Loving Learning

Google Earth ~ Great for Kindergarten!

2011-07-16T08:01:00.000-04:00

We have been playing with Google Earth for about a year. I am so glad to see that profession teachers have caught on to it's benefits!

This is a handout from a Kindergarten Teachers Conference. You can download it for yourself or just refer back to my blog.

Child Prodigy ~ Artist

2011-07-02T22:22:00.000-04:00

My kids watched this and LOVED it. They are so excited to try it for themselves!

I am and artist but somehow the idea of this makes me a little nervous. But it does look fun.

Maybe one day... soon....we will see. I may just add lots of dish soap for easy clean up.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/23hWMvSrZx8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Time 4 Learning Review

2011-04-17T21:50:00.000-04:00

Time 4 Learning is an online interactive education program for children (K-8th grade). There is so much Time 4 Learning has to offer I didn't even use it all! It is so comprehensive that you could use it as you comprehensive schooling (at home)! The parent can choose the appropriate level for each child and it keeps track of what they have done and how well the did.

When I explained it to my husband, he thought it was a great idea! His actual words were, "That is great if they can learn, have fun, and it frees you up to do other things that need to be done." I personally think it would be good for the younger kids to do while mom home schools the older kids. But of course it would be a limited time per day.

We used this program as a supplement to our homeschool curriculum. It worked out well for 'quiet time' when the baby was sleeping and I could catch up on something else. Both children were excited to work at the computer and needed very little help with understanding how to play or what to do. The love the animated character that explains everything.

Pros:
I loved the idea that the kids can get on and they really can't wander out of where they need to be. My children, although they are 3 and 5 seem to find a way of clicking things that mom has to come 'unclick.' I like that you could adjust the level for a specific subject. My 5 year old found the kindergarten level to be too elementary for him. So I switched over to 1st grade level.
There is a parents page where you can view what each child has done. You can get into printable worksheets and more.
My 3 year old girl got such satisfaction from seeing a check mark ofter each 'game' she played. That certainly motivated her to complete lessons.

Cons:
Although I think quite highly of Time 4 Learning, I would not be able to afford $19.00/month unless it were our primary curriculum. And if it were I think it may be too much time at the computer and too little interaction with mom.
As a fun supplement to homeschool I think it is wonderful!

There really are many more features to Time4Learning that I haven't explained here, so be sure to visit the website and check it out for yourself!

Time4Learning

2011-03-15T13:53:00.000-04:00

I have been hearing some positive things about Time4Learning computer program for kids. And recently, I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review! Time4Learning can be used for homeschool, afterschool and summer skill sharpening. Be sure to come back and read about my experience.

In the meantime, Check them out!

Penguin Study ~ Winter

2011-01-05T13:42:00.000-05:00

We made a cute penguin craft after googling 'preschool penguin craft.'

We talked about how the dad penguin is the one who stands over the egg for 2 months in the cold winds to keep the egg warm and he doesn't even eat that entire time! I explained how faithful the father is to do that just to keep his child alive much like our Father in heaven is faithful to watch over us!

We read
TACKY THE PENGUIN BOOK

Then we watched an adorable movie called The Adventures of Scamper the Penguin.
It is so cute and gives true facts about penguins. Then at the end of the movie you can select "Quiz" in main menu screen and the kids can read the questions and click the correct answer.

My kids did this about 5 times even though they are the same questions!

The movie is suspenseful but my 5 and 3 year old could handle it and one of them is pretty sensitive to 'scary' parts. I just told them 'it ends happy but the just have to find a way out of this situation.'

I would love to hear of any of you do this. We had lots of fun with it.

God's Word is Applicable, even here.

2010-11-28T20:27:00.001-05:00

NOTE: This was taken from Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Dear Jesus,
I wanted to discuss this whole homeschooling thing you have called us to. I have a few concerns and would just like to hear from you, you know some kind of confirmation that we should homeschool, that we’re on the right track, because I’m freaking out just a bit. So here’s where I’m at with this whole thing…
1. I’m scared. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut 31;8)
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:20)
2. I’m worried about what other people will think or say.Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. (Prov 29:25)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov 9:10)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
3. I doubt my own ability to teach my kids effectively.…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
4. I don’t think we can afford it.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
5. How can I take care of my home, family, and daily responsibilities and homeschool?If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)
6. I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t even know where to start!Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)
7. What about my free time?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
8. What if my kids turn out weird and un-socialized?And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
9. What if I lose friends or family because they disapprove?But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Philippians 3:1-8
10. What about my attitude and, um shall we say lack of patience?Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:14-18)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
…for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)
11. Um, so are you saying I’m going to be tested? Because we all know how that turns out…My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 1:3-5)
12. What if I can’t hack it? I mean it’s always easier said then done!…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)
13. How am I to teach, I don’t even have a teaching degree?These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut 6-9)
14. Okay, I’m out of excuses, any final advice?But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
and thus began our journey…

This was taken from Confessions of a Homeschooler. Her blog and homeschool ideas are creative, fun, and movtivate me!

