tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78457379081089385402024-02-18T18:13:22.331-08:00Countryside AcademyI am a stay at home mom to three wonderful children. This blog is basically about how we started homeschooling, along with the twists and turns we take along the way. I hope you enjoy it, as well as the links I've provided! Keep in mind this is my first blog, so it's a work in progress.Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-73184395976365250612012-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:002012-04-17T22:29:07.657-07:00Time4Learning<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Over the next 30 days, I will be reviewing Time4Learning's online education program. It can be used as a </span><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm?ref=Review+Referring" style="background-color: white; color: #0084f7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;">homeschool curriculum</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">, an </span><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/afterschool.html?ref=Review+Referring" style="background-color: white; color: #0084f7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;" target="_blank">afterschool tutorial</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"> or for</span><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer-school.shtml?ref=Review+Referring" style="background-color: white; color: #0084f7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;" target="_blank">summer learning</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. You can write your own </span><a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum-review.shtml?ref=Review+Referring" style="background-color: white; color: #0084f7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left;" target="_blank">curriculum review</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">, too!</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-81404129058683373742010-11-30T21:11:00.000-08:002010-11-30T21:11:43.184-08:00All My BooksIf you're like me, you're a homeschooling mom with literally TONS of books. I would get so tired of having to go out to my library and searching endlessly for a book I needed. Or trying to search through the thousands of pdf's on my computer that I have for the kiddies. It was a nightmare. Then I found this glorious program called <a href="http://www.bolidesoft.com/allmybooks.html">All My Books</a> . Talk about jumping for joy! I don't know how I ever survived without this! Not only can I look up my books and find exactly where they're at, but I can also do the same with my pdf's. The coolest part is with the pdf's. A link is placed directly on it's "card" so that you can search for it, and then bring it up at will. SO EXCELLENT!<br />
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I just can't say enough good things about this program :) They offer a nice 30 day trial for those who need to "try before you buy". They also have several other software products called "All My Movies" and "All My Software". You can even download all three in a bundle for a decent price.<br />
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I hope you get the chance to give this software a test run. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-55919334377033121822010-05-25T16:11:00.000-07:002010-05-25T16:45:56.196-07:00This Years Curriculum For UsWell, I thought I'd give everyone a run down of what I plan on using this year with my kiddies. Are you ready? Here we go!<br />
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<b>Bible:</b> <a href="http://www.scriptureadventures.com/family_oldtestament.html">Scripture Adventures in the Old Testament</a><br />
We're using the KJV version, but they also offer the NIV version. This looks very promising and is more of a unit study approach. It offers both worksheets to complete and hands on activities. You can visit their site from the above link and download a table of contents and sample pages if you would like :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.currclick.com/index.php?affiliate_id=52197" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="CurrClick" border="0" src="http://www.currclick.com/themes/currclick/images/affiliatebanner3.gif" title=" CurrClick " /></a><b>History</b>: A Journey Through "The 17th Century" and "The 18th Century"<br />
These are made by "A Journey Through Learning", and are fabulous unit studies! You can really make them as long or short as you want. They also include little activities to complete through out the text. The first one we are going to move pretty fast through, considering it is mainly a review. The second we're going to take our time with and just see. You can use the CurrClick link if you'd like to look at them :-)<br />
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<b>Science: </b>Various<br />
I plan on using various unit studies and lapbooks for this. I am following the guide from "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Learning-Year-Homeschool-Curriculum/dp/0609805851?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0609805851" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />". I'm also going to be using "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/HANDBOOK-NATURE-STUDY-BOTSFORD-COMSTOCK/dp/1409227944?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1409227944" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />" to go along with our nature studies. Some of the unit studies I will be using are by "Hip2Homeschool". I think she puts out some of the best unit studies I've seen :) You can click the above CurrClick link and find her there!<br />
