Merry Christmas

 

The most Wonderful Day of the Year has finally arrived!

In my family, we have a few tradition's that we do, to celebrate. For instants, on Christmas Eve, we bake some sort of goodies for Santa. This year we chose to make mini Gingerbread houses. This was the first year, we had made them, and I must admit the first time I had ever made one myself. It was actually really fun & yummy too ;)

 

 

 We also drink hot co-co, while watching Christmas shows, that I have pre-recorded on my the DVR previously before bed time. On Christmas morning, we do like most family's. Wake up and open presents. The only rule I have, is that the children have to stay in bed, until they see daylight. When I was growing up, I can still remember waking my parents up, way to early. Now that I am the parent, I knew that was one tradition, I would not be continuing on in my own family, lol ;)

 

 

The past few days, we have not done much schooling, to be honest. We did a fun plant lesson and printed some fun Christmas themed printable word search, coloring pages, etc., but that is it.

I plan on taking the rest of this week off.

 

 

Until Next Time...

 

 

 

 

Christmas is almost here

Hard to believe Christmas is less than a week away.
We have been super busy, busy getting ready for the Big Day.
We have our tree up, home decorated, goodies baked, gifts bought, and wrapped. The children, are of course, waiting excitedly for the day to arrive.

Yep! Christmas is almost here!






So, what  have we been doing this week, school wise? Well, since the kids always enjoy baking with me, I thought it would be a fun way to teach an important life skill and some Math to boot.

This week we made one of my favorite & Super easy to make, Christmas goodies, that my Mom used to make for me, when I was a girl. They are actually called "Wedding Cookies", but we always used to call them "Snow Balls".

 SNOW BALL COOOKIES



Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar                                                    

3/4 teaspoon salt                                                    

1 1/2 cups  chopped  Pecans (optional)                                                                                        

 4 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract                                                    

 

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour                                                      

 

1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling

 

 

Directions:

 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Cream butter or margarine in a bowl.
3. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and salt.
4. Beat until light and fluffy.
5. Add your chopped Pecans and vanilla.
6. Blend in flour gradually and mix well.
7. Shape into  "Snow"balls using about 1 teaspoon for each cookie.
8. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 min. *Do not brown.*
9. Cool slightly, then roll in the extra confectioners' sugar.

                                   Then Enjoy!




Other homeschooling activity's, we have done this week, is mainly just some fun computer games like hangman, alphabet games, etc., from my favorite educational websites.



Until Next time...

 

It's Christmas Time

Christmas time, is one of my most favorite time's of the year! There is just something about all those blinking light's, Holiday movie's, & music. Getting to decorate festively and of course all those presents :)  Still, with all of those things, I think my very favorite part is going out every year with my family to pick out that perfect Christmas tree.

When I was a little girl we always had artificial tree's, but now that I am the "Mom", I don't know, I just loved the idea of a real tree in my home. So, last Saturday, we did just that! Unfortunately, the following day, when we were supposed to wake up and enjoy a day filled with hot cocoa, Christmas movies, and decorating, but my daughter woke up sick :(
After a trip to the Doctor, we learned she had Strep throat, ugh!
So, for the past few days my poor, empty, wonderful smelling tree, has been sitting in my home empty, waiting to be decorated. Hopefully, in another day or two, my oldest will be all well, and we can finally decorate our Christmas Tree.






On the Homeschooling front, my youngest has been my only student this week, since his sister is ill. I had hoped, to have my oldest do some review work, on her Multiplication tables, contractions, etc., but that will just have to wait until she is feeling better. With my son, we did manage to do some fun Holiday themed lessons this week. I printed out some Christmas themed printable flashcards, worksheets, and coloring pages.
I tell you what, having a printer at home, sure makes schooling at home some much easier and fun ;)

Until Next time...

                                                 

 

Bowling, Birthdays, & Homophones

Today, I am writing to you, from a Bowling Alley. Yes! I said bowling! Today, my oldest had practice (she is on a league). So, I figured, why not take advantage of the free "Me" time and enjoy some blogging time  ;)
I will admit, that using my new tablet for blogging is kinda awkward. Even though, I am able to blog on it, I still miss the familiarity of my lap top.



In other news, this past week has been pretty busy. My oldest turned 12 years old ~> A bitter sweet moment, as she informed me, that this will be her last "kid" year, sigh...




On the home school front, we have been taking advantage of educational videos  this week. I find that the kids love them and they are great resource, when your super busy or just need a break ;)  We have also been busy learning division, with my oldest, and adding/subtracting with my youngest; plus learning about homophones, etc.

