All About Math & Manipulatives

Math manipulatives are beneficial in so many ways. Your child will be able to "touch" and "see" the math concepts come to life. "1 + 1" will not only be something recalled from rote memorization but it will be understood. My boys have learned so much with the incorporation of these manipulatives into our daily math work and they actually think it's fun. That is the best part!

In my search for said items, I went for a stroll through our local teacher supply store and was just completely awed by all the cool gadgets, toys, and gizmos that we refer to as "manipulatives". As I mentioned before I have a couple of kids who require the use of manipulatives to "get" the concept prior to committing the process to memory so I know how expensive it can be to purchase these items. So, I have compiled a list of alternatives to the pricey manipulatives.

Counters

There is no need to buy counting bears or cookies. Why not use hot wheels, or cheerios, erasers, or even pennies? Use something the child likes and they will be more interested in counting them.

Lacing Cards

I used the cardboard that came in my scrapbook kits from Dollar Tree to make lacing cards. You could also use the backs of tablets or cereal boxes. Simply punch holes all around the edge and use a shoestring to let the child lace it up. Simple!

Pattern Stringing Beads

I found a pack of Foam Beads with Craft Lace at Dollar Tree (one of my favorite places for supplies) and it was perfect for use in place of the pattern stringing beads.

Sorting

You can use a mini-muffin tin and buttons, or muli-colored pasta for sorting.

Shapes

You can use marshmallows and toothpicks to form shapes as shown in the photo. You can also cut shapes out of cardstock and laminate them.

Hundreds Chart

These are available for free online. Here is one from About.com.

Fractions

You can cut a paper plate into however many portions you will need: 2 for halfs, 3 for thirds, etc. Or you can use pizza!

Linking Cubes

Use legos for linking cubes! They actually work better and can be found in bulk in most any goodwill store.

Money

I prefer to use real coins and copied bills for counting money. I simply copy the cash front and back (shrinking it and putting "for teaching purposes" on the front) and then laminate them. You could also use the money that comes with some board games.

Geoboard

You can make a geoboard by using a square piece of wood and 25 finishing nails. Just print a grid off of the computer and place on top and start nailing them in. Once the nails are all in the paper will just tear off.

Clocks

We use an old wall clock that I got from a yard sale. I simply pulled the face off and let them move the hands to show the time. It works great and it cost me $0.25!

Flash Cards

You can print your own flash cards online using a site like APlus Math or you can make your own on index cards.

Measurements

Use your own kitchen items. Measuring cups and spoons are perfect for children to learn with. Water too messy? Let them use beans or rice!

Place Value

Use bundled toothpicks or straws to show place value. Simply bundle in groups of 10s, 100s, etc and place on top of a piece of paper to show the proper order.

MISC.

Graphs, Charts, Math Fact Cards, Play Money, Math Drill Sheets and more can be found at DonnaYoung.org.

Your Favorite Homeschool Moment - Meme

Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Online meme. Every Friday we will feature a different topic for our meme. Mr. Linky is set up below so please share with us Your Favorite Homeschool Moment experienced by your homeschooling family.

Please link directly to your "Favorite Homeschool Moment" post. Failure to leave a direct link will result in the removal of your name from Mr. Linky.

The schedule for the theme of the homeschool meme is located in the right column under "Blog With Us". Please check it out to view upcoming themes.


Be sure to check out the posts below for more great things this fabulous Friday!

We Want YOU!! An Opportunity For Homeschoolers

Something new to look forward to at HeartOfTheMatterOnline.com is:

A Research Panel- We are looking for 250 homeschooling parents or teachers that would like to join our research panel. The purpose of the panel is to give us insight into what YOU want in a homeschool site and magazine. As a member of the panel you would:

• Answer questions pertaining to homeschooling that are asked by our team.
• Be the first to hear about upcoming events, news, contests, and opportunities.
• Be eligible to review products and once you are done then they are yours to keep!
• Give your input on event coordination.
• Get the magazine before everyone else does!
• Participate in contests that are exclusively for HOTM Research Team members.
• & MORE!!!

Would you like to join and make your voice heard? Good! Simply email us at: homeschoolinghearts@gmail.com and tell us who you are and why you are interested.

As always, we take submissions for cover photos, articles, projects, and more. Please see our submissions page for more details: Submissions Link.

