Laying a Foundation for Preschoolers

January 12, 2010 by Christin

Something I am learning about having preschoolers in the house is this: I am laying the foundation for them now.

This is a season of habit training, not just academics and fun creativity {although that is important as well}.

Laying the foundations of habit training now will save much time and energy later. One of my favorite quotes from Charlotte Mason:

“The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children. All day she is crying out, ‘Do this!’ and they do it not; ‘Do that!’ and they do the other. ‘But,’ you say, ‘if habit is so powerful, whether to hinder or to help the child, it is fatiguing to think of all the habits the poor mother must attend to. Is she never to be at ease with her children?”

There are several key elements to laying a foundation for preschoolers.

Habit Training

There are many excellent habits to learn, but a few really important habits for very young children include:

responsibilities (or chores), such as making their bed and cleaning up their toys/books, daily
keeping a regular schedule, in which events happen in the same order most days of the week. I understand for some of us it doesn’t seem necessary because we thrive on flying-by-the-seat-of-our-pants. However, our young children may not adapt well to this type of unpredictability. Having meals and bed times set and predictable helps children know what is going to happen next and makes them secure in their environment which can result in a more confident, happy child.
complete obedience, such an important habit to learn early in a child’s life. This will establish who is in authority, thus making homeschooling run that much smoother later on. It is no easy task to get into a power struggle every time lessons are given. Our children must learn early on to obey quickly and happily. They need to know who is in charge and that disobedience will not be allowed. I cannot stress enough how important this is for a smooth-running home school.

Time

Often, in the midst of giving attention to our school age children in their lessons, we forget our young children need our time as well. They may have days when they can keep themselves occupied, but they still need some undivided attention from us on a daily basis. What we do with them during this time isn’t as important as the time itself, but here are a few suggestions:

puzzles, games, blocks, instruments
reading aloud, drawing, coloring, painting
take a walk (alone with your child), or bike ride
child directed play–allow the child to choose an activity

Planned Academics

I find it beneficial and foundational to have 1 to 3 structured academic activities each school day. It goes along with habit training and laying some of the groundwork for more formal lessons later. Once preschoolers reach school age, it may not be easy to expect them to sit down for a length of time without having this prior training. Some ideas for planned academics include:

simple counting games
alphabet book
file folder games
arts & crafts
reading stories
practicing letter formation

Preschoolers are bright and lively children. This is a tender age for forming and shaping good habits, spending quality time, and laying a good foundation for their home school future. Not only will this create “smooth and easy days” for the preschooler, but also for the mother.

Christin is the wife to Jonathan and mother of 4 children. She is an avid list planner, organizer, reader, writer, and dedicated to the journey of becoming a gracious woman. She delights in the small things in life and uses her camera to capture them and make them distinguished. It takes daily recognition and connection with Jesus to remind her that she can do nothing without Him and that it is He who directs her each and every step. Visit Christin at her blog, Journey to a Gracious Woman.

Tags: Academics, Alphabet Lessons, art, character training, Charlotte Mason Method, Chores, Crafts, file folder games, math games, pre-k, Preschool, reading, Scheduling Time, Training Children

At the Forum: Giving Thanks 2009

November 27, 2009 by AmyF

Encourage Your Children to Express their Creative Side

November 23, 2009 by Leslie

1 Comment

Oh how I love art and crafting. Although all my kids have their own favorite activities, I am a watercolor fan. I truly wish I had a bit more time to develop my drawing and painting skills. When I lived up north I would take the littletons to art museums often. The true beginning of this activity began for me the first time I was taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This is my most fond museum memory, and will likely always be my favorite museum for that reason. However, living close to the city, I had the ability to visit museums often. There are so many in and outside of NYC. As I grew into adulthood and moved to the Ohio Valley, I found respite in the resources in Pittsburgh, Pa. You could have found me, pushing a stroller, nursing a babe, and talking about what we were seeing; always a marvel to me.

