Sunday, March 31, 2013

Blessed Sunday

Wishing you and your family all the blessings that come from knowing Him, and his resurrection.


Matthew 28:1-8

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.





Scripture and Snapshot

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Frugal Tip: Make Cheese!


We recently started getting milk from a local dairy. It is WONDERFUL stuff. :) Some friends of mine and I have been talking a lot about making cheese... and the other day when I was delivering eggs to them, they told me they had gotten some rennet tablets and citric acid from a cheese supply. We did a little swapping for eggs, and I was ready to roll.

I found the instructions on this website. They are great instructions and very easy to follow. In no time I was stretching my mozzarella! I added a quart of cream to the milk to make for richer cheese, and the mozz was almost TOO creamy. I think next time I will skim off the cream before making mozz.



After the mozzarella was done, I made ricotta from the whey. I think next time I would add the cream back in at this step, and get a better yield. You can find the ricotta from whey instructions here. One gallon of whole milk, plus one quart of cream turned out a little more than a pound of mozzarella, and 14 oz. of ricotta. So then I made bread, and turned that cheese into the best lasagna ever.



Even the chickens ate well, after the last of the whey was poured over their pellets. I let it soak in overnight and they loved their morning mash! (so did Fluffy the cat!)


Linked:
Frugal Family 2013 

The Chicken Chick

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Resurrection Sunday Tradition: Cookies

Originally posted here last Easter, this recipe is on a card tucked in my Bible, and we pull it out every year. Since we have so many new readers here with us this Spring, I felt it was worth sharing again.


~~~~~
Making these has been an Easter tradition at our house for the past 6 years. We love these cookies! More-so because of the process of making them, although they are pretty tasty too.

Here is the link to the page where I first found these cookies, although they are all over the web. Here they are on Allrecipes posted by user "Sonia". Annie says the source is unknown, but that she got her recipe from "Sue."  Who knows where they came from, but we have adopted them as a family tradition.

I have pictures from two different years to share our process with you. We do this the night before Easter Morning.

Supplies:

a zipper bag
wooden spoon or rolling pin
waxed paper or parchment paper
scotch tape
oven, preheated to 300F
Bible

Ingredients:

1 cup pecans (half or whole)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1 cup white sugar


Place pecans in a resealable plastic bag. Crush the pecans into small bits. Read John 19:1-3. Explain how Jesus was beaten and mocked.  
John 19:1-3 (NKJV)
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said,“Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.


Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into a medium bowl. Read John 19:28-30 Let the children taste the vinegar and ask if that would be satisfying if they were suffering and thirsty.
John 19:28-30 (NKJV)
It Is Finished
After this, Jesus, knowing[a] that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!”  Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Read John 10:10-11 
John 10:10-11 (NKJV)The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.


Sprinkle salt into the egg whites. Read Luke 23:27 Let the children taste the salt first, and talk about salty tears.
Luke 23:27 (NKJV)
And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him.
So far, the mixture isn't very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
John 3:16 (NKJV)For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.


Beat with mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Talk about how white the mixture is becoming, just as Jesus paid for our sin to wash our hearts clean and white.
Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
John 3:1-3(NKJV)
The New Birth
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Matthew 27:57-60 (NKJV)
Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb
Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

Place cookies in the oven close the door and turn the oven off. Read Matthew 27:65-66. Talk about how the tomb was sealed so no one could steal Jesus' body and say He had risen.
Matthew 27:65-66 (NKJV)
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.
Go to bed. Read John 16:20 and 22. Talk about how sad the disciples were to leave Jesus there in the tomb.
John 16:20 & 22 (NKJV)
Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.



In the morning open the oven and take out the cookies. Read Matthew 28:1-9. 
Matthew 28:1-9 (NKJV)
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

When you eat them they are hollow, just as the empty tomb, even though it was sealed. What a true miracle! Jesus is not dead, He is living! It is His resurrection that gives us hope for life eternal.
1 Cor. 15:20-26
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
~~~



Related Posts:
Salvation, the greatest gift a parent can share
Spring Garden 2011
Daddy Dates

From the old blog:
Here are our pictures from Easter 2007, five years ago... WOW how time flies!
_____________________________________
Linked:
 photo 9c2d3d39-9e5d-4351-b060-d6251ee13eaa_zpseda17cd5.jpg

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Psalm 23


Ever since I was a little girl, Psalm 23 has been special to me. Three of my children have memorized it now. . .  and in my head, when they recite, I hear my Grandma E. saying it in German. April 23rd would have been her 99th birthday. I miss her.


Psalm 23


A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me 
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.




Linked:
Scripture and Snapshot

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Pictures of our Homeschool Day

With our homeschool adventure, every day is different, but here's a typical day of school at our house. Of course, it always starts (and often ends) with the chickens. I didn't get a picture of each subject or activity. But this will give you an idea of our day!

