Adventures of Home School

Christmas IN July!!!!

2012-07-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

The time has come. The UPS man has made his first round. Yipppeeee! Everyone is excited to see all of their books and supplies for the upcoming school year. However, I had to capture Matt opening his boxes because all the other children have had their first experience.

Sooooo……what’s next? Well, the next step is to make sure that everything that is listed on the supply list is actually in the box. (Mistakes happen). I will continue to schedule reading time this week and begin working on writing skills and math problems next week.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

I still remember trying to prepare for the school year after ordering my very first curriculum. I was nervous but excited about taking a stand for my children’s educational needs. But at my breaking point….just when I was at my wits end……. I came across a Virtual Charter School website. I couldn’t believe all the support that they provided but I was thankful that I had found a “way out” and an answer to my prayers.

Now, all I had to do was remind myself that I can do ALL things through Christ Who gives me the strength! If this is your first year of homeschooling and you are battling fear and anxiety, then you are okay. (Take a deep breath and let it out) That is normal. It just means that you want the best for your children/child; as a result, you may begin to question if you made the right decision. The only way to know for sure is to try it. If it doesn’t work best for your family then you must find another alternative; whatever you do, DON’T GIVE UP!

Until Next Time……Remember that anything that is worth having or obtaining is worth your hard work and dedication!

LET THE FUN BEGIN !!!!!!!

2012-07-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

30 Days and Counting!

Can you believe that it is almost that time already? Where did the summer go? And what am I going to do to start preparing for school? For the most part, I am still trying to relax as much as I can because I have an even bigger task ahead of me this year. You see, last year I only home-schooled four out of five children but this year, our youngest Matt, will be starting kindergarten. WOW! I’m not stressing but I realize how important it is to use this week to really relax.

Although school for the older children starts on Aug. 15^th and Aug. 20^th for Matt- I will begin easing them back into the mindset of school, next week. I will start by setting aside two hours a day to read, do a few math problems and work on writing skills with them. For Matt, I’ll begin to go over things that he already knows like ABC’s, numbers and Phonics. (This will be interesting). I will also be working on narrowing down what schedule I will follow to make sure our school days go as smooth as possible.

CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

Soon, the big boxes will be arriving and it will be like “Christmas in July”! All of their school books, teacher guides and other materials from K12 will be dropped off soon and I have to prepare for that as well. The kids and I literally get soooo excited when we are opening and looking through all the boxes to see their new books and school supplies. Afterwards, we organize everything and put it in place as we look over the list to make sure everything listed is actually in the box. Whew! I’m starting to feel a little tired just typing this. LoL……However, I am excited to see what this year will bring. And I am going to keep you up- to- date as much as possible. In addition to updates, I will share ideas that are working to help make this upcoming school year a BLAST!

What are you doing to prepare for school? Have any tips? Please share.

Enjoy the Rest of Your Summer!

A Grateful Mom

~Thinking Outside the Box~

2012-01-23T09:06:00.001-08:00

Thinking Outside the Box!

How often do we encourage our children to think outside the box? Encouraging them to think outside the box not only broadens their ability to think and solve problems but to do it at levels beyond their age and normal comprehension. Teaching children to think outside the box helps to devoid them of a “limited” mindset. As a reference, it is written - we can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

In addition to encouraging our kids to think outside the box, we as parents/ learning coaches must remember that we have the same ability especially when it comes to teaching. For example, our son who is in first grade would rather do any subject except Phonics. It is the one subject that challenges him the most. As a result, I continue to try many different things to help increase his enjoyment. Thankfully, one day he asked me to play one of his favorite songs “Well Done” by Deitrick Haddon, while he worked on his Phonics lesson. It worked!

Does Music help 100% of the time? No. But I’m not giving up. I will continue to use my ability to think outside the box and come up with other brain stimulants and ways to encourage our children and me to work at our best!

Until Next Time…….Happy Learning!

Have any ideas? Please feel free to comment

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

DON'T FORGET TO MOVE!

2012-01-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling -although it is an awesome opportunity- can be time consuming. Therefore, it is very easy to overlook one of the most vital components, exercising. In addition to kids having an adequate social life parents are also concerned about how to include P.E. or physical exercise into their daily routine. If your child is not involved in sports then it is our duty as a parent/teacher to make sure that he or she is getting the amount of exercise needed to maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body.

When I first started homeschooling, I wasn’t sure how to include exercise into our already packed routine. After many adjustments, I scheduled P.E. right before lunch. I tried to include it after lunch but then I remembered how miserable I use to be in grade school when going to recess right after lunch. My food had not properly digested before it was time to run, jump, swing, and slide down the sliding board then take a spin on the merry-go-round; I was miserable. So after careful consideration, P.E. time is now scheduled before lunch.

There are also state programs that are offered to children who are home schooled. And what most people do not know is that your child-although home schooled- can participate in sports offered by the school in your school district.

If time or money is an issue, try searching for home school groups in your area to start your own volley ball, foot ball and basketball teams. Additionally, you can set play dates, ride bikes with your children or play sports with them in the backyard. Whatever you do, keep them moving!

Until Next Time…..Happy Learning!

Image: chrisroll / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

~How I Found My New Assistant Teacher~

2011-12-16T16:24:00.001-08:00

For parents who have multiple children in different grades, home schooling can become very challenging. For instance, we have 2 children in high school, 1 child in sixth grade, 1 child in first grade and 1 in pre-school. In order to keep momentum I have to find ways to solicit help. I realize that I cannot do everything on my own; for anyone who does anything great in life has a team behind them for support.

For our youngest prince, I am constantly challenged with figuring out what activities will keep his attention long enough so that I can complete lessons with the older children. After DVD’s, computer games and pre-school workbooks did not keep him occupied, I arrived at my wits end.

Until one day a friend suggested Leap-Frog. After trying it out I found this tool to be similar to having an assistant teacher. Our “pre-school prince” is not only learning but he also no longer feels left out when I’m working with the older children and cannot give him the attention that he wants.

If you have not tried Leap-Frog, it will probably make a fantastic Christmas gift for your child and YOU!

Another suggestion would be to team up with other parents who home school in your area to see if they would be willing to create a “community school”. One parent can assist the older children and another parent can assist the younger children and then each parent can take turns teaching each group. Depending on how many other families you can discover in your area, you may be able to cover each level of school (high school, middle school, elementary school and pre-school).

Do you have any other suggestions? Please feel free to comment!

Until Next Time…..Happy Learning!

Lessons Learned and Savings Gained!

2011-12-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Since I've become a mom/teacher as most mothers are, I'm always looking for ways to "kill two birds with one stone". For instance if we are riding in the car I may ask the kids "what type of clouds do you see in the sky, stratus clouds or cirrus clouds?" Or when shopping, we talk about comparing prices and how to get the best bang for our buck. Lately, I've notice that there has been a lot of strong attitudes "floating" around the house. And over the years I have learned that strife = stress, period. I immediately began to think about ways to attack this issue in a way that is beneficial for everyone. How did I do it?

I put my creative cap on and figured out one way to zap strife out of our lives; as I mentioned in the previous post on this blog, it is important to maintain a healthy atmosphere when home-schooling. As a result, the "Nickeling Strife" cup was created. I explained to everyone in the house that strife is no longer welcomed in our home, it is an enemy that must be defeated. The rules are as follows:

1. If you are caught being mean and disrespectful to each other, the offender must deposit 5 cents into the "Nickeling Strife" cup.

2. If you are caught yelling, you must deposit 5 cents into the "Nickeling Strife" cup.

3. If you are having a "moment" where you are upset (which everyone has those moments) its okay just as long as you do not take it out on anyone or you'll have to deposit 5 cents.

*Note: For our six and four year old, they will get two warnings for their behavior first before they have to deposit 5 cents.
Also, my husband and I are setting the example by participating ourselves.

This lesson teaches them how to be responsible for their actions and will quicken them to think twice about their reactions in certain situations.

After we reach a certain amount, the family will use the money to..........add to savings. I thought about a small treat for everyone but I also want to continue to reiterate to our older children and show our younger children them that if they save money little by little it will grow.
Proverbs 13:11

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Influencing Your Child's ABC's

2011-11-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

The biggest part of home schooling is not teaching or creating a workable and effective schedule. The most valuable part of home school is creating an atmosphere that is less distracting (which is one of the top reasons I decided to home school) and more favorable for you and your child. And a child who creates challenges by way of bad behavior is definitely a big distraction, especially if you teach more than one child.

I am not a perfect parent or disciplinarian; therefore, keeping order can be very challenging at times. Even after many years of parenting I am sometimes caught off guard by my children’s Attitude, Behavior and Character. I figured if the Duggar parents can manage 19 kids, surely I can manage 5. Now I know that the Duggars have challenges too, I’m just really amazed at how they home school all those children.

So anyhow, one day I felt compelled to pray, “Lord help me to be loving, patient and kind towards my children. And after that prayer, things got really interesting; it was as if I was being tested. Thankfully, I realized that I was just getting some opportunities to practice all that I had prayed for. (God does have humor)

But even after much prayer, I must have quit at least a dozen times. Literally I didn’t but that was my way of throwing a tantrum or in the “adult world”, I was having a pity party. Needless to say, no one came to my party but me which helped me to realize that #1 I really didn’t want to quit and #2 I really didn’t want to send my children back to a brick and mortal school.

So instead of giving into my children’s behavior challenges, I decided to face it head on. I began to educate myself (there is always a way to improve as a parent). I’m currently reading “Have a New Kid by Friday” by Dr. Kevin Leman. He discusses in this book how to change your child’s ABC’s or attitude, behavior and character. Its no hocus pocus but if you follow the principles it will work. Check out the link below for a copy of this book.

Until Next Time…..Happy Teaching!

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A 10- Year- Old Commits Suicide to Avoid Bullying

2011-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 24:13.14 and 17

All our children shall be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace, their health, safety,

protection and prosperity. In righteousness they will be established. Tyranny will be far from them;

they will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near them. No weapon

formed against them will prosper.

I am grateful that God has allowed me to home school our children; however I know that all parents are not in the position to home school or may not even want to. Home schooling is not for everyone but I do want to advise parents to at least stay up-to-date with what is going on with your child. Take the time to develop a healthy relationship with them so that they will come to you when something is going wrong. Furthermore, pay attention to ALL signs especially the ones that YOUR CHILD is giving you; take nothing lightly!

May God comfort this family as they mourn the lost of their loved one. Last but most importantly,PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN!

IL 10-year-old, Ashlynn Conner, commits suicide - 14News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

A Scientist In The Making

2011-11-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

In School, Science was not my favorite subject and overall I my average was probably a C+. So of course when it comes to teaching Science, I am a little skeptical. But because K12 has created such and awesome and easy-to-learn curriculum for students and learning coaches (the parent or whomever teaches the child at home), I am pretty confident. My children are learning at and above the Science level according the School District's and State's standards!

Today, my little student and I conquered another Science lesson. He walked away more knowlegeable about Insects and I walked away a satisfied teacher and mom! (Whoo Hoo!)

Here are pictures from the lesson on insects!

**Note: I did not use the feathers in this picture. I used construction paper instead to make the wings and the glue was not very helpful either so I just used tape. Materials include: Construction paper, half dozen egg carton, glue, shimmering sticks or pipe cleaners, scissors (please monitor kids using scissors)

This lesson taught the boys that insects have three main body parts: Head, Thorax and Abdomen
Attached to the head are the antennae. Attached to the thorax are the legs and wings.

His expression: Hmmm, it doesn't really look like an insect but I guess it will do.......This is one funny looking insect!

You can also use markers and paint to make the insect model look more like an insect! We were near the end of the school day and when I see that the children are tired after completing their assignments, I know exactly when to call it quits!

Let's Make A Deal!

2011-11-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, my children were not at all too excited about being home-schooled. Although no other option was left to them, I promised them that I would do my best to create the most educating and fun environment that I possibly can. And I testify that creating this type of environment was one of the most challenging tasks that I ever took on.

As we near the three year anniversary of home schooling, the task of creating a fun and educating atmosphere is still thought provoking and time consuming. The biggest challenge is brain storming in order to come up with ideas that everyone is happy with. Being that my children's ages range from 4 to 14, sometimes it feels like my ability to come up with new ideas was slowly coming to an end. After almost 3yrs of mind stimulating creativity, things were beginning to become a bit dull; one of the other reasons that I created this blog.

I know that I am not alone with trying to bring forth new ideas and activities so I wanted to create this blog and post on other blogs in hopes that parents will share ideas! So here is an idea that I would like to share. By the way, all the ideas that I will be sharing are not all mine but will come from different sources and resources.

Making learning FUN AND YUMMY!

Okay, let me first say that Jeremiah is not the only child that is home schooled. (there will be more pictures to come to show the rest of the crew) However, for this post I remembered Jeremiah completing a Science experiment that taught him about the Scientific Method.

Using two Popsicles, two paper plates and a ray of sunshine, Jeremiah conducted his experiment. First, he decided on his hypothesis and guessed that the Popsicle in the sun would melt quicker than the one in the shade. Over a period of about 45 minutes, he recorded data every 15 minutes(by simply drawing what the condition the Popsicles were in) in order to test his hypothesis. Afterwards, he recorded his findings.

He was so excited and he learned a great deal about the Scientific Method! Afterwards, we enjoyed some delicious Popsicles to celebrate.

What are some ideas that you have come up with to make Learning Fun?

http://www.puicet.com/2011/06/06/physics-scientific-method/
Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!!

2011-11-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

Now that the Fall Season is here and Winter Season is close, the excitement in our home is on the rise. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling and a request for fun is in order.

As you can see Jeremiah is busy completing his school work but not in normal school attire. He is relaxed in his comfy but really cool pj’s. Pajama days are far and few because children can become too relaxed and less driven. However, Jeremiah is on his “game” and excelling past today’s expectations. For his progress, he gets four stars and some extra play-time. Yaaay!

Here are some other ideas I incorporate in our school day to create an environment that is productive but fun.

Pajama Day- Although in pj’s, hard work, learning and progress is still the daily agenda and goal!

Movie Day- I choose two movies that are educational and (or) inspirational i.e. THE ULTIMTE GIFT (teaches valuable life lessons)

PLANET EARTH DVDs

In advance, we also cruise to our local library to where there is a plethora of movies and videos to complete our “movie day” experience.

Game Day- We play games such as Word Bingo (Consist of words that can be pronounced by our first grader but defined by the older children) NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND!

We also play Math Sudoku that I print from different online sites. So that NO CHILDREN ARE LEFT BEHIND, we may play Basketball Math.

Photos soon to come!

****Days like “Movie Day” and “Game Day” DO NOT last the entire school day!

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Consider What is Best For Your Child

2011-11-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Making A Choice, Reaping A Harvest!

2011-11-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Public and Private Schools have both pros and cons. However, when considering what was best for my children almost 3yrs ago, neither choice was favorable. As a result, I begin to thoroughly research the ins and outs of home school. Here is my story in short.

Facing Many Fears

Frustrated and disappointed with the school system, my husband and I faced the unknown. Our children were making good grades in school at the time but the social and mental challenges of peer pressure begin to take a toll on them. And that is when I knew that a change was needed. It was very scary at first because I was not confident that I could be a mom and their teacher. Additionally, it was horrifying when considering the fact that the success of their education was in my hands. Could I take on such a grand responsibility?

The First Step of Many

We started off home schooling our two older children first, which at the time just completed only half of their six grade year. And I admit they were not too thrilled about being home schooled. For one, they are teenage girls who viewed having a “social life” their number one priority. But as a mother I made the decision based solely on their best interest, nothing more nothing less.

Before withdrawing them from school, I had already registered with a Home School Association (it is required by law if you do not join an institution that facilitates home schooling) to ensure that they were being educated. The curriculum had been ordered and due to arrive in a day or two. In the meantime, I spent hours creating a schedule that would help me and the girls stay on task.

We finished the school year and by summer I was ready to quit! With all the paperwork and testing that I had to keep track of, home schooling became a burden. However, deep in my heart I knew that quitting could not be an option.

SCVCS Saved the Day

Spending most of the summer vacation searching for a better way, I came across a forum about South Carolina Virtual Charter Schools. Like every online forum that you read, I weighed every opinion. Researching further, I found a diamond in the rough! Of course I did not realize it at first but soon after, I did.

No Regrets!

Almost 3yrs later today, all but one child is enrolled in the SCVCS program. http://www.k12.com/Home Schooling is far from easy but it works for our family. Understanding that home school is not the ideal fit for every family, it is an option for parents who find that brick and mortal schools are not meeting the needs of their children.

Our Children are excelling academically and I could not be more pleased with the way things are going for them. As a parent, I only want the BEST for my children and I am willing to sacrifice what is necessary to give them exactly what they need.

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net