Education Jump-Off

Teaching Children About Herbs

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:28:00 +0000

There is this awesome book club that is a web site set up to help teach children about herbs. It is geared towards ages 5-12, I know very vast, but you can read more about it at my other blog It's Your Life.

Guest Blogger Kelsey of Find a Nanny

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:26:00 +0000

5 Ways to Keep Your Homeschooler Focused

Photo credit: Dreams Time dot com

Homeschooling is not always the easiest for the teachers or the kids because of the different kinds of distractions that are presented. Children often have a hard time focusing during lessons and the main reason they lack focus is because they are not interested in the material or need a break. Here are 5 ways to prevent your child from straying off course.

Breaks: It is important that your child has enough breaks to keep their focus strong. Obviously, schedule breaks when you think they are needed, when their attention starts to waver. However, if you see that the child is in the zone, don’t break it and continue on until they start to lose interest. A good break amount is one 5-7 minute break about every 60-80 minutes depending on their age and attention span.

Exercise: Children naturally have loads of energy and need a way to get it out without getting too tired. Before you start your lesson plans, take a 45 minute walk or play a 30 minute low impact sport in the backyard. Burning enough energy is key, burning too much can make them tired and unwilling to participate in the lessons.

Snacks: Small, healthy and protein packed snacks are perfect for giving that boost of energy they need to focus. An apple with peanut butter or a small cup of trail mix is a good option. This will feed their appetite and hold them over until lunch. Refrain from sugary snacks to avoid a sugar rush and the fatal sugar crash moments later.

Schedule: Before you start your daily lesson with your child, try writing down the proposed schedule on a piece of paper or on a white board. Having a schedule written out for the child, will help them remain focused on the topic at hand and prepare for what is to come.

Make it fun: Keep the lesson plans interactive and fun. The more fun you make it, the less they get bored and the less they lose focus. Using bright colors, interactive media and hands on projects is perfect for homeschoolers.

To keep your child on track, post the daily schedule within their view and follow. Remember to make the lessons fun and interactive, schedule breaks and snacks. Don’t forget to let them blow off the steam and exercise before the lessons begin. Good luck and happy homeschooling!

Author Byline:

Kelsey is the editor in chief for www.findananny.net/. She loves to write articles and ideas that parents & nannies would be interested in hearing. She helps society on giving information about nannies through nanny services. She is a professional writer & loves writing on anything.

Usborne Rocks & Fossils, Pirate, & Dino Kid Kits 50% Off

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:27:00 +0000

Going out of business need to get rid of 11 boxes of inventory, will be posting little by little. All items are new, come from a smoke & pet free home. I except Paypal and money orders, postage is extra please include your zip code for proper pricing.

7 Rocks & Fossils kid kits regular price $15.99 selling for $8.00 each ages 10 and up no longer available through Usborne. Contains 1 paper back book, and case with magnifying glass, and 8 rocks.

7 Pirate kid kits regular price $16.99 selling for $9.00 each all ages not for children under 3 choking hazard. Contains Stories of Pirates paper back book, pirate bandanna, spy glass, pirate flag, eye patch, clip on earring, gold coins, and compass. This would be great for a pirate themed party, buy all we can make a deal.

6 Dino kid kits regular price $19.99 selling for $10.00 says for all ages choking hazard, may need adult help or supervision. Contains beginner reading level dinosaur hard back book internet referenced, T-Rex bones encased in excavation rock, archaeological digging tools, brush, eye goggles (not considered actual safety goggles.)

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or to make a offer.

Usborne Books & More

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:37:00 +0000

I am selling my 12 boxes of inventory, I have some listed on my web site, will continue to add. If you are looking for something let me know I will check my inventory list. Willing to make deals for multiple purchases, I take Paypal and money orders only, confirm all transactions, and include a tracking number.

Usborne Books & More Sale

My Personal Homeschool Items For Sale.

Hands On Science Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:55:00 +0000

This past year I did a review for this curriculum, at this point I am cleaning my shelves. I thought it was only right to give this away considering it was given to me free for the review. My boys will be doing 8th & 10th grade work next year. This K-6 curriculum is the first volume of a series, and is entitled Particles in Motion.