Until Next Time...

Thanksgiving Time

So, it is less than 24 hrs till T-Day and I am so excited! I just love the smell of my home, the day before, mostly because it is filled with the aroma of yummy foods.



 
 


All morning, I have been busy, preparing for tomorrow's feast. There is something so special knowing that most of the World, is also sitting down the same day, with family and friends  enjoying a wonderful meal, as they reflect on all they are thankful for.

Tomorrow,  we are planning on traveling down to my Brothers' new home, to meet up with Cousins, Siblings, Parents, Grand-parents, Uncles, in-laws, etc. That is why Thanksgiving is one of my Favorite times of the year. I have always looked forward to it because I get to catch up with all of the people, I care about :)

Of course, I have also had a busy week, with Thanksgiving themed Homeschool lessons. Even though, it has been a pretty light week, we did watch a Great Documentary on "Thanksgiving". It was on the History channel. I the had my oldest write an essay on the story. Then we did some themed puzzle games, coloring pages, and fun craft for Thanksgiving Day!
 (Below is instructions on you can do the craft at home too!)

                           Turkey Napkin Holders

Materials needed:

 * times these materials, by however many you need to make.
1. Toilet paper roll/paper towel roll cut to size
2. Paper plate, cut into halves
3.Orange construction paper, cut into triangles
4. Google eyes ( optional)
5.Markers or paints
6. Scissors
7.Paste
8. Paper clip or stapler (optional)
9. Paint brushes

Directions:

1.Color or paint the roll brown
2. After you cut the paper plate in half, then color or paint in colors: brown, yellow and red
3. Once dry, paste google eyes, on roll or paint/color eyes on.
4. Paste orange triangle to roll
5. Paste roll to center of half plate. You can also use a paper clip or even staple it if you prefer to attach


Then all you need, is to insert a napkin, in to the roll and display them on your Thanksgiving Table!



Until Next time...


 
                                              I hope you all have a Happy

 

Analogy & Art Fun!

Even though, I Enjoy the cooler weather that November brings, I do not enjoy the Germs!
The past few days my oldest has had a Cold. This of course, has put a halt to lessons, I had planned this week with her.

So, for the past couple of days, I have been spending more time with my youngest, working on Art. When I was younger, I really enjoyed painting, but the past few years, I just have not been able to find time for myself to do so. So, I decided to get my canvas out and start my own Art project too. I am just in the early stages of my creation, but I will post my masterpiece when I am finished.
Until then Check out my lil Rembrandt, scenery, masterpiece.

Besides Art, I also have been working with my youngest on Spelling City. It a Great Spelling program, that even offers a free version.  His favorite lesson, yesterday, seemed to be the analogy video clips :)




Hopefully, my oldest will get over this cold soon. I have a bunch more Thanksgiving themed Homeschooling lessons I want to do next week.

Until Next Time...

Co-op Days & Leaf Turkey's

Yesterday, while taking my children to their local Co-op group, I met a new family that had recently joined. They were just getting started homeschooling and the "Mom" was asking tons of "how to" questions.

Example: What are homeschool requirements, what curriculum do you use, how many hours a day, week, etc., do you devote to lesson's??? She was litterly hanging on, every answer to her question, soaking it in like a sponge.  It made me remember back, when I first began homeschooling myself.
I too, was at a loss of what, how, etc. It's funny how fast we go from being nervous newbies, to confident veteran's ;)




In other homeschooling news, we had loads of Fun this week doing "Thanksgiving" themed craft. Below is one of my favorites.

                                                                 "Leaf Turkey's"

 

What you need:

 

1. Leaves ( you can also cut out paper leaves if preferred)

2. Construction paper: color's Brown, Orange, Red, and One in the color of your choice.

3. Google eyes (optional)

4. Glue

 

Directions:

 

1. Take children out side to hunt for leaves ( if preferred, you can cut out leaves from paper to use)

2 Cut out two circles, one bigger then the other.

3. Cut out turkey feet in Brown or orange

4. Cut out a small triangle in orange for beak.

5. Cut out Turkey wattle in red.

6. Paste "leaves" on the colored paper of choice.

7. Paste smaller brown circle on the bottom center of the leaves.

8. Paste larger brown circle underneath the smaller brown circle.

9. Paste the turkey's legs under the larger brown circle.

10. Finish by pasting the eyes (can use a marker, etc. to draw eyes if preferred), beak, and wattle on the smaller brown circle.