PLUS: Be on the lookout for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT the beginning of next week. Mmm Hmm... it's a good one!

Easter Unit Study for Littles

I LOVE Unit Studies! Discovering literature based unit studies has made all the difference in our homeschool . . . in my belief that I can “do” this homeschooling thing, in the fun and memories I am creating with my girls, and in being able to learn right alongside them!

We began our unit study journey with Before Five in a Row, and over the last year have added in an amazing resource, Homeschool Share! As their website states, HSS is an “on-line cooperative effort of several homeschooling moms to provide free but quality literature-based unit studies and resources.”

You may be saying to yourself, “That’s great, Rachel, but why are you telling us all of this?” Well, it is because Easter is approaching, and it is through this site that I found a unit study that I am SO excited about that I just had to share it with all of you!! It is based on The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs, and was written by Candace Crabtree. It is listed under the Level A Unit studies, which means it should be perfect for ages 2-6!

If you have not read this book before, I URGE you to go out and get this book to share with your children! It is one of those books that you can get out every year and your children will just learn more and more about the true love and meaning behind the Easter story. Liz uses scripture verses throughout the book, pulling from both the Old and New Testament, to really paint the picture and point towards the Cross. The Bible verses alone in this story make it an excellent choice for inclusion in your Easter studies, but adding in the rest of the Biblical application lessons listed will really bless your socks off!

Both Candace and Ami Brainerd, the genius behind HSS, have consented to allow us to post some of the lessons from this unit for you to use, and to get a glimpse of what you can find (FOR FREE!) at the site! This story has so many “bunny trails” you can go on and the lessons included at the site include dealing with your emotions, learning about farming, flowers (in particular the lily and its many varieties), seeds and planting. The lessons cover all the major subjects including Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Science and Art/Music, as well as some “Just for Fun” activities and of course, Biblical Application. This is the area I will focus on for our glimpse into this wonderful unit!

Bible Verses in Story
There are so many wonderful Scriptures that are throughout this book to help tell the story. Perhaps choose one to really focus on with your child this week. For handwriting, you can practice writing the verse. And, this could be your verse to memorize as well!

James 1:17 – “Every perfect gift is from God.”
Matthew 24:44 – “So you also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at a time you don’t expect Him.”
Isaiah 53:2d – “There was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him.”
Isaiah 53:2a, b – “HE grew up like a small plant before the Lord. He was like a root growing in a dry land.”
John 3:16 – “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.”
Isaiah 53:2c – “He had no special beauty or form to make us notice him.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 – “Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness.”
Isaiah 61:11 -- In the same way the Lord God will make grow what is right.”
John 12:24 – “I tell you the truth, a seed must fall to the ground and die. Then it makes many seeds.”
Isaiah 53:3 – “He was hated and rejected by people. People would not even look at him.”
Luke 24:1 – “Very early on the first day of the week, the women came.”
2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful to explain.”
Matthew 6:29 – “But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.”
Matthew 28:8 – “They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell…what had happened.” Isaiah 33:17 – “Your eyes will see the king in his beauty.”
Isaiah 53:4 - “But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us.”
1 John 4:9 – “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him.”

Forgiveness

At the end of the story Maggie asks her father for forgiveness. Why does she do this? Can you recall a time you’ve had to ask for forgiveness? What about our heavenly Father…when should we go to Him and say we are sorry? Maggie’s father says that forgiveness is what Easter is all about…discuss this with your child.
Word Study: Lily

Look up verses in the Bible that have the word “lily” in it. Discuss these verses.
1. Luke 12:27 – “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field…how much more will he clothe you?” (oh how our wonderful Father in heaven provides for us!)
2. Song of Solomon 2:1 – “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” (the lily is used to describe something or someone beautiful!)

Parable of the Sower

Read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 and discuss with your child.

I hope you enjoyed this brief look into The Parable of the Lily, and even if you decide not to do this unit, I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration to find a story that will fit your needs and homeschool! If you are looking for further ideas, HSS also has The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg listed under Level B (ages 4-8) Unit Studies!

May your family be blessed this Easter season and be filled with His love, grace and forgiveness, for as the farmer in the story says, it truly “is what Easter is all about!”