So, whoever would like to have this, email me with your mailing information, and I will get it out you. The first person to do so will get it, and I will inform you my responding to your email. If you do not hear from me within 24 hours, you did not get it.

edjumpoff at yahoo dot com

News From Usborne Books & More

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:17:00 +0000

I am so excited, Usborne Books & More just released their e-commerce consultant web sites. Finally everything in one spot, plus the new Demibooks story time app from iTunes. Now you can easily find a fundraising program, you can also access the school and library section for other programs homeschoolers can use as well as schools. Now all the new titles are in one place, my favorite is You Choose, children create the story, so it is never the same twice. Combined volumes are a great way to save money, I have two favorites, Book of Bible Stories, and Ted and Friends, plus they both come with a CD, great for travel. You can also sign up for the newsletter to keep updated on all the news, and let me you tell you there is always something new. So, what are you waiting stop and take a look at the new site.

Wizards, Pirates, and Princess Things To Make & Do

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Photo credit: Usborne Books & More

I need to get rid some stock, and this title is one that needs to get going. I had a school order ten copies for a book fair, and still have all ten. I am taking 50% of this book, you can purchase them through Paypal using the email address included in my contact information. Original price is $14.99, get now for $7.50, for more details you can view here.

This book is geared towards ages 6 and up, includes 96 pages, and over 500 stickers. This is a great book to use for craft projects geared towards the topics. It can also be used for projects or decorations for a themed party.

Shipping is not included, please email me with your address, and let me know what type of shipping you would like, media is the cheapest, but also the slowest. I will let you know the total cost, you can use Paypal, or send me a money order. I keep consistent contact when shipping, I'll let you know when I receive payment, and when I ship, I keep all receipts.

These are all new books, feel free to contact me with any and all questions.

Photo credit: Usborne Books & More

The We Do Listen Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Photo credit: We Do Listen Foundation

The We Do Listen Foundation started following me on Twitter, I always go see who is following, and sometimes check out their web sites or blog, depending. I am always interested in finding new free educational resources to add to my web site, Eduction Jump-Off, and was delighted to add this one.

Photo credit: We Do Listen Foundation

You will find free online books to help teach valuable life lessons, such as, fitting in, bullying, dealing with anger, and more. Each of the nine books has lesson plans, and posters. The lesson plans are simple with a discussion format, there are also six songs which I find a little fast done in a rap fashion. Books are available for purchase also, if you would like a hard copy, currently 60% off.

The main character for the stories is a bunny named Howard B. Wigglebottom, and the many issues he deals with, which mainly take place at school. Howard's friends help him with love and kindness to do the right things.

Children can also play games, be mindful that the spelling game is a little difficult. I had a hard time with the first one because you have to figure out what you have to spell. You can either type in the letter or click on it you have eight tries to get it right. The matching game offers three levels, and I also check out the music game which consists of three instruments with three choices of sound.


Photo credit: We Do Listen Foundation

I looked at the color and print your own book also where children can color online or print the pages off. The color your own book features various pictures of Howard, allowing the child to determine what they want to say about the picture, and create their own adventure.

These books were created by Howard Binkow and illustrated by Susan F. Cornelison.

Usborne Books

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Photo credit: Usborne Books & More

This past weekend I loaded up the books and headed to the Louisiana CHEF homeschool conference with another consultant, and two boys. It is the first time that I did this conference, and did not know what to expect. If it was not for the other consultant I would not have gone at all, but I am glad I did.

We received a warm welcome and had many visitors came to our booth. It was great to hear what many had to say about Usborne's books. Multiple people commented on the quality of the books, and one mother mentioned that some of our books had been used by four different students, and were still in great condition. One of the speakers came by, and commented that she was happy to see that Usborne was still around, she used Usborne also.

The consultant who went with me is new to the business, and talked me into going for the experience. Yesterday while we were talking she shared with me that while at the local Catholic homeschool conference she could not stay away from the booth. She said she was not even sure why she came over, as she was walking over, she had a conversation with her self concerning the amount of books currently in the home. But, she said the books were like magnets, and she could not resist coming over. The books she said intrigued her interest, and she was excited to take them home for her five children.

While I know the quality of Usborne books it is nice to know what others have to say about them. Just wanted to share, it is nice to have confirmation from others about what you do.