Here in southwest Florida, there is not much museum hopping to be had. Certainly nothing as what I had been accustomed to. I have been to several museums, but it seemed that as the littletons grew to be eldertons, they did not have the same interest and thus time took hold. Imagine my surprise when a littleton told me the other day that she was going to have her art displayed in a museum one day. It wasn’t astonishing that she wanted to showcase her art, but that at four, she even knew museums existed. She has not been taken to a traditional museum yet and we don’t discuss them…at least that I can recall. At any rate, you can tell she is the most art oriented of the group.

Although she comes up with the most amazing ideas on her own, left to a room filled with art supplies this girl will astound you with her creativity and vision, I often research a wide variety of art ideas with an even wider variety of mediums. I have wanted to share this wonderful site, but today is the day I introduce it. I have been pondering through this site for the last several weeks and am truly finding so much held within, that a mere post cannot possibly encompass all it has to offer.

Often times art is left behind in our homeschool world. We want to teach it, but for a variety of reasons, such as inadequacy or time limitations, we push it to the side. The thought process that is involved in creating is intricate and beneficial to other functions of the brain. Creative thinking strengthens other areas of thinking such as logic. Creativity is like exercise for the brain. So don’t worry about teaching a specific art. Instead encourage your children to create anything and everything. Don’t limit your children with your thoughts of what art is. Let your children guide you. Creating with Knex, is art. Drawing with chalk on the sidewalk is art. Turning a box into a robot is art. Painting rocks is art. Change your thought of art as an extracurricular activity to one that views art as an integral part of brain development.

Now, I know art projects can be expensive. Mom can also become overwhelmed with the idea of coming up with projects. However, I want to share this GREAT page on frugal and recycled craft ideas. You can find that page by clicking here. While the page will likely give you a lot of ideas for your home art, I recommend you bookmark the site (Creativity Portal) and spend time when permitted perusing all it has to offer. This isn’t just for kids! So encourage all your children to express their creative side. Creativity Portal will help you along the way.

Leslie Valeska is the wife of Thomas and homeschooling mother of four children who reside in SW Florida. Her family operates Fresh Gear Solutions, LLC and enjoys RVing. She is the founder and director of Simple Journey Ministries which was established to encourage, inspire, and support women on their journey to Godly womanhood. Leslie is also employed as a vintage seamstress by Vintage Vixen.

Tags: art, Crafts, field trips, Frugal Crafts, Homeschool Creativity, homeschooling, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museums, New York City, Ohio Valley, Projects, Recycled Crafts, Upcycling

Fall Into This Idea for Art (Part 1)

November 18, 2009 by Kristina

3 Comments

Fall is one of the most perfect seasons as far as I am concerned; I only wish it lasted longer. I love to breathe in the scent of warm soil, slowly decaying leaves, and the myriad of spices begging to be added to purees of pumpkin, squash or apple. How can one spend any amount of time outside and not be inspired to at least attempt some form of art, be it painting, photography or poetry?

When my husband and I taught art lessons, one of our ideas came from all those vegetable displays that are so rampant at this time of year. What a wonderful way to glorify God by portraying or replicating His creation. This is, artistically speaking, the hardest art form for me, so if you also discover that watercolour painting is harder than you first thought, don’t get discouraged. Practice makes perfect, so they say. In any case, you will be trying something new and exposing yourself to new avenues of expression. I hope you will enjoy both the fruits of your labour and the “fruits” of the season, afterward!

What you need: ( some of these materials will not be used until Part 2 )

Watercolour paper, watercolours, water for rinsing brushes, paper towel to blot with, brushes, assorted seasonal gourds, fruits and vegetables, salt (preferable coarse salt), plastic wrap, sponge, pencil, tape, imagination

While watercolour paper is, obviously, ideal, you can experiment with different sorts of papers, keeping in mind that watercolour paper will allow for the best absorption of the colour. If you do not have a watercolour set (no, you do not need to run out and purchase the most expensive tubes of watercolour paints. The “cheap” dollar store watercolour paint sets are perfectly fine for playing with colour)

If you can find a copy of a watercolour for beginners type book at the library, check it out! My personal favourite is: Watercolour for Absolute Beginners, by Bill Whitsett.

