Almost free Homeschooling...

I don't know about you...but I'm tired of spending loads of money to try and meet the needs of our Homeschooling.  There has got to be a more practical way without such or any expense.

So, as of right now, I am on a mission to see if I can homeschool my children without buying any more resources or a least keeping it to bare minimal.  So, the plan is obviously to utilize the public  library more efficiently, free on-line resources and  keep a look out for freebies and give-aways (which I'll post when I find some). 

So wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.

Enjoy the Ride!
Brook

One Thousand Gifts @ an Awsome price!!!

If you ever heard of Ann Vonskamp, you know she is the author of an inspiring book called One Thousand Gifts.  Right now at CBD her book is priced 59% off!!!!  Head over and take a look for yourself...just click the link below:

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.

What's Happening @ Currlick...

 

 

 

Click here to Save!!!!

The Homeschool Bus "Book Spotlight"...

This "Book Spotlight" is on the classic Bambi by Felix Salten (Note: My understanding this is not the original but the abridged version.  It appears to be very difficult to locate an original.)

If you are like me, when you think of Bambi you think of Disney's version of Bambi-the colorful whimsical movie we all grew up on and love.  And we can't forget the tearful moments where Bambi loses his mother and the forest fire that convicts all children that hunters are bad-which, I don't completely agree with, because I come from a long line of hunters and for them it was a matter of supplying for their family and survival.

The original Bambi was written intentionally as an adult novel, but it so colorfully written that it intrigues and delights the youngest of readers and listeners.  I was delightfully impressed with the abundance of vivid words and pictures they created-though I had to look some of the words up for clarification.  My children would beg for me to read more as they too were caught up in the imagery of wild life.

The differences between this version and Disney's version is:
An abundance of rich colorful words for description.  It almost reads like poetry.

1. Not sugar coated-it is a literary observation of wild life.
2. There is no Thumper or Flower (Bummer, I know).
3. There is no forest fire. But still a very shocking, uncomfortable, sobering scene that needs adult discretion towards the end of the book.  It's difficult to have to relate such sobering events to children but when done carefully it adds to the value of the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book as a read-a-loud for the family. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  And if I'm ever fortunate to find and read a copy of the original I'll post my thoughts.

Enjoy the ride,
Brook

A little help for Moms this Holiday Season...

I'm not a guru on home management or organization.  I'm still learning like the rest of us.  But I have found that a prepared Menu and keeping inventory of the items within our home to be a true blessing in our busy homeschooling days.  So, I have posted a free December Menu and Inventory Chart to the bottom of my "All About Routine" Page. Feel free to take a look and print out for your own use if you desire. 


I hope it is useful to someone.

Blessings,
Brook

For Us Moms...

For some encouragement to all us Moms wanting to be the "Super MOM"...

A 2nd Generation of Homeschooling

Science and Creation and Homeschooling...

For our family, like any other family, our faith and education is very important.  We strive to make sure our children are very grounded in both.  More importantly, we hold God's word as authority and see God in all creation in this world around us.

But just because we are creationists, we do not withhold information of evolution from our children.  In fact, I want them to know it- so that they can know how to defend their faith and think for themselves.  I will check out secular science books for my children to read.  We then discuss the information and then go the bible and creation resources and discuss some more about what we have learned from both sides.

Our favorite tools and resources come from Answers in Genesis.  We receive their quarterly magazine, Answers Magazine  (the children love the kid's section), and use it to help supplement our science lessons.  

As a testimony, Answers in Genesis was one of the first resources that helped solidify our faith by having the answers we were seeking when we were new Christians trying reconcile God and evolution.  Ken Ham helped us see that it's OK to take Genesis as literal history and how it strengthens the faith of a Christian and that science can and does support the Creator.

What resources do you find helpful when teaching science?

At Currclick...

Currlick is hosting a Mock 2012 Election and Sale for Homeschoolers with savings up to 50% off on election and goverment resources.

Sounds like fun and big savings! So, head on over there- the polls will be open from October 16th to November 6th.