Stop by my Usborne Books and More web site to see the current online specials, remember they change monthly and you can save up to 50%.

Teaching Geography

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Photo credit: Knowledge Quest

Geography, how many of you teach your students geography? I confess we have touched on it, but never really taught it extensively. The boys find coloring and labeling maps both boring and childish. I don't remember learning geography in school, except once. So, why should we teach our students geography?

From now until Friday April 27, 2012 on the Homeschool Convention Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest has a free work shop entitled "5 Easy Ways to Add Geography." Note that you do have to be signed up with the Homeschool Convention in order to access this workshop. During this thirty minute workshop Terri tells us why we should study geography. My favorite is number one, I feel it is a great way to teach geography to students that is not boring and incorporates subjects they are already doing including literature. You will just have to watch the workshop to find out what it is.

Also while you are at the Homeschool Convention stop by the Knowledge Quest booth to download your free Globalmania game, click on free one year curriculum located to the right at the bottom of the sign. The game is suppose to help students master geography in seven months or less. Also be sure to stop the Knowledge Quest web site for geography apps.

This Just In

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Photo credit; Edjumpoff Polyvore

Knowledge Quest is looking for your opinion on which TimeMaps you would like to see. Go to the Knowledge Quest link and voted you will also receive a coupon code for 25% off good through Sunday March 25, 2012.

ABC Mouse is giving away two $500 scholarships, like them on Facebook and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win. Children must between the ages of two to ten to enter, ends March 31, 2012.

Homeschool Channel Live Event - Teaching Language Arts 3/20 @ 4:30 eastern. Join Colette Stanley for an interactive journey into teaching strategies for Language Arts. Log onto the home page at 4:30 eastern to join the show. Bring your favorites and ideas to share with the group. Feel free to chat with the host in this interactive session.

I loved Apples 4 the Teacher when my children were younger. Here you will find all kinds of goodies to supplement your days with. Take a look at what is going on for the rest of March, April and Easter.

Celebrate Earth Day throughout April at Scribblitt. For every book published they will plant a tree. Get your students writing about the planet, recycling, saving energy, preserving our resources or anything else fitting for earth day. Completed stories can be submitted to their writing contest.

Free from Currclick My Bird Guide by Rachel Lerkin, Easter Lapbook, Scripture Adventures. See more freebies from Currclick here, be sure to take a look at the free Apologia lapbook samples.

Internet only specials from Usborne Books and More Ancient Roman Jigsaw Book was $14.99 now $6.00, Impressionist Paintings $9.99 now $5.00, Playing Chess was $7.99 now $3.20. These are my personal picks see all internet only specials.

Also note that for every $40 you spend you can select three titles for more savings. My recommendations are Wind up Plane for only $13, That's Not My Bunny for $4, great for an Easter gift, I Love People $6, and See Inside Math $6..

Happy Pi Day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Photo credit: Staring at Empty Pages blog

It is Pi Day and Usborne Books and More has plenty of math products to help you celebrate.

My recommendation is for three books which are great for your reference library. These are great for students and parents who need a refresher course for a concept or to just to work through. All of these titles are internet linked which means more learning from internet links provided by Usborne.

The First Illustrated Math Dictionary is a new title for ages 6 and up at a cost of $12.99.

An ideal introduction to numbers and counting, specially designed for children in their first few years at school.
Clear and simple explanations with lively illustrations guide children and parents through essential math concepts.
Can be used as a dictionary, or to work through to build knowledge and skills step-by-step.
Includes internet links to the best interactive websites offering math puzzles, games and practice.

The Elementary Illustrated Math Dictionary is for ages 8 and up also for $12.99. Preview available.

The Usborne Illustrated Elementary Math tells it straight and simple, explaining everything children and parents need in order to understand basic level math. This book will help to lay a firm foundation for confidence and success in math. Readers can dip in for quick explanations or work through by subject to build up knowledge step-by-step.

Clear Definitions of over 450 key terms and concepts
Hundreds of useful examples and illustrations
Links to the best math websites the internet has to offer

For ages 12 and up also for $12.99 is The Illustrated Dictionary of Math Preview available.

