Get a free 1 yr subscription and more from Home Educating Family Magazine...

Over at Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies, you can get a 1 year subscription to the Home Educating Family Magazine and 3 e-books : Avoiding Common Back to School Mistakes, Ages and Stages, and Focus on Special Needs.

Just head over to Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies for more information and claims these freebies-Good through October 25th, 2013.

Enjoy the Ride!

Book "Spotlight"...Cinnabar, The One O'clock Fox

We recently read "Cinnabar: The One O'clock Fox" by Marguerite Henry for our Read-a-Loud:

(Recommended Reading Ages: 8 and up)

We borrowed this book from our local library -recommended as a Read-a-Loud in the Noah Plan Curriculum while studying George Washington.  I haven't used the Noah Plan as our primary curriculum in a while. But I'm still drawn to it's Biblical Principle focus in all areas of learning and life, and occasional reference their guides, as well as, use the book lists.

Story is based on a supposed legend of a fox that would appear at exactly one o'clock to be hunted  by George Washington and his party of hunters.  Marguerite Henry writes from the perspective of the fox (who displays human qualities) and his enjoyment of the chase. Our family very much enjoy the light hearted adventure and has sparked an interest of learning of foxes and their behavior.  This story, also, added another dimension to our first president as not only our first leader and general-but an avid hunter.

Should you pick this up, I hope you enjoy it as much as our family did.

More Freebies!!!!...Homeschool Enrichment Magazine

All issues from 2012 of the Homeschool Enrichment Magazine are available for download for free for a limited time.  This is very time sensitive, so click the link and get your freebie now!

Quality Christian Ebooks...

Homeschool Giveaways has a 12 Classical Ebook freebie event going on now and ending on
August 16th - sponsored by Quality Christian Ebooks.

Click the here or the link above to check out this Freebie.

Click here to learn more about Quality Christian Ebooks.

Enjoy the Ride!

Math Mammoth-Freebie!



Math Mammoth

Maria Miller @ Math Mammoth from the goodness of her heart is giving a way one of her math e-books for a limited time
(now - August 18th).

Our family (three/five children) use Math Mammoth.  I have really been blessed with the purchase and use of her materials. It's reasonably priced and leads up to independent learning which is a blessing for mamas of multiple learners.  Like every homeschool mama who sits and ponders are their kids really getting what they need out of a curriculum- I started to doubt it's effectiveness, because in the back of my mind was "What if there's something better?"  Then over the summer break my children have showed how much they learned and understand the concepts taught to them through this curriculum.  This put to rest any doubts or insecurities I had developed.  And again, I trust and love Math Mammoth. :)

So, go ahead and click the link above and take advantage of  this free offer.

Note:  I do not get compensated for this referral.  We use this curriculum and have been blessed by it educationally and financially.

Happy Homeschooling and Enjoy the Ride!

Preparing for the Next School Year 2

Are you new to homeschooling and looking for direction?  Are you already homeschooling looking for some encouragement?

Go ahead and visit these blogs - you just might find what you're looking for!

 

 

Home Hearts

 

Large Family Mothering

 

Traveling the Narrow Road

Practical Pages

Homeschool Creations

Confessions of a Homeschooler
 



Getting Ready for a New School Year!!!

Hi there!  It's been a while since my last post, took a break to refocus on family and home priorities.  It was a much need and well spent break.  But from the looks of it I have some updating to do on this blog. Yet, it feels good to get back into the swing of things.



For a couple weeks now the local stores have had school supplies on sale.  I don't know about you but this is when I load up on the things we need.  Usually, I hit these sales at the last minute scrambling and rummaging through the left overs.

This year, I took the second week of July to sit down and take inventory of our school supplies -because I knew the stores were prepping for their back to school sales starting the last two weeks of July.  It's so much cheaper to stock up at this time than to pick-up an item when it runs out.

