!
Teaching our kids about money is one of the most difficult things about parenting. I want them to understand that money doesn't grow on trees, that we are to be generous with what we do have, and that saving for a rainy day is essential in these tough times...and always. Such adult things to be teaching them, yet foundational in raising children to be adults with a clear head about finances.
Wow....who knew this parenting gig would be so tough! Thankfully God' word has plenty to say about money, saving, debt and other stewardship topics. He's got it covered!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Weekly Wrap - Up
I saw this meme on Jennifer's site and decided to join in.
1. This week Savannah started piano lessons. She loves music and has been begging to begin lessons of some sort. Since most instruments require a basic knowledge of piano we decided to start there. Because of the beginner piano camp she attended last summer, she was able to play over half the beginner piano book for her teacher on Wednesday. Wow! I guess she retains that sort of thing!
2. We learned about explorers Lewis and Clark this week in social studies. She learned to pronounce Sacagawea's name - which proved difficult...and hilarious!
3. We are almost finished with our Horizon's Math book 1. 2 more lessons and we move to book 2. We worked on telling time, money, measuring by inches and subtraction facts.
4. She completed several chapter books for fun this week. For fun at bedtime, she read through one of her ABeka readers from last year.
5. She worked on her Masterscapes with colored pencils. She's very creative!
We had a good week!
Join in on weekly wrap ups at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
2. We learned about explorers Lewis and Clark this week in social studies. She learned to pronounce Sacagawea's name - which proved difficult...and hilarious!
3. We are almost finished with our Horizon's Math book 1. 2 more lessons and we move to book 2. We worked on telling time, money, measuring by inches and subtraction facts.
4. She completed several chapter books for fun this week. For fun at bedtime, she read through one of her ABeka readers from last year.
5. She worked on her Masterscapes with colored pencils. She's very creative!
We had a good week!
Join in on weekly wrap ups at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Learning our own way
As a homeschool family, learning our own way is something we've been doing for a couple of years now. I don't take any curriculum too seriously, after all, did the curriculum writer have in mind that my 7 year old would rather sing her subtraction facts that recite them from memory. I doubt it.
Today as she was singing "Fourteen minus five equals nine......", I was sitting there thinking how thankful I am that we are able to choose this way for our kids. Believe me, I know it's not for everyone, but for us, seeing Savannah learn in such a way that is the best for her is rewarding, not only because she is "getting" it, but because she is being creative and having fun too.
God must love it when His children "get" it. We all learn differently, some a little quicker than others, some with visual aids or music, others through the written word. But in that moment of learning, when the light pops on and you finally understand what He's been trying to teach you, don't you know He smiles!
How are you learning your own way this new year? A new Bible study, a new worship CD, a familiar book, reading God's Word?
Today as she was singing "Fourteen minus five equals nine......", I was sitting there thinking how thankful I am that we are able to choose this way for our kids. Believe me, I know it's not for everyone, but for us, seeing Savannah learn in such a way that is the best for her is rewarding, not only because she is "getting" it, but because she is being creative and having fun too.
God must love it when His children "get" it. We all learn differently, some a little quicker than others, some with visual aids or music, others through the written word. But in that moment of learning, when the light pops on and you finally understand what He's been trying to teach you, don't you know He smiles!
How are you learning your own way this new year? A new Bible study, a new worship CD, a familiar book, reading God's Word?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Day 19 of 26 Days of Thanks
Day 19:
Yesterday (Thursday) I was thankful for the beautiful day we had. It was gorgeous outside....slight breeze, cooler temps, fall foliage (well, sort of...this is Texas afterall).
But, what made it really beautiful was all the great people I got to spend it with. 3 homeschooling families joined us for a small, informal Thanksgiving Party at the house. From 10am to 1:30pm we had a sweet time of visiting while we gathered around the table for a meal. The kids played for hours outside.
Then for dinner, we shared a meal with our missionary friends from Peru. They are here on furlough for the year. We enjoyed some relaxing fellowship and some great Cuban food. Who knew fried bananas could be so yummy.
Truly a beautiful day!
