Adventurez in ChildRearing

Remember that time . . . . my blog was hijacked?

2013-08-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you've landed on this page - You may have figured out that something is amiss. In July - some nefarious types of internet trolls, up and stole my blog!

www.AdventurezinChildRearing.com is now the property of said trolls and the victim of an unsuccessful attempt to hold my blog for ransom. Seriously. Here's the thing. I do not negotiate with terrorists. Ever.

I have taken this time to do some re-branding and take a good look at the direction of Adventurez.

You can find current posts at our new blog home: www.HomeschoolingAdventurez.com
But - we aren't finished yet!

Adventurez in ChildRearing is still the backbone of the ministry (I just don't happen to own the domain)
I do, however, own similar ones - and once all is in place I will update you as to the new plan for this new season of adventurez. God is good, and when He closes a door (or internet window) He opens another!

Thank you so much for your loyalty - God bless

Kelli Becton -

31 Days of Exploring God's Creation - Day #3 - No Fear, just be prepared

2013-07-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

*From the archives - See Full List of Posts here

Welcome to Day #3 of the Series:

31 days of . . . Exploring God's Creation!

I'm so very glad you're here.

Throughout the month of October I'll be

linking up with Nessy from "The Nesting Place" -

along with her talented team of blogger friends

Check out all the links here

Bloggers from around the blogosphere have gathered

to dig a little deeper by each writing on a single topic

for the 31 days in October.

"Shootin' the Hootch" in Georgia

(Chattahoochee river canoeing)

Day #3:

Some Parents - even those who were quite the dare devils in their

"pre- kidlett" days have a tendency to sort of throw in the towel

on big adventure once they get down to the business of having children.

Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not suggesting that we should

be skydiving with our little babes strapped into Baby Bjorn infant slings-

(or skydiving at all for that matter) I'm simply saying that -

Baby . . . .

We've got a lot of living to do!

You don't have to be sitting in a canoe in order to connect with nature.

Camping isn't a requirement for growing closer to God.

Camping at Babcock Ranch in Florida

But, getting out to explore the magnificence of His Creation first hand

will undoubtedly give you a closer look into the heart of its Maker.

Psalm 19: 1

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth His handiwork."

In the first two days of this series I shared with you some

very simple ways to get out and connect with

the natural world.

On day one we talked about the value in taking the family

out for a walk. Sometimes the simple things are the best!

Day two was all about the virtue of sticks and the joys they can bring.

Children don't have to be constantly entertained and distracted by

the technologies of today. They can be gloriously happy and quite

imaginative while playing with sticks- part of nature's stimulus package!

Today I'd like to encourage you to plan a more exciting expedition.

With some careful planning, and a bit of the right gear- you can

conquer most any adventure imaginable- even with kiddos in tow.

As a matter of fact, I think you'll find that the biggest difference

between a pre-child voyage and navigating a trek into nature with

the family is quite simply the amount of gear one has to haul in order

to pull it off. But, I'm here to tell you- it doesn't have to be terribly

difficult.

* Don't be afraid to give it a try!

River rafting and camping in Kentucky

Google can be your best friend when planning your family trip-

be it a camping excursion, rafting, kayaking, or other exciting

undertaking.

*Taking the time to do the research is key.

I Google the area and activity we are interested in to start out.

Then I make my list of things we'll need or questions I have.

I keep my pencil handy to jot notes while I search and list phone

numbers for several outfitters when possible for each venture.

If you are having to rent equipment (like a raft) don't hesitate

to ask about what sort of discounts they offer, extra charges

for drop offs of people and equipment, safety measures and

insurance. Make sure you understand their cancellation policy

and if it includes inclement weather.

*Ask questions!

A good outfitter will usually have a list of suggested items on

their web site. Adopt the Boyscout motto and "always be prepared"

There's no such thing as O.C.D. when it comes to family safety

y'all. Well, I take that back, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

You can also get good information and discounts from the brochures

found at the welcome centers along the way. I always leave free

time in our plans for the unexpected options we come across upon

location (and for down time soaking it all up).

Overnight Kayak/Canoe trip in Indiana

If you haven't ever paddled a canoe, don't start out on the

rapids. On our paddling and camping expedition in Indiana,

you'd be surprised at how many people we passed along

the river who had tipped their canoe. One couple who was

trapped in a circular pattern hollered at me asking who's job

it was to be steering- seriously. I was busy snapping pictures

as my little river rats paddled right by them. They had to send

out a rescue boat that day to go get those folks who actually lost

their canoe down the river! Everyone has to learn, but do it when

the river isn't running so fast or find a lake.