What you do:

Ask your child(ren) some questions about watercolour painting, like:

Q. What supplies do you think we need to paint with watercolour?

Q. What kind of brush do we need if we want to paint details?

A. small, thin, round brushes that can hold a point

Q. What kind of brush do we want for painting with watercolour, in general?

A. large round brush

Q. What if we want to paint a large area, like the sky?

A. a flat brush, about 1 inch, for large areas

Q. What are warm and cool colours?

A. Warm colours are yellows and reds. Cool colours are blues and greys.

Q. Why do we need water containers?

A. We need two water containers, one for rinsing and cleaning paint colour from the brush, and one for getting clean water on the brush. This way, our colours don’t end up looking like mud!

Try this:

Paint a picture using only one colour, (monochromatic), but experiment with shading, making some parts of the image darker than others. Things that are in the foreground should be shaded more than those in the background.

Put some watercolour on a small section of paper, perhaps cutting the paper into a 3×5 card, making sure that it is wet enough for salt to be absorbed into the paint, but not so wet that the salt alters the paper. Sprinkle the coarse salt (you can try table salt, but often the result is less than impressive) over the paper. This is an example:

Try sponging on paint, then try painting, but using the sponge to remove some of the paint, trying to allow the sponge to leave a mark in the paint, as only a sponge can do.

Put some watercolour paint on another small card of watercolour paper, then press down on the paper with plastic wrap. Do not smooth the plastic wrap out as though you are coving a dish before putting it in the fridge. Leave it wrinkled and smushed up (is smushed a word?). leave it on for quite a while, “forgetting” about it for a few hours usually ensures a great result! Here is my husband’s example:

Try other ideas you come up with, as a family, and make predictions about what the results might be. Next article I will talk about painting fruits and vegetables. In the mean time, set up a display of one to three fruits or vegetables and begin making a rough sketch of them. You can practice adding shading and depth if you like, thinking about the 7 laws of perspective, but save one sketch that is mainly the outlines, like this:

Kristina is a happily married wife in her eleventh year of homeschooling the flybytheseatofyourpants method. So far her two boys seem intelligible and relatively unscathed. She is an intern Educational Therapist with NILD and in her spare time loves to scrapbook, paint, make linoprints and write novel study guides. In your spare time, check out her blog On Fire at: www.kristinacamp.blogspot.com

Tags: art, Crafts, Fall Art Projects, homeschooling, Watercolor, Watercolor Paper

Passports for Missions

October 28, 2009 by Ann

14 Comments

Have you considered traveling internationally, or taking a family mission trip?

When Hudson Taylor was only five years old he said, “When I’m a man, I mean to be a missionary and go to China.” This mission call grew, until as a young adult Hudson Taylor exclaimed, “I feel I cannot go on living unless I do something for China.” Years later, after a lifetime of renowned missionary service throughout Inland China, the veteran spokesman addressed the next generation as he pleaded,“The Great Commission is not an option to consider. It is a command to obey.”

I was eight years old when God called me to missions. As a little girl, the Lord “spoke” to me at a Christian family camp through Jeremiah 1:4-8 about going “to the nations.” At sixteen, I headed to Mexico on my first mission trip; as young newlyweds, my husband and I surrendered everything to go wherever God would call; and for over 22 years, our homeschooling family has been actively involved, all across the globe, in fulltime international missions. We’ve ministered together as a family, in teams of two or three of us at a time, and as individuals. We’ve tasted strange foods, experienced fascinating cultures, and have seen – with our own eyes – some incredible needs.

All along the way, we’ve been living the homeschool life: taking care of toddlers, teaching grammar and math (and everything else!), training teens, and turning in college scholarship applications. We’ve always lived in the United States, but by God’s grace, His call on our lives has taken us, collectively, to nearly 70 nations on all 7 continents. We’ve dreamed some big dreams . . . and little dreams. We’ve rescued hundreds of orphan kids, established village churches, and made friends with our neighbors (and shared the Lord) during local soccer games. To our family, “MISSIONS” is not an extra-curricular subject or an optional add-on to our educational goals; living for God’s Great Commission is the central core of everything we do. Geography is more than a map and a textbook. World News is more than a “take-it-or-leave-it” headline report. Living with a mission perspective has dramatically impacted our purpose for homeschooling and for parenting.