 

                            Voila! Leaf Turkey complete!

 

                                     Until Next Time...

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Week 1

                               What a Great 1st week of November!

The kids have finally devoured their Halloween Candy, thanks to Mom & Dad's help
(SSShhhhhhh!!!! Don't tell, lol!) Which means no more sugar energized kid's to wrangle, at least until the next Holiday that provides to many left over sweets :)








On the Homeschool front, we have been busing this week with some Fun "Thanksgiving themed " printable worksheets. We also been having Fun with some Thanksgiving themed Spelling words too. By having my kids, put those Holiday themed words in ABC order, it really made the lesson a bit more Fun for them I think.

In addition, we also have been busy learning about the History of Thanksgiving. We learned all about The first Americans, The Northwest Passage, Henry Hudson, King James, Jamestown, Capt. John Smith, and Pocahontas.
~> I was very surprised to learn that Pocahontas was not an adult, when she first encountered Capt. John Smith. That she also married a white man and changed her name to Rebecca Rolfe. What was sad, however, was that she died in her early 20's. The story that Disney tells, is defiantly not very accurate.

                            (Below is a Photo of this weeks Lap book that my children made.)

 

 

Until Next Time...

 

November is Here!

                           It 's Official!     has arrived!

                                               Seems like October just began doesn't it?

 

I hope everyone had a Fun, Safe, and Spooky Halloween. As usual, my kids got tons of candy and I got a day to recover, from all that walking, ouch!   

Seriously, though, it was a Fun night for all. Plus, we have been enjoying the yummy rewards, the past couple of days ~> 

                                                 

 
                                                                     

On the Homeschool front, Since it is Sunday, we have yet to start any November themed lessons. Thankfully, our local Co-op is doing a unit on Pilgrims, etc. The extra homeschool help will defiantly be nice this month. Beside learning about the first Thanksgiving, etc. this month, I am planning on taking advantage of the Fall season and do a Fall weather lesson as well.

In addition, this month, my children will also be busy preparing for a Christmas Play! The play will be the first week of December. They are Super excited!

My oldest has been in a play once before, but it was several years ago and she had only one line.

This play, she has a pretty decent part to remember.

 For my youngest, however, this will be his first play :) 

 

 

                                                               Until Next Time...

4 more Days till Halloween!

Yes! Halloween is almost here! So, of course we have been having tons more, Halloween Fun themed Homeschooling Lessons!!!!









This week our Craft was making our own "Trick-or-Treat" Halloween bags.
We used pillow cases and had the kids decorate them with Markers, glue &, glitter!

For more DIY Trick-or-Treat bag ideas, check out this Blog's 15 creative trick-or-treat bags and buckets ;)






In other Homeschooling news, we have been learning more about syllables, using "Hal·low·een "themed words.
The kids really enjoyed the syllable sort game!
























Until next time...



 

This week we have a Guest Blogger!

In keeping with, my Fall/ Halloween theme this month, I have a real "Treat" for you.  

I would like to introduce,

my Very 1st Guest Blogger,                Joy!

A Homeschool Mom from,

Who's Learning? Who's Teaching? Special Needs Homeschooling

 

 

 

 

                                     

Most parents know not to compare their children to one another as each child is an individual

with different challenges and different strengths. The same holds true with your own family's

homeschool. There is not one correct way to homeschool in my opinion. Each child most

likely has a different personality and learning style from their siblings and the parent/s that

teach that child also have things that they are good at and things that are more difficult for

them.

 

We have been homeschooling for 7+ years and I wish that I had known early on not to

compare how we do things with other families. I guess the exception would be when asking

input or advice of another family that may have gone through something similar. Both my

husband and I have had a few people over the years make comments like "I'm sure you do a

lot more with your children than we do." How would they know this? They don't. Somehow they

have gotten a preconceived notion from observing us.

 

I've also gotten the comment many times, "I could never homeschool a child with special

needs, I do not know how you do it." In reality, I think most people could do it if they thought

it was the only way their child could get an appropriate education, which was the case for

us. They usually do not see the occasional bad days we have where we are just doing our

best to deal with behaviors and doctor appointments. Honestly some days are survival mode,

LOL. We pretty much homeschool year round for this very reason. This allows a day off from

educational lessons when other special need issues arise, as they often can. It also allows for

a spontaneous trip when we all need a break, rather than when most people take a break.