Let the chickens out, and feed them.
Our school day always starts with chores.
TouchMath

ABeCeDarian (review in April!)

Math

Supercharged Science (review in April!)

Math

Art
visiting Grandma!

more chores

collect the eggs (leave the golfballs)
play outside until the sun sets



Join us on a Blog Cruise? All the other Crew will be linking up Tuesday morning, March 26th, so be sure to check it out! (post will be live 8am EST, 3/26/13)


Photobucket

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Sniffles and Stuff

This past week we've had a bit of the crud. I was sad to miss my book study, but we stayed home so as not to share the yukkies. On Monday Emma had a head cold and Mayda had the stomach bug. I always keep everyone home 24 hours after they are better, to keep the germs from spreading. Plus, I don't want them to catch anything else while their immune systems are down.

What does your family do when they are sick? We have a few favorite go-to tricks. We love Emergen-C packets, and use them daily during cold season. My girls like the citrus flavored ones in hot water with a little honey.

Also, when the sniffles hit, I only buy tissues with lotion. Although for the worst drippy nose, nothing is more soothing than an old fashioned handkerchief. :) Another favorite tip, is to rinse your sinuses with salt water. My friend Nicki suggested this, and my friend Brooke reminded me of it. I didn't like the idea of it at first, but they talked me into it, and I'm sold.

I'm amazed how much less frequently my colds become sinus infections, and how quickly they pass by. There is no cure for the common cold, but this sure helps! Be sure to read this very important safety information from the FDA before putting anything up your nose. :) And of course, sharing my experiences should never replace medical advice, so run any treatments by your health care provider before trying them. My mom is a nurse, and it's handy to have her on speed dial.

Very simply, I boil a mug of water and add  1/2 tsp of salt (kosher). Let it cool until room temp, and use a bulb syringe to irrigate my sinuses while leaning over the sink. I do both sides twice, then gargle with any remaining salt water. Then blow my nose thoroughly  Be sure to use distilled water, and to thoroughly boil it. Also, be sure to sterilize your mug and syringe in boiling water as well.


If you're a research buff like me, these studies will encourage you to try it:




So, what are your favorite home remedies? Leave me a comment! I'd love to add your tip to my bag-o-tricks. :)



©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Frugal Tip and Recipe: Home Made Pancake Syrup

I want everyone to note, I did not say "maple syrup"! I had a friend from "up north" who bristled every time someone referred to pancake syrup (made with sugar and flavoring) as maple syrup. Back east in PA, when we attended the Pennsylvania State Fair, we saw lots of authentic maple syrup. We even had maple ice cream made with it, and there was maple sugar cotton candy. YUM!

Like local honey, the stuff is awesome, but pricey! I love my honey, but I'll skimp on the syrup. So I make home-made syrup, hot and fresh, when I make waffles or pancakes. Here's the recipe my mom used, and (I am told) hubby's mom too:


Home-Made Pancake Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp maple flavoring
Combine the first four ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring to a rolling boil, while stirring constantly. Boil for one full minute, then remove from heat. Add flavoring after removing from heat, but use caution, as it will boil rapidly when added. It will be runny while hot, but thicker upon cooling. If, after it cools, it is not thick enough for you, boil longer the next time you make it. I prefer mine thick, so I boil for about 2 minutes.

Yield: a bit more than 2 cups.

Enjoy!

Linked:
Frugal Family 2013 


©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Review: TouchMath Kindergarten


logo photo touchlogo_zps5760f524.jpg



We had the wonderful blessing of reviewing TouchMath, and specifically the Kindergarten curriculum. (ages 4-6) You can imagine what a blessing this was, as this is a huge curriculum. The Kindergarten program costs $199.95, a $39.85 savings over  purchasing the 4 units separately at $59.95 each.

We also received the TouchMath Tutor Kindergarten Software (2 CD set) valued at $99, and the 3D Numerals valued at $79 (with teacher instruction CD), and the TouchShapes,valued at $30. So, in all, we received $407 in materials to try out.

To say this is a "robust" curriculum, would be an understatement. We used it very thoroughly, so this will not be a short review. If you want the short version, you can scroll to the bottom for my "likes", "dislikes", and "bottom line".

Kindy photo 252441_10151402041329867_1022020412_n_zps5216bf56.jpg

The main part of this curriculum is the Kindergarten Unit Downloads. There are four units: A, B, C, and D, and they can be purchased separately or as a package, which is a money savings. All four units have 25 pages of introductory information at the front of the unit. This is exactly the same in each unit, so if you purchase all four and choose to print them, you can print A entirely, and then begin B-D printing from page 26 forwards. This curriculum is not available in a textbook format, so do take the cost of printing it into account when budgeting for it.
  • Unit A is 203 pages (6 modules), and covers Counting, Adding, and Subtracting up to the number 5
  • Unit B is 209 pages (6 modules), and covers Adding and Subtracting up to the number 9
  • Unit C is 209 pages (6 modules), and covers Understanding Numbers 1-20
  • Unit D is 219 pages (6 modules), and covers Measurement Data and Geometry
We chose to print the entire download, for two reasons: First, so we could have the entire curriculum in a 3-ring binder, and look it over more closely. Secondly, because the instructions are collated with the worksheets, you cannot easily print them separately.