As I look back, it’s been an incredible journey; as I look ahead, I know we have a long way to go (both in homeschooling and in God’s international plans); and even now, I’m excited! As a brand-new writer for Heart of the Matter Online, I’m looking forward to encouraging you and your family for missions, on your unique homeschool journey.

So, to get to the point of my first HOTM article, I have a quick question, with BIG implications:

If your family wants to be a part of God’s Great Commission (Matthew 26:19 and Mark 16:15 – to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”), DO YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORTS YET?

Included in this article are instructions to make mission-minded “Passports” – as a fun craft project and learning tool. However, I want to motivate you to go one step further and to apply for “real” passports for each member of your family. In the United States, adult passports last for ten years and child passports last for five years. Even the “process” of applying for passports is a great educational experience . . . and who knows where this simple step could lead you, or what impact this small step could make in the future, and for God’s kingdom?

JUST FOR FUN! – Make a Mission-Minded “Passport”

As you child learns about various areas of the world, a fun idea is to chart this progress on a special Mission-Minded “Passport.”

1. What you need:

A printed copy of the MISSION-MINDED passport pages (here’s a PDF file of these pages: http://bit.ly/9NO2r), your child’s photo, scissors, glue, colored construction paper, blank white paper, yarn, hole puncher, clear packing tape, and stapler.

2. What to do:

Have your child cut out the passport pages along the dotted lines and glue these pieces to a passport-sized booklet (made from a half-piece of colored construction paper with blank white pages stapled inside). Add your child’s photo to the appropriate box, and for strength and durability cover the entire passport with clear packing tape. Punch a hole in the top left corner, and insert a piece of yarn or cording so your child can wear the passport around his or her neck. For fun, add international stickers or stamps (here are FREE printable country flags and stamps which work well with passports: http://www.stickersandcharts.com/places.php).

3. How to use this passport:

As your child learns about an area of the world, stamp the passport with a culturally appropriate rubber stamp, international flag or globe-oriented sticker, or a foreign postage stamp—all available at most teacher supply stores. This passport can be used to keep track of achievements, such as Bible memory or Bible reading progress, or to record a child’s personal prayer time as he or she “travels” around the world through intercession.

JUST IN CASE! – Apply for Official Current Passports for Your Whole Family

3 Reasons WHY you should get Passports:

You’ll be ready to go anywhere in the world, at a moment’s notice.
You’ll instill a preliminary attitude of willingness to follow God – wherever He may lead – into the hearts of each member of your family.
You’ll open up a whole world of possibilities, as you pray and learn about different nations (with real passports ready “just in case”). It will change how you pray as you ask God where He may want you to travel someday, or potential mission trips He may want you to take.

3 Steps HOW to get Passports:

Print out passport applications (if you are US citizens, here is the US Passport Application site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. If you are Canadian citizens, here is the Passport Canada site: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/form/index.aspx).
Fill out the applications. Locate documentations and IDs. Get passport photos for each family member.
Submit applications at your local post office, with appropriate fees.

Even if your family is never called to fulltime foreign missions, it’s good to be prepared for the “possibility” of a short-term mission trip, an overseas emergency to help a friend or loved one, or even an international vacation. If you are willing to consider a mission adventure for any (or all) of your family within the next several years, I encourage you to quit procrastinating. Get your passports!

Ann Dunagan is a longtime homeschool mother of 7 (with 3 graduates). Since 1987, she and her husband Jon have ministered worldwide with Harvest Ministry. Ann is co-founder of two African orphanages, writer for “Better Parents, Better Families” on the Christian Post and “The Missional Mind” with Biblica, and author of several books including The Mission-Minded Family.

Tags: China, christian living, Crafts, Mission-minded Passports, Missionaries, Missionary Work, Projects, Scripture

Crafts – Simple & Feasible

October 26, 2009 by Ruthanne

15 Comments

Are you intimidated by crafts? Do you struggle for ideas? Hate the mess? Feel like you can’t justify the added expense?

Incorporating craft time into your school day does not have to be frustrating or break the bank. In fact, it can be fun with just a few simple tips!

(1) Google is your friend.