Insects Unit

2010-11-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

We haven't actually started our lesson for this unit but I saw this little project and had to try it. Tomorrow we will begin our study of INSECTS.
Spider Web Treats.

Place stick pretzels on wax paper in a cookie sheet.
Place pretzels in a star shape.

Melt Almond Bark in microwave until soft but not hot.
Scoop into a plastic bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner of
the bag to squeeze out the melted chocolate.

Squeeze the melted Almond Bark into the center to make the
pretzels stick together and string it around to make a spider web.
Place chocolate in the center (that is suppose to be the spider- I
was not interested in melting dark chocolate for the legs.

Place in a cool place for just a couple of minutes.
Gently peel from wax paper and
ENJOY!

WATER

2010-11-03T16:32:00.000-04:00

Today we talked about water.
We can not live without water. Even animals and plants need water.
Our souls (the inside of us) needs water too. Living Water.
We talked about water and how it is a liquid and can also be a solid and a gas too.

The kids played with water and ice cubes. I think they were busy for about an hour sitting at the table pouring water from a measuring cup into a bowl and scooping more water up with little medicine cups and dumping ice cubes in the water (and eating them) and watching them melt.

Ironically enough, during their snack time I popped in a video they have been asking to watch.

Frosty the Snowman.

It was perfect. We talked about how when Frosty melted he became a liquid and when he was a snowman he was a solid!

All About Spelling

2010-10-26T14:15:00.000-04:00

I am contemplating using All About Spelling Level 1. I have read some fabulous reviews of this program and it has won me. My only hesitation is $. We are really trying hard to not spend when we don't need to. In my opinion, this is a 'need' as I plan to use this program as our formal reading program.

But technically, our oldest doesn't even have to be in Kindergarten until next fall.

So my questions for my readers are:

Do you use All About Spelling?
Do you know anyone who uses All About Spelling?

Do I have to buy the readers that they sell? Could we get along fine without them?
What advice do you have for me?

Weekly Wrap Up Oct 18-22, 2010

2010-10-22T07:12:00.001-04:00

We talked and learned about Dinosaurs!

Graphing

The letter "D." We decided to put out words to remember badge inside
the Dino's belly.

More graphing. At one time I gave the kids a mixture of
cheerios and goldfish for a snack. The bowl got dropped
and while I was picking them up I thought it looked cute.
It looked like the fish were blowing bubbles. Out of that came a
fish and bubbles graph!

Math: We played WAR! I was impressed that Gabe knew
which number was higher.
Next time we will keep score with tally sticks!

Science: We played with the magnet wands and paperclips.

We read
"How do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?"
"How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight."

"How do Dinosaurs Say I love You."

He loved them!

We also really liked, " Dinosaur ROAR."

Cleaning Coins - A Great Preschool Activity

2010-10-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

I have been using pennies for graphing and other counting projects. My conscience was getting to me cause we all know how dirty coins ~~can be~~ are. So today's lesson was cleaning coins! They had so much fun! We simply followed the directions on Wikihow. They are simple instructions but if you know chemistry there are some no-no's... like mixing different coins together. Who knew?

All we did was:
* pour about 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 tsp of salt into a glass bowl
* drop in the pennies
* and watch them transform from dingy to glistening!

The process only took a couple of minutes.

I gave the kids old toothbrushes and when the coins came out of the vinegar solution I had them *shine* them up a little more. Then we washed them in soapy water.

My oldest didn't want to stop playing with the toothbrush so I told him he could shine up the kitchen floor. That lasted about 3 mins ; > )
Voila! Now we have clean counters!... and a clean spot in the kitchen floor.

Weekly Wrap Up Sept 27- Oct 1, 2010

2010-10-02T18:33:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the things that I was able to capture that we did this week:

Fall Vocabulary Words

Patterning: 2 x 3 pattern.
These patterns were from out RightStart Math Lessons.

For some reason it is blogger is turning my pictures. Here I made a number matching
birthday candle game. A little someone turned 3 on Monday!

Here they had to put them in order of smallest to largest.

Pattering: ABBABBABBABB

Made wreaths with real leaves!

Puting the days of the week in order

Patterning: ABABAB

For those of you who are doing MFW K here is a good resource for the "US" unit.

What's in the Workboxes?

2010-09-28T12:45:00.001-04:00

I recently mentioned that I have begun to use a form of Sue Patrick's Workbox System.
I am doing the simple version as my kiddos are very young and I wanted to keep from confusing them in anyway. As they get older I may implament more of what the book recommends.

One of my readers asked me to tell you what I put in the boxes. That is the beauty of this you can put anything in it from school work sheets to snack to puzzles or toys.

I did type out a general 'schedule' for what to put in and when and in what order. {that last sentence sounds real complicated but let me explain - keeping it simple is so important to me}.
Here are some other ideas that I have written up. I just keep penciling in more ideas as they come.
Workbox Ideas
Workbox Ideas

There are two pages posted. Where it says 'book' at the bottom, you may need to click scroll then scroll down to see page two. (still learning Scribd ; ))

Here are some of the things we have done with them so far.