The Season of *Bugs*

When school corrections weren't going well with the child who has been shining as a student all year long, it was time to stop and take a second look. Uh huh. Something was definitely not right. When I asked if she was feeling okay, the crocodile tears began. She had hesitated saying anything all day long because she was hoping things would change for the better as she was handpicked for the next mom travels, but alas, the truth of the matter was that she was sick. Chills, bad sore throat, nose getting stuffier by the moment, and a temperature confirmed by the thermometer. Time for me to take off the teacher hat and put on the mama hat. Off to bed with not only a dose of medicine, but a dose of mama's tender loving care which tends to help best with crocodile tears.

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." ~ Proverbs 16:24

'Tis the season and many homeschooling families have been there, done that, or are currently doing that. Colds. Flu. Stomach Yuck. Chicken Pox. *BUGS*! You name it and I can bet someone's living it! As an advocate for preventative care, this mom has been encouraging her family to be eating healthy, getting fresh air and exercise, sticking to the proper bedtimes. And if we know we've been exposed to some nasty *bug*, a dose of Airborne or a cupful of Emergen-C or plain old vitamins with extra vitamin C can often boost our immune systems to waylay the worst. But there are so many factors involved that sometimes our best attempts get thwarted and children get sick.


The wonderful advantage is that we are homeschooling and it's easy to send someone to bed without much disruption of our routine. With a large family, sickness often has the domino effect and one by one they go down and into bed. Our daily schedule gets tweaked a bit more and there's perhaps a change from working on school in the kitchen to watching movies on the couches in the living room. But even that can be educational if you make the right selections. The menu gets changed, too, as homemade chicken noodle soup with lots of garlic simmers, special teas are made, and Popsicles are dessert. As they begin feeling a bit better it is a smooth transition back to schooling as we can easily allow for extra rest or reading in bed until they are back to full health.

Although the household may be in a different kind of quiet mode during times of sickness, it is still busy for mom as she keeps an eye on temperatures, tummies, drinks, and extra laundry. Nighttime may not be a restful time for mom as an alarm is set throughout the night to continue monitoring a fever or a sick tummy. Be sure to take care of yourself during that time so that you will be able to take care of your family. Lots of fluids, supplements, and homemade chicken noodle soup is good for you, too, as well as catching a quiet moment or two of rest behind a closed door once Dad gets home from work.

And always remember, the Great Physician is available for consultation 24/7. He's only a whispered prayer away as you sit bedside in the middle of the night soothing a warm brow. His love for that child is even greater than your own and your faith and trust can be placed completely in His healing hands.

As we come to the close of winter and the end of the typical season of sickness, my wish for you is this: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." ~ 3 John: 2 Now isn't that really the heart of the matter?

Review AND Giveaway!

A Review and Giveaway!

I was given the opportunity to review a new book called A Family Guide to Prince Caspian, written by Christin Ditchfield and published by Crossway Books. Prince Caspian is the second book in the Chronicles of Narnia series written by C.S. Lewis. Walt Disney Pictures is releasing a film version of Prince Caspian in theaters on May 16. The story takes place one year after the four Pevensie children return home from Narnia via the wardrobe. However, in Narnian time, they have been long gone for 1000 years and Narnia has been conquered by an evil race of men named Telmarines. Aslan, the great lion, and the four Pevensie children, once kings and queens of Narnia, are now nothing more than a legend.

My son and I read the family guide over a period of 3 weeks while listening to Prince Caspian on CD. This book gave me a much deeper understanding of Narnia and of the depth of C.S. Lewis' faith and Christianity. It was amazing to see the underlying Christian principles Lewis relayed when writing this story. Ditchfield did an excellent job of highlighting the parallels between the world of Narnia and the concepts in the Bible. A lot of the concepts were a bit over my son's head, he is only 5 after all. I will most definitely use this book again when he is more spiritually mature and can appreciate the Biblical correlations.

The author demonstrates the correlation between the young Prince Caspian and the heroic King Josiah of Judah (2 Chronicles 34.) She also parallels Susan and Lucy's time with Aslan to Mary and Martha's time spent with Jesus (Luke 10.) Many of her analogies are brilliant, insightful, and well researched.

Ditchfield says,

Reading Prince Caspian, one can't help but be reminded of the cycle of oppression and deliverance that God's people experienced repeatedly throughout the Old Testament. Or the 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament when God said nothing, but a faithful remnant clung tightly to the hope of the coming Messiah.

