Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wordless Wednesday - 5 yr old gets a hold of the camera
So do you ever wonder what a 5 yr old's view of the world is like? Well Gwyn wanted to take a few pictures with my camera today. I cannot believe I let her actually play with my very expensive SLR camera. But several of them turned out to be very cute.
For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit 5minutesformom!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
U is for Unit Studies
U is the letter this week for the ABC's of homeschooling meme. U is for Unit Studies!
I discovered Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett a few months ago and fell in love. I got my first one Creation Camouflage for FREE during a Facebook Party (it was offered as a virtual party gift to every attendee). After the party I scrolled through the Unit Study and could not believe all of the wonderful information and activities that were in it. I then checked out the Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter page. Since then I have participated in many giveaways for Unit Studies and the Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett Terrific Tuesday on Facebook and have won over 42 Unit Studies, the teacher guide, journal guide and unit studies 101 guide. There is a wide variety of Unit Studies available and Amanda is always adding new ones. The Unit Studies include almost every subject as well including history, science, religion, spelling, reading and math!
We started the Handsome Horses study a few weeks ago but after going to a pre-screening of the soon to be released movie "Dolphin Tale" we decided to stop our Horse study for couple of weeks and focus on our Dolphin Days study. We have completed almost two days of the Unit Study so far and the kids seem to be enjoying it so far.
My kids are 4 and 5 1/2 and seem to really enjoy the Unit Studies and Lapbooking. I have noticed though that they prefer me to read them books with the subject information rather than read off of the links that are provided in the Unit Studies. So we have been going to the library and finding the suggested books that are listed in the beginning of the Unit Studies and finding some of our own that are age appropriate for the little ones. They really enjoy the videos that are linked up throughout the Unit Studies. Each day I also try to add a craft that goes along with the Unit Study. The various crafts I find I post to Pinintrest so that they are all organized in one area and I don't have to print up the instructions and pictures.
If you are interested in trying out Unit Studies check out the Specials. Almost every week there is a special taking place so you can start your very own Unit Study collection. Sometimes there is even a freebie being offered.
*Disclaimer: Many of the links found on my my side bars and in my blog posts are affiliate links. As a result, I might get paid money and I will most likely spend the money on homeschool supplies.
Friday, August 26, 2011
A week in the life of homeschoolers - Week 4
Well this was a very messed up week but I will still share it. Before I had quite my job I promised my boss I would work this week while they were away on their cruise. So Monday - Friday I worked 9 am- 2pm.
So here is our CRAZY week in the life of homeschoolers update week 4!
Monday: I had to take the kids to work with me. It wasn't completely awful but it was difficult for them to understand that I couldn't be there every second they needed me. I took a big bag of stuff to keep them occupied like toys, workbooks, puzzles, books and dvds. Gwyn also had her Tae Kwon Do class. I was so happy to finally find a place that we could afford. The class is offered once a week at a Church gymnasium and they only charge $10 for the entire month. She did an awesome job considering it was her first time and she really tried her best to keep up. The class is an hour and a half which is really long for a little one and she did need to take some breaks.
Tuesday: A friend of mine who also homeschool's her two children watched the kids for me and had them do schoolwork. They got some workbook pages and handouts completed.
Wednesday: My friend watched the kids again and had them complete some schoolwork. Rowyn had his first speech class (we are calling it class instead of therapy) appointment and even though he was apprehensive at first he finally got comfortable and had a fun time. They will be assisting him with several trouble areas of his speech like v for b, omitted d, f for th, p for sp, etc. They will also be working on following 2 step oral directions embedded with shapes, qualitative concepts, etc. He will be attending speech class every week for 6 months and then they will reevaluate him.
Thursday: The kids went to grandmas and grandpas (aka mom-mom and pop-pop). When we were leaving the apartment in the morning the kids discovered a Cicada and Katydid and decided we needed to observe them and take some pictures. So we got some science in but I ended up being 20 min late for work. When we got home we made some fruit smoothies and the kids did measure the ingredients so we did get a little math in!
Friday: The kids were at my friends again and she had them complete some school work.
And that is our week! I am so happy that we will be back to our schedule and routine next week. It has been a tough week for the kids and me. Gwyn has been acting out quite a bit because she doesn't deal well with changes in routines.
I wanted to share some awesome deals I got this week too! We sold my car for more than we anticipated so I had some money to get some necessities for the kids and school supplies. The kids each got a pair of sneakers (which they desperately needed they cannot wear sandles forever) at Ross. I love Ross. Gwyn FINALLY got her Sketcher Twinkle Toes which she has been patiently waiting for for over a year. I was FINALLY able to get them for her because they were only $20. Rowyn's HiTec hiking sneakers were also only $20.