Anything you want to use for an activity you would put in the box. For example we did a fall leave wreath. I put in the box a paper plate with the center already cut out, a glue bottle. I had them go outside and pick up colorful leaves and bring them in. Then they glued them to the paper plate ring.

If I want them to do a math lesson. I put in what that day's lesson needs, pencil, worksheet, abacus, square tiles for pattering.

Just for fun I will add a puzzle or a building toy like blocks.

The first box is always a devotional, bible story or character book.
We also practice our AWANA bible memory.
I printed out this character coloring book - this is great for the 3 year old when the 5 year old is doing 'real school.'

Fall Vocabulary Words that they glue to a page

A Devotional or Character Building Book goes in the first box every day.

Math lesson for the day : couting with the abacus

Landmarks of the World flash cards
We will just read through these together.

A fun activity to keep them busy.

Cutting

We jumped on board! Workboxes!

2010-09-26T22:42:00.004-04:00

I have good news ~ for me anyway.

I really struggled for about 4 weeks with how to plan what to do and when. When is a big issues when you have a preschooler and a crawler! Schooling just wasn't fitting in (without babies crawling up in the table and preschoolers throwing temper tantrums).
I had thought about it, scratched out many possible routines but it wasn't happening. I was so discouraged and frustrated by it all. I knew we needed to do something totally different from what we were doing.

Finally I said enough is enough and I got online and ordered

this from Joann Fabric! It has made things so much more fun and we actually get school done.... not just do a little.... I mean we accomplish what I want to accomplish.

For the kids is it just something that fills their day. They are loving the boxes and the fun 'projects' inside!. I kept it real simple and didn't do the whole Sue Patrick's Workbox numbers and cards and valcro. It is just the drawers and I tell them "Go see what is in the blue box" - It helps that they are all different colors - they are learning their colors too!

Oh! You know what was even better? I ordered it online and they had two different prices. On the list of items it was priced at only $33.00! That's a great deal! So I clicked "add to cart" and there it showed up as $66.00 plus $14 shipping. So I called customer service and they gave me the cheapest price listed. And shipping was really only $7.00! Woooo Whoooo!

(by the way, the 5 year old gets one side and the 3 year old gets the other side.)

Counting by Two's

2010-09-22T17:05:00.001-04:00

In the last couple of weeks we have been cherry picking. Cherry Tomatoes.
We have been counting EVERYTHING that we get from our garden. So I pulled out the muffin
tins and we counted the cherry tomatoes by twos!
We 98 of them this particular day.

I had always heard of home schoolers who just incorporate learning into their day in a natural way. I am more of a 'follow the book' gal but I am seeing more and more ways to 'learn in everyday life' now that I am an official home schooler.

Nest Unit

2010-09-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

Once again I have to tell you how God is interacting in our lives. It is small things but they are showing me and my children that God knows and cares about every detail of our lives!

I have a journal notebook that I keep the list of recommended books for each unit. I also write in other books we want to read too. I have a section for the book title, the author and the call number. Before we go to the library I go to the library webpage and look up each book and write down the call number. That way when I get there I will already know if the library even has the book and I can begin my search.

Well, I had found the books I was looking for and then as usual I just randomly pick up other books that look good.

This time I picked up NO ROSES FOR HARRY by Gene Zion.

Cute little book. As the story 'unfolded' I began to see how the Lord directed me on my library book search. I had no idea what this book was about. Let me tell you. This little dog gets a sweater from Granny that he doesn't like. He finds any possible way to get rid of it but has no luck. Finally, a little thread comes loose and it begins to unravel. A bird picks up one end of the string and flies off unraveling the entire sweater. Harry is so happy and the bird is happy cause now the bird has a beautiful nest that looks like Harry's sweater and is so soft and cozy. And Harry no longer feels silly wearing this thing.

I almost teared up. God put this book in our hands with out us asking for it. At the very time we were studying nests!

This IS my Father's world. He cares about everything in it! Yes. Even today. Even you! Even me!

Matthew 6:26 (New International Version)

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Week 2: THE MOON

2010-08-26T10:35:00.000-04:00

God really is amazing.

The creator of the Universe and yet he knows everything (large and small) about us.

We decided to go to the library one day and low and behold they had a

"VISIT TO THE MOON" exhibit!

The kids had so much fun!

I learned something too during this unit. The Moon does not actually give off light. So why does it shine? It shines because it reflects light from the sun.

Spiritual lesson: We are like the moon. There is no light in us. But we can (if we choose) to shine because of the light of God's 'sun.'

I was also impressed cause my 2.5 year old actually learned from the activity we did

learning about the Full moon, Half moon, Crescent moon, and New moon. We decided to read books outside in the evening before bed and she saw the moon and declared that it was a half moon. She was right!

Kindergarten Plans/Goals/Curriculum

2010-08-24T14:17:00.001-04:00

I have been avoiding doing this for a month or two simply because I have a million things going through my mind and not sure how to get it all in order. I am hoping that putting it on ~~paper~~ a blog post may help my little brain make some sense to all of this.