Enjoy the Ride!
Brook

Over at CBD...

From October 8th thru October 15th, CBD will have Amanda Bennet Unit Studies marked of 25% off.  Amanda Bennet has a Unit Study on just about everything under the sun.  There is a Christmas Unit Study, as well, if your already gearing up for the holidays.
So, click the link and take a look...



Thanks for stopping by.
Brook
 

Checking In...

Hi, there!  Just thought I'd check in and let you all know... I'm still here.

We've been busy these last couple of months with getting back to our homeschool routine and helping out with my grandfather. 

Our homeschooling is going slow but moving forward...which is good. Finding  Isn't this one of the beautiful things of homeschooling is working at your child's pace and not of someone else? The important part is helping and encouraging my children in what ever it is they are struggling with and remember this is not a race. 

We're mainly focusing on the 4R's: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, & "Biblical" Reasoning.  I have casually added books on history and science subjects for read-a-loud and individual reading-due to other life events occurring in our family.

My grandfather is doing wonderfully.  He is now able to walk around on his own with help of a cane for just in case.  And he no longer needs 24 hour assistance.  He was afraid that he would never walk, again.  But his determination and faith in God overcame his injury, yeah!

Thank you for those who prayed.

So, with things winding down now (hopefully), I will be able to put in a little more time into this ministry and share what we have and  will be doing.

Thanks for stopping by!
Brook

Math Mammoth Sales...

Note: I do not get compensated for this advertisement.  I just really like Math Mammoth!

This notice came from an e-mail by Maria Miller @ Math Mammoth today regarding current sales :

1) Homeschool Buyers Co-op

The traditional group buy for Math Mammoth and Make It Real
Learning bundle products at Homeschool Buyers Co-op is now live
- for the whole month of August.

https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/math-mammoth/?c=1

The discount is 20% up to 50% depending on the number of participants.


2) Rainbow Resource is running a sale on the PRINTED books and CDs
for the Light Blue Series. Save $2 on workbooks, $5.45 on CDs.
and $6 on sets.

http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=10&category=9820
I've been using Math Mammoth Light Blue series for a year now.  I can honestly say that is has helped me teach my children math.  It is a worksheet oriented but not overwhelmingly so. I think that's because it's mastery based.  You can go at your own pace and Maria has many of suggestions and suggested web sites to visit for addition practice.  When you have multiple ages under 9 to teach sometimes a worksheet can be your best friend.  Anyway, homeschooling is all about using what fits your needs and family and this has definitely fit our math needs.

So go ahead and check out her materials.  They are already affordable even without the sales. 

First Day of New Learning Year...

Monday is officially our first day of our new learning year and I'm already making adjustments before we even begin.

This year we're putting more focus on our language arts since I feel we were a little weak.  I'm wanting to do more dictation and copywork. My biggest task is implementing it.

Here's the thing, my 85 year old grandfather has some how managed to rupture his hip muscle and is pretty much immobile right now and in need of 24/7 care till we can get him mobile again.  He's taking it pretty hard considering he's a very active, independent man for his age.  Not to mention, he's still dealing with a broken heart from losing my Grandmother last December. But because he's such an awsome "Papa", the kids and I for 3 days out of the week are helping care for him.  So, between caring for him and runnning after the 3 year old and 1 year old, I think there will be more copy work than dictation.  I'd still like to dictate once out of the week as a sort of test.  But it will have to be on the days we are home and my house work load is low. (Scratching brain right now.) Maybe, I can get the three year old and one year old to take a nap-their schedule has been so messed up that they don't know up from down right now.

Any-how, I think what I'll do is use the on-line worksheet makers and print copywork ahead of time using text from the McGuffey Readers and Scripture for the older two.  For my five year old, I'm going to use some free worksheets from Confessions of a Homeschooler (thanks Sheri) to help her with letter formation as well as use her composition book (just to get her use to it).  We'll read the text, then discuss the text/letter formation, then they'll do the copywork, and then review.