Things I purchase:

•  3" 3-Ring Binders - to file kids work and my paperwork/lesson plans
   (re-use for next year until no longer functional)
• 1" 3-Ring Flexi Binders for any books I print out
• Dividers with tabs
  (separate subjects)
• Cahier books for journals
• Packs loose Wide Rule paper for kids / College Rule for me
• Computer paper
• jumbo pencils
• pink erasers
• mechanical pencils (for older children)
• refill lead and erasers for mechanical pencils
• box of crayons for each child (keeps everyone happy)
• liquid and stick glue for each child
• construction paper
•  scissors each child
• rulers each child
• colored pencils
• markers
• water color paints
• rubber bands
• stickers
• tempera paint
• index cards for our vocabulary
• Clips
• Staples  (book making)
• Duct Tape (for projects and book making and well... it's Duct Tape!)
• Organizer Pockets for storage of Pencils and erasers in the Binders
• Reinforcement labels for loose papers in binders
• Pens for Mom to grade with
• Dry Erase Markers Big and Small
• Dry Erase Boards - Awesome for Preschoolers and Elementary learning to read and write

 I thought about back packs-but we don't do enough traveling to justify the expense and with 5 kids it's too much to try to keep track.

I don't normally have to pick up everything.  But this is what is on my inventory list and if I'm out or low I stock up at this time on these items.

This is also a good time to pick-up dress clothing and shoes for the kiddos.  I typically shop Goodwill or thrift shops for our clothing.  But for dress clothing I hit the sales for those two to three nice outfits for special occasions.

So, when do you prepare and where do you shop for the next school year?  Maybe your ideas to could help any newbies or families stuggling to make it work.

Bargin Shopping at CBD...

Here are some great Bargain Deals from CBD (mostly "slightly imperfect" items-but great prices):

D Is for Dinosaur: Noah's Ark and the Genesis Flood - Slightly Imperfect By Ken & Mally Ham / Master Books

Sequential Spelling Level 3 Student Workbook, Revised Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Wave 3 Learning AVKO's Sequential Spelling Student Workbook features in-order blank spelling lists (unlike the student response book) with additional fun activities on the back of the page to help with reinforcement. Word searches, writing prompts, and fill-in-the-blank exercises are included for each lesson. 376 pages, softcover. No word lists are included; those continue to be sold-separately in the teacher's book. Sequential Spelling Grade/Level 3.

Math 76, Fourth Edition, Solutions Manual - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

The American Heritage Series on DVD - Slightly Imperfect By BMG

A Reason For Science, Level E: Student Worktext - Slightly Imperfect By A Beginning Advantage

Reading Series 2- Quarter 2 - Slightly Imperfect By Rudy Moore / Mott Media, Llc

Wordly Wise 3000, Grade 3, 2nd Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Educators Publishing Service

Sequential Spelling Level 2 Student Workbook, Revised Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Wave 3 Learning

Home Study Kit--Algebra 2, Third Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Key To Geometry, Book #7 - Slightly Imperfect By Mcgraw-hill Education Whether you're looking for preparation for geometry, a remedial course or a basic refresher, Key to Geometry is a non-threatening way to gain a working, practical knowledge of the subject. Students begin by drawing lines and bisecting angles, eventually working their way to sophisticated constructions involving over a dozen steps. When the course has been completed, students will have been introduced to 134 geometric terms and will be ready to geometric proofs. 55 pages, paperback. Workbook 7 covers perpendiculars and parallels,Chords and Tangents and Circles.

Sequential Spelling Level 1 Teacher Guide, Revised Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Wave 3 Learning

Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Grade 2, Red Teacher - Slightly Imperfect By Common Sense Press

Go for the Code, Book C - Slightly Imperfect By Educators Publishing Service

Easy Grammar Grade 5 Workbook - Slightly Imperfect By Isha Enterprises, Inc.