I know, I know. IT IS ONLY KINDERGARTEN!

So here is what I've got:

Lesson #1: Student learns that school starts and ends when Teacher(mom) says so. We are going to have to work on this one. But what kindergartner doesn't have ants in their pants?

Bible/Character Building
AWANA Sparks
My Father's World Kindergarten
Leading Little Ones to God: A Child's Book of Bible Teachings
Gotta Have God: Fun Devotions For Boys
Character First Character Cards

Reading
Explode the Code

A Handbook for Reading (A Beka Book Reading Program)

Handwriting
Handwriting Without Tears

Explode the Code

Math
RightStart Math
Daily Calendar

P.E. (a necessity for a 4.5 year old boy)
Work Out Videos with Mom
Outdoor Play
Running

Science
My Father's World From A to Z: A Complete Kindergarten Curriculum

Music
Simply Music (Piano Lessons on DVD)
Musical Instruments by Ellen McHenry (Coloring Book)
Classics for Kids

School Pictures are in!

2010-08-24T06:15:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten
2010-2011

2010-08-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

Here a few things we have been up to at 'school' lately.

Large motor activity while learning to count by two's.

This started out as learning about perpendicular lines and planes (from out RightStart Math)
But it ended up as building bridges. Fun for a moment. A little frustrating for a 4 and 2 year old.

I think this counts as school. Vocab? Reading?

Walking on homemade stilts made from baby formula canisters.

We have are now on unit 4 of My Father's World Kindergarten.

We are starting the Apple unit now.

Worried About Socialization?

2010-08-19T16:21:00.001-04:00

Me too. That is one of the bigger reasons I DO homeschool.
I stumbled upon this hilarious article about incorporating socialization into the homeschoolers day.

click on this link:

Home-schooled kids can receive similar socialization

Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran

2010-08-03T15:14:00.001-04:00

This is a really cute book about neighborhood kids who create an entire city out of a pathway of stones. The ideas remind me of childhood times of getting completely engrossed in imaginary play.

If I had a million dollars....I would own this book too. Instead of owning it I will occasionally borrow it from the library.

After this post my son spotted the book on the table and decided to make his own Roxaboxen...with a little help.

Every city needs a zoo!

A page out of the book.

We did a little construction and widened the city streets so the emergency vehicles could safely pass through. This is the fire engine and the police car.

While we were 'building' the city. My four year old was saying, "I go to prepare a place for you."
We often talk about the great city that God is building for us.

Week 1: Sun

2010-08-02T15:52:00.002-04:00

eah! We completed our first full official week of MFW K! The unit on THE SUN.
I have to be honest. I was completely discombobulated when it came to:

what to do

when

and

how.

The teacher's manual could be a little more user friendly....what is she trying to do? Scare us first year homeschoolers to death? Cause that is almost what happened.

But, with the help of the Homeschool Lounge and some friends who have used MFW K, I made it through and this next week I will be a little more laid back.

So here is what we did.

We practiced little curve and little curve that makes an 'S' from Handwriting without tears. Then we made it with our foam pieces. ( If you would like to know more about this... just ask).

We wrote out 'S' on our chalkboard tablet and we found the 'S' is for SUN card.

we loved this National Geographic Book! It explained very well how the earth moves around the son and why we have night and day AND different seasons!

They suggested we do this fun lesson. We did and he loved it! What is even better... he learned from it!

For some reason this picture flipped on me. Sorry.

He drew a picture of himself. We taped it to a ball. Turned out the light and turned on a flashlight (which was the sun).
I rotated the ball on it's axis to see how we get night and day. Then I rotated it on it's axis and made it orbit around the light to see how we get seasons. It clicked. He understood it!

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We made Chicken Florentine Ring cause it looks like a sun.

This was a fun experiment. Now we have a place mat.

P.S. sorry for the glitches. I had some technical difficulty and can't fix it without rewriting this post.

Creation

2010-08-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

Our first week was great! G. Was diligent in his school work and often begged for more. I was quite impressed with his cutting skills!

He is quite proud of his very first book!

I instead of stapling it together I used the 3 hole punch and put it in a folder.

He even wrote the title on the front cover CREATION.

Then his name.

He is really enjoying writing his name too.

That is one thing I wanted to mention. Since he already can identify his letters and even knows the letter sounds. We are going to be using Handwriting Without Tears and substitute that portion with practicing writing.

I am still working on the actual planning. Trying to piece it all together. I really want to add in Phys Ed and Music pretty much daily. Too ambitious? We will see how it all transpires. Again, that is another bonus to schooling at home. Keep tweeking until our needs are met.

Math: Tally Marks

2010-07-22T04:48:00.000-04:00

This year (kindergarten) we are using RightStart Mathematics Level A Lessons For Home Educators. And some of the beginning lessons is learning to make tally marks.
This is a perfect addition to our 100 days of school sticks in our MFW curriculum!