The book begins with an introduction to the Narnia series, the author himself, and short biographies of the main characters encountered throughout Narnia. Each chapter contains scripture references, devotions, and wonderful artistic drawings by Justin Gerard.

I would definitely recommend this family friendly book as a supplement to Prince Caspian, the story or movie. I am looking forward to using it more thoroughly in the future with my son.

Crossway Books has generously donated a copy for us to give away. All you need to do to be entered in the giveaway is to add one of our buttons to your sidebar. Then please leave us a comment to let us know you would like to be entered. Comments will be closed Friday the 14th at 10:00 pm EST and the winner will be announced on Saturday the 15th.



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Days of Grace

“No longer are there good days and bad days. There are only days of grace. Some days you are given the grace to enjoy what is going on around you and other days you are given the grace to endure.”* The words came out of the speaker’s mouth on the CD I was listening to. How long had I been walking with God, 25 years? I’d even grown up in the church. Never had I heard anyone say anything like that before. Could this be true? No longer good or bad days, only days of grace. Don’t these words give you a totally different picture on the days of your life, including those difficult home school moments?

As a home school parent in my 16th year. I have seen them all. Whether it was finding out my son had skipped his English for a week, lying about it to cover his tracks, or the attitudes, home school has had it’s challenges. Frustrated and angry, ready to give up at times, I wasn’t looking for grace. All I could see was the mess. I’ve heard it said, “what you focus on is what you will see.” If I focus on the chaos, all I will see is chaos. If I focus on the grace, all I will see is grace.

Home schooling is full of it’s demands and difficulties from time to time. Lately, I have had more difficulty in dealing with attitudes than accomplishing the assignments. From time to time you find yourself on the edge thinking, “now why was it I decided to school my kids?” On those enduring days it’s easy to find yourself daydreaming about putting them on the bus. You could spend your “free” time playing or reading a good book, all by yourself with no attitudes to challenge your day. If you haven’t had those thoughts, most likely at some point, you will.

The moments when the kids do their assignments with cheerful attitudes, school is done on time, supper is in the crock pot by noon, I enjoy what is going on around me. Life is good. But what about the days when it all falls apart? It is a paradox. When the days are going well, you love it, when they aren’t, well, you wonder, struggle, daydream and question.

Jesus told us in John 16: that in this world we would have troubles, but to take heart, He has overcome the world. There will be days of troubles, whether in life or in school. The good news is Jesus overcame them. He shows up with grace in the midst of the struggles. He’s there offering the overcoming power of God on those enduring days of school and life.

I think the hardest person for us to have grace with is ourselves. Especially in those places we are responsible for, like our school. After all, it’s up to us to make sure these children grow up into educated adults. We could mess up their lives, couldn’t we? If we take a day off, will life just slip through the cracks? If we live in grace, will our school somehow go off the deep end? What do we do when we reach a day where it takes all we have to endure, much less perform our duties as teacher? Can we let ourselves off the hook? Can we let ourselves experience grace?

One of my favorite home school memories was a day when I had nothing left in me to give. My husband was working 72 hours a week in his own business. Pregnant with my 5th child, 3 school age children, and 1 preschooler, I was exhausted and in desperate need of a break. I had nothing in me to give and there sat three children waiting for something from me to start their morning of education. The thought of doing school brought me to tears. It wasn’t that I wanted to walk away from my responsibility. I just didn’t have it in me. God had something He wanted to do through me, I just didn’t know what.

I called my older sister to cry on her shoulder. She suggested that I let the kids write and perform their own Thanksgiving play. After all my oldest, a creative 9 year old, loved a challenge. I would not have ever considered it. It wasn’t the typical day of books and learning I was used to doing. She encouraged me that school would be OK, the kids would love it, and I needed the rest. I listened to her. I gave myself grace.

It was as if my whole being sighed in relief. That’s what grace does. It brings a sigh of relief, giving you permission to just be, knowing He is God. He will cover my home school. The truth is God gives us all that we need, to do all that He has called us to do. If we don’t have what we need from Him to do what’s on the schedule, then maybe we’re not supposed to do it. In Proverbs it says “a man makes his plans, but God alters his steps. Maybe God wants to alter our steps in our school. Maybe He has other things in mind, that if we will just listen and follow, we will discover. He did for us that day.