(summer)

 

Yet, I have done the same thing comparing our homeschool to others! I will see a family with

many children (I just have two) and I will think silently, that the mom must possess extra super

powers that I do not have. I admit I have been a bit jealous of families that do not have to deal

with special needs challenges even though I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm also sometimes

envious of some of my friends that are talented at teaching co-op classes, scout groups, and

group activities in their home, as that is not where my talent is.

 

All of this is what makes homeschooling so ideal! We learn our children's learning styles and

our own teaching styles. We are able to let our children actively pursue their own interests and

talents without being burdened by typical public school hours. After awhile we figure out what

works best for our own individual families and adapt when changes need to be made. When we

are involved in group activities with friends we can combine our talents with other families and

share our talents with them.

 

 

 Has there ever been a time you have compared your homeschool to another family and

not felt up to par?

 

 

 

 

* Until Next time... 

Don't forget to check out my Guest Post,  "Halloween Fun", on Joy's Blog, too! *

 

 

Pumpkins, Skeletons, and Ghosts... O'MY!

Have I mentioned how much I Love this time of year? Besides the cooler, welcomed weather, I love how much Fun it is to celebrate the Holidays and incorporate them into our schooling.

This past weekend we went to a local Pumpkin Festival. They had Fall themed games for the kids, horse rides, and of course a Pumpkin patch! We all really enjoyed ourselves.

During our school lessons this week, we studied the Human Skeleton. I actually just took Anatomy & Physiology this past Spring and last Fall. So, it was really hard for me to not go into to much detail. With my children age differences, 6 and 11 year old, I had to make sure our lesson were age appropriate. 
For example, with my oldest I went into a bit more detail about the Spine. I explained that it was broken down into Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, etc. Now with my youngest, I mainly just explained to him that our "Back" is also called a "Spine". Then with both of them I explained that our Spine's play an important role in our bodies. The "Bones" also called "Vertebra" in or Spine protect our Spinal cord, which is what our Brains use to control are body. That when the Spinal cord has injury, that it can cause the Brain not to be able to send messages properly.

The kids thought it was very interesting and really enjoyed looking through some of the pictures in my text books.

We also did some fun Skeleton inspired games. I took some of the words and made an unscramble game online. Since it is Halloween this month, we took the Skeleton theme this week and went one step further and did a Fun ghost craft. Since it uses some of our Anatomy, to create. I thought it was a neat craft idea this week to do.

                                             Ghost Feet and Tree hand Art

What you need:
Construction paper in Black, yellow, and green/blue
Paint in white, black, and brown
Paint brushes
Scissors
Glue or tape
pencil

Directions:
1.Cut a yellow circle for a moon
2. Trace your hand and arm in the center of your black paper.
3. Using your paint colors, make your hand/arm into the color of a tree.*Let dry
4. Paint the bottom of each foot white.
5. Carefully, press them on the green/blue paper. You do not want to smudge them, etc. * Let dry
6. Cut out your Ghost feet
7. With your black paint, put two round circles on each ghost for eyes and a bigger circle for the mouth. * Let dry
8. Once all is dry, paste/tape the moon on your black paper
9. Paste/tape your Ghost feet on your black paper

                                          Voila! All Done


In addition, we also put together a Skeleton model that I purchased and read through the information booklet, which had a lot of interesting info. We also had them create a Halloween inspired story about a Skeleton ( Check out SAT essay writing help, if you need some writing tutoring ). I was very impressed in how creative my children's story were ;)











Until Next time...

It's October! ~> More Halloween/Fall themed projects

 

IT'S

One of the things, I enjoy most about Homeschooling my children, is getting to find and create fun lessons, projects, crafts, etc. During the month of October, we will be continuing to focus on Fall and Halloween projects. Each week, I will share with you, some of the things we have or will be doing. I hope you come check in each week! You may find some new ideas, you can do, with your children ;)

This week we made some yummy Witch Hat Cookies, kids loved making this easy to make recipe.
*You can make them w/with out Bows. Click the link above for the complete recipe.)


We made them with out the bows ( pic to the left). It was easier for my children as the bows were hard for them to make.


I also made some Fall/Halloween inspired printable flashcards and created a word list on
Spelling City, using Fall/Halloween themed words.
The kids thought some of the definitions for the words were funny. Example: when they seen the word "Vampire" and the definition said, " A Monster who likes to suck your blood."




So, what will we be doing next week? We will be learning about the Human Skeleton and doing Skeleton/Ghost crafts.

Until Next Time...