Yesterday (Thursday) I was thankful for the beautiful day we had. It was gorgeous outside....slight breeze, cooler temps, fall foliage (well, sort of...this is Texas afterall).
But, what made it really beautiful was all the great people I got to spend it with. 3 homeschooling families joined us for a small, informal Thanksgiving Party at the house. From 10am to 1:30pm we had a sweet time of visiting while we gathered around the table for a meal. The kids played for hours outside.
Then for dinner, we shared a meal with our missionary friends from Peru. They are here on furlough for the year. We enjoyed some relaxing fellowship and some great Cuban food. Who knew fried bananas could be so yummy.
Truly a beautiful day!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thankful Thursday and Day 12 of 26 Days of Thanks
1. I am thankful for the state I live in, and the relative ease it is to homeschool here.
2. I am thankful for the days where I see Savannah "get it" and the light in her eyes when she experiences success.
3. I am thankful for the moments when she struggles and works hard to figure things out...and the opportunity to help her.
4. I am thankful for the flexibility we enjoy. With this latest move, I am glad for the time we took off....because we could!
5. I am thankful for the wisdom God gives to tackle the hard stuff.
What are you thankful for today?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
More Homeschooling Sites
These sites come recommended by Christina, my friend of ...25 years (OUCH!- are we that old???) The great thing about Christina is that she and I met in junior high when her great dad decided to start a homeschool basketball team. He took 7 jr high girls and tried to make us basketball players. 5 years later when we graduated he was coaching 3 or 4 homeschool teams and we were beating lots of unsespecting Christian School teams who thought we were just playing basketball for PE class. They didn't know Coach Estes....basketball was life....not a hobby!
Christina and I have recently reconnected on Facebook. She is a homeschooling mom of two and an exceptional photographer. Her homeschool list is lengthy...but she's been doing this a while so hopefully you'll glean from her experience.
Thanks Christina!
Her List:
I noticed that others mentioned Enchanted Learning. Good things there. I subscribed when my kiddos were younger.
Amen on Donna Young!!
Librivox
Paula's Archives
Ambleside OnlineBook Adventure
TanglewoodPaper Back Swap
Answers in Genesis videos
Dangerous Journey study guide
1000 good book list --- and other things on their site---love their history books.
Discovery Education--this is only free if the Public TV station in your state pays for schools to access it. In GA they do and they allow homeschoolers free access. We have to re-new each year by sending our attendance reports and intent letter to a secretary at our local PBS station and she send us the code. Obviously this is not christian. You may wonder why I keep mentioning that. Because I use lots of things that are not particularly christian in our homeschooling. There is so much good stuff out there and we use lots of things Christan and secular and when needed we add our Christian worldview and political views each step of the way.
Copywork ideas
Book of Centuries
animated atlas
Geography
Jan Brett
Old Fashioned Education
Not used--mathbugsZaner Blouser
NASApaper models
Math Facts
Project Gutenberg and The Baldwin Project are in the links below and are also among our favorites. I do find for us that is is better to not use free workbooks such as math/language, because the printing and paper costs are often more than buying the book. Lower costs programs that I have used or that others I know have used and loved
Explode The Code ---inexpensive workbooks from School Box (our local teacher supply store) The one for younger children is Get Ready for the Code.
First Language Lessons---loved this, but a very gentle approach. The price has gone up on these, but there may be plenty of used ones out there. We also loved the CD.After we taught basic letter formation (with Ian-zaner blouser and handwriting without tears/with Chloe, I just printed out an alphabet and showed her how to make the letters) we did copywork--Handwriting paper and then give them things to copy. Either on a chalkboard/whileboard or write it our for them. This can be Bible verses, spelling words, songs/hymns, etc. This kills two birds with one stone esp. for the reluctant writer. ; )
We have used George Washington's rules of civility, passages from good literature--some fun and some serious. Chloe always loved writing excerpts from Little House on the Prairie books. If you want a book for this instead we at one time or another used the Memoria Press Copywork book and some from lulu.com .Reading great books is a wonderful way to learn to read or after learning to read. I loved this instead of readers---though w/my mom working in an Abeka school, we have our fair share of those too-we just treat them like books. We used Phonics Pathways and just read books.