French Fry Forgiveness

2010-07-20T21:25:00.000-04:00

This is a small chapter book series called "Alex Books" that I bought for my niece way back before I had children. I loved it and tucked it away in the back of my mind that one day I want my kids to read this series. Well, here I am. Kinda. My kids still aren't quite old enough but I wanted to log it on my blog so I really won't forget.

The titles alone are catchy and makes you want to read them!
French Fry Forgiveness
Mint Cookie Miracles
Crocodile Meatloaf
Grapefruit Basket Upset
Sally Scarecrow Solution
Hot Chocolate Friendship
Chocolate Chips and Trumpet Tricks
Cherry Cola Champions
T-Bone Trouble

And guess what? In case you haven't figured it out... they have a MORAL to each story!What fun!

My Father's World Kindergarten Curriculum

2010-07-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

My Father’s World: Kindergarten

We absolutely loved this Kindergarten curriculum! It is very simple, fun, hands-on and easy-to-use. There are 26 units and each unit covers one letter of the alphabet and corresponding Bible, Character Development, Art, Math, Creative Thinking, Reading, Phonics and Science lessons.

We don't do every thing in every unit, but more use it as a springboard for our weekly curriculum. We will usually spent 20-45 minutes 3-4 days per week on the lessons and supplement with a variety of other great resources. Some of the supplements are Handwriting Without Tears, Intro to Classical Music, and RightStart Math.
My Father's World is a Bible-based curriculum with a mix of Classical Education and Charlotte Mason approach.

Reading Great Books Leads to Great Field Trips!

2010-07-20T14:29:00.000-04:00

It all started when we read a Curious George book.

George and the Man with a Yellow hat go to a Candy Store to buy some chocolate. And let's just say, George gets into trouble (as usual). But, he ends up saving the day (as usual).

After reading this book I just had to make a phone call and two days later we found ourselves here.

Even though it was just the 4 of us (3 were 4 years old and younger) they still gave us the complete tour! We watched a 15 minute video about cocoa beans, how they grow and how they become chocolate. We also heard about how the Sanders family began their candy shop in Detroit, Mi.

Then we got a free sample! Yum!

The took us to the factory area were we watched ladies in hair nets and red aprons lining up rows and rows and rows of chocolate!

They did not allow us to take pictures at this point : (

It was facinating to see!

Then that took us to the candy shop!

These pictures just don't do it justice.

We bought chocolate coverd pretzels. The kids got ones with sprinkles and I got one that had caramel swirl under the chocolate.

{ahem, I could not get a full shot of the caramel swirl pretzel ... I couldn't wait. I had to take a bite before I could get it home to take a picture of it.}

We got some other chocolatey treats but again, I was too slow with the camera.

What fun! The kids had a blast.

Great Idea! Dulpo Spelling and Story Telling.

2010-07-17T02:01:00.000-04:00

This is a great Idea! We are not quite there yet but soon. Soon. I will do this with our set of Dulpos!

Print your own MONEY!

2010-07-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

Check out this site to print your own money in different denominations. Yes it is legal. It is play money!

If I had a Million Dollars Wishlist

2010-07-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Amazon.com has a wishlist that you can share with others?

One of my all time pet peeves is when someone buys something that they don't have the money to buy and it ends up being something you don't want!

That is why Amazon.com's wishlist is PERFECT!

This is our WISHLIST ...so far!

Working out the Workbox System

2010-07-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

If you homeschool and you check out other homeschool blogs I know you have heard of Sue Patrick's Workbox System.
Well, we plan to implement it in some form the fall.... well maybe now.
It is meant to be used for school work but I will be starting the kids with it for assigned activities during the day. I have had enough of the kids wandering around the house making unnecessary messes simply because THEY NEED DIRECTION! (ahem... my fault... guilty.. busted).
The idea goes some thing like this (get the book for a much more accurate way to get started).

You get a shelf or rack of some sort and put out 6- 12 plastic shoe boxes on them. Mom fills the box with one item for the child to work on. Then when he has completed that he moves on to the next box. And so on. Homeschool mom's RAVE about how this system has brought much order to their day. Not to mention that it gets the kids more independent because they know what comes next.

So I am in the process of making a master list of activities the kids can do. I am breaking it down to different categories for example under Music, I will have a list like this to choose from: Crank up the radio and dance!, play musical instruments, play a video game that teaches music or instruments (I have links and cd roms), color to classical music, read a book that is music related and so on. Then we have a games section where I list all of the games in the closet.
The only reason I am categorizing them and making a master list is because I know myself. I will choose the activities they like best instead of MAKING them try something new. They may just like it if they try it! This will also force me to use everything we have.
Here is a great link to see how others have done it.
I am sure you will be seeing more on our set up. I am waiting for hubby to decide on a color printer before I jump in! (hurry up hun!)

Pre K Learning

2010-07-11T03:53:00.001-04:00

In Our Preschool stage of learning I was chomping at the bit to get going with 'school.' Then I decided that children learn best by repetition. So I just did a million different things to get him to practice the letter sounds and he naturally learned more in the meantime.