If the curriculum you’re using does not include suggestions for crafts and the thought of coming up with crafts on your own scares the daylight out of you, then use Google for some ideas. I took this route frequently last year because I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the suggestions in the curriculum we were using. The internet has a treasure trove of ideas just waiting to be found.

(2) Print out instructions.

After you’ve picked the craft you would like to do, print out the list of supplies and instructions. It’s much easier to print it out than to go back and try to find the same site later if you’re unsure of something. Believe me – I’ve learned from experience!

(3) Schedule multiple crafts together

If you’re curriculum suggests several crafts during the week and/or month, then schedule all of them for one day. That way you only have to clean up craft mess once and can devote a greater chunk of time to creating your masterpiece instead of hurrying on to the next thing.

(4) Be Selective

Just because your curriculum gives you a list of ten crafts does not mean you need to make all of them. Choose the ones that will give you the most bang for the buck – those that will reinforce what you’re studying and will be the most fun! Only you know what will excite and interest your children.

(5) Table Cover

You’re going to want a cover on your table. Crafts will be much more fun if you’re not worried about the inevitable paint and hot glue spills (plus the cleanup will be quicker and easier)! Keep a plastic tablecloth stored away with all your craft supplies. That way you know exactly where it is when it’s time for crafts and you don’t have to tear your house up looking for it.

(6) Old T-Shirts

Instead of using dad’s old t-shirts for rags, hold onto them for craft time. They’re perfect for painting and more economical than purchasing a smock! Keep them stored away with your table cover and other craft supplies.

(7) Stock up

Keep an eye on the sales fliers for your local craft stores. Be sure to stock up when key items go on sale, such as paint, sketch paper, foam, ribbon, sponge brushes, jumbo craft sticks, etc.

(8) Reuse/Recycle

Don’t throw away those toilet paper or wrapping paper rolls, coffee cans, or oatmeal boxes. They can be used for all sorts of creations: castles, drums, kaleidoscopes, horns, etc.

(9) Have fun!

Doing crafts with your children is not about perfection, but about giving them an opportunity to express themselves through the hands-on medium of art. So get your paint brushes, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for some creative fun with your children!

Ruthanne has been homeschooling for just over a decade. She’s passionate about many things ~ the Lord, her principal and students (mother to four boys and a girl), photography, baking and really good coffee. You can find her blogging at www.eclecticwhatnot.com where she shares a few random thoughts and loads of pictures.

Tags: Crafts, Curriculum, Google, Organizing Supplies, Projects, Scheduling Crafts, Upcycling Around the House

At the Forum – Oct 16: the 80’s, adoption, and middle school

October 16, 2009 by AmyF

3 Comments

Welcome to this week’s At the Forum. We actually have hit a milestone this week. With the help of our members, we have hit 1000 post! What a great milestone and if you have not had a chance to visit the forum…. come on by and register. Here a few areas you might want to check out while you are there:

Visit or new adoption topic in our parenting section. Some of the categories include step-parent adoption, private adoption, and international adoption . You can also find a place to share your resources and tips with other in your adoption journey.
Have you ever done an online bible study?
Do you have a craft or hobby you would like to introduce us to?
What do you think about the 80’s fashion style making its rounds again?

Are you reading a good book that others may like?
Military families, come share your host country experiences with us.
What is Middle School in your part of the world?

Do you have a question you would like to ask? Come post it at the forum and it may be the highlight of next week’s, At the Forum. Until then, see you at the forum!

Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.

Tags: 80's Fashion, adoption, Adoption Options, At the Forum, book recommendations, Crafts, HOTM forum, International Adoption, middle school, military families, Online Bible Studies, private adoption, Projects, step-parent adoption

October Unit Study Helper: Apples & Autumn

October 10, 2009 by Lynn

4 Comments

I am very excited to bring you a specific unit extender here at Heart of the Matter– the crafts, projects, recipes, and experiments that we’ve used in our schooling to help add to your existing unit on the topics I post each month.

At our home, we tend to lean towards a hands on approach to help enhance our children’s learning. I love to see them understanding what they are learning when making these projects, as well as the excitement after working on an experiment or putting together a craft. I pray that each month, these projects will bless you and your family.