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<b>Writing</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Strands-Level-Ser/dp/1888344105?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Writing Strands Level 3</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1888344105" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
I'll be using this for both kiddies. My dd thrives in writing, and my ds not so much. I figured this would be a good fit for both. Where it would help my dd excel, it would also help my son. I'm looking forward to seeing how both do with this!<br />
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<b>Reading</b>: Various<br />
I plan on using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Liberty-Nature-Reader-Readers/dp/1930092512?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Christian Liberty Nature Readers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1930092512" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, various biographies, science readers, and regular story books.<br />
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<b>Grammar</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Level-Workbook-56/dp/0936981121?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Easy Grammar Level 1 (Workbook 56)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0936981121" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Teachers-Wanda-Phillips/dp/0936981172?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Easy Grammar: Grades 3 and 4 Teachers Edition</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0936981172" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
We like these. They are simple and easy to understand. Combined with the other books we're using, I think this makes for a great Language Arts curriculum.<br />
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<b>Spelling</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spelling-Book-Words-Needed-Phonics/dp/1576907503?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Spelling Book: Words Most Needed Plus Phonics by Dr. Fry</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1576907503" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
This has spelling from K-6th grade. It also includes phonics, syllabication, and some handwriting. This is the first year I'm using this. My dd's spelling isn't the best, so I'm hoping this helps her out. Since it's multi year, I get the added bonus of using it with my ds. :-)<br />
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<b>Typing</b>: <a href="http://www.rapidtyping.com/">Rapid Typing Tutor</a> , <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/">Dance Mat Typing</a>, <a href="http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/mce/keyboarding/keyboarding.htm">others</a><br />
We're going to be giving typing another go this year. Come second semester we're going to be trying Sign Language. Not sure how it will go, but I think it will be fun!<br />
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<b>Geography</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Guide-Us-Geography-Matters/dp/1931397198?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Trail Guide to U.S. Geography</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1931397198" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
We'll probably be using this for a couple of years, not just this one. It depends on how the kids like it. One thing to note, with with book, you may need other resources. If, for instance, you are unfamiliar with how to teach geography, the book suggests <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Geography-Timeline-Guide-Maggie/dp/0966372204?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0966372204" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. </i>You may also want to purchase the corisponding student notebook (not required, but definitely a plus to have!). Some other recommended resources for this one is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Illustrated-Atlas-McNally-Schoolhouse/dp/0528934597?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Children's Illustrated Atlas of the United States</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrysi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0528934597" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, </i>and<i> </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Almanac-Book-Facts-2009/dp/B002N2XIIO?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><i>The World Almanac and Book of Facts</i> </a>(or another almanac). <br />
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We're also going to be using some great flash cards I purchased from CurrClick. <br />
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<b>Art</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/History-Egypt-Twentieth-Century-Godly/dp/B0006S955C?ie=UTF8&tag=countrysi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">God & the History of Art,Vol 1</a><br />
This book is absolutely fabulous! I actually have both volumes and will use them. I got the set that comes with the paint cards and post cards. This book starts out simple, teaching the techniques such as line, shading, color, etc. Then it goes onto more complicated lessons. It also includes artist studies along the way. One book will last 4 years! What more could you want :-) I know we can't wait to put it to use!<br />
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Ok, I think that pretty much covers the curriculum, now lets talk about schedule! The ever dreaded schedule...LOL All I can really say about this is, you're just going to have to find what works for you. I'll go ahead and list what we do, but remember, BE FLEXIBLE! That's one of the perks of HOMEschooling :-)<br />
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All times are "give and take". Sometimes we go much faster, sometimes (especially in Math) we go extremely slow.<br />