Here are some of the things we did that worked with us to teach letter sounds and other rules of beginning to learn to read:

* I taught him to use the computer mouse and he played www.starfall.com (a great/free resource that progressivly teaches kids to read)
* I purchased the Leap Frog Letter Factory DVD's and watched them frequently (the others are great too)
* Every chance I got we would practice letter sounds.
* We watched Rock n Learn Alphabet and Alphabet Circus (from the Library) he LOVED these!!! And still does. These can be annoying to the adults but my kids LOVE them and LEARN from them!
* would even go to YouTube and do a search for ABC sounds, ABC songs, and one thing would lead to the next.
* we tinkered with the free curriculum at www.letteroftheweek.com some people love it but I think I got bored with it before he did.
* I taught him upper and lower case letters by making a flip alphabet line. Fold a construction paper in half and cut two slits half way up so you can put 3 letters on a page. Write caps on top and flip up and write lower case on the underneath side. If that doesn't make sense let me know and I can add a picture.

At this stage it is just not necessary to spend money on a curriculum. There are so many other resources out there you can use at little or no cost. Have fun with it!

Favorite Children’s Books

2010-07-10T21:14:00.001-04:00

I am starting a list of some of the books our children enjoy the most. I am always looking for great books to read to my little ones. And I love to get recommendations. I am doing this in hopes to shorten your journey as you search out great books to develop a love for reading in your children.

Tonight we read:

THE BEAR THAT HEARD CRYING by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and Helen Kinsey

What a delightful book! I love that it is a true story too. It is about a little girl who gets lost in the woods. A creature from the wild keeps her company as she is lost. Days later, a neighbor has a dream about where she will be found. And sure enough they go to that spot and there she is. The adults think for sure she is gone for good cause they see bear tracks alongside her footprints. But the story ends up a very happy one!
This is a Christian book. In the beginning of the story 'Mama' is reading the bible to the family on Sunday morning under the shade of a tree. The book also hints that the dream that was given was from the Lord and that God sent a wild beast to protect and comfort this little girl. The illustrations perfectly capture the suspense of the story line and depict beautifully the celebration once Sarah is found! I choked up the two times I have read it already!
The kids were gripped with suspension! This is the type of book that draws children into the joy of reading.

My Father’s World Kindergarten - BADGES

2010-07-09T14:27:00.002-04:00

This blog roll thing has got me off my duff so last night I started making out Badges and added them to the appropriate subjects in the file folders. I made them out of foam rectangles I got from the dollar store. I was going to cut them all out but just decided to keep it simple and draw in them and punch holes in two corners so we can string them and wear them. We will have a fun collection in the end to play with and to remember the sayings on them. These are just a few… I have to get more at the dollar store. Remember, I am making sets of two as I KNOW my 3 year old WILL want her own copy!

Just Couldn’t Wait any Longer

2010-07-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

After completing Get Ready for the Code, Get Set for the Code and Go for the Code, we just had to jump right in to Handwriting without Tears.

The curriculum suggests you buy some of the extras to make it more interactive and fun for the child. Well, money is tight so I made up our own for much less than I would have paid.

One of the things they want you to buy is a Chalk/slate board. The kind that reminds me of the one Laura and Mary Ingalls had when they went to school.

Instead, I went to Michael’s Craft Store and they have various sizes for under $5! This is a great tool for learning to write letters! Here are the steps we follow. Mom writes the letter first in the proper way (starting on the left from the top down and so on). Then the child is given a moist sponge and they erase the letter in the same/proper way you would write it. Then the child writes the letter again over the wet area. Then he erases it again. It is all about repetition! And they love it!

Another thing we really saved $$ on was the wooden pieces. Instead, I made the shapes out of foam sheets. These are great cause you can make every letter of the alphabet with these as well as a very special character….MAT MAN!

Starting My Father's World Kindergarten Curriculum ~ Fall 2010

2010-07-08T20:44:00.000-04:00

Well, I have my curriculum and I am in the process of organizing what I have and what we will be doing. I plan to use a modified version of the workbox system. This is roughly how I will use it. Even before I heard about Sue Patrick's Workbox System,

I had a daily schedule (in pictures) all printed out and laminated so the kids could see what was coming up next and get some idea of what the day would look like. So I figure I will do it for 'school' subjects and activities too! The only difference is I will have a physical place with these things set out for them to do.

I am also trying to figure out in my brain how and when to incorporate the other curriculums I am adding to MFW K. (RightStart Math, Handwriting Without Tears, and Intro to Classical Music).

If any of you have any tips on lining it up and nailing it down... let me know. This is my weak area. In my mind, for some reason I have a hard time completing the thoughts. The lie I believe is that I need to see it, do it, try it, feel it, see how it goes, or any other excuse for me to NOT plan ahead. All that is called is lack of discipline. So there. I said it. Now you know. Keep me accountable.