I can’t believe it’s already Autumn, which gets me thinking about leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures, and getting cozy indoors. With the new season also brings thoughts to falling leaves and apple picking. For this month’s topic, I would like to share some crafts and projects that would complement your existing study on these subjects for this month’s unit study helper, which is geared mainly towards elementary aged children.

Crafts:

Awesome Apple Paper Craft
Resource: DLTK’s Educational Crafts
(http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/mawesomeapple.html)

Supplies Needed:
Paper Plate
Printer
Glue
Scissors

Directions:

Use link above to find the templates you will need for the apple man.

My kids had fun making this apple paper craft. It was easy to make and needed little supplies. This was designed with a preschooler in mind, but my elementary aged children had fun making it.

Fingerprint Apple or Cherry Tree
Resource: DLTK’s Educational Crafts
(http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/fingerprint_appletree.htm)

Supplies Needed:
White Paper
Finger Paints

Directions:

Have child draw tree trunk with leaves and apples on it.

Terra Cotta Apple
Resource: DLTK’s Educational Crafts
(http://www.dltk-kids.com/)

Supplies Needed:
Terra Cotta Pot
Terra Cotta Base
Green or Red Craft Paint
Black Craft Paint
White Craft Paint
Raffia
Fall Craft Leaves
Paint sponge brush

This was so fun to make. You will need to give it a couple coats of paint and allow drying time between coats before painting on the black chalkboard and white lettering. You can put whatever you’d like your saying to be. My children decided to give these as gifts to friends and put Hershey’s kisses inside.

Directions:

Paint pot green red to represent apple color. Two coats are necessary
After paint is dry, paint chalkboard section with black craft paint.
Let dry
Write your saying with white paint to resemble chalk.
Let dry
After lid is completely dry, hot glue raffia bow on top
Hot glue craft leaves on top under or next to bow raffia
Fill with candy, toys etc…

Autumn Leaf Wall Hanging

Supplies Needed:
Contact Paper
Craft Leaves
Yarn
Sheet of Construction Paper-Fall color
Sheet of Fall Colored Felt- Non Sticky Back

Directions:

Cut out inner felt sheet to give about 1-1 ½ inch border on outside to resemble a frame.
Glue craft leaves in any design you’d like onto the fall colored construction paper.
Cover work with contact paper, both front and back
Glue string to make handle to hang up to the back of the project.

Hand Print Autumn Tree

Supplies Needed:
Medium Sized poster board or construction paper
Fall colored tissue paper
Brown construction or copy paper
Crayons or markers (Optional)

Directions:

Have your child trace his hand print and part of his/her arm onto the brown paper.
Glue onto construction or poster board
Have them tear small pieces of tissue paper
Crinkle them and place on your hand tree and around the tree like the ‘leaves’ are falling.
Color or draw a scene around it if so desire.

Leaf Wreath

Supplies Needed:
Fall Craft Leaves
Paper Plate
Glue
Yarn or string

Directions:

Cut out the center of the paper plate
Glue leaves around the plate to cover it completely
Let dry
Place string or yarn around top and hang

Apple Magnets

Supplies Needed:
Red or green craft paint
Lid of a can
Sponge paint brush
Brown Felt
Green Felt
Black Felt Tip Marker
Two wiggly eyes
Magnet
Glue

Directions:

Paint lid green or red
Let dry (You may need to paint two coats)
Glue on wiggly eyes
Make a smiley face
Cut brown felt to resemble stem
Cut green felt to resemble leaf
Glue magnet to back of lid

Resources:

Apple Unit Helps
http://www.kinderkorner.com/apple.html
http://www.thevirtualvine.com/apples.html
http://www.thekcrew.net/apples.html
http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/Apple_Math_Booklet.pdf
http://www.teachingheart.net/appleunit.html

Autumn/Fall Unit Helps
http://www.fvsd.ab.ca/stm/autumn%20Themes.htm
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
http://www.homeschoollearning.com/units/unit_09-21-01.shtml

Lynn is a blessed wife to a wonderful husband of 12 years, a mom to three children, ranging from 15 to almost 8, and in the process of expanding their family through adoption. They are in their fifth year of homeschooling, using a hands on/eclectic approach to learning. You can find out more by visiting her blogs @ Learning By Living and Ladybug Chronicles.

Tags: apple magnet, apple paper craft, apples, autumn, Crafts, crafts for kids, elementary, fall, fingerprint apple or cherry tree, hand print tree, leaf wall hanging, leaf wreath, October, Preschool, seasonal crafts, terra cotta apple, unit study helper

Carnival of Homeschooling #196

September 29, 2009 by The Amies

16 Comments

A morbid reason to homeschool
Henry found a new reason today, a morbid reason, to homeschool. Posted at Why Homeschool

Every student should have a unique reading list that can reflect their unique abilities and interests.
Lee presents What’s Up With Homeschool Reading Lists? posted at The HomeScholar Helper.

A fun unit study for grade schoolers
Lisa Smith presents 6 Ways To Study Greece And The Olympics Without Nodding Off posted at Stretch Mark Mama.

Supporting my sister and her hassles with her son’s school bring back memories of why I made the choice to homeschool
Cristina presents Giving Birth to an Educational Philosophy posted at Home Spun Juggling.

ChristineMM of The Thinking Mother shares thoughts about reading, literacy and education after hearing a speech given by author David Balacci on BookTV this weekend.
ChristineMM presents Thoughts on Educated Kids and Literate Adults posted at The Thinking Mother.

This is a fun fall art project that is appropriate for preschoolers and up.
Amy @ Hope Is the Word presents Messy Monday: Watercolor Leaf Garland posted at Hope Is the Word.

This article examines the timeless genius of Leonardo DaVinci and poses the question of where our students might be if we allowed them to follow their passions freely without the structure that many of us impose in defining what is “school.”
Belinda Bullard presents Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage – Our First Week of Summer posted at Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage – Homeschool Blogger.

Personal testimony of our journey to homeschool with the Word as our basis for education.
Lisa presents God’s Curriculum posted at The HomeSpun Life .

This is a unit study for the secret garden I wrote for my kids who are elementary age, with added activities for preschool aged children.
Jennifer presents The Secret Garden posted at schooling memoirs.

I hope this story of my son’s homeschool journey through high school graduation will be an encouragement for mothers who are homeschooling for the long haul.
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home presents (In)Courage: A Mother’s Hope posted at (In)Courage.

Public schools force kids to praise the Prez!
Hall Monitor presents School Students Sing Praises of President Obama posted at DetentionSlip.org.

This post is about persevering in your homeschool, even in the midst of discouragement. We will reap a harvest if we don’t give up!
Molly Evert presents Don’t despise the small things posted at Counter-cultural School.

Article on the pluses and minuses of purchasing the eFormat version of hsing products.
Sheri H presents To eBook or Not to eBook: That is the Question Part I posted at Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer.

It is always a blessing to have God give us His Words of encouragement as we begin a new school year!
Tammy presents “and so we begin” posted at Garden Glimpses .

My six-year-old is learning to knit, and it’s so exciting to watch her at work.
Jennifer Bogart presents Learning to Knit posted at Quiverfull Family.

Idea for organizing books!
Angela Mills presents Too Many Books? Here’s One Solution! posted at Angela Mills.

A comprehensive site for learning about the Holocaust.
Susan Gaissert presents Exploring the Holocaust « The Expanding Life posted at The Expanding Life.

A very talented photographic artist from Etsy has volunteered to custom create the winner’s choice of 3 designs. Perfect Halloween greeting for your friends and family! Not many have entered yet, so there’s a great chance of winning!
Susan Gaissert presents Custom Halloween Photo Cards Giveaway posted at The Frugal Homeschooling Mom.

There are dozens of ways to introduce your child to the world of crafts. Here are some easy and inexpensive starter projects.
Annette Berlin presents Mother-Daughter Craft Projects posted at Craft Stew.

A book review of the two volume set Mathematicians are People, Too — living math biographies.
Jimmie presents Mathematicians are People, Too posted at The Curriculum Choice.

How to handle a sick child — should you take the day off or keep doing school?
Jimmie presents Homeschool with a Sick Student posted at Jimmie’s Collage.