So here is our CRAZY week in the life of homeschoolers update week 4!
Monday: I had to take the kids to work with me. It wasn't completely awful but it was difficult for them to understand that I couldn't be there every second they needed me. I took a big bag of stuff to keep them occupied like toys, workbooks, puzzles, books and dvds. Gwyn also had her Tae Kwon Do class. I was so happy to finally find a place that we could afford. The class is offered once a week at a Church gymnasium and they only charge $10 for the entire month. She did an awesome job considering it was her first time and she really tried her best to keep up. The class is an hour and a half which is really long for a little one and she did need to take some breaks.
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| Gwyn is the little one in the pink shirt and black shorts. |
Tuesday: A friend of mine who also homeschool's her two children watched the kids for me and had them do schoolwork. They got some workbook pages and handouts completed.
Wednesday: My friend watched the kids again and had them complete some schoolwork. Rowyn had his first speech class (we are calling it class instead of therapy) appointment and even though he was apprehensive at first he finally got comfortable and had a fun time. They will be assisting him with several trouble areas of his speech like v for b, omitted d, f for th, p for sp, etc. They will also be working on following 2 step oral directions embedded with shapes, qualitative concepts, etc. He will be attending speech class every week for 6 months and then they will reevaluate him.
Thursday: The kids went to grandmas and grandpas (aka mom-mom and pop-pop). When we were leaving the apartment in the morning the kids discovered a Cicada and Katydid and decided we needed to observe them and take some pictures. So we got some science in but I ended up being 20 min late for work. When we got home we made some fruit smoothies and the kids did measure the ingredients so we did get a little math in!
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| Cicada first live one the kids and I have ever seen. |
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| Katydid! |
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| Kids making smoothies. Rowyn did not like the blender noises. |
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| Daddy brought home a surprise A Fowler's Toad! Can you guess what we will be learning about next week. |
And that is our week! I am so happy that we will be back to our schedule and routine next week. It has been a tough week for the kids and me. Gwyn has been acting out quite a bit because she doesn't deal well with changes in routines.
I wanted to share some awesome deals I got this week too! We sold my car for more than we anticipated so I had some money to get some necessities for the kids and school supplies. The kids each got a pair of sneakers (which they desperately needed they cannot wear sandles forever) at Ross. I love Ross. Gwyn FINALLY got her Sketcher Twinkle Toes which she has been patiently waiting for for over a year. I was FINALLY able to get them for her because they were only $20. Rowyn's HiTec hiking sneakers were also only $20.
 |
| Got these clothes for Rowyn at a consignment store called Revive! I paid a total of $4.28 (I found out I had $4.64 credit still for some stuff I sold on consignment there which helped lower my bill). |
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| Goodwill finds spent 13.15. |
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| Ross finds spent $23.00. I actually talked them down on the price of the guitar from $20 to $10 because one string is broken and a couple of items were missing. I got 20% of the lacing beads because a couple were missing. The kids and I also have an agreement that the guitar counts as a Christmas present, even though they can play with it now. |
August 3 in 30 Challenge - Week 4
Week 4 of August was a total loss. I worked all week at the office for my previous employer while she was on her cruise. Between work and appointments I was unable to get anything done.
1. Get our daily schedule/routine in place - No routine or schedule this week!
2. Start homschooling - I had a friend who watched the kids for me and she did have them do their workbook and some handouts while I was working.
3. Learn better ways to discipline - Well another bust! I have been very cranky and so have the kids so there has been a lot of yelling and bad behavior!!!!!
Any encouraging words are always appreciated!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Apologia Luncheon - Beyond Encouraging
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to meet up with some wonderful ladies for a delicious lunch. It was so encouraging being in a room with other homeschool moms and well worth my 1+ hr drive into the crazy city of Atlanta. If there is one thing that homeschool moms understand it is what other homeschool moms are going through.
Apologia Live invited several homeschool bloggers and homeschool organizations to the luncheon so that they could provide information and answer questions about the Apologia Live Retreats. We got to hear Rachael Carman, Jeannie Fulbright and Liz Corson speak about the retreats and Apologia. They explained what the retreat was and wasn't (not a curriclum sale). And what you could expect to walk away with from attending. I had heard about the retreats recently on blogs, twitter and facebook but never looked into what they were about. After hearing Liz speak about the Apologia story and why the retreats were created I was hooked. She is a kind, encouraging, storng woman and full of stories!!!