I approached the kids with the idea, they could not have been more delighted. Not only were they going to get to do something different. I was trusting them to come up with their own play, props, costumes, and lines. It boosted their confidence when I trusted them to follow their hearts using their creativity. All day they worked, planning the costumes, practicing. They couldn’t wait to perform their masterpiece. I will never forget it. The laughter, the costumes, their rendition of the first Thanksgiving warmed my heart. To this day, 11 years later, my kids still talk about it. No it was not the typical school day that I felt was required, but it is one we remember the most.

Days of grace are all around us. God promises His grace to be sufficient for each one. Sometimes we are given the ability to get through, enduring life around us. Other times everything goes just right, allowing us to enjoy our worlds. Either way, every day is a day of grace.

Go easy on yourself, let God’s grace guide you and your school. Let it lead you to do the things He desires you to do. Enjoy the days of rest, knowing that they prepare you for the days to endure.

In the grand scheme of things, this time with our kids is but a fleeting moment. Make the moments last. You might just find in the process you are creating memories that will be last a lifetime.

Just a few weeks ago the family sat around that table talking one evening before my oldest daughter left for a 5 months missions trip overseas. The memory of when they wrote and performed the Thanksgiving play came up again. We laughed as we remembered, after all she played the turkey. Eleven years have passed, yet it’s remembered like it was yesterday. Precious memories that last a lifetime were made that day. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

*Graham Cooke, Fresh Oil

Julie Todd is a daughter of God who has been ruined for the ordinary. She has been married to her sweetheart for 25 years and is a home schooling mother of 5. She is a writer and speaker who strives to live the extraordinary life that God intended. You can visit her blog at Jewelz Sightings.

I'm learning...

...that the first few years of homeschooling is a lot like having your first baby.

You feel as though you're the only one going through all of the emotions.

Nobody could possibly feel as excited as you do right now. No one would believe how scared you are. Everybody else has it all figured out. You're the only one who's ever felt this way. (And you're the only one nodding your head at your computer screen at this moment, right?)

You take on your child's every success or failure as your success or failure.

You feel very proud of yourself when they learn something new. And, conversely, you beat yourself up when they don't catch on to a concept as quickly as you think they should, for, of course, if you only had the right curriculum or were doing the perfect job of teaching they would have mastered it already.

You want to show anybody who'll stand still long enough what your child has been learning.

"Here, just look at one more worksheet, really, this one's so much more exciting than the last 15 I just subjected you to."

Your kids never perform on demand for other people.

Each time you try to get them to "just read this little book", or "show them how you count in Spanish", or "say Happy Birthday in sign language" you find yourself making the "really they do this all the time at home" excuse.

You compare your kid to every other kid around his age.

"Are they reading with emotion yet? Does he really know his times tables? You mean she can name all 50 states? What's wrong with my kid? What's wrong with me?"

Every new thing you discover, well, you must've been the one to discover it.

"Unit studies?! Wow, look everybody, unit studies are cool! You have to try this!"

You annoy every one of your friends.

If they're not homeschooling they don't really want to hear about one more cool idea you've had. If they're seasoned homeschoolers they are inwardly rolling their eyes at this "first-timer" that thinks she has it all figured out or is freaking out about nothing. "You just wait until they get to high school," they're thinking.

All the cool new gadgets will make all the difference.

"I simply can't live without that book, manipulative, lesson."

You realize there are as many different methods of parenting as there are children.

Your style is the best. You must convert the entire world to your way of teaching. And in the meantime, you alienate all who have their own way.

You look at experienced parents and judge their ways.

Well, if they only knew all the new information out there they wouldn't be so relaxed. They'd be more on their toes.

You feel like you have to get everything right this time, right now or you've ruined them for life.

"I have to pick the perfect lessons before they even start and I can't possibly change anything mid-stream or I will have destroyed their whole life."

You document your first child's accomplishments way more.

And the following children, without much discipline on your part, will fall by the picture-taking wayside.