Everyone studying math needs this book, and it is an essential study guide when preparing for exams.

Over 500 definitions of all the key terms and concepts
More than 300 useful illustrations and diagrams
Over 100 worked examples
Comprehensive cross-referencing and detailed index
Internet links to recommended websites

Earned the Learning Magazine 2008 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Family

You can also purchase all three titles as a set for $35.99

One more title I have to tell you about because I think this is a fun way to learn math is See Inside Math for ages 7 and up also $12.99.

An amazing flap book that shows just how fascinating math can be.

Colorful double page topics introduce numbers, shapes and measuring, fractions, algebra, calculus and pi, and maths in everyday life.

EXACTLY 86 flaps conceal interesting facts and fun visual explanations that make abstract concepts meaningful.

With puzzles to solve and games to test calculation skills, and internet links to fun maths websites to find out more.

Christian Kids Explore Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Photo credit: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies

Due to some changes in my life I have not been blogging on homeschooling, but woman's health and fitness. Check out my new blog It's Your Life, Live it to the fullest. However, when I saw this give away featuring the Christian Kids Explore series it was too much to keep me from blogging.

I have blogged about this program previously after we used Christian Kids Explore Chemistry. This is only one of five titles in this awesome series. Other titles include: Science, Physics, Biology and Earth and Space. Bright Ideas press is the publisher of this series and is giving away to the winner their choice of title along with a downloadable student activity book. You can take a look at samples and learn more about each title by clicking on the appropriate link.

To enter and view all details visit Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies.

Out of The Box 3

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

Photo credit Growing Tree Toys

Well, I guess you can tell by the picture that I finally have gotten out of the box. But, it was not the school year of 2008-2009 however, I was getting there. I decided because the boys were only two years apart they could do science and history together. I, yes that is right me, because after all thus far it has been about what I wanted them to learn American history. Brett announced he had an interest in chemistry, which did not shock me, he loves science.

I set out to find something they both could use and found a web site where there was free curriculum for teaching American history. After much searching I decided to use Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, the boys loved it, every day an experiment. I dropped any type of Bible curriculum and we gathered together to read the Bible where ever the Lord led us. This was a blessed time for us and would sit, read and discuss for an hour, the time just ticking by as we indulged our selves in the world. I was amazed by Brandon's thoughts and comments and listened with delight what he believed the Lord was saying. It was a grand year for art, even Brett did not care for art, he is more athletic and Brandon let him know it. By using Discovering Great Artists I was able to help Brett let out with his inner creativity with out having to be artistic and the days of him leaving the table frustrated had been brought to an end.

It is now time for the new school year of 2009-2010 which was a challenging year due to your move. It also pushed me back to traditional text books due to my lack of time. This was indeed what I deemed to be the worst homeschool year we had ever had.

Okay, it is the summer of the 2010-2011 back to the text books, well to an extent anyway. I decided, yeap still me that the boys did not have enough knowledge still about American history. I had never until this point used Alpha Omega, but thought it was not a traditional text book and liked that it was set up as reading comprehension. For Brett I chose two living books which he enjoyed and would actually come to me and share what he had read.

Science was a fly by night subject, we did some every now again, nothing structured. What is this no structure, tsk tsk, yes, I was finally loosen the reigns and giving them some room to discover their own interests. I have a shelf were I have placed books on numerous topics for the boys to chose from. The one that was the biggest hit this year was Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking. This book gave Brett a new interest and he now indulges when ever possible. It is funny because Brett asked Brandon one night if he had any boring books that would help put him to sleep. Brandon handed him the book and said, "But it's really not boring." Brett spent the night indulging in the book getting very little sleep.

The two areas I struggle the most are math and English I feel this are very important and have not found a way to do away with traditional text books. So, now we come to the 2011-2012 homeschool year and I am dreading it, high school help!!!!!!! I spent my summer searching for any and all information I could get Lee Binz was the best thing I found even if I do have to pay to get the good stuff. She has taught me how I can use Delight Direct learning during the high school years, what a blessing. However, things are still pretty structured. Brandon started the school year using Konos which did not last long when I tossed it to the side and went off on my own along with Brandon.

World history by way of the Ancient civilizations was not cutting it with him, through Lee I learned how to take his interest in Ancient Japan and use it for a credit in world history. He enjoys Teaching Textbooks for math and also loves Apologia science. A big writer Brandon is writing a novel this will be used as credit towards English. He has also written various essays, learned about credited resources, how to brain storm and will learn how to create a bibliography We are also using Total Language Plus, The Swiss Family Robinson and will also, my boys still love to be read to, love it. Brandon is doing a study of Proverbs which he recently started after tossing Konos, no comments as of now. He is also doing game design, his big passion, art, communication and received a guitar as a Christmas present.

Brett has joined us with Total Language Plus, likes to watch the History Channel or read one of his books on Ninja's and their weapons, history. Science comes through watching educational television along with books located on the shelf mentioned earlier. He totally dislikes his Rod and Staff English he did previous to starting the Total Language Plus. Using Saxon math this digital communicator has deemed the book insufficient. Brett loves his Bible, I find him hugging it sometimes in the morning and he sleeps with it every night.

Well, it has been a long journey, but as you see I have progressed and enjoy watching my children learn about the things that truly give them passion. Are you stuck in the box? Are you working on getting out? Share with others how.

Sorry this was long, but I felt three posts on the topic was enough.

Out of the Box 2

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:03:00 +0000

Well, what I decided to do was go to college and get my associates in business. Because my children are my breath I wanted to make sure they had easy access to me and did online college. The teachers ranted and raved on my boys and commented that they had experience with homeschoolers before, but mine were different, it was a good thing. I loved the school, the principle and the staff were amazing, I wish all schools were like Jacks Creek Elementary. The principle was awesome, she knew every child's name, how to deal with them if they got into trouble to make it effective and the type of child they were I never saw the like. It was actually the second year my children were in school that I decided to go back to school and was delighted when Brett was in second grade won the Principle Award. Yes, it is strange that they actually issued this type of award, but oh well.

The third year of their public school education was upon us, it was the end of July, school starts at the beginning of August. I was at the computer working on a school assignment when both of my boys approached me saying, "We don't want to go to school anymore, we want to be homeschooled again." They stood there pleading with their eyes, please, please, I paused from my assignment, turned to them and said, "Why?' They both had the same response, they did not like the way the other kids talked. I took a deep breath and sighed, I explained to them that I was doing school online and it would be hard for me to school them. I also went to great detail how it would have to be different than before, no homeschool support group, limited outside activities, become independent learners and they agreed.

Okay this is great, I have no curriculum and school is about a week or two away. While I talked with them about waiting until I could get their curriculum the boys have always liked being on the school schedule. Plan B find online resources and use those until the curriculum arrived. That is what I did I found work sheets and for a time that was their curriculum. You would think that two years off of homeschooling would trigger something to stray from traditional schooling, but no I was still stuck in the box. My poor boys dealing with my brained washed way of thinking and dreading history mostly.

So, now Brett is doing third grade work, remember what I said before about building a foundation, and his curriculum consists of every subject he will need for a well rounded education. I look back and feel so bad, here I thought I was the best for my children, but instead was actually torturing them. I did try though I gave Brett a choice of what he wanted to study for both science and history, but he was not thrilled with what I chose. Mind you we started homeschooling in 1997 and it is now 2007 and all my attempts to remove myself from the box failed.

Now it is time for summer break and for me to prepare for the next year. Brandon will be doing 6th grade work and Brett will be doing 4th grade work. Will 2008-2009 be the school year were I finally get out of this box that suffocates my poor children, or will I continue to torture them?

Stay tuned for the ongoing saga of "Out of the Box"

Out of the Box

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:58:00 +0000

Photo credit:Hydroponics.com

For years I struggled to get out of the box, away from traditional schooling with text books. I struggled and struggled with thinking this is the only way my children could get a proper education. I was brain washed by the public school system and did not know how to undo the damage.

I saw my children day after day despising their text book learning and screaming inside their little heads, "Let me out!" But, I couldn't this is the best way for them to learn, what else is there? Yes, we played games and I did my best to make learning fun, but I could still hear them screaming inside their little heads. They would come to me talking about what they were interested in and I blew them off thinking well that is a cool thing to be interested in. Never thinking I could take that love and nurture it through their education. During the early years I was able to be more relaxed with my second child and did gain some new insight. I felt that learning needed to have a strong foundation, like a house, and decided not to start any formal teaching of spelling, English, history or science until the fourth grade. Instead I wanted to give them a strong foundation of math, reading, writing and the Bible. However, I was totally open to any suggestions they had in the way of knowledge and ran with it.

My plans were blown, their father went home to be with the Lord and a year later the Lord blessed me with a new husband and home. We moved from Chicago with everything at our finger tips to the middle of nowhere in West Tennessee. My daughter was about to start her freshman year of high school and was very bitter at the move and location. The school systems were better than those in Chicago and contained a nice number of Christians including the principle who would preach from time to time. There was a little country school for grades K-3rd, my husband knew the principle and the community raved about this little school. My heart broke as I sent my babies on that horrible yellow bus. Now what was I going to do, my middle child was starting third grade and my youngest was starting first.

To be continued...

Homeschool Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

The Homeschool Channel is a great resource for information. You can get email updates for what is going on, for instance today I received an email letting me know that at 4:30 eastern time today January 17, 2012 Colette Stanley will be conducting a web cast entitled Lapbooking 101 . Videos are archived so if you miss one you can still watch it. If you have ever wanted to go to a conference, but for what ever reason were not able to go this is a great way to get that same knowledge, plus you can ask questions and it is free.

Other web casts coming up this month include Ham Schooling with Mark Caruth on Wednesday January 18, 2012 at 4:30 eastern. I find this an interesting topic for homeschooling, Mark is going to talk about the benefits of HAM radios for families. Monday January 23, 2010 at 4:30 eastern join Janice Campbell for Decoding the Classics. Colette Stanley will be giving another web cast this month on Reading Strategies on Tuesday January 14, 2012 at you guessed it 4:30 eastern. The last one is the one I will be attending with Jean Burk author of College Prep Genius a curriculum for studying for the SAT. She will be talking about Chart Your Course To High School Success on Wednesday January 25, 2012 same time as the others.

If you have fears about homeschooling the high school years the last web cast is a must see. I was scared to death of the high school years, but with the help of Jean and Lee Binz I am confident, excited and thrilled to be at this new point of our homeschool adventure. Don't wait until the high school years to get started Jr High is a perfect time, I have also heard of others starting their research earlier and even earning scholarships at the 5th grade level. So, don't wait and don't think you can't do this you have to send them to school, those are all lies.

Watch live streaming video from homeschoolchannel at livestream.com

Are Little Lies OK?

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Photo Credit Laura's Psychology Blog

Brett has asked me various times if he could get a Facebook, he was told no due to the fact you have to be 13. He pointed out how so many of his friends are on Facebook and they are not 13. I know the parents of these friends and I am kinda of shocked that they would let their child/children on Facebook and lie about their age in order to do so.

While this does not really seem like a big deal it is breaking a rule that has been set in place. By doing this it also tells children that under certain circumstances it is okay to lie. Should we then be shocked when our child/children breaks a law or tells a lie. In their young minds they can rationalize away the right decision just like with Facebook.

Now Brett is old enough to join Facebook and connect with his friends back in Tennessee. To my amazement, he says he no longer cares, but with some prompting from big brother he caves and joins. He is not on much and feels it is over rated and feels like he did not have for so long why bother. It just proves that sometimes we think we need something and as time goes by realize it is no big deal.

Children learn by our behaviors, what we say and what we do. We need to be good examples of the way God wants us to live, honestly.

Amanda Bennett 12 Days of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:59:00 +0000

Amanda is sharing daily specials every day during the twelve days of Christmas. Today you can get Constitution Celebration and/or Ben Franklin for $3 usually $7.95, these are a one week unit study/lap book for grades K-4th. You can also purchase Elections and/or American Government for $5 each usually $10.95. These are four week unit studies geared towards K-12th grades, be sure to check back now through January 6, 2012 for each days sales. Daily sales will end at 11:59 PM mountain standard time.

Sign up to win an iPad, drawing to be held on January 7, 2012, no purchase necessary.

Eggnog Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Photo credit All Recipes.com

In a previous post I talked about the boys and I making cookies for Christmas and letting them chose recipes. Well, here is one that Brett chose and now has been made every since, eggnog cookies. Brett and I will be making a batch of these yummy cookies later on today.

Makes 3 dozen hope you like eggnog, we do.

2 1/4 Cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg

1 1/4 Cups sugar

3/4 Cups softened butter

1/2 Cup eggnog

1 tsp vanilla

2 large egg yolks

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl cream together the sugar and butter until it resembles a grainy paste. Add eggnog, vanilla and egg yolks, beat at medium speed until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until blended, be sure not to over mix. Drop by tsp onto ungreaed baking sheet 1 inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg and bake for 23-25 minutes or until bottoms turn light brown.

We are always looking to try something new, have a holiday favorite? We would love to hear about it.

College Prep Genius, Jean Burk

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:56:00 +0000

College Prep Genius, Jean Burk

If you are homeschooling a high school student or thinking about it, please read this article.

Honey Gingerbread Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:45:00 +0000

Photo Credit Thomas Stasiuk CC

I know many homeschoolers at this time of year take some time off or at least slow down a little. Of course for many there is so much to do and older children can not only help, but learn at the same time. They boys are 15 and almost 13, so what used to be a great time for creating homemade decorations has gone to the wayside. At this point they have no interest in crafting however, they do like to bake, so each year they make a batch of cookies of their choosing. Brett loves ginger bread cookies and will usually make a batch. I remember one year we had no molasses, which we usually keep for making homemade barbeque sauce, so we used honey instead. I had a hard time finding a recipe, but was finally successful. I had read some say that substituting honey takes away from the natural ginger bread taste however, I did not think so. I also felt that the texture was much better, I love soft cookies, it was not as hard as the traditional ones. So, anyway if you would like to try something a little different this year here is the recipe.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1/2 Cup sugar
3 Cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp powdered ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp of powered cloves and nutmeg
1/2 lb butter cut into dots
1/2 Cup honey

Sift the sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg

Work the dots of butter into the dry ingredients with your fingertips

Refrigerate for an hour or longer if possible

Roll the dough out about 1/8 inch thick on a floured board or between sheets of wax paper

Cut into desired shapes and bake for 12 to 15 minutes

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Have you made ginger bread cookies that are not traditional?

Cinnamon Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Picture credit: Mom Blog Domestic Crusader

I have forgotten about these due to the ages of my children. The boys ages 15 almost 13 feel crafts are too babyish for them but my 20 year old daughter and I still indulge, mostly in decoupaging jars.

These ornaments are made with cinnamon, applesauce and white glue. This recipe comes from Kaboose and is very easy to make not to mention they smell amazing and last a long time. All you need to do is mix 1 1/2 cups of cinnamon, 1 cup of applesauce and 1/4 cup of glue. Mix that all together and the dough should be similar to cookie dough if you need to add a little water do so. Take the dough and kneed it, place it back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about a half hour. Place the dough between two sheets of wax paper, do not use flour, and roll it out as you would cookie dough.

Once the dough has been rolled out use cookie cutters to cut out your shapes and place on cookie sheet with wax paper. Note that you can use these not only to hang on your tree, but also to add a nice touch to a gift, just use a straw to make a hole. These will take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to dry and will need to be turned them a couple of times a day. Once they are dry you can decorate them using acrylic paints, beads, pom poms, googly eyes and more, tacky glue worked for us, we let them alone to dry.

These are so much fun to make and safe for young crafters who may be tempted to try some dough.

Do you have a recipe for making ornaments with food? Please share with the other readers.

Usborne Books and More Black Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:49:00 +0000

The page is live for the Black Friday sale at Usborne Books and More. While I just blogged on this I had to blog again to let you know what my favorite items are for this sale.

Time to Read Revolving book case and rocker are usually $149.99 and $129.99, but from Friday November 25, 2011 until midnight Monday November 28, 2011 you can get the book case for $60 and the rocker for $59.80!! This is amazing and they are so adorable nicely decorated your child will feel like royalty. There is also a book rack for favorite reads and a clock to keep track of reading time. The book case revolves to easily access favorite books and includes photo frame bookends as well.