I did use Rod and Staff English for awhile and may pick it back up. This is a no frills curriculum. You don't write in the books, so they can be used w/multiple children. For now this is why I am not using them---Ian is a very reluctant writer and it was killing him. It is a very thourough program. Compare w/Abeka, though R&S includes more writing instruction then Abeka. Mennonite company therefore very old fashioned and wholesome.
I have used several Math programs, but probably the best value in the lower grades is to get a workbook (Abeka, Horizons,Singapore, etc.) and either teach the concepts yourself or try to find a used cirrculum guide on a swap board or maybe e-bay.
Abeka workbooks can be ordered at the hotel meetings all around the USA for free shipping. If you don't mind using the library, you can do history and science completly with only the library, or get a guide of some sort and pull books to go w/it from the libraray.
Most of our homeschooling years I have loosely gone by The Well Trained Mind. I love her history--The Story of the World. You can buy the book and activity guide and just pull from the library. Some Christians do not like these, so fair warning. I did add Mystery of History and the Vos bible story book side by side w/these (a list helping coorelate those found here), but the author for MOH has not finished her history cycle, so at some point I had to start pulling from other resourses. I am a huge history buff and would love it if we didn't have to do any other subjects ever, so this may not be anything like what you are looking for. Some people I know will do a year of American History with their children and then start w/Story of the World. In the elementary years, I love how she outlines science. Using the library and the computer you can do a fantastic little science program. Fun too!
Christina and I have recently reconnected on Facebook. She is a homeschooling mom of two and an exceptional photographer. Her homeschool list is lengthy...but she's been doing this a while so hopefully you'll glean from her experience.
Thanks Christina!
Her List:
I noticed that others mentioned Enchanted Learning. Good things there. I subscribed when my kiddos were younger.
Amen on Donna Young!!
Librivox
Paula's Archives
Ambleside OnlineBook Adventure
TanglewoodPaper Back Swap
Answers in Genesis videos
Dangerous Journey study guide
1000 good book list --- and other things on their site---love their history books.
Discovery Education--this is only free if the Public TV station in your state pays for schools to access it. In GA they do and they allow homeschoolers free access. We have to re-new each year by sending our attendance reports and intent letter to a secretary at our local PBS station and she send us the code. Obviously this is not christian. You may wonder why I keep mentioning that. Because I use lots of things that are not particularly christian in our homeschooling. There is so much good stuff out there and we use lots of things Christan and secular and when needed we add our Christian worldview and political views each step of the way.
Copywork ideas
Book of Centuries
animated atlas
Geography
Jan Brett
Old Fashioned Education
Not used--mathbugsZaner Blouser
NASApaper models
Math Facts
Project Gutenberg and The Baldwin Project are in the links below and are also among our favorites. I do find for us that is is better to not use free workbooks such as math/language, because the printing and paper costs are often more than buying the book. Lower costs programs that I have used or that others I know have used and loved
Explode The Code ---inexpensive workbooks from School Box (our local teacher supply store) The one for younger children is Get Ready for the Code.
First Language Lessons---loved this, but a very gentle approach. The price has gone up on these, but there may be plenty of used ones out there. We also loved the CD.After we taught basic letter formation (with Ian-zaner blouser and handwriting without tears/with Chloe, I just printed out an alphabet and showed her how to make the letters) we did copywork--Handwriting paper and then give them things to copy. Either on a chalkboard/whileboard or write it our for them. This can be Bible verses, spelling words, songs/hymns, etc. This kills two birds with one stone esp. for the reluctant writer. ; )
We have used George Washington's rules of civility, passages from good literature--some fun and some serious. Chloe always loved writing excerpts from Little House on the Prairie books. If you want a book for this instead we at one time or another used the Memoria Press Copywork book and some from lulu.com .Reading great books is a wonderful way to learn to read or after learning to read. I loved this instead of readers---though w/my mom working in an Abeka school, we have our fair share of those too-we just treat them like books. We used Phonics Pathways and just read books.