<b><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 800;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mon<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bible: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gram: 20 min</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spell: 45 min</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">**we do definitions</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writ: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Art: 1 hour</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">History: 30-1+ hour</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">**depends on if we</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">have a craft<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Geography: 30 mins<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reading 20 mins<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Math: 1+ hour<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">**depends<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tues<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bible: 30 min<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gram: 20 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spell: 45 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writ: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">PE: 2 hrs</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sci: 30-1+ hr</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Geo: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Math: 1+ hour<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wed</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bible: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gram: 20 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spell: 45 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writ: 30 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Composer</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hist: 30-1+ hr</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Read 20 min</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Math: 1+ hour</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thurs </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bible: 30 min <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gram: 20 min <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spell: 45 min <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writ: 30 min <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Art: 1 hour <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sci: 30-1+ hr <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Geo: 30 min <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Math: 1+ hour <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fri</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bible: 30 min</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gram: 20 min</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spell: 30 min</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writ: 30 min</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hist: 30-1+hr</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Math: 1+ hour</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Read 20 min</span></span><b></b></span></div><b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 800;"></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><br />
</div></span></div></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b></b></span></span></div><b><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></o:p></div></span></div></b><br />
</span></div></b>That is all just mainly guess work until we actually start school. I'm certain it will change, it always does!<br />
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I'm using the curriculum planner from Dynamic2Moms. I already gave a review of them below, but I guess I just love them that much! LOL I'm including some pictures of my planner that I've put together from them. One thing I would definitely recommend is buying the tabbed sheet protectors. You'll see the version I bought, and I love them. I got all of it from Wal-Mart! ;-)<br />
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Ok, that's it for now. Chow!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-77138921930288524032010-05-25T13:16:00.000-07:002010-05-25T13:16:35.874-07:00Book Binding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKPIyDumiWjH4NK-vx4aRXlfALoFx18pj_AAvGi4FaISGM2nwHsHOCLv7FA-rMMbUH4k1ZM3sdBtzNJWAgj6zNptr7lMzuhLTDa6WuGzBiwsoXEzEqOytDPLkCOWJXZbQm-WRjktuE0k/s1600/binding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKPIyDumiWjH4NK-vx4aRXlfALoFx18pj_AAvGi4FaISGM2nwHsHOCLv7FA-rMMbUH4k1ZM3sdBtzNJWAgj6zNptr7lMzuhLTDa6WuGzBiwsoXEzEqOytDPLkCOWJXZbQm-WRjktuE0k/s320/binding.jpg" /></a></div>I am a huge fan of eBooks! I'm also a huge fan of binding my own books and planners. There are tons of different ways you can bind your own books. When I first started, I used a 3 hole punch, fasteners, and masking tape. Then I graduated to using gorilla glue and masking tape. Now I use a GBC ProClick P50 32-Hole Paper Punch, ProClick spines, and 3:1 pitch plastic coil spines from <a href="http://bestbuybinding.com/">Best Buy Binding</a> (the cheapest place I have found so far). The size of the book depends on which spine I bind it with. The ProClick spines only hold up to 110 sheets with their biggest size (5/8), so if I'm binding a big book, I use the coil. I got 22mm which holds over 200 sheets; this takes care of pretty much all of my needs. <br />