The retreats are a safe place for homeschool mothers to admit its hard and to refresh. It is a time to hear some wonderful encouraging speakers, a time for fellowship and a time to "Celebrate the Journey." There will be a total of 6 wonderful speakers and the conference is offer in 4 states, Chicago October 7-8, Austin October 21-22, Baltimore March 9-10 and Atlanta March 23-24. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear homeschool graduates speak and visit the valuable resource tables (which will include info organizations like HSLDA). Registration has already begun and for the Atlanta retreat and there is a limited number of seats so make sure you register early. Right now there is a promotion where you can recieve a 3rd registration FREE if you buy 2. If you are like me and tight on funds you can try to win your tickets by entering one of the many giveaways being offered between now and the upcoming retreat dates. Right now you can enter two giveaways on Daze of Adventure and Sprittibee. Some of my dear friends that you can meet below will also be hosting giveaways so be sure to subscribe to their blogs or follow them on twitter so you are the first to know.
Prior to the Live Retreat they will be offering a Nuts and Bolts Program where on the fence moms and new homeschool moms can be encouraged. There will be three tracks: Preschool, Elementary and High School. The sessions will cover the more practical aspects of homeschooling. If you cannot attend the retreat you can attend just the Nuts and Bolts for $25.00.
The guiding scripture for the retreats is from Psalms 145:7 NIV - "They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness."
I forgot to mention that I also got a few goodies, one of them being the "Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling" by Debra Bell, which I am reading right now! It is such an amazing book and a must have for any new homeschooling family.
I happy to anounce that I will be at the Atlanta retreat in March. I will be a volunteer so be on the lookout for me! Let em know if you will be there too.
A special thank you to Liz Corson who invited me to the luncheon, it meant so much to me to be included.
Apologia Live invited several homeschool bloggers and homeschool organizations to the luncheon so that they could provide information and answer questions about the Apologia Live Retreats. We got to hear Rachael Carman, Jeannie Fulbright and Liz Corson speak about the retreats and Apologia. They explained what the retreat was and wasn't (not a curriclum sale). And what you could expect to walk away with from attending. I had heard about the retreats recently on blogs, twitter and facebook but never looked into what they were about. After hearing Liz speak about the Apologia story and why the retreats were created I was hooked. She is a kind, encouraging, storng woman and full of stories!!!
The retreats are a safe place for homeschool mothers to admit its hard and to refresh. It is a time to hear some wonderful encouraging speakers, a time for fellowship and a time to "Celebrate the Journey." There will be a total of 6 wonderful speakers and the conference is offer in 4 states, Chicago October 7-8, Austin October 21-22, Baltimore March 9-10 and Atlanta March 23-24. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear homeschool graduates speak and visit the valuable resource tables (which will include info organizations like HSLDA). Registration has already begun and for the Atlanta retreat and there is a limited number of seats so make sure you register early. Right now there is a promotion where you can recieve a 3rd registration FREE if you buy 2. If you are like me and tight on funds you can try to win your tickets by entering one of the many giveaways being offered between now and the upcoming retreat dates. Right now you can enter two giveaways on Daze of Adventure and Sprittibee. Some of my dear friends that you can meet below will also be hosting giveaways so be sure to subscribe to their blogs or follow them on twitter so you are the first to know.
Prior to the Live Retreat they will be offering a Nuts and Bolts Program where on the fence moms and new homeschool moms can be encouraged. There will be three tracks: Preschool, Elementary and High School. The sessions will cover the more practical aspects of homeschooling. If you cannot attend the retreat you can attend just the Nuts and Bolts for $25.00.
The guiding scripture for the retreats is from Psalms 145:7 NIV - "They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness."
L to R: Rebecca, Me, Sonita, Stephanie, Liz, Rachael, Hope, Mary
L to R: Rebecca (@MomsMustardSeed) from Mom’s Mustard Seeds, Me, Sonita (@CowsDontMoo) from Cows's Dont Moo, Stephanie (@BrunetteFoodie) from The Brunette Foodie, Liz (@ApologiaLive) from Apologia Live, Rachael (@RachaelCarman) wife of president of Apologia, Hope (@3kids2dogs1fish), Mary (@MaryMakesMusic) from Homegrown Learners and (@3Mothers) Three Thinking Mothers.
Missing from the picture: Michelle (@eyecorn & @ApologiaWorld) shes the one taking the photo! And Jeannie Fullbright (@Jeannie_Science) who is super encouraging and a wonderful writer.
I forgot to mention that I also got a few goodies, one of them being the "Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling" by Debra Bell, which I am reading right now! It is such an amazing book and a must have for any new homeschooling family.
I happy to anounce that I will be at the Atlanta retreat in March. I will be a volunteer so be on the lookout for me! Let em know if you will be there too.
A special thank you to Liz Corson who invited me to the luncheon, it meant so much to me to be included.
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