Tuesday, August 31, 2010

An offer you don't want to miss!

There is ONE thing that I can honestly say has truly been the main source of my encouragement and information regarding homeschooling. That one thing is The Old Schoolhouse Magazine


It is a wonderful magazine that I look forward to receiving every quarter! When I see it sitting in the mailbox in all of it's glossy gloriousness I quickly find something for the children to do so that I can take a few moments to pour over its beautiful pages. 

I have honestly appreciated TOS's dedication to keeping us informed on the latest happenings in the homeschool world. I love that there is always a word of encouragement from other parents that are in the midst of homeschooling and wisdom from those who have graduated the last of their children. I am thrilled to have been introduced to an amazing array of homeschool companies because of the TOS magazine.

Unfortunately my subscription is almost up...so disappointed...but wait...what's that? Oh, wonderful news:

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is extending an extraordinary subscription offer to homeschool families. Starting August 30th at midnight you can receive a one-year print subscription beginning with the Winter edition for just $7.95-yes, just $7.95

You can also choose to purchase the one-year subscription plus the current Fall issue for $12.95.

Wait...there's more...oh no...some alarming info: Although this offer is good from August 30-September 15, there are only 5,000-yes, only 5,000 of these special subscription prices available. Once they are gone they are gone!!

Hurry and get on over to the TOS website and purchase your subscription while you can! You don't want to miss this!!


Lovin' Learnin'

Monday, August 30, 2010

Weekly Word

Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."


Wow! Listen, dear friend, whatever you're going through, no matter how dismal the situation may be please remember something. If you are a child of God then the God Who created the universe, put the stars in place, created your life

is.

with.

 you.

We have no reason to fear-place this situation in the hands of the Almighty and rest in knowing that you are not alone.



Lovin' Learnin'

My Semi-Organized Homeschool #1 - Mini Offices for Mini People


This is the first post of a little series that I plan on doing. I just want to share with you a few of the things that I have done in our homeschool to help things run a little smoother for us. I call it semi-organized because that is me. I am only semi-organized! Oh I am 100% organized on PAPER but paper isn't real life so I have to be honest.

First up: Mini Offices

Mini offices. Honestly this reminded me of the three years I spent in a Christian school. We had “offices” and although they are only vaguely similar I did have flashbacks. Not a bad thing, just flashbacks.

I have to say that I first made these last year but only used them for a little while before we pushed them to the side and forgot about them. This year however, they are getting quite a workout (albeit this is only Week 2!!)

The mini offices have been such a blessing to have! They really do allow my girls to focus on the task at hand. It’s amazing how much more a person can concentrate if only they do not SEE the distractions!!! Yes, they can still HEAR all the noise but not seeing it has made a difference for these two.

Many of the mini offices that I saw were made from file folders. I knew that since my children seem to destroy everything very quickly file folders wouldn’t have survived long here. So I kept looking. Somewhere in the blogosphere…remember this was last year…I saw that someone had used those tri-panel science project boards for theirs. I knew that I had found our future mini offices.
I promptly had my hubby go out and buy me one along with some of that First-Aid fabric tape (that’s probably not the name but I can’t think of its proper name right now!) so that I could tape off the edges to make them neat. We got our boards from Wal-Mart last year for around $4.00 but now they have them-although not as tall-at Dollar Tree. I purchased a couple and they seem to be durable. I was going to use one for Brother but he isn’t satisfied with one smaller than the girls…I think it has something to do with it stepping on his manhood. A man isn’t to be outdone by the ladies now is he?!!

Once I got my hands on the board I decided what half-way would be and began
cutting. It didn’t come out totally even but the tape covered up most of my mistakes.
DSCN3380Yes, I know it's upside down. I did that on purpose. I didn't want the ugly, uneven side on top.

 I then printed, cut out and attached the printables that I wanted to use. Anything that we were working on for that particular child went into their mini office. This works out to be like a study aid of sorts.
I have recently thought about removing items from one of the flaps so that the girls can use that space to put up any little pictures or decorations that they want. I haven’t done it yet but I am very tempted to. I also am wondering if the backsides couldn’t be spray painted so that they are prettier. Hmm…gotta experiment with that.

Another plus is that the storage space is very minimal! Can you spy the mini-office in this picture?
DSCN3384 Anyway, that is the McMama version of mini offices. I hope that you find it useful! I’d be glad to answer any questions that you might have!!

Some great links for mini offices:
The Teaching Heart: Tons of great printouts for the younger set!! Their offices were made extra mini by using file folders!!!
Mrs. Meacham has some handy idea as well!!! LOVE her calendar stuff!! Look it up.
Lapbook Lessons: I got quite a few of my printables here!! I love this little place!! They have some wonderful printables for your mini office.

A fellow blogger and her oodles of  mini office offerings (links):
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!! There’s a ton out there!!! Happy searching.

Lovin' Learnin'

Doing What I Said I Never Would!!!!



We can be like that can't we? We can passionatly say, "I would NEVER do..." and then one day we wake up and realize that we are doing just that!!