I have not seen everything that is on sale, but will only comment on things I have seen and do like. The Farm Magnet book, these books are great for travel. Geared towards age 3 and up children will delight in this book which contains magnet pieces which store nicely on the inside cover of the book with sturdy board pages and pieces that stay this is a must have.

That's Not My Polar Bear is only one title in the series of That's Not My and kids love them. While this is a board book full of touchy feely fun for nine months and up, older children love them too. When first asked to bring these titles to a book fair for children 4 and up I was thinking, I don't think so, but they sold like crazy. This is a great gift for a new mother, the repetitiveness of the book will aid young children in their development of speech. Older children will gain confidence in reading due to the ease and repetitiveness of these books.

While I have not seen the Under The Sea Jigsaw Book I have seen some of the others and they are another item I can't keep stocked. This book is made of sturdy board and contains fourteen pages of which six are puzzles. This is a great item for doing a unit study on the ocean due to the hands on learning it brings to a child along with beautiful, colorful images and information.

Wow!!! How did I miss this, Twas The Night Before Christmas recordable book for $10!!! This usually sells for $24.99, this is similar to the one you might have seen advertised by Hallmark. Great gift for those far away or for those who travel and have to leave little ones behind. I have also heard of some sending it to loved ones who are deployed. This is a great deal and the pages are thick and sturdy so the book will be sure to last.

Black Friday Sale Usborne Books and More

noreply@blogger.com (Heavenly Bodies) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Black Friday is book Friday!! The great thing about a book for Christmas is that it is a gift that keeps on giving time and time again.

I recently did a book fair for a Montessori school which I also did last year. One of the instructors was sharing how she had purchased some of our products for a child on her Christmas list. The child opened all the presents, but when she got to the books she said everything else was forgotten. Everyone looked at her, she said, like wow I can not believe what just happened.

You can get that same response from the child/children in your life this Christmas and starting at midnight November 25, 2011 you can do it for up to 50% of the cost. But, it gets better, this is not a one day sale it is a four day sale. Some titles have limited copies available for purchase so don't wait sale ends at midnight Monday November 28, 2011.

Some of the titles which will be included in this sale are Conspiracy 365 January an action packed book about a boy on the run from a group of individuals who believe he knows something about his father's death. My boys love this series, they are making a movie which the boys are also excited about. Note, this series must be read book by book, there are currently 12 in the series with an extra one due to be released in December sometime. Take a sneak peek here.

One Night at the Zoo is geared towards ages four and up. I have not had the pleasure of viewing this title, but you can read some of the reviews on the book here. I want to mention that this book is library bound which guarantees a stronger binding along with a guarantee from Usborne to replace it at any time for 50% of the cost unless of course the book is out of print. I want to mention that one of my customers, a long time fan of Usborne, has a book of ours which is hard back, ten years old and you would never know it, I was shocked to see the condition. Not because I don't believe in the product, but because it is located in the same Montessori I mentioned earlier and caters to small children.

Wind up Pirate Ship is a big seller for me, all the wind up books are always gone. The kids love them and so do the parents, this is a must have this Christmas for the pirate fan in your life. This book has fourteen pages, while I had this in my possession I have to confess I did not look at it. However, the others I have looked at contain three tracks which take up two pages, so I think it is safe to say this one is the same way, ages four and up.

Hannah's Winter is about a young lady who is relocated to Japan while her mother does some research on the gardens. I have previously blogged on this book and while I do have it currently I have not read the whole book which is geared towards ages 9 and up. It is fair to say that the book is said to have some supernatural elements contained within the plot. Read the reviews and a small excerpt here.

The last title which has been revealed to us, oh there is more this is only what the company has told us about, comes from one of my favorite series' that Usborne carries, See Inside Space. This is just one of the titles in this lift a flap series and children will love learning about space as they lift the flaps for pictures and information. Great addition to a unit study or for that space buff in your family. I wish I knew about this book when my youngest went through his space stage. This book is also internet linked which means you get more for your money with links supplied by Usborne on this amazing topic, you take a peek if you like geared towards ages seven and up.

For each customers that spends $60, before tax and shipping, Usborne Books and More will include with your order this 12.625"(W) x 13"(H) x 8.75"(G) eco tote free.

Posted on No Ordinary Blog Hop