For our Math, we are going to review our math facts and previously learned concepts these next few weeks since we took two months off.  We'll be using Math Mammoth and supplementing with Ray's.  Though, I see us using Math Mammoth more than our Ray's considering our situation right now.

For our Bible Study, I have been reading a bible story right after breakfast and have the children read a Psalm and Proverbs to my grandfather-hoping it brightens his outlook a bit.

For History/Geography and Science, we'll read from our history based or science based literature. Then go over unknown vocabulary and do Notebook pages and a science project once or every two weeks. I'm trying something new with our History/Geography and Science we're going to alternate quarters-hoping this will elimate the rushed feeling I get when teaching these subjects due to we heavily depend on library books and always seem to have to return them before I'm ready.  I thing we'll do the same for our Art and Music Appreciation.

Piano lessons have been put on hold for the moment. So, I'll sub with a forgein language-Spanish preferably.

I actually had a schedule all done up-but now needs re-tweeked.  Maybe when I find some more time I'll post it.

Thanks for listening to my rambling and please pray for the healing of my grandfathe's hip. Thanks!

PS- There's a new tab above blog for Handwriting/Copywork gernerating.  Feel free to take a look.

Freebie Alert!!!!

Dollar Homeschool is giving away a free e-book (for just one week) called Homeschool Sanity written by Sherry Hayes- a Homeschool mama of 15 (that's right-15) children.

You can visit her blog Large Family Mothering and learn more about her and her insight on homeschooling.

Enjoy!

The Homeschool Bus "Book Spotlight"...

The book in the spotlight this month for our family is "Blockhead: The Life Story of Fibonacci" by Joseph D'Agnese.

I checked out this book from our local library.  It was recommended by another from a yahoogroup  Living Math Forum. Living Math, also, has it's own website, owned by Julie Brennan, with many helpful resources.  I highly recommend it to homeschoolers and people who are good or not so good at math.  They are a great support system for those who are interested or have questions regarding math and math curriculums.

Back to the book.  My children (8-1yr olds) and I really enjoyed this book. It's a brief biography of Fibonacci (the man responsible for the use our number system today) from his childhood years to adulthood.  It tells about his fascination with numbers and how people misunderstood his ability to think outside of the box-hence, being called "blockhead".  It contains humor and charming pictures that my children loved with the history and math that I wanted to introduce to them.  It is just long enough to keep the attention of a 3 year old-though geared for 6 and up. 

I highly recommend this book for any Read-a-Loud or individual reading for a child who is capable of reading on a 3rd grade level and up.

And remember to enjoy the ride!

Planning Our Next Homeschool Year...

With our Annual Homeschool Assessment done, I'm shifting gears in planning mode for next year.  Though officially I'm homeschooling 2, I will be focusing on my five year old as well.

These past couple years we have done our Bible Study and the 3 R's (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) daily and all other subjects twice a week with a Ruth Beechick feel to applying BPA.  This has worked OK for us-but, I always feel rushed in our studies.  I'm never really satified with the amount or quality of projects we incorporate with our studies.

So, I'm thinking this year, I'd like to try to do a quarterly cycle on subjects like History/Geography, Science, Art & Music Appreciation.  My thinking is as an adult, I don't pursue a study on several interests all at once.  I focus on the necessities daily (Bible, Home Management, find Gluten free recipes). But, study other interests (photography, painting, quilting, etc.) one at a time, till I feel satisfied with what I have learned.  Then I move to another interest. I know standard education doesn't work this way. But, outside of the standard education-educating oneself does.

For me, it allows me time to focus, ruminate, and reflect on what I'm studying.  Couldn't it do the same for my children?  And possibly, make it more enjoyable?  And allow me more time to plan a project and feel like we've accomplished some quality learning?  I don't know.  It sounds good.

So, I think I'm going to try it.

Now, I have to come up with our Study Goals and draft up our Schedule.  Plus, I want to research more on Charlotte Mason to see if and how I can integrate that method into our studies.  Ambleside Online is a great online resource for learning Charlotte Mason. I'll keep you posted. 

What does your homeschooling schedule look like?  What's worked or not worked for you?  Feel free to share!

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