Well it's been like that for me with technology in our homeschool. Believe me, as a blogger I know how hard it can be to discipline one's self when it comes to computer time. Knowing that I really didn't want the McKiddies to have to struggle as well.

But here I am, in my what, 3rd year of homeschooling and I am implementing the computer in my school. Yes, there I said it, I am doing it!! We use the computer...and you know what...it's gone great!!

We use the computer for typing lessons utilizing a program called Keyboard Town Pals. We will use it for their Spanish lessons and Brother has been using it for a review that I am doing. I plan to record the children as they recite their memory work, so we will use technology there. We listen to our composer study music from the computer...there's another place. We use technology-and my kids are 3rd grade and under!

Ya know what though, I am thankful for one thing. Self-control. Yes, the McKiddies are learning to control their desires to stay on the computer for as long as the flesh wants. We have schedules, time limits and "computer work days" and a  "computer fun day". We don't allow them to sit around and mindlessly move nothing but the mouse for hours on end-it is controlled. And I pray that in doing this when they grow into adults that they have the ability to control the computer and not let it control them.

Yes, we use technology-but it doesn't use us!! We don't depend on it, our days aren't ruined if we don't get to it...but yes, we use technology. There are plenty of benefits to it, as long as you control the things that aren't beneficial!!

Click on the button at the top of the post to see what other Crew Members have to say about this.

Lovin' Learnin'

TOS Crew Review-Peterson Directed Handwriting

The Product
TOS Review


Today I bring to you our review on the  Peterson Directed Handwriting Cursive e-books Levels 1-4, priced at $19.95 each.
Never heard of it? Well let me fill you in.
Peterson Directed Handwriting teaches children to internalize rhythmic, movement modules that come out as fluid, legible, intuitive writing rather than relying upon visual feedback (a counterproductive technique for all ages, even adults).

Understand that? Okay, let’s see…uh…this handwriting program teaches children to become so familiar with certain movements learned at a rhythmic pace that the output is beautiful writing that becomes a natural part of the child. No where in this curriculum will you find “Now, have your student copy a lowercase 'a' 600 times”. No, pencil tracing is actually discouraged. You can listen to an informative presentation here.
This program is dedicated to improving and strengthening motor skill development in your young children in order to be efficient in their writing. This is done by finger-tracing exercises, proper pencil grip (phenomenal in and of itself!) proper paper placement, sitting posture, oh, even desk height.

There is so much information on their website that will educate you beyond your wildest dreams about all things handwriting.
Here is a quote from their materials, “Teach the student to hold the page in writing position and use the pointer finger to trace the movement model. Cursive strokes are produced with lateral movements. Position skills are critical for control of fluent movements. Chant the Action Words, Count or Colors aloud and move with the voice. The challenge to move smoothly with the vocal when finger-tracing, air-writing and with the pencil on the practice page, greatly enhances the internalization process.”
That really was our daily handwriting practice in a nutshell…but read on for a little more detail.
The Experience
We began each handwriting session with “air writing” and “finger tracing” exercises. I would write a stroke (or letter if we had learned all strokes for that letter) on the chalkboard and each child would then air write it a few times and then finger trace it. Now we did this all while saying the key words out loud-each and every time. This is suppose to help with rhythm and causes the child to actually write and not draw his letters (something that letter tracing encourages).
                             
After that Brother would be done and the Big girls would head to the table (lowered to the correct height) to do pencil work. Again, they would not trace but, using the motor skill memory gained from the earlier exercises, they would try to write a certain stroke or letter as best they could. I would have them try to write at least 4 very good models and then our lesson for the day would be done.
The execution of our day was easy and the kids really have enjoyed this curriculum. This is a very CM friendly curriculum in that it can be done in a small amount of time and engages the children wholly.
Something extra that I did do was to purchase the Crossover Pencil Gripper, Triangular Pencils and Position Guides. These products just added to our great experience with this product.

The Thoughts

Honestly the Peterson curriculum is not the most user-friendly right off the bat. There is a lot of information with technical words that really did confuse me at first. As homeschoolers I know that often we want something that we can just open up and say “Okay, tell me what to say and do.” This curriculum isn’t like that. Take the time to study and learn, I was so glad that I did. I think that getting to know this curriculum before I plunged into it made all the difference. Just by reading the information available on their website I became more convinced that their methods were the best I have ever seen. And gained confidence in teaching it.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in this curriculum to take a few weeks and read as much of the information you can from the website. It will make you much more confident as you begin this with your children. That being said though I could not write this review without mentioning the fact that Mr. Nelson was always available and accommodating to those who needed help or had questions! No better customer support anywhere!!

Oh yeah, another great testimony:  the children never complained about this!! The last two years handwriting was an unwelcomed guest at our house, not this year!!