Algebra 1/2, Revised Home Kit - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Structure of Matter - Curriculum Supplement By Institute For Creation Research The second of a new teaching supplement series, Structure of Matter tackles the basic forces and elements of the physical world, such as the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, the structure of the atom, the periodic table, and much more. Truly, the order and design of the universe point to a Creator of omnipotent power and omniscient strength. Designed to work within your school's existing science curriculum, Structure of Matter includes a teacher's manual and a CD-ROM packed with K through 12 reproducible classroom activities including: student activity sheets fact sheets vocabulary lists and cards review sheets exams and for the lower grades, PowerPoint presentations. Audience: Teachers and Students K-12 ICR Item Number: SBSTM1 This Structure of Matter kit from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) contains: 1 Teacher Supplement with informative overviews of major concepts for teachers to read. 43 full-color pages, softcover. 1 Teacher Resource CD-ROM with student activity sheets, fact sheets, vocabulary lists and cards, review sheets, exams, and Power-Point presentations for lower elementary grades.

Ancient Civilizations & the Bible: Teacher Guide - Slightly Imperfect By Diana Waring & Gary Vaterlaus(Editor) / Answers In Genesis

Ancient Civilizations & the Bible: Student Manual - Slightly Imperfect By Answers In Genesis

Answers for Preschoolers Sing Along Audio CD - Slightly Imperfect By Answers In Genesis

Daily Warm-Ups: SAT Prep Reading and Writing Level 2 - Slightly Imperfect By Walch Education

Easy Grammar Ultimate Series: 180 Daily Teaching Lessons, Grade 11 Student Workbook - Slightly Imperfect By Isha Enterprises, Inc.

Easy Grammar Plus - Slightly Imperfect By Isha Enterprises, Inc.

Key To Measurement, Book #3 - Slightly Imperfect By Mcgraw-hill Education

Human Heredity - Curriculum Supplement By Institute For Creation Research The third of a new teaching supplement series, Human Heredity examines the basic genetics of human characteristics, such as inheritance from parents, dominant and recessive traits, and much more. The study of genetics leads to the inevitable conclusion that all humans came from the first created man and woman. Designed to work within your school's existing science curriculum, Human Heredity includes a teacher's manual and a CD-ROM packed with K through 12 reproducible classroom activities including: student activity sheets fact sheets vocabulary lists and cards review sheets exams and for the lower grades, PowerPoint presentations. Audience: Teachers and Students K-12 ICR Item Number: SHH1 This Human Heredity kit from the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) contains: 1 Teacher Supplement with informative overviews of major concepts for teachers to read. 44 full-color pages, softcover. 1 Teacher Resource CD-ROM with student activity sheets, fact sheets, vocabulary lists and cards, review sheets, exams, and Power-Point presentations for lower elementary grades.

Math 65, Third Edition, Student Text - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Key To Algebra, Book #7 - Slightly Imperfect By Mcgraw-hill Education

GeoSafari Motorized Solar System By Educational Insights Inc. The "sun" shines onto the nine planets as they orbit around it. The central tower and planetary support rods are black so that they "disappear" in a darkened room for a spectacular effect! Replace the solar dome with the star dome included to create a spectacular planetarium sky complete with major constellation names. In addition the base features a special 1000-hour light bulb and planetary longitude marks so the planets can be set up to their correct positions. The Solar System model is powered either by four C batteries (not included) or by an optional AC adapter (not included).

Origin of Life - Curriculum Supplement By Institute For Creation Research The first of a new teaching supplement series, Origin of Life deals with the most crucial issues in science education today. Each Science Education Essentials supplement includes a teacher's manual and a CD-ROM with additional teacher resources. All these materials are designed to enrich and reinforce your students' learning. Science Education Essentials are designed to work within your school's existing science curriculum. This CD-ROM is packed with K through 12 reproducible classroom activities such as: student activity sheets fact sheets vocabulary lists and cards review sheets exams and for the lower grades, PowerPoint presentations Audience: Teachers and Students K-12 ICR Item Number: SBORL1

Picture Perfect By Educational Insights Inc. Practice new skills tile by tile. Place the see-through plastic grid over any of 16 colorful picture patterns and lay matching tiles onto the grid. Children learn color identification, matching, hand-eye coordination, and pattern recognition! Designs graduate in difficulty levels. Includes 128 one-inch tiles in six colors, a 9-inch x 10-inch clear plastic grid, eight two-sided pattern cards, and instructions.

Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Grade 6, Teacher Tan - Slightly Imperfect By Common Sense Press

Math 5/4 Homeschool Kit, Third Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

McGuffey's Eclectic Readers Primer through the Sixth Reader 7 Volumes By John Wiley & Sons This revision of McGuffey's Eclectic Readers features materials applicable to the various reading levels. Many of the stories, poems, and pictures appear as they did in the first edition, but with a more readable print and also a different layout. Each of the volumes is geared to a particular reading level, and provides vocabulary, phonics and cursive writing exercises. These are based on the original readers, with some minor revisions to make the language more understandable for the current times. Stories and poems have been added. There is a primer and six volumes of readers, each reader progressing to a higher grade level. Could be utilized for entire school experience.

Sequential Spelling 2 DVD-ROM - Slightly Imperfect By Wave 3 Learning

Geologic Processes - Curriculum Supplement By Institute For Creation Research The fifth of a new teaching supplement series, Geologic Processes studies earth history to answer the questions of how the earth began, what processes shape it today, what shaped it in the past, and much more. Based on the evidence, the best explanation for the earth's history is the biblical record of creation and the great Flood. Designed to work within your school's existing science curriculum, Geologic Processes includes a teacher's manual and a CD-ROM packed with K through 12 reproducible classroom activities including: student activity sheets fact sheets vocabulary lists and cards review sheets exams and for the lower grades, PowerPoint presentations Audience: Teachers and Students K-12 ICR Item Number: SGP1

The Noah Plan Lessons: Kindergarten - Slightly Imperfect By F.a.c.e.

Saxon Math 3, Home Study Kit - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Explode the Code, Book 6 1/2 - Slightly Imperfect By Educators Publishing Service

A Reason for Science, Level A: Student Workbook - Slightly Imperfect By A Beginning Advantage

Writing Series 3: Quarter 1 - Slightly Imperfect By Rudy Moore / Mott Media, Llc

The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook By Raymond Moore / Thomas Nelson Whether you're just beginning your homeschooling journey, or are already many years into the experience, this handbook has something for all. Each chapter deals with atopic that homeschoolers in particular face, whether the standard question of socialization to lesson plans to perfectionism. Each topic and many chapters are filled with anecdotes and personal testimony of the Moore's homeschooling experience, and those who have been affected by their ministry. Refreshing and practical all at once, this creative approach to homeschooling will encourage you as you persevere in your goals. 300 pages, softcover.

Sequential Spelling Level 4 Student Workbook, Revised Edition - Slightly Imperfect By Wave 3 Learning AVKO's Sequential Spelling Student Workbook features in-order blank spelling lists (unlike the student response book) with additional fun activities on the back of the page to help with reinforcement. Word searches, writing prompts, and fill-in-the-blank exercises are included for each lesson. 376 pages, softcover. No word lists are included; those continue to be sold-separately in the Sequential Spelling 4 Teacher's Guide.Sequential Spelling Grade 4 / Level 4.

Writing Series 2: Quarter 3 - Slightly Imperfect By Rudy Moore / Mott Media, Llc

Science Education Essentials, volumes 1-5 By Institute For Creation Research

Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 2 Volumes (1st Edition) By Dr. Jay L. Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries Looking for a homeschool science curriculum that can be easily understood? Here it is! Designed as a precursor to high school biology, this course discusses topics like the atmosphere, weather, Earth's structure, the physics of motion, and the environmentalist movement. Grades 7 to 9. Hardcover student book features questions and answers, lab exercises using household items, and study guides. Includes a 113-page softcover test/solutions book. 445 pages, hardcover from Apologia.