You seasoned mamas, think back to when your first baby was born. Think how you had these thoughts. Think how, if you had more children, you were amazed that they all learn to talk. They all toddle around. And although it's still awesome you kind of realize that, huh, my baby isn't the only baby to ever roll over. Think about how you realized that all of your children are different. How, if you can't take total credit for one child being a math whiz, that you probably shouldn't take complete blame for the other not writing epics like Homer by the 5th grade. Think about how, as your children got older you relaxed, had faith in yourself, rediscovered your old friends and made new ones. And you became very tolerant of new mamas that were having all those same thoughts you had not so very long ago. And how parenting became closer to first nature than something you had to concentrate on so much. How you wanted to impart, so gently, wisdom to the newbies that you had learned the hard way.

And you newbies, like me? Know that you're in the natural order of the universe. Hang in there. Laugh at yourself. Relax. Let it happen naturally just as your parenting did. Find a mentor. Be teachable. Be forgiving of yourself. Go easy on those first-borns! And realize that one day, not too long from now, you'll be rolling your eyes inwardly at some first-timer that just discovered the joy of homeschooling!

Featured Homeschooler: Hallie - The Rubber Room

I had the privilege of interviewing Hallie of From the Rubber Room and Blue Thistle Books as this week's Featured Homeschooler. She was nominated by several ladies and I was absolutely impressed with her and all she is able to accomplish and overcome, all the while giving the glory to God. I was a single mom for years and only half of those were spent homeschooling. I know how hard it is. She gets mad respect from me.

Amy B: I have to be honest. I got exhausted just reading your about me page:

“I am a thirty-eight year old single mom of four and a grandma of two. Yes, it is hard to believe, even for me. I am also a business owner, a homeschool mama, caretaker of a brain injured mom, an artist within, an avid photographer, but most importantly…a child of the Living God, whose grace and mercy surround me every day.” How do you do it?

Tell us what your day is like.

Hallie: Well let me tell you, I was exhausted writing my about me page! Honestly, I think you would probably be really surprised to see how we get through each day just hanging by a thread, but by the grace of God, He brings us through.

Our days are quite hectic, as I’m sure you would imagine. Take a typical school day for any homeschool family and then quadruple the stress, add a business, take away one parent and we are what you get.

Typically, I get up at 7:00 am because I go to bed around 2:00 am, (not by choice.) I would prefer to get up at 4:00 am and have the quiet time, but the baby has internal radar that tells her mommy is going to do Bible study, let’s interrupt. Therefore, I have had to adapt my schedule for the time being.

My fourteen-year-old daughter Sarah and I both start the day with Bible study and prayer before anything else. This has taken a lot of training and failure on my part, but God impressed upon me long ago Matthew 6:33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. I believe that God blesses my day when I praise, give thanks and ask for strength before I become distracted with other things. He is able to provide for our needs without my help, so although I fail at times, I do my best to put Him first always.

Next, I usually try, fairly unsuccessfully to work until 10:00 am and then I work with the baby on a unit study, or craft. Sarah works independently in her room unless she has a question. Truth be known, I rarely have any idea what she is working on. She knows what she has to do and does it. When there is one parent, everyone, including the baby, has their own responsibilities and they are expected to complete them.

Because of the business, it is really hard to make a plan for the day. Often a customer will call and place a big order, or need information, or someone will have some emergency that needs attention and I have to drop what I am doing to take care of it. There is phone call after phone call, inventory to receive, products to enter, sales to run and so on and marketing, is my personal four-letter word. I am no sales person. It never ends.

I work off and on throughout the day, sneaking opportunities when I can, but most often feel the burden of my children not getting the full attention and mom they need. I then remember where they would be if I was not here. The thought of a full time job and them in public school soothes the guilt to some degree, but not completely.

Everyday between 2 to 4, barring really bad weather, I take the kids out to run errands and do our shipping. We always stop at Dunkin Donuts for a treat. It’s my way of rewarding them for a job well done. Several times a week, we stop at the library, the park, or take a walk. As soon as spring hits, we spend a great deal of time outside, even when I should be working.

After dinner and story time, it’s off to bed for my wee one and then my real work begins until I can’t hold my eyes open any longer. As the business has grown, I have had little time to blog, or do anything I enjoy. I haven’t read an entire book in almost three years. I hope someday that will change, but for now, this is the way it has to be. Although, I miss all my bloggy friends terribly!

Amy B: Tell us a little about those children of yours.