Review of “My Big Drawing & Tote Board” by Barker Creek and its many uses in our home school.
Jacque presents Great Home School Buy: Draw Write Now Tote Board posted at Walking Therein.

A review of a phonics/reading program called Rocket Phonics. I have been very impressed with the program.
Lacey presents Rocket Phonics – A Review posted at We Love To Homeschool.

This is an article the Lord placed on my heart last month, to help our local homeschool family.
Jennifer Southern presents To School at Home or Not School at Home, That is the Question! posted at Creative Learners.

This article is a little bit of education and family. I share what we’re doing this year with our homeschool, in the midst of doctor’s appointments and dealing with special needs.
Lisa Coburn presents Making Homeschool Work for Your Family’s Version of “Normal” posted at Back to Nature at the Wyldhouse Homestead.

Nature Study for the Very Young ~ Indoor and outdoor activities to explore nature with the Nature Explorers Club
Michelle @ Delightful Learning presents Nature Explorers Club: Horse Chestnut Tree posted at Delightful Learning.

This is a post I wrote to encourage homeschool moms. I have also listed my favorite homeschooling books along with why I enjoyed them in this entry!
Candace presents His Mercy is New: Encouragement for the Homeschooler posted at His Mercy is New.

This is a blog entry about surviving as a homeschool mom with depression.
Candace presents Surviving hard days… posted at His Mercy is New.

Stephanie presents Point Pleasant posted at Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.

Karen presents Free-Range Justification posted at The Stone Age Techie.

Mrs. White presents Just a Regular Mom posted at The Legacy of Home.

Debbie presents The Architect and The Artist: Workbox Ideas posted at The Architect and The Artist.

Wendy Hilton presents Our Crew’s Ship – Benefits of Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child posted at Our Crew’s Ship.

Lori Boling presents Combing Art with Nature walks posted at Loving Learning at Home.

Debbie Phillips presents Charlotte Mason Homeschooling posted at Debbies Digest.

Heather presents Finding the Home in Homeschooling posted at Marine Corps Nomads.

Lara DeHaven presents Review of Rosetta Stone Software posted at Texas Homesteader.

Aimee presents homeschool talk: lapbooks posted at Aimee’s Land.

Dana presents The power of a story posted at Principled Discovery.

Lynn presents Mummies, Flowers and Blue Dolphins posted at Eclectic Education – Homeschool Blogger.

Kimberly presents Multi-level Homeschooling: Little Ones posted at Raising Olives.

Kerry presents 8 Habits of a Happy Homeschool Mama posted at A Ten O’Clock Scholar.

Tags: art, Carnival of Homeschooling, Crafts, ebook, Greece and Olympics, HomeScholar, Homeschooling Resources, Knitting, Literate Adults, obama, Projects, Reading Lists, The Secret Garden

Around the Web In 12 Links – Homemade Fun

July 19, 2009 by Valerie

1 Comment

Today I am going to take you on a tour around the planet of Homemade Fun! With summer coming to an end, don’t give up on being creative and trying something adventurous.

How about making the best playdough of the year? Or slime your children with homemade bubbles! You can always build a ship in a bottle or use a bottle to launch a rocket; but nothing will compare to a rocket that blasts with the use of water. So, plan on making some homemade paint and decorating a creative cardboard castle; or better yet, build a volcano that can ooze onto colorful bouncy balls or silly putty!!!

After trying all this terrific homemade fun, be sure to grab your puppy and sit him down for a homemade treat that your children made all by themselves!!

Enjoy getting creative. Enjoy getting a little messy. Let me know what your try…

valerie Valerie is a born and raised Southern California girl. On her little corner of the beach, she homeschools her three wonderful blessings. Before marriage, she wrote for public television, taught kindergarten, and was a live-in Nanny. She is the Moderator of an International Yahoo group (Just4homeschoolfamilies), as well as Senior Editor of an e-mail monthly newsletter (Words Of Encouragement). For daily happenings, she has a homeschool blog (Homeschooling With Encouragement) where you can read about her personal ups and downs of homeschooling.

Tags: bouncy balls, bubbles, Crafts, dog treats, family fun, homemade creativity, how to make playdough, Projects, rocket, ship in a bottle, silly putty, slime, volcano, web links

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