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The steps to using the paper punch and spines are pretty simple. Sometimes I laminate the covers with my laminator, and then punch those, just depends on what I'm working on though. No matter, the steps are still going to be the same. First, you hole punch all of the book. This can take awhile depending on book size. You can only punch around 6 pages with this hole puncher. After you're finished with that, you just pick the spine you want to use. The ProClick spines just "zip up" so to speak, then you're done. If you're using the plastic coil, you would just wind it into the holes until you have gone through each. Then, take your clippers and clip off the extra coil. For this, you want to make sure you don't take off too much. Here is a good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMbUbf9Z33E">video</a> to watch so you can make sure you do it right. The do use coil crimpers. I did not see the need for them. I just clip the coil and then bend it with a pair of pliers. Then viola! Done! You can see the picture of my planner that I just bound today. Tootles!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-82833761389186989602010-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:002010-05-21T09:59:33.877-07:00Homeschool Day BookI found the perfect little record keeping program! It's called <a href="http://www.homeschooldaybook.com/">"Homeschool Day Book"</a>, and it has to be one of the easiest record keeping programs I have found, trust me, I've tried a lot. It is very simple to set up. I used their automated set up and just typed in my children's names, then I typed in my own set of classes (there was an option to use what is pre-installed, but I use different ones), and that was pretty much it. It keeps track of attendance, hours/minutes spent on a subject, and what you do for each subject. You can also print out reports to place in your portfolio's or whenever the need arises! It also offers the option to change the theme of the program between flat system, flat blue, gloss blue, gloss sliver, gloss dark, and gloss dark (purple). <br /><br />All in all, this is a very easy to use, light program. It doesn't offer a ton of options that could be easily intimidating to some. It's nice, simple, and to the point. I see this being most beneficial to people who don't want or need a lot of bells and whistles. It offers a great approach of unschoolers! I also think this would be an extremely beneficial program for unschoolers in Missouri, since we have to track our hours instead of days. <br /><br />They are offering a free trial of the complete program too! This way you can download it, and give it a whirl before you commit to buy! How great is that! :)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-55585917642386895152010-05-21T09:32:00.001-07:002010-05-21T17:59:16.225-07:00SO Busy here lately!I've been deep in the "re-organization" world here lately! I decided I didn't like some of the ways we were doing things, so I took some time off to re-thing and re-organize. My goodness how long that took to go through everything! LOL I did find some wonderful resources along the way though :) I would love to let everyone out there know about <a href="http://dynamic2moms.webs.com/">Dynamic2Moms</a> . This site has some absolutely wonderful things on it. It has a complete curriculum planner, lapbooks, as well as links to other pages of interest. This has to be one of my favorite sites! Their curriculum planner is absolutely wonderful, but they also let me tweak part of it to fit my needs here in Missouri a bit better, then listed it on their page too :) They also let me share a couple other pages I created on there. They are a fabulous bunch of girls! <br /><br />Another site that I found and fell in love with is <a href="http://www.staidenshomeschool.com/index.html">St Aiden's Homeschool</a> . She has a ton of great freebies on her site. And when I say a ton, I really mean it! I have also bought some of her unit studies that I absolutely adore. This is really a good site to visit if you have the time!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-23235663800153713922009-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:002009-08-30T09:37:27.775-07:00FREE Language Arts CurriculumI've been searching the internet again and found some very nice resources. The first one is actually an oldie but goody. It's <a href="http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghb.html">Scott Foresman Grammar and Writing Handbooks</a>. You can download each workbook for free! In my opinion, they are one of the best there is. It combines grammar and writing into an all in one, easy to use format. This is what we are using and I absolutely love it. Also, if you're not a grammar wiz and feel you need the answer keys, you can go to Pearson's website and set up a homeschoolers account through OASIS. I did it, and it was very easy to accomplish. If you need more help, you can always call their customer support or email them with the links on their site.<br /><br />The second LA curriculum is by <a href="http://www.englishbanana.com/">English Banana</a>. I have not used them, but have looked at the available material. What they provide is strictly grammar related. They have a very nice website with links to games, video, tools, and downloadable workbooks. The workbooks themselves are pretty straight forward and simple. The workbooks I've downloaded are "Big Grammar Book", "Big Activity Book", and "Big Resource Book". <br /><br />The "Big Grammar Book" is pretty nice, but not really a "teaching workbook". It's more of a nice resource book to use to test the child's knowledge of what you have already taught. I do think I will use this as something to put in their portfolios. The "Big Activity Book" is a workbook of grammar worksheets that could come in handy. Then is the "Big Resource Book", which for me isn't really a resource book. It's more of another extra set of practice worksheets. This too could come in handy in a bind though.<br /><br />All in all, I found both programs were good. However, I thought Scott Foresman was the better option since it combined the grammar and writing. Plus, I found it was a more complete curriculum all around.<br /><br />Hope that sheds some light on these two curriculums. ;)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-10607033060623642352009-08-25T14:30:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:38:03.868-07:00A GREAT Site for Kids!I was searching the internet today trying to find the answer keys to Scott Foresman Grammar and Writing Handbooks. Guess what, they're not out there! So, I mozzied on over to Pearson to see if could find them there. I did indeed find them. I also happened upon a cool little site! It's called <a href="http://www.poptropica.com/">Poptropica</a>. It's like this little world for the kids to go through and earn credits that they can use in the "store". Of course, if you don't want to do their games (which happen to be pretty fun, I tried one of them to check for myself), you can always just buy the credits yourself. As I said, the games are fun, but could get irritating for an impatient child. I even found myself getting a little irritated at it. This also has a chat for the kids, if they own the "multiverse" card (which can be purchased in the store), or if one of their friends invites them to the chat with a code. <br /><br />I hope your kiddo's find this enjoyable!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-4606330795524573282009-08-24T19:28:00.000-07:002009-08-24T19:30:37.859-07:00Notebooking System....I found this online and thought you may like it. It's call The Full Year Notebooking System. <a href="http://3c0fa35hu54obzc1cxtcwz44hp.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">Click Here!</a>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-18655779986885039622009-08-22T08:15:00.000-07:002009-08-22T08:21:11.563-07:00It's Been Awhile....Wow...talk about hectic life. Sorry I haven't had any updates lately. We took a few weeks "off" for VBS, and then to spend the last week of summer vaca with the kids cousin. Next week is back to school! I wonder if anyone else out there is relieved that all the public school children are back in session. I know I am. No more severely crowded stores. So much easier running errands now. <br /><br />Anyway, I'll be starting with my updates again next week. Enjoy the weekend!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-64597439701515819832009-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:43:48.925-07:00Free Online Reading AssessmentOn one of my many searches for free resources I came across this. I've had the link for quite awhile, but forgot to share it! LOL Hope some of you can put it to good use.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.test4free.com/">Free Reading Evaluation and Assessment</a>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-57779849059013450792009-07-13T19:09:00.000-07:002009-07-13T19:33:56.180-07:00First Week Finished!Well, after a few minor setbacks (ex. arguing and temper tantrums) week one is done! Technically it's been done for a few days, as we are already into week two. Our schedule was actually pretty nice compared to other years. There has not been a lot of stress associated with school this year! Previously I had a "public school mentality" as I like to call it. I was so rigid trying to get everything done that I forgot the most important part. School should be fun! HUH? Did I just say that! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LOL</span> Needless to say, my kids are liking this year much better. <br /><br />Our schedule really worked this last week! I get up with my husband, and I take care of my housework. Then, I start breakfast, get the kiddies up, and have them take care of their chores while it's cooking (ex. clean up bedrooms, which is all they really have on weekdays, except the normal picking up after themselves). After breakfast, I have them take care of themselves (brushing hair, teeth, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">etc</span>.). This is what last weeks school schedule looked like (hope it helps some!):<br /><br />Monday: Bible lesson and memory verse. Spelling: write words 3x. 1 Saxon Math lesson. 1 Easy Grammar Lesson. Island Story Ch. 62: 1/2, Bio of Leonardo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Da</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Vinci</span>: 1 chapter. Story Book of Science: Ch 1. Story of Inventions: Ch 1, 2 sub chapters. 1 Poem by William Blake. 1 Spanish Lesson.<br /><br />Tuesday: Bible lesson and memory verse. Spelling: Quiz, write missed words 3x. 1 Saxon Math lesson. 1 Easy Grammar Lesson. Island Story Ch. 62: 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> 1/2, Bio of Leonardo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Da</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Vinci</span>: 1 chapter. Story Book of Science: Ch. 2. Story of Inventions: Ch 1, 2 sub chapters. 1 Poem by William Blake. 1 Spanish Lesson.<br /><br />Wednesday: Bible lesson and memory verse. Spelling: Quiz, write missed words 3x. 1 Saxon Math lesson. 1 Easy Grammar Lesson. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Children's</span> History of the World: Ch 63, 1/2. Geography: Marco Polo "snippet". Story of Inventions: Ch 1, 2 sub chapters. Science Lab In a Supermarket: pg 15 &16. 1 William Blake Poem. Literature: Heroes Pt. 1, The Princess and the Goblin, Ch 1. 1 Spanish Lesson.<br /><br />Thursday: Bible lesson and memory verse. Spelling: Quiz, write missed words 5x. 1 Saxon Math lesson. 1 Easy Grammar Lesson. Children's History of the World: Ch 63, 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nd</span> 1/2. Story of Inventions: Ch 1, 2 sub chapters. Literature: The Princess and the Goblin, Ch 2. Tall Tale: Paul Bunyan (one note: I have never heard my son laugh so hard at a story before! He REALLY enjoyed this!). 1 Spanish lesson.<br /><br />Friday: Bible lesson and memory verse. Spelling: Test, write missed words 10x. 1 Saxon Math lesson. 1 Easy Grammar Lesson. Pilgrims Progress. Story of Inventions: Ch. 1, finish to pg 10. Literature: The Princess and the Goblin, Ch 3. Art Study: Sandro Botticelli. 1 Spanish lesson.Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-70485403350724548652009-07-07T20:59:00.000-07:002009-07-07T21:01:42.264-07:00Free Christian Children's E-BooksI found this on one of my groups. It's several good e-books with moral themes for children. Here it is:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.talesofcastles.com/free-book-downloads.htm">Free E-Books from Ed Dunlop</a>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-54512359955296407652009-07-07T20:57:00.001-07:002009-07-07T20:59:33.439-07:00Parables From NatureHello Hello! I found this online at google books. I thought it may benefit some. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=GxHt5M62odcC&pg=PP1">Parables From Nature</a>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-68229831792095375902009-07-06T19:23:00.001-07:002009-07-06T19:47:12.203-07:00Free Math and Reading curriculumI found this site a couple years ago and it spread like wild fire! Well, they are having a hard time now, so I thought I would try to spread the word around and see if anyone out there could help them. <br /><br />This is an absolutely WONDERFUL resource! It has two different maths (one of which is to your state standards), and a reading program. The best part (aside from being free) is that it is tailored for each child. I absolutely loved this, as do many homeschooling families. Anyway, you can check out the site <a href="http://www.mindsprinting.com/msfree/index.aspx">here</a>. If anyone out there can donate any money to help support them, please think seriously about it!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-72836539423648843402009-07-06T10:11:00.000-07:002009-07-06T10:18:44.178-07:00The 4thI hope everyone had an awesome 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>! We absolutely enjoyed ourselves. We went and took in the sites in town and watched the parade. I believe my kids will have tooth rot before midweek now! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LOL</span> They ended up with so much candy! They did get a bit upset with me when I took it away from them. When they pay their own dentist bills, they may eat all the candy they like ;) <br /><br />As my son said, "Happy Birthday America!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LOL</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-87911400728370638312009-06-30T10:35:00.000-07:002009-06-30T10:43:36.810-07:00Progressive PhonicsI love Progressive Phonics! I used this back in 2006 (man...has it really been THAT long ago!) when I first started homeschooling my son. I really really liked it. But then before too long, they had to start charging for it. I was kicking myself for not downloading it all before this happened, but I ended up finding Stairway to Reading, which was good too. However, Progressive Phonics is FREE AGAIN!!!! HURRAY!!!!!!!! I guess I'm going to be downloading for the next couple days...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LOL</span> ;-) You can go check them out <a href="http://www.progressivephonics.com/">here</a> . Or, if you like, you can check out Stairway To Reading <a href="http://www.societyforqualityeducation.org/">here</a> . You do need to register with Stairway before you check out their materials. One other quick note, they also have math materials, though I have not checked them out.<br /><br />Enjoy!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-56628154787403541802009-06-29T19:47:00.000-07:002009-06-29T19:51:29.693-07:00Found a GREAT link!I have been searching for Trial and Triumph by Richard Hannula for a long time. I find it everywhere, just not at prices that I can afford for one book. Well, HURRAY, I found it! Best part? It's free to read online <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=QEcLSqCYi18C&lpg=PP1&ots=_iznF0EU1d&dq=trial%20and%20triumph&pg=PP1">here</a> ! I thought that was SO awesome! I'm all about saving money when I can!!! Needless to say, this makes my husbands day....LOL If anyone out there wants to use this, make sure you read the chapters before you let your children. Some of them may disturb sensitive children. I, however, have had no problems with it so far. I think this is a WONDERFUL book for church history.<br /><br />Anywho, enjoy the link!!!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-72299292484134194102009-06-29T16:35:00.000-07:002009-06-29T16:41:32.072-07:00What A Long Weekend.....Well, the yard sale is over! I have to say, even though I did pretty good, that was the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">miserable</span> yard sale ever! I had no idea it was going to be such a heat wave. It was just plain too hot for a lot of people. Plus the distance to drive to my place. So, I have decided to load up the trailer hitch and take it all into town for another one. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks though. I figure this will give me time to purge more things. I STILL have about 10 tubs packed to the top with books. WHEW! I can't believe after all I sold, I still have that many. And GOOD ones too. I guess we'll see how the next one goes! ;-)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-37865028141232554812009-06-25T21:07:00.000-07:002009-06-25T21:15:20.283-07:00Who Knew....I had no idea getting a yard sale ready was so much work!!! Of course, when you have enough books to start your won used book store, it probably should of been a given. I ended up spending all day and night setting stuff up, pulling stuff out, clearing stuff out. I am now sporting a nice little sun burn on my shoulders. Hurray...LOL<br /><br />I didn't realize I had so many until the 16'x5' trailer bed didn't have enough room for them all. And neither did the long table I added to it. I've got books coming out of my ears! LOL I've had to pull out mats to put them all on, as well as tubs with lids on them! <br /><br />I really hope this yard sale goes well. I SO do not want to pack up all these books again. I guess I could always take what isn't sold into our used book store and trade them. Man....that would be one huge store credit this time! Last time I did that I got around a $300 credit, and that was a small fraction of what I have this time. Time will tell. ;-)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-88261728207089859842009-06-25T14:24:00.000-07:002009-06-25T14:43:40.267-07:00First Fish!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKHUwF8u_dDWvCFrjWyf_czv95p6awbuHjBlDckp3s5c7gF9Jqupd7kA3-vomqmQcO2P6aKB77z3lQ8IfJHbaMVUpxTF5RJ8g23xIfiouQ_xWO0FZFFnimLhgcwRd_zp6BH7f8ysXRSk/s1600-h/New+Pics+2009+292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKHUwF8u_dDWvCFrjWyf_czv95p6awbuHjBlDckp3s5c7gF9Jqupd7kA3-vomqmQcO2P6aKB77z3lQ8IfJHbaMVUpxTF5RJ8g23xIfiouQ_xWO0FZFFnimLhgcwRd_zp6BH7f8ysXRSk/s320/New+Pics+2009+292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351381368838420130" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last year my husband discovered the sport of fishing. I was glad, at first, that he had finally found something that he really enjoyed doing. Then came the endless days of doing nothing BUT fishing. It grew pretty tiresome for the kids and I ! So, now we only go out with him on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasion</span>. Usually when we do actually go, my brother and his family go along too. This gives the children and I someone to visit with while we "fish". Just so happens, that on one of these outings, our girls caught their first fish! On the left is my niece Amber, my brother (Amber's dad), and my baby girl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bre</span>. You'd never guess that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bre</span> is actually older. Only by a few days' but still! ;-) Can you tell that's a proud papa there! Of course, if it were not for my brother, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bre</span> never would of caught a fish. I had her convinced that her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bobber</span> was a fish hook...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LOL</span> I was scared to death she was going to hook herself of someone else, so he took over for me. Thank God for big brothers!!!!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-9962655813628780992009-06-23T22:35:00.001-07:002009-06-25T12:13:56.079-07:00My Awesome Book find for the day!!!!I had an absolute great book find today! I guess I should say finds, considering there were two of them. I had been looking for Bob Friedhoffer books all over the internet. All I could find though were ones that cost over $20! That, to me, is too much for one these. Well, today I hit the jackpot! I went to<a href="http://www.alibris.com/"> Alibris</a> and found the two I had been searching for. Best part? Shipping and handling were free, so it only cost me a couple of dollars!!!! HURRAY! Now I can't wait to get them! I can just see my husband's face now when he see's the packages. LOL....oh well, there goes that floor space! ;-)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845737908108938540.post-57721134125788791662009-06-23T13:36:00.000-07:002009-06-23T13:53:38.890-07:00Welcome!Well, after being a homeschooling parent for the last 4 years, I have decided to start my own blog. I'm not really sure how often I will update this, but my hopes are that I can share all my wonderful finds with everyone! It has taken SO long to find these, I thought maybe I could spare someone else the long hours of internet searching. Ok, lets be real, it's good to find awesome links, but we all know you're STILL going to be up until 3 am looking for the best! I know I would ;-)<br /><br />This year we are doing school a bit different. I have decided to take a break (started on May 19th) and start back up again on July 6th. I'm doing it this way because we're going to start Ambleside Y3 this year. I wanted to give myself ample time to get all the books together and printed out. Plus I wanted to research it a bit more to make sure it was right for us. I have actually looked at it a lot over the last couple of years, but was really unsure. I had a case of what I like to refer to as "public school mentality". I was so worried that if I let go of all the workbooks and textbooks that my children would not learn anything. But, after reading all the reviews, faq's, and some of the books themselves, I have decided to dive on in! This undoubtedly made my husband's day as I have decided to purge all the workbooks and textbooks (with exception to about 15)! We now have a dining room again. I thought my husband was going to pass out when he first saw it! Of course, now in place of the many bookcases I have maps, charts, and pictures! But hey, THERE IS FLOOR SPACE!!!<br /><br />Anywho! I hope to get most of the links up for Year 3, along with yahoo group links, before too long. I'm actually kind of excited about getting everything up and going!Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03718869756939267283noreply@blogger.com0