Something for us Mamas...

Sometimes we, mamas, need something to help us see God's Graces:
(And Right now it's 50% off!!!! at Christian Book Distributors.)

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are By Ann Voskamp Discover a way of seeing that opens your eyes to everyday amazing grace, a way of living that is fully alive, and a way of experiencing the constant presence of God that will bring you deep and lasting joy. There is purity in simplicity and a breathtaking beauty that can be found even in life's slightest details. Ann Voskamp welcomes you in to explore her grace-bathed life of farming, parenting and writing and encourages you to draw nearer to Him and experience your own life in a deeper way, no matter where you are. Renew your appreciation for the beauty that permeates all creation with the wisdom-soaked pages of this Christian Living treasure.

Selections from One Thousand Gifts: Finding Joy in What Really Matters By Ann Voskamp Selections from One Thousand Gifts features powerful, life-changing passages from Voskamp's compelling story and her own exquisite photography, framing a seemingly ordinary, gritty life around true amazing grace. Because if joy is a matter of gratitude, and gratitude is a matter of perspective, then giving thanks changes not only your perspective, but also changes your life. Open these lyrical pages and slow down to discover the joy you've always been looking for. Come find God in the moments! I love her writing.  You can, also, visit her site any time you need to feel encouraged: http://www.aholyexperience.com/

At Currclick ...

Fireworks are just a week away and do your children know why there are fireworks on this day? Celebrate the 4th with Simple Schooling's 4th of July Unit Study!

Hottest New Title Simple Schooling 4th of July Bundle

here are some other suggested 4th of July resources...
(Note: I have not used these materials-but, have looked at their descriptions and previews and found them interesting for consideration.)

Lapbooking Pages from Homeschool Notebooking.com

Patriot Holidays Activities from Teacher Created Resources

The Fourth of July Lapbook Study Guide from A Journey Through Learning

And if you're not into these, here are some suggested books to pick up at the library or local bookstore:

  

Happy Learning!
Brook

BPA with Freedom & Simplicity Poetry Study

Anyone familiar with the Biblical Principle Approach (BPA) method understands, it's easy to make a mountain out of a mole hill. But once the transition and understanding of BPA starts to take place, it can be very rewarding . And being a Christian, it resonates with me to offer my children an education that is fully Christ Centered.

BPA's method is based on applying Biblical Principles and the 4 R's to all areas of study:

Research

Reason

Relate

Record

As stated before, in the beginning, it can be a little overwhelming in figuring out how to implement BPA to all subjects. That's why it's always encouraged to start with one subject and slowly integrate it to all others. History and/or Language Arts seems to be the two easiest subjects to use as a starting point. And it's always welcomed, when someone with experience in BPA has something to offer in making it more friendly and enjoyable.

With preparing for next year's learning and finding areas of improvement, it was great timing that I was given the opportunity to receive a copy and give a review of Lisa Hodgen's new study guide **Freedom & Simplicity™ Poetry Study**. In an e-mail she states , "In this guide I show you how to find Freedom & Simplicity™ in quick and painless daily activities".

Lisa shows how to implement BPA to the study of Poetry in a natural and "simple" way. It's not forced with memorizing the mechanics or mundane with the use of worksheets. She lays out how to do a weekly study in 5 steps with book suggestions and how to integrate poetry with the study of history. Then gives more ideas, important vocabulary, additional resource suggestions, and follows up with Biblical foundations giving more depth and making the study of poetry more meaningful.

This is not a large, over burdensome guide. It's simple and to the point, which I like. When teaching 3 children and running after an additional 2, fluff is not something I need.

I have been (at a snails pace) learning BPA for a couple years, now. After going through **Freedom & Simplicity™ Poetry Study**, I came away rethinking the importance of poetry. I was also encouraged and left with a sense that not only teaching Poetry the BPA way doable- but, has the potential to be very enjoyable for any homeschool.

You can purchase Lisa's **Freedom & Simplicity™ Poetry Study** and more of her BPA products at her website Me and My House.

Thank you Lisa for the new insight and this opportunity to review your new guide.

God Bless & Enjoy the Ride,

Brook

Summer Activities on a Budget...

It's Officially Summer!!!

In our household everything revolves around a budget.  With 5 children and one income, there's no hop in the family van or SUV and go anywhere, anytime you want or buy anything thing when there's a whim.  Nope, not here!  Contentment, Recycling, and Creativity is the key to our Summer.

First, We can not enjoy our summer when we're thinking about what my neighbor and their kids are doing this summer.  We don't have two incomes, we have one.  We chose this narrow path and we're going to stick with it till the Lord moves us to switch paths.  We chose this path for good reasons and good intentions.  So, We are going enjoy what we have and not covet what another has.  We have A LOT to be thankful for to begin with.

Second, We have tons of things that can be reused for crafts, activities, and imaginary play.  Old blankets, fabrics, and clothing just waiting to be turned into something. Sheets of paper, old paper towel or toilette paper tubes, macaroni noodles, wax paper, string and yarn just waiting to be rejuvenated.  Sticks, leaves, flowers, seeds, small rocks, and feathers waiting to be discovered.  On really hot days never under estimate the the fun of spraying the garden hose.

Third, Little ones are busting at the seems to be creative.  Just last night, my oldest daughter asked for some left over construction paper.  I asked her what for.  She wanted to make her own paper doll and clothes for it.  I let her go at it and next I knew, my youngest daughter was right beside her making her own doll.  The night before my oldest son, asked for masking tape.  Quizzically, I asked why.  He wanted to tape designs he made from cut out paper on to his red turtle neck to become a super hero.  He, also, uses our winter masks and decorates them for super hero masks the same way.  And when they are not doing this, they are making tents or playing explorers out in yard.