Exploring Creation with Biology, 2 Volumes (1st Edition) By Dr. Jay L. Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries Biology will quickly become your kids' favorite subject as they explore the fabulous world of flora and fauna. Beginning with the question "What is life?" 16 modules take students on a fascinating journey through the plant and animal kingdoms. An excellent chapter on evolution details the hypothesis, exposes its flaws, and explains why creation science is a viable alternative. Recommended for ninth grade. Includes a 121-page test/solutions book. 578 pages, hardcover from Apologia.

Exploring Creation with General Science, 2 Volumes (1st Edition) By Dr. Jay Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries "Amazing," "a blessing," and "totally cool" are only a few ways parents and students describe this introductory science curriculum. Combining a creationist viewpoint with clear explanations and fun experiments, Dr. Wile presents 16 modules covering simple machines, paleontology, biology, human anatomy, and other topics. All labs use household items. The course is even backed by an Internet support system! Includes a 107-page test/solutions book. 434 pages, hardcover. For 7th grade.

The American Heritage Series on DVD By David Barton / BMG Experience the true untold story of our nation's godly heritage! From the separation of church and state to the civil rights movement, from the courage of our Founding Fathers to the building of our nation's monuments, historian David Barton explores the spiritual, educational, judicial, and cultural influences that molded America's Judeo-Christian values. Twenty-six 30-minute episodes on 10 DVDs. Closed-captioned.

Creation Mini-series DVD Pack By Answers In Genesis Answers in Genesis (AiG), a ministry based in Australia, is reaching people around the world with 'Creation Evangelism'. Last year the ministry opened the Creation Museum in Kentucky to better educate Christians and non-Christians alike about what the Bible says concerning the early days of planet Earth. In the videotaped lectures in this set, AiG president Ken Ham combats decades of public school teaching about "millions of years" and how science and faith should have nothing to do with each other to expose the lie of evolution, the myth of different 'races', the origins of both mankind and dinosaurs, and the question of God's existence. By showing how a biblical worldview can inform a Christian's life, Ham shows how to use creationism as part of an effective evangelism model. If you every had questions about these issues or doubted what the Bible says about them, now is the time to get the answers! Includes Only One Race, The Six Days of Creation, Genesis: The Key to Reclaiming the Culture, Why Won't They Listen?, The Bible Explains Dinosaurs, and Where Did God Come From? Six DVDs, 50 minutes each.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons By S. Engelmann, P. Haddox & E. Bruner / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales In only twenty-to-thirty minutes a day, you can have your preschoolers and non-reading elementary-aged children at a second-grade reading level within 100 days. A complete, step-by-step program, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons includes everything parents need; using the DISTAR method, lessons follow a sensible, simple plan that doesn't require complicated planning or difficult add-on activities. Building from simple exercises that cover sound identification, decoding words and sentences, irregulars, and more, lessons slowly build to more challenging tasks; vocabulary, examples, and the teacher's aspect of the lesson are carefully controlled to help children comfortably progress to a fluent level. Lessons are fully scripted with teacher instruction integrated into the examples and demonstrations. 395 pages, softcover. This program can be used for bright 3-year olds, on-track 4 and 5 year olds, and non-reading elementary students, but is not recommended for struggling readers who make mistakes.

Exploring Creation with Physics, 2 Volumes (1st Edition) By Dr. Jay L. Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries Searching for a solid physics curriculum? Look no further. Physics can be among the most difficult of sciences. But using this hardcover textbook and softcover solutions and test manual, you'll have everything needed for an upper high school course with no further equipment necessary. Covers dimensions of motion, Newton's laws, work and energy, waves, magnetism, optics, electrodynamics, and more. Trigonometry and chemistry are recommended prerequisites. 578 pages, hardcover from Apologia.