So what am I doing now?
I have the file folders all in order.
I have placed the worksheets in each file.
I have collected a couple extra resouces that we will be using with MFW K. (more on that another day)
I have purchased foam squares to make the weekly badges.
I have tweeked the grid I have with the daily plans (this will be an on-going tweeking).

If you do MFW, what have you done to prepare so far?

My Father's World Blog Roll!

2010-07-08T18:38:00.000-04:00

Our Favorite Outdoor Activity (these days)

2010-06-25T19:50:00.001-04:00

The kids are loving painting on an old bed sheet outside! They spend at least a half of an hour painting and another hour hosing it all away! I am thinking this classifies under ART and EXPERIMENTS!

Here is what you will need: An old bed sheet, Tempra Paint, Dish Soap, Water, paint brushes, and something to hold the paint. I used an egg tray I got from the dollar store at Easter time.

Here is what I do.

I squeeze a small amount of paint into small paint jars, add and equal amount of dish soap (for easier clean up) and the rest is water.

This makes the paint watery. That is okay cause once it gets on the bed sheet it kind of bleeds a little anyway. I just figure more water makes the paint go further.

Dig In!

When the painting fun is through. Pull out the hose! Now the real fun begins!

Clean out the paint jars, the brushes, and the hose down the bed sheet….. No need to rush this process. This is a big part of the fun!

Later, after they have exhausted themselves, I give it all one final hose down and toss the sheet in the wash so it is ready for next time.

Let's Make a Waterfall!

2010-05-24T15:25:00.007-04:00

Being spring we are noticing lots of water fountains lately. While we were at English Gardens, we got the idea that we could try to build our very own water fall!

So that is what we did today! They spent hours reconstructing it until the water fell just right. Well, I think it will be an on going project. It really is all about the process, not the finished product!

Butterfly Surprises

2010-05-24T00:14:00.006-04:00

Last week I purchased a Butterfly Garden Kit. As soon as we got it, I got online and ordered our 5 caterpillars! We are so excited for this science/nature project! We may have to wait about 3 weeks for the caterpillars but we will just have to be patient. Once we get them we will put them in our butterfly house and watch them make the cocoon around themselves then we will witness there breaking forth as beautiful butterflies. Then we will pray for them and release them into the wild! I just pray for no tragedies!

SURPRISE #1
God himself gave us a head start! The day I ordered our caterpillars, my husband had come in from outside. When he was sitting at the dining room table I notified him that there was a butterfly sitting on his shoulder! I quickly reached for the butterfly house that was still in it's box and we captured this beautiful butterfly! My four year old was absolutely tickled!

We have a branch with blossoms in it and an orange slice and some sugar water drops on the branch for food.

SURPRISE #2
My son was standing and watching this little butterfly in his house and he wasn't moving. I explained that butterflies need a rest too. Well, while my son stood watching and waiting for movement, he was playing his harmonica. Just then this butterfly came to life and danced all around. When he stopped playing the butterfly sat still. Then he played again and sure enough he fluttered all around in there as if he were on stage. You could almost sense this creature was making himself beautiful cause he knew others were watching.... but only when the harmonica was being blown.
Fluke?

We tried it again later and we witnessed another beautiful dance of the butterfly!

Here they are trying to get this beauty to fly away. They took turns playing the harmonica to get it out of the house. Once he flew off. We found him on our siding. He actually flew on Gabe's hand but I wasn't quick enough to snap a picture of it.

What fun! Thank you our Heavenly Creator for every detail... known and unknown to us.
Your intricate details are truly remarkable!

If I had a Million Dollars~HS wish list

2010-05-20T08:34:00.003-04:00

StudyPod
Olde World Style Maps
Rocket Phonics ~ Reading Program

Creating a Worm House

2010-05-07T08:17:00.004-04:00

I am so exciting for the kids to make this little worm house! (Cause I won't be touching ANY worms). I came across this excellent tutorial on how to create a worm house out of things you should have in your home and yard.

This will be our next 'sunny day' project (it is raing today- although it is likely a good day to find worms easily). From what I hear you will be amazed at how quickly and fast worms mulitply. The soil they live in (is called castings) is gold for your garden too! We just may have to make a few of these!

Audio Books for kids

2010-05-05T09:16:00.003-04:00

We have been enjoying these audio books over the breakfast table.

This author is so much fun. Even the narration makes it exciting!

A Different Perspective

2010-04-27T09:10:00.006-04:00

I just know this is coming... In fact I have already had hints of these questions when we tell someone we’re homeschooling. “What about hanging out with friends their own age?" Homeschool Coop... lots of friends.
"You can't possibly know everything they will need to learn especially as they get older." That is why we buy curriculum. Homeschool coop covers lots of subject taught by various parents.

While skeptics are quick to point out all the things they think my kids will be missing, I can’t help but think of all the things they’re not missing! Like…

Moving on in a lesson before they’re ready, or lagging behind until the rest of the class gets it. At home, they move at their own perfect pace.

Getting stuck with a teacher that doesn’t like them. They are now guaranteed to be teacher’s pet!

Having to do PE when they have cramps. Their teacher now gives them the day off and some pampering to boot.