Isn't it bee--u-t-ful?!
Also! The other night while sitting in church Brother (my almost 5 year old anit-drawing, coloring, writing boy) taps me on the arm and points down to the paper that he had been writing on. When I looked down at it I saw a wonderful "sharp top" printed on there. I was so thrilled. Remember, the only things that we have done with him have been the air writing and very quick chalkboard exercises. He has yet to place a pencil to paper to sit and reproduce stroke after stroke "ad nausium". This beautiful little stroke (the basis for lower case 't', 'i' and 's' to name a few) is a result of him "internalizing"-as Mr. Rand Nelson would say-the stroke itself. What better testimony of true understanding and a program that works!

The Breakdown
  • Cursive ebooks $19.95 each
  • Take time to understand the reasoning behind this method.
  • Excellent support available at their website.
  • Great supplements available for purchase as well.
Wanna see what others have to say about this? Click on the banner for more Crew Reviews.
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**Any products reviewed by me as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew have been given to me free of charge in order for me to provide you with an honest review of the product and/or how we used the product within our family. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.**

Lovin' Learnin'

Saturday, August 28, 2010

We Have a Winner!!

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Drumroll please!! The winner of this nifty Sign Language book and flashcard set is Cierra from Dear Child Of Mine. Congrats Cierra.

I hope that the truly enjoy this set.

Thank you to ALL who entered! I really wish that everyone could've won something...I always feel badly for those that don't...maybe some of you will win other items!!

*Winner was determined using the Random.org number generator*

Lovin' Learnin'

We Have a Winner...

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Drumroll please!! The winner of this wonderful set of TWO Artpac Level 1 is the crew from Patriots of the Republic Academy.
I hope that the truly enjoy this curriculum.

Thank you to ALL who entered! I really wish that everyone could've won something...I always feel badly for those that don't...maybe some of you will win other items!!

*Winner was determined using the Random.org number generator*

Lovin' Learnin'

Thursday, August 26, 2010

My Garden Helper

Big Sis said to me one day, “Can I use this basket and help you pick some vegetables from the garden?” My bloggin’ mind immediately thought of the camera…and then of saying “Sure!!”
Enjoy the pictures!

Lovin' Learnin'

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Thankful Thursday

This Thankful Thursday I want to praise the Lord for the men that He has called to serve Him by preaching His word.

We have been having special services at our church with a man whom the Lord has used to challenge me to live better for His glory!! I'm so thankful to be able to hear the preaching of His precious Word and to feel the moving of the Spirit in my heart.

Thank you Lord for men that serve You faithfully but most importantly, thank you for Your precious Word.

"For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword..."

Lovin' Learnin'

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Homeschooling Isn't Always Pretty!!!

Isn't that the truth?!!! Some days are great and I know that this is what I want to do until all of my kiddos are graduated...but then come "those days" and I want to throw in the towel then and there!!!

Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers


I've seen these buttons around before but never went over to see what it was all about...well I did today and I'm glad I did. Yesterday, for me, was pretty stinky!! NOTHING went right!!! I was overwhelmed and ready to chase after that big yellow bus as soon as I laid eyes on it!!!

But, after prayer, a nap and a talk with a fellow homeschooling Mama I felt ready to tackle another day.

Well Kris from Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers blogged about just that same thing and I just have to share it with you!!! I hope you enjoy it and it helps you out!! I know that it did me!!!


Lovin' Learnin'

Monday, August 23, 2010

Fall 2010 Curriculum Clean-Out



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The next item I'm cleaning out is a set of two Art With a Purpose Artpac1 packets. One is opened but unused but the other is completely sealed. Read some reviews here.
To enter simply leave a comment below with your email address. For extra entries you can become a follower of my fledgling blog and link to me on your blog either through a post from the blog or Facebook. Please make sure that you leave a comment for each entry.

This giveaway is open to US residents until Saturday, August 28th at 8:00 P.M EST, at which time I will randomly choose a winner. Please be sure you leave a way to contact you in your comments (via your blog or an email address). If I don't hear back from you in three (3) days, I'll have to select another winner and that is NOT something that I would want to do.

Visit more Curriculum Clean Out bloggers visit Homeschool Creations.

Thanks for entering!! And check back as I have a few more things to "Clean Out!!"


Lovin' Learnin'

Fall 2010 Curriculum Clean-Out

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This is my first time ever participating in something like this!! I'm excited and hope that I can offer you some things that might be of interest and use in your homeschools.

My first give away is a sign language book with flash cards to use with your young children. I used these for Littlest and although we didn't get through them all she learned some basic signs that really helped us before she could talk.

To enter simply leave a comment below with your email address. For extra entries you can become a follower of my fledgling blog and link to me on your blog either through a post from the blog or Facebook. Please make sure that you leave a comment for each entry.

This giveaway is open to US residents until Saturday, August 28th at 8:00 P.M EST, at which time I will randomly choose a winner. Please be sure you leave a way to contact you in your comments (via your blog or an email address). If I don't hear back from you in three (3) days, I'll have to select another winner and that is NOT something that I would want to do.

Visit more Curriculum clean out bloggers visit Homeschool Creations.

Thanks for entering!! And check back as I have a few more things to "Clean Out!!"
Lovin' Learnin'