Answers in Genesis All-in-One Pilgrim's Progress Combo Pack By Answers In Genesis Aside from the Bible, John Bunyan's timeless allegory is the best-selling book of all time. Now go beyond reading this edifying story and truly experience it! This 'combo pack' contains everything you need for a curriculum or in-depth study of The Pilgrim's Progress. The all-in-one curriculum text features the full-length, illustrated version of The Pilgrim's Progress along with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. A unit study, character analysis, annotated Scripture references and more are included, as well as a student CD with printable pages of questions, activities and illustrations! The Audio CD is read by over fifty different actors, and includes over five hours of exciting dramatic interpretation of the unabridged classic, featuring emotion-stirring music, sound effects and more---will inspire your own spiritual journey.A Special Edition softcover book of The Pilgrim's Progress is included as well, for those that want a smaller & lighter version to read on the go, or to have an extra copy of the text on hand. This Kit Includes: All-in-One Curriculum Book; 496 pages, hardcover Special Ed. Pilgrim's Progress; 288 pages, softcover Dramatized Audiobook CDs; 5 hours on 5 CDs--boxed.

For the Children's Sake By Susan Schaeffer Macaulay / Crossway Books & Bibles Written in encouraging and pleading tones, Susan Schaffer Macaulay is an unyielding advocate for a new method of Christian education. Based upon Charlotte Mason's vision of children as persons, and her refusal to give them not twaddle, but inspiring great literature and stories, For the Children's Sake is an engaging, practical and inspiring treatise on how to extend learning to every aspect of life, instilling in children a richness and joy for living and learning. 164 pages, softcover.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths By Ingri D'Aulaire / Random House, Inc Here are the gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece - mighty Zeus, with his fistful of thunderbolts; gray-eyed Athena, goddess of wisdom; Helios, the sun; greedy King Midas - lavishly depicted by Caldecott winners Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. In a relaxed and humorous tone, these splendid artists bring to life the myths that have inspired great European literature and art through the ages, creating a book readers of all ages will cherish.

Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution (3 DVD Set) By Exploration Films

God's Design for the Physical World: Inventions & Technology - Slightly Imperfect By Answers In Genesis

God's Design for the Physical World: Machines & Motion - Slightly Imperfect By Answers In Genesis

A Reason For Spelling, Level A: Student Worktext - Slightly Imperfect By A Beginning Advantage A Reason for Spelling features scripture verses from the NLT and offer values training as well. Level A includes 230 spelling words and 550+ activities. This workbook is colorful and eye-catching, and the student is able to write in the workbook. According to the publisher, the teacher's guide is absolutely essential for using this student workbook. The stories utilized in this level and important teaching information is included in the teacher's guide. Recommended for Grade 1.

God's Design for the Physical World: Heat & Energy - Slightly Imperfect By Answers In Genesis

Math 54, Third Edition, Student Text - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Saxon Geometry Homeschool Kit - Slightly Imperfect By Saxon Publishing

Arithmetic Series Four- Quarter Three - Slightly Imperfect By Mott Media, Llc

World History: Observations and Assessments from Creation to Today, Student Book - Slightly Imperfect By James Stobaugh / Master Books From homeschooling parent James Stobaugh, World History: Observations and Assessments from Early Cultures to Today provides a comprehensive overview of world history. This student textbook covers Mesopotamia, the Jewish Exile, Egyptian life, Greece, Rome, Japan, Indian, Persian, and Chinese history, as well as the Crusades, renaissance, reformation, and more. Thirty-four chapters each include five daily lessons which take approximately 20-30 minutes each. A short reading is followed by critical thinking questions; an exam is given on the last day of the week. Background information, Bloom's Taxonomy-based questions, concepts, biographical sketches, historical debate updates, worldview notes, and history overview components work together to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historiographical material from a Christian perspective. Lessons are one-page and easy-to-read with black-and-white photographs integrated throughout; critical thinking assignments are given in the bottom corner. This student book contains only the lesson summaries and assignments; tests and other information is in the sold-separately World History: Observations and Assessments Teacher's Guide. 288 pages with timeline, softcover.

Woooo! That was a lot! Hope this is helpful to those on a budget or who just like a good deal.

Happy April!