Bullies and mean girls. Mom is right there to hear and see everything.
Needing permission to use the bathroom. Freedom to go anytime!

Needing permission to get a drink of water. Drink up, kids!

Waking up early. Or sometimes, even getting dressed. Which means we’re also not missing an hour of hair, makeup, and a possible fashion crisis every morning.

Cafeteria food. Need I say more?

Peer pressure. Mom’s definitely not missing this one, either.

Exposure to media, lifestyles, advertising, celebrities, etc. that their parents don’t want them exposed to. That’s right, we’re sheltering them. And proud of it.

What aren’t your kids missing?

For some resources to help with higher education click here.

Fun Geography!

2010-04-26T14:08:00.004-04:00

We recently discovered GOOGLE EARTH. It is a free downloadable program that can take you in 3D any where across the globe! My four year old boy has had so much fun flying like and airplane over mountains and speed boating across the ocean.

We have visited The Statue of Liberty, The Ancient Pyramids in Egypt, The Grand Canyon, Iceland, Russia, The Effle Tower, Niagara Falls, Big Ben and more. Without cracking a book he has learned about these places just my exploring with Google Earth!

I often let him use Google Earth during his sister's nap time.
There are other features we have to still play with like the Flight Simulator, Going to Mars, and others. As with most online stuff the options are endless.
The nice thing is we learn more and more with each option!

DIY Kites!

2010-04-08T08:45:00.004-04:00

My children have been asking me to make a kite that they could fly. I would have loved to do this but just didn't think a homemade kite would fly.... until..... I saw this post at Mayamade. So we tried and and she is so right! It works! One of the nicest things about this particular kite is it is made with things we had on hand. This is a video of how to make it. The only thing they leave out is putting the string throught the hole.

We will be creating more of these as the weather permits!

NOTE~ This kite uses a plastic grocery bag as the 'string.' It says to cut the plastic bag in a 2 inch spiral. I didn't understand how to do this at first... until I started cutting. The first thing I did was cut off the handles, then cut in 2 inches and continue cutting horizontally to the top of the bag until you reach the bottom of the bag. I hope that helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Now, GO FLY A KITE!

Set Up for Reading Success!

2010-03-29T09:58:00.003-04:00

After reading this article on how the public school system sets boys up to HATE reading. I just had to post this.
Public schools tend to choose books girls like and not the ones boys like. If you think about it 98% of younger grade teachers are female thus the tendency to pick what they like.

In a nutshell, they recommended this site called Books for Boys that shows books boy love!

As a Homeschooling mom, I choose to set my kids up for reading success!

For the Beauty of the Earth - It is SPRING!

2010-03-18T02:06:00.012-04:00

Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth
(Listen to it here)

1. For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

2. For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

4. For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on earth and friends above;
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

5. For Thy Church that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

6. For Thyself, best gift divine,
To our race so freely given,
For that great, great love of Thine,
Peace on earth, and joy in heaven:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
Lyrics: Folliot Sandford Pierpoint
Music: Conrad Kocher

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the Beauty of the Earth
Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835–1917

Not much is known about Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, the author of this hymn. He was born in the town of Bath, England. The inspiration for this hymn text is said to have come to the young author as he was strolling about his native town one day in the late spring, entranced by the beautiful countryside with the winding Avon River in the distance.

I have been reading a fabulous book by Sharon Lovejoy called Sunflower Houses: A book for Children and Their Grown-Ups.

This book opens up a world of discovery for children in the garden. She gives great ideas of how to FULLY enjoy your garden and to make your children be a large part of planting, watering, observing, and enjoying it. Some of her ideas that I like (some I will try this year, others will have to wait for another year) are:
Sunflower Houses, Growing a Zucchini in a bottle, a sundial garden, butterfly garden, making dolls, hats, crowns, tea cups and scaucers .... all from specific flowers, a rainbow garden, floral clock garden (arranging flowers in pie shape and in order of flowers that open at various times of the day), worm boxes.... the list goes on.

Lovejoy has allowed me to allow my kids to explore the earth and she has allowed me to see the earth from a child's perspective. To dig and get dirty. To be creative with plants and flowers. To not be afraid to pick flowers. To treat gardens as a playgroud of sorts. To listen to the bugs and butterflies and to even taste SOME flowers that are safe for tasting.

She lists plants, flowers, fruits and vegitables that are ideal for children to grow. Ones that grow fast, some that are big, and ones that grow easily. I don't know about the kids but that is just what I need when it comes to gardening!

I am sure I will be posting some of these experiences as we enjoy the beauty of the earth!

A New Adventure

2010-02-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the open door to our world of learning at home. New adventures await
us each day. The little ones God has given us face new and exciting things everyday. As they come of age to begin learning to read, write, do math and much more, my goal is to log what we are doing, what we have done as well as what we plan to do in the future.
These will be notes for me to refer back to as well as be a guide for others who come after me.

May the Lord, Jesus Christ be pleased and glorified in our effort to grown in knowledge.