I think the thing we parents tend to think is that this isn't an activity for the whole family (AKA- us), when really it is.  Join in on the fun and make it a family memory.  Donn the old bed sheet for a cape and be a hero to your kids or better yet, be the helpless person they can save.  Put on a bandanna, place a patch over one eye, and grab a stick and explore the sea with your maties.  Place a table cloth over a large box, set four small boxes around, and get the play dishes and make time for tea.  Play with them...Now that's an activity for the family to remember.

Just in case you need more ideas and need to get away from the house-Here are some ideas I'm batting around and trying to set for the summer (these are usually free):

local village/town museums
local or nearby college town art museum
setting up a visit to a local farm-we have an acquaintance that is an organic farmer
calling up the local police or fire department and asking for a tour
visiting a local Park Reserve

Visiting a Zoo (obviously, this costs money-so, we'll be saving up for it.)

Enjoy the Ride and Enjoy your summer!
Brook

At Currclick...

My kids love animals. They love to learn about animals.  From books to videos to field trips, if it involves animals-They're IN!!!

Over at Currclick, Simple Schooling has a June Nature Unit Study on The Rain Forest.  It's filled with fun informatin, colorful pictures that the kids will love, and activity sheets.  They have a unit study for every month and offer freebies when you join their mailing list.  We all love freebies!!!

So, head over and take a look... For the price ($1.99), it's hard to beat.

Enjoy the Ride,
Brook

Fathers Day!!!

Father's Day is just a few days away. How do you and your family honor Dad on Father's Day? My husband is a simple man. He never asks for anything, nor does he expect anything for Father's Day. His response is always the same and always genuine... "God has already given me the best gifts any man could ask for!" He's the best. But I still like to do stuff for him to show our appreciation. I'll make waffles for him and his favorite dinner on that day. The kids love to draw him pictures and follow him around all day. But one of these days, I'll surprise him with something. I've noticed lately he's been eyeing the Kindle Fire and the deal they got going on right now is pretty tempting... Maybe I should look into two, because you know I've got to test it out, too! And it could be used in our homeschool! Hmm....Decisions, decisions. Hope your family enjoys a special Father's, showing Dad how much you love and appreciate him. Brook

Homeschool Assessments

OK...so, I can't quite relax just yet.  I have to prepare our End of the Year Assessments.

Here in Ohio, homeschoolers have one of three options to show educational progress.

1. Standardize Testing
2. Teacher (certified/liscensed) Assessment
3. Mutual Agreed Alternative between parent and superitendent

We do the Teacher Assessment.  I like them due to there is less pressure to perform for my children and it shows their progression in learning.  It also gives the evaluator an opportunity to converse with the children and get a feel for their character.

My oldest would not do well on a standardized test right now-He doesn't like to be timed.  Sometimes I'll do an on-line placement exam with him and he goes into "deer and the head lights" syndrome.  He goes completely blank.

But when we do the assessment, he enjoys it.  He gets show what he's done and talk about what books he has read or show pictures we've taken to document our work.  It's like a story book of his school year.  I like it; because, the evaluator can show me where our gaps are and give me helpful tips and information to implement for the next year or possibly work on over the summer.

So far, it's worked very well for us.

If you're new to homeschooling and would like more information on what your state requires visit HSLDA , click on my state under quick  "Quick Navigation", and click on your state for their homeschool laws.

If you've been homeschooling for a while or this is your first year-Wha did you opt to do? Does your state require testing? Or do you have other options?  Maybe you aren't required to do anything...feel free to share.

Hope you're enjoying the ride!
Brook

Principle Approach...

If you are interesteng in learning more about the Principle Approach method to Homeschooling then this e-book may be of interest you:


The Principle Approach Primer  by Gina Glenn


It is free for a limited time on Amazon. So, get it today!!!

Enjoy the Ride,
Brook

Summer Vacation & Next Year's Planning

 Summer Vacation is here and all children, homeschool and public, are cheering.  This is when they put up the books and pencils, and enjoy the sun and outside world.  This is also when the homeschool moms and teachers alike take a breather and regroup.  I know this is the case for me.  .

I'm not a homeschool veteran.  In fact, I'm still in beginner stages (My oldest is just 8 years of age).  But, I'm definitely learning a lot and trying to glean anything I can from those before me. 

So, that is why I am listening to those pioneers and taking a break from "School".  It will only be 2-3 weeks for me.  Then I will start my planning for next year.  This time I want to have our routine ... well... more routine.  I, also, want to train my children to be independent learners and doers. Which is going to require me to be more diligent about having our ducks in a row and utilizing our resources in a more accessible and efficient way.

Like, having assignments and books for the day set out for them ahead a time.  Something they can see and go to on their own and take ownership of their day and work-Especially, when mommy is tied up potting training or keeping little hands out of places they don't belong.

Basically, I want to train my children to diligentlly "finish what we started" and then "move to the next thing" without pressure-  knowing "what doesn't get accomplished today can be picked-up again tomorrow".  I want to instill that work ethic of  "Work Before Play" ( This may be more for me than them.). Because "Play" or "Relaxation" is so much more enjoyable when you feel like you've accomplished something.

But for now, I am going to put my books, planners, and worries on the shelf.  I am going to put on my large brimmed hat and sun glasses.  Grab a glass of lemonade and a book.  Lay a blanket on the lawn  and  read to my children, while enjoying the sun and outside world.

I want give thanks to God for getting us through another Homeschool Year!

Happy Summer Vacation!
Brook