*Use the good sense God gave you and trust your instincts!

Family Camping at Brown County State Park, IN

Once you've done the hard work and laid out a good plan-

you've packed up the supplies you'll need and educated yourself,

relax and breathe it all in.

*Sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labor.

God has created for us a thing of beauty. When we begin

to spend time out in it- we witness first hand the majesty

and glory of the Master. It's a fabulous way to get to know

Him and to share Him with our children. Not to mention that

sitting around the camp fire or walking in the woods is a wonderful

way to "unplug" and enjoy deeper communication with the

family He's blessed us with.

Psalms 8:3-5

"³When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
⁴what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
⁵You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor."

Brown County SP- Family Camping in Indiana

*What an awesome way for Him to express His love for us!

Are you getting excited about planning your next family adventure?

I know I am-

Y'all come back now- 'ya hear,

Other #31 dayers I think you'll enjoy:

Mandy- Biblical Homemaking: Amy- Missional Mamas:

Homeschooling multiple ages - our curriculum choices for the boys in 2013

2013-07-03T14:11:00.002-07:00

I am thrilled about our curriculum for the boys this year. Although we do slow to a snails pace for the summer, we actually school year round. We have some more upcoming travel plans for the family which will offer a terrific break & return to officially kick off our new school year.

As you may know, we spend a great deal of time schooling outdoors and taking our cue from nature. We also include "sit down" time and do a good bit of our school time together as a group.

Homeschooling also offers the opportunity for me to work one on one with each of my boys in the areas where they need individual attention.

*affiliate links present in this post

In the 2013-2014 school year, we will have one boy in the 1st - 2nd grade, one boy in the 3rd grade, and another in Jr. High. Each of our boys are gifted in some areas. One has special needs and has struggled greatly with reading.
It is my goal to provide a Christ based, well-rounded curriculum that allows for them to pursue individual interests while preparing them to compete globally later in life. I want to focus on teaching them "how to think" vs "what to think" while not missing out on the important details of what they need to know.
Piece of cake - right? I believe that with the right curriculum, support and input from a network of other homeschool moms (like you), and by praying my way through each day - we will continue to set and achieve our goals.

I hope that sharing some of our favorite resources will help you chart your own course for a successful homeschool year.

Our 2013- 2014 Curricula :

Bible -
* We are currently working our way through the Awana Homeschool Kits - we have the 1st grade, 2nd grade & the middle school programs.
* We will continue: Who Is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?) -- Biblical Worldview of God and Truth (What We Believe, Volume 1)
* We enjoy & will continue to use various books from Master Books such as these:
N is for Noah (Biblically Based Classics) (they provide wonderful coloring pages to keep my busy little artist busy while I read through the lesson too)

Math - I am SO happy we have found the A+ Interactive math curriculum! It is a huge relief for me to know that they are getting a comprehensive program. It does the teaching for me, yet I can be as involved as I want to be. They have online lessons - printable worksheets and tests, even hard copy of workbooks. They also have cd software. There is a $12 per month plan with no contract. Everything we need!

Science - We are still working on our Apologia Swimming Creatures, when we finish we will move to Flying Creatures. We work on this together and the boys have various assignments to do depending on age and ability. We also use the notebooking resources. (yes, we did those backwards)
Our outdoor nature studies will continue.

History - US History and Geography - We love our Paths of Settlement - It is the backbone of our homeschool studies! We have all the books that go with it and are slowly working our way through it. We LOVE the "Eat Your Way Through the USA" and "Eat Your Way Around the World" & use "Geography through Art" as well.

World Geography - We love following a "letter of the week" format in our homeschool studies. We look for countries to fit the bill and stick to one continent at a time. We are excited about our new Biblical Worldview - Children's Atlas of God's World- from Master Books & will be digging into it soon.

We do as much of our school together as possible. History, Geography, Bible & then I work one on one with the boys on their reading & math. So thankful the math program with A+ is able to do the teaching for me this year - as it will free up some time, give me confidence in a subject that I am not so strong in & foster independent learning in my boys!

We do our art & nature studies together. My oldest helps sometimes with the younger ones & does some of our read alouds. Our middle boy is now stepping into a role where he is able to help his younger brother more as well.

All in all - we are looking forward to a wonderful year of adventure as we explore God's creation!

Please let me know if you have questions or need help deciding what curriculum choice is right for your family. I am happy to share my experience with you and to mentor - especially if you are brand new to the homeschooling adventure!

Marketplace Online

The new Teach Them Diligently marketplace online is a great place to buy curriculum at a discount!
Read more about what other families are choosing for their 2013-2014 curriculum by clicking on the pic