Hallie: Only two of my children are still at home.

Sarah is fourteen and does product entry. At times, she transforms herself into my personal assistant. She has learned quite well how to translate my half words, grunts and pointing into legible sentences. A true gift from God, I say. Sarah is also a self-learner and has many interests, including her own Etsy business; she started more than a year ago.

Isabella is two and a half and has brought more joy to my life than I thought humanly possible. All of my other children were born when I was not a Christian, and I prayed that God would give me another chance to raise a child for Him. He answered that prayer with her. She is far beyond her years even though she is not yet three. She lets us know when we need a time out and we listen because there is no room for hypocrisy here. If you’re going to teach it, you had better walk it. She cleans up after herself, a gene she clearly received from her father and is very eager to help in anyway she can.

My twenty-one-year-old Kylie, works from her home and handles most of the product entry. She is an easy going, quick witted, girl that is a joy to be around. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without her.

Last, but not least, my son Casey lives in Florida and has enlisted in the Navy. He is a very bright young man and even though he is far away, I pray every day that God will protect and watch over him.

Amy B: What has been your greatest reward for homeschooling your kids?

Hallie: The greatest reward has been the relationship that came with them being home. I cannot imagine life any other way. I feel saddened when I hear women say they can’t wait for their children to be in school. They have no idea what they are missing. Watching your child grow and instilling your values and beliefs into their hearts is a priceless gift.

Amy B: What style of homeschooling do you use in your home (eclectic, classical, Charlotte Mason, etc)?

Hallie: We are an eclectic bunch. My children are very different. They do not come from a box, so their curriculum needs are different. Sarah is a writer, so I have had to incorporate extra writing classes to accommodate her needs and interests. We have a Latin tutor that visits us every other Saturday. I did not have the time or ability to help her with this, so this has been a great alternative.

With Isabella, I will probably use the Charlotte Mason method. I believe it will be a great fit with her. She loves the outdoors and I don’t like the traditional textbook method at such a young age. I know from experience that a child or adult will learn very quickly when they are interested in a subject. Teaching them from the start how to be self-learners is invaluable.

Amy B: What wisdom would you like to pass along to new homeschoolers?

Hallie: Honestly, the things I hear new homeschool moms as well as, not so new homeschool moms, so often saying are, “I feel like I am failing,” or “I don’t feel that we are accomplishing anything,” and I think how sad that women put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect in every way.

I have a very unique perspective on this because I never had more than a sixth grade education. Yup, you heard me right. I was brutalized from the first day of seventh grade and was eventually put into an alternative education program because I was too afraid to go to school. The program stressed your attendance, without schoolwork, so my education ended the moment I walked in the door.

At about the age of eighteen, I went back to school, completed my GED and eventually took college courses, but God had already made me a self-learner, so there was nothing I felt I couldn’t accomplish with determination. I read everything I could get my hands on and knew if there was anything I wanted to know, I only had to go as far as my library and that was before the internet!

My point in telling you this is, God has given us all gifts and interests. If we teach our children to find those gifts and talents and trust in Him, the rest is gravy.

New homeschoolers tend to be really caught up in the details. It is very difficult for them to find peace because they are always worried that they are going to get it wrong. I am walking proof that you can’t mess this up. And as memory serves me, many great men in history only had a bare bones education, without all the fluff we teach today. I think women just need to remember their children are learning even when they don’t see the evidence. I think that learning to relax and see the fruit is a process, it comes with time and experience, and often there are just no shortcuts through that.

Now, If your goals are that your children make it into an Ivy League college, then I have no doubt you are going to feel academic pressure, but I believe with my whole heart that God has already determined our children’s paths and in truth our ways are not His ways. I think we always need to be watchful that we are seeking His guidance for our children’s lives and not our own desires.

I would encourage every parent to leave their children’s futures to God. My only prayer is that my children love and serve Him, regardless of what they are called to do. We as parents often define success for our kids, but God only wants their devotion. It is our primary responsibility to guide our babes with godly love and teaching and to be a living example. If we can do that, they will succeed.

Amy B: What are your favorite texts or books for homeschooling?

Hallie: Everything. Seriously, there is not enough room to list all the great resources, but here are a few I really love.

The Bible – My favorite resource!
Life Skills for Kids by Christine Field
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen