Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Learning is Fun!

Today was a trying morning. Girls were less than happy to get into the books today. We did have a go at it and did manage to accomplish more than I thought we would. By lunch, I was ready for a break. So I said let's play a game.  How about we learn some numbers with a good ol' game of Bingo! Fantastic idea! So we did!



While the girls were playing away. I was in the kitchen whipping up some colored rice. 

This is the creation I found on Pinterest


This is mine
Okay, so not as cool. They still couldn't wait to get their hands in to play!


I always try to keep in mind, that learning can be fun! So fun we will have!




Tuesday, September 27, 2011

neoK12 - Kids learn best....

I just wanted to share a wonderful site with you!

I know I posted this link a few days ago, but I just think this site is WONDERFUL and deserves a post of it's own.


If you have not already checked this site out, please do!
My girls love this site and it has helped their learning experience greatly!

NeoK12 believes that children learn best when they "see" how things work, when, where, and why they happen. This site helps children build a visual picture or model in their mind. 

I believe this site has great learning videos and they serve as a very effective learning tool!

My rating:
star.gifstar.gifstar.gifstar.gifstar.gif 


Monday, September 26, 2011

Knowing when to back up!



I received my fall issue of OCHEC magazine. Loved it!  So many wonderful articles.


There was so much that just jumped out at me. There was an article written by Barbara Frank that stated "that the most important questions a homeschooling mom can ask is when to back off, because sometimes we moms are so eager to do everything right that we over do it."   How true this is!   I have seen this already in my journey. I have at times had to back up, not because I wanted to, but because I knew I needed to, if I wanted to keep the learning fire burning. 


 I have also struggled with the homeschool burnout! Oh yeah! Unrealistic expectations. Oh, but it all sounded so perfect in theory, didn't it? If you homeschool, you more than likely know of the burnout I speak of. At times, we fall behind and struggle to catch up.  I'm learning to back up and let go. I'm learning that it is okay. It's okay to take breaks, when the breaks are needed. It's okay to move on when something isn't working.  Kids learn best when they are comfortable. If your child is on edge, it's okay to step away for awhile, you can always come back to it later.  


The article ended saying "that if we can become aware of situations where backing off is a smart thing to do, we will find that homeschooling is easier for us. And that is always a good thing!" 


If you would like to read the article, it can be found in the Fall 2011 issue of OCHEC informer magazine. 




Here is a great article on: 

Overcoming Homeschool Mom Burn-Out


Saturday, September 24, 2011

Homeschool Programming, Inc - KidCoder Series





I was recently given the opportunity to review the Homeschool Programming KidCoder Course. My girls love computer and video games, so this is going to be great for us.

KidCoder is a computer science course. The KidCoder series currently contains two individual courses. Each course is roughly one semester long depending on the student pace.

There is a Windows Programming Course, and a Game Programming Course.

Here is a  short video that does a great job describing the course.

There is also a TeenCoder Series for students in grades 9-12. The TeenCoder program uses C#, and covers topics in a bit more depth. I will not be reviewing the TeenCoder Series


Review:
I have to admit, it took us a little while to get motivated to start the program. Well, we did manage to eventually begin. I was pleasantly surprised with the ease of use and my daughter was able to retain the information. She had fun learning the different areas of computer programming at her own pace. That is what I liked the most about the program, the moving at your own pace. Based on our review of the program, I do think when the girls get older I will buy the TeenCoder Series.  

Computer Programming courses for Kids and Teens!




Friday, September 23, 2011

Oklahoma Wildlife Expo - Field Trip

What a day! We had a field trip day! We attended the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo with my mil and sil today. It was held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Ok. It is so worth it to make the trip. I have three very tired little girls. I'm also very tired, but the day was amazing. Everything was so educational and really hands on. Because I'm so worn, I will post a couple links and let the pictures I took do the talking. 













 


Chestnut Grove Academy Field Trip Friday Blog Hop

Hop on over to  http://www.chestnutgroveacademy.blogspot.com to link up your exciting field trip!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Science Freebie - Nature



                                                      Gotta love a freebie!
TOS is offering all 9 of their Curiosity Files for free right now! If you're interested pop on over there and get them before they are gone! It may be a limited time offer! All you have to do is place them in your cart and check-out. Be sure to add the code FREECFBLOG .
This set of nine unit studies usually sells for $46 but is free today!
                                                  Hope you enjoy them!




Thursday Bliss!

I love the mornings where everything seems to go together. Beautiful weather and beautiful kids w/ beautiful attitudes. It's a lounge wear day. A day to school in comfort and enjoy the awesomeness around us.   The weather is cool, which is a nice change. Schooling has so-far been easy sailing. Feeling pretty blessed today, as if it hasn't became apparent :) I guess it's a nice change from the last few days. The days where everything seems to derail us from schooling, even momma (Yep, me). I get, well, lazy in my schooling sometimes. *Gasp* I know, I know. Well it happens. All is well now, and I'm feeling better. ;)  


The girls wanted to make us lunch! Ummm.. Yes, Please!  So they did! Today we had the most bestest pigs in the blanket...EVER.....  Yes, I just said most bestest. lol Those are the words of my 5 year old. I did correct her to say the best! The best pigs in the blankets ever.  


So how is your Thursday going?







Upcoming Review - VocabularySpellingCity.com


Hello Everyone! 

We have been working on vocabulary building mainly just by reading books and printing out online vocabulary list. I think we are needing something else. I have recently discovered Vocabulary Spelling City. I'm really hoping that this will give us the extra help we are needing. I knew about Spelling City, but I just recently learned about the premium membership and have been asked to do a review on it! I can’t wait to see if this helps out in the vocabulary department. Coming Soon - My honest review. If you are a blogger and are interested in a membership, be sure to check the disclosure below. 

What does your homeschool use for vocabulary?




Disclosure:

I've been given a premium membership to VocabularySpellingCity.com for a candid, personal, online review.
VocabularySpellingCity.com helps students study word lists using 25 different learning activities such as MatchIt Sentences, HangMouse, and Word-O-Rama.  Parents can create their own spelling lists, find published lists already available on the site, or use any of dozens of  free teaching resources on topics such as analogies and compound words.  Be sure to come back in three weeks to read about my experience.
There might be more free memberships available for bloggers.  If you're interested, find out how you can review VocabularySpellingCity.com.



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Free Complete Curriculum Sites

I had fun putting this list together and I hope you enjoy these sites as much as my children and I do. 

NeoK12 - Grades K-12 - video lessons, games and some printables.


Ambleside Online - K-12 - Charlotte Mason based curriculum. If you love reading, you will love this!

Lesson Pathways - K-5  Set up your "pathways" for each subject then simply follow them through.


Khan Academy - For older grades

Random Fun Link!










Tarantula!


EEeeccckkkkk! We now have a new pet. A spider! A tarantula! I wasn't sure about keeping it at first but it seems to be a big hit so far.  We made it a home! I feel kinda bad for the lil guy/girl so a release may come soon. It has been neat to observe it.


Also I read today:

Okla. Tarantula Migration Begins

September is Oklahoma's tarantula migration month


Here are some great Tarantula Resources!



Tuesday, September 20, 2011

What if?

My family gathered around after supper last night for a family movie night! I was looking on Netflix for a family friendly movie and saw a couple I really thought were worth watching. My husband suggested we watch a movie called "What if?" Oh how I'm so glad he did! The movie was fantastic. It had such a powerful message. It was the kind that really gets me thinking about making a difference in life and finding purpose. Sometimes one will wander aimlessly through life, not realizing the what if's of choices. This movie reinstated to my family that God should ALWAYS be #1. It's so easy to say "Yeah, I believe" and "Yes, God is good" but does one really put complete trust into God's plan for their lives at all times.  I hope everyone takes the time to sit down and watch this movie.




What If... Movie Review



“I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”-Robert Frost



Monday, September 19, 2011

Grandpa came for a visit.


This last weekend proved to be a ball. My dad, whom lives in Kansas City came down for a weekend visit. The girls were so excited and they had so much fun. They love the time they get to spend with him. My dad has two dogs that came with him and my girls are in love with them. Their names are Lucy and Bubba. I was a little worried about how they would do with my 2 dogs, but they all managed to get along fairly well. 


On Saturday we attended a car show and had a friend and family cookout. We had a few storms roll in, but all in all it turned out to be a great day. My dad left that evening.  Saying goodbye is always hard, but we know we will be able to spend time again hopefully soon. 




Google