I did use Rod and Staff English for awhile and may pick it back up. This is a no frills curriculum. You don't write in the books, so they can be used w/multiple children. For now this is why I am not using them---Ian is a very reluctant writer and it was killing him. It is a very thourough program. Compare w/Abeka, though R&S includes more writing instruction then Abeka. Mennonite company therefore very old fashioned and wholesome.
I have used several Math programs, but probably the best value in the lower grades is to get a workbook (Abeka, Horizons,Singapore, etc.) and either teach the concepts yourself or try to find a used cirrculum guide on a swap board or maybe e-bay.
Abeka workbooks can be ordered at the hotel meetings all around the USA for free shipping. If you don't mind using the library, you can do history and science completly with only the library, or get a guide of some sort and pull books to go w/it from the libraray.
Most of our homeschooling years I have loosely gone by The Well Trained Mind. I love her history--The Story of the World. You can buy the book and activity guide and just pull from the library. Some Christians do not like these, so fair warning. I did add Mystery of History and the Vos bible story book side by side w/these (a list helping coorelate those found here), but the author for MOH has not finished her history cycle, so at some point I had to start pulling from other resourses. I am a huge history buff and would love it if we didn't have to do any other subjects ever, so this may not be anything like what you are looking for. Some people I know will do a year of American History with their children and then start w/Story of the World. In the elementary years, I love how she outlines science. Using the library and the computer you can do a fantastic little science program. Fun too!
Friday, August 21, 2009
My Fav No/Low Cost Homeschooling Sites
This is my third year homeschooling and I feel like I am just now getting into the groove of finding good, age appropriate online no/low cost supplemental materials. Just in case there's someone else out there that has struggled like me, here's my list. If you have a site that you love that is no/low cost, leave a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!
donnayoung.org
ABCteach.com
Handwritingforkids.com
Kidzone
Funbrain
Starfall
SchoolExpress
Families.com
The Homeschool Mom
Superkids
LetsHomeschool.com
And this is from my hubby's cousin and homeschooling mom, Susan:
donnayoung.org
ABCteach.com
Handwritingforkids.com
Kidzone
Funbrain
Starfall
SchoolExpress
Families.com
The Homeschool Mom
Superkids
LetsHomeschool.com
And this is from my hubby's cousin and homeschooling mom, Susan:
www.donnayoung.org has lots of helpful info. more for you than your kids, but I
love it!- http://www.teacherfilebox.com/ is an Evan Moor website for $12.99 per month and has tons of printables, and I love Evan Moor stuff, so with it you can pick and
choose and have a huge selection without having to buy every single workbook you
want. It's worth the price ... Read More if you like that kind of stuff! It's probably my
favorite.- http://www.enchantedlearning.com/ is $20.00 for the year, and they have a lot of
cool printables. Some are free, but the selection is much better if you join.-
http://www.pbskids.org/- lots of educational games for free.And this is from my friend and homeschool mom, Felicia:
http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/history/americanonline.htmlhttp://oldfashionededucation.com/index.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
I LOVE this one!http://www.learningpage.com/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Searching for Curriculum
I've been looking on-line for homeschool curriculum for 2nd grade. I was disappointed to see Switch-On Schoolhouse doesn't start until the 3rd grade because I was thinking Savannah would really do well with something computer based. So then I came across Time 4 Learning and really liked their site. Anybody out there familiar with them?
Last year I used Saxon Math, but to be honest...all the repetition is a little much. By the end of the year Savannah was bored out of her mind! We used a Brain Quest workbook to supplement all subjects. We used a phonics dictionary for spelling and Horizon's language arts. We used an art based penmanship book. She read Horrible Harry books, Magic Treehouse, A Beka grade level books, the newspaper and anything else she could get her hands on. I think we read close to 200 books...she loves reading. Anyway, I'm feeling scattered and the need to be more structured for her sake and mine.
If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to leave me a comment, let me know what has worked for you or what didn't! Let me know if you think going with one particular curriculum is better (like Abeka) or if you think mix and match works. Can't wait to hear from you. Thanks!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Our Homeschool Day
If you are a homeschooling family, I would really like to hear what you are doing and how you're doing it! Some days I feel we do a really great job in the learning department. Other days I worry that I'm not giving her enough. Today was a great day. This is what we did: 9please remember that I am also juggling the 3 year old who thinks he can do anything "DEET" can do)
Read Proverbs 12 from The Message
She picked out a verse to copy for handwriting practice
Math...subtraction intro and addition review
3 Worksheets and 1 Test
Run through of flashcards 2 times
Chapter book reading
Art
Cutting, Pasting, Tracing activities
Folding Towels (fractions)
Counting by 10's
Playtime outside
Computer game (educational)
This takes us about 3-4 hours to do. I struggle with keeping her busy for much longer than that most days. I am noticing that if I provide her with things to do in her down (not school) time she is grasping for more educational type things...books, computer, crafts and games. This makes me know that she is enjoying learning. Isn't that one of the most important things....that she is a lifetime lover of learning? I hope so!
So, no matter how much I second guess myself on this whole homeschooling issue, I know that it's what God has called me to do right now...for such a time as this.
Let me know what you're doing if you are a homeschooling family. I'd love to hear your ideas and strategies.
Read Proverbs 12 from The Message
She picked out a verse to copy for handwriting practice
Math...subtraction intro and addition review
3 Worksheets and 1 Test
Run through of flashcards 2 times
Chapter book reading
Art
Cutting, Pasting, Tracing activities
Folding Towels (fractions)
Counting by 10's
Playtime outside
Computer game (educational)
This takes us about 3-4 hours to do. I struggle with keeping her busy for much longer than that most days. I am noticing that if I provide her with things to do in her down (not school) time she is grasping for more educational type things...books, computer, crafts and games. This makes me know that she is enjoying learning. Isn't that one of the most important things....that she is a lifetime lover of learning? I hope so!
So, no matter how much I second guess myself on this whole homeschooling issue, I know that it's what God has called me to do right now...for such a time as this.
Let me know what you're doing if you are a homeschooling family. I'd love to hear your ideas and strategies.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Philosophy of Education
A homeschooling mom friend shared these quotes on her site at http://fivejs.com/
These are fantastic quotes not only as we teach our children, but as we work in our churches and communities. Enjoy!
1. The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think — rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men. ~Bill Beattie
2. Education would be much more effective if its purpose was to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they do not know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it. ~William Haley
3. All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth. ~Aristotle
4. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. ~Aristotle
5. To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. ~Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
6. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. ~Confucius
7. The aim of education is the knowledge not of fact, but of values. ~Dean William R. Inge
8. It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. ~Epictetus
9. Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. ~John Cotton Dana
10. The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them. ~Mark Twain
11. I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. ~Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
12. If I ran a school, I’d give the average grade to the ones who gave me all the right answers, for being good parrots. I’d give the top grades to those who made a lot of mistakes and told me about them, and then told me what they learned from them. ~R. Buckminster Fuller
13. Merely to stuff the child with a lot of information, making him pass examinations, is the most unintelligent form of education. ~Jiddu Krishnamurti
These are fantastic quotes not only as we teach our children, but as we work in our churches and communities. Enjoy!
1. The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think — rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men. ~Bill Beattie
2. Education would be much more effective if its purpose was to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they do not know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it. ~William Haley
3. All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth. ~Aristotle
4. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. ~Aristotle
5. To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. ~Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
6. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. ~Confucius
7. The aim of education is the knowledge not of fact, but of values. ~Dean William R. Inge
8. It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. ~Epictetus
9. Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. ~John Cotton Dana
10. The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them. ~Mark Twain
11. I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. ~Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
12. If I ran a school, I’d give the average grade to the ones who gave me all the right answers, for being good parrots. I’d give the top grades to those who made a lot of mistakes and told me about them, and then told me what they learned from them. ~R. Buckminster Fuller
13. Merely to stuff the child with a lot of information, making him pass examinations, is the most unintelligent form of education. ~Jiddu Krishnamurti
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