The Units each come as a single PDF file, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open them. Unlike some PDF files of this size, there are not chapter book marks, or shortcuts to navigate through the Unit quickly. You simply must scroll down until you find where you left off. This was another reason we chose to print it. All total, I printed 800 pages at a cost of about $35. Now that I've used it for a while I think I would probably take the time and sort out the instructions from the worksheets, and only print the worksheets (which account for only 90 pages of each Unit).

The instructions could be accessed on a reader, but at an average of 60 MB per file, it would have to be a hefty tablet. My Android phone version of Kindle could not handle it. Each unit is divided into 6 modules which start over in page numbering, which makes them difficult to navigate for quick printing. A good idea would be to use an online PDF splitter to divide the Units into the 6 Modules for easier printing and viewing on a tablet. You will want to take note of the Worksheet page numbers which are continuous, although divided between module instructions.
During the review period I used this curriculum with my son, Wyatt, who is 5 years old and in Kindergarten. Before starting this, he wasn't doing any math, other than learning to count and number recognition. After just a few weeks he was adding and subtracting numbers up to 5!

The recommended work time was 2 to 2.5 minutes, multiplied by the age of the student. We used the worksheets for 15 to 20 minutes a day, and were easily able to do about 25 worksheets a week. As we move into the later units that pace will likely slow down a bit, as the first several modules of Unit A were familiar concepts. We followed our worksheet time with using the TouchMath Tutor Software, which was very fun for him!

I found the instructions sheets (about 10-12 pages of them per module) to be helpful but difficult to understand in places. It read more like tax code, but I did use them.  A good portion is given to explaining Common Core Standards and how they are an integral part of this curriculum. This is pretty controversial with many families, so it is important to mention. If you live in a state that is looking to impose Common Core standards on homeschoolers, then this might be a plus for you. For myself, I found that it really detracted from the curriculum. I have since found that many homeschool curriculum are adapting to Common Core.

While using the worksheets, we worked through the concepts of number sequencing as well as simple adding and subtracting. We used the TouchShapes with the worksheets to illustrate "adding to" and "taking away" quantities. Wyatt loved this, and he begged to do his TouchMath every day! This was in a large part due to the extras we received.

prek k photo 395383_10150712263749867_108422559_n_zps79bb7fd9.jpg
Another extra was the TouchMath Tutor Software, which comes on two CD's for the computer. It was easy to install, and pretty easy to use. It made the concepts from the worksheets come alive and Wyatt was happy to "play" with it for 30-45 minutes every day after completing his worksheets. We found that the 3D Numerals we received really helped as he worked through learning the TouchPoints on the first Tutor CD-ROM. This is important, since the TouchPoint idea is the cornerstone of this math curriculum. The numerals also came with a CD-ROM which included about 50 pages of instructions and worksheets.

With the software, I loved that Wyatt could use the TouchPoints to add up the numbers, or just answer if he already knew the answer. The game verbalizes the instructions well, so the non-reading kindergartner knows what is needed.

The software directs the child to explore a United States map, where different states include different practice concepts. It is important to work through them in the same order as the worksheets do, so it isn't too confusing. Unfortunately, while there is plenty of instructional material in the Unit download, the Tutor Software has very little instructional material, aside from a small pamphlet in the CD case.


That aside, this was the best part of the review for us. If I were doing this on a budget, I would buy the software first. It was engaging, well done, and easy to use. An animated bear leads the child through plenty of great exercises, and he even tells a little information about each state they visit. In between games there is a fun scene of animals or shapes to entertain while giving a short (60-90 second) brain break. My favorite part of the software was the ability to track Wyatt's progress and proficiency on the reports page. It showed what he had worked on, and how often he got his answers right. This was a fantastic tool!


What I liked:

  • The TouchMath Tutor software is a great tool, and a worthwhile purchase.
  • The Unit Downloads are thorough and cover a variety of concepts to a very high standard.
  • The Unit Downloads can be purchased seperately or together.
  • The Worksheets are fun and easy to use.
  • The TouchShapes made the Worksheets even more fun, and are an affordable manipulative. They were fun for all of my kids to play with actually! 
  • The 3D Numerals were indispensable with learning the basic concept of the TouchPoints, which is the underlying magic of this curriculum.
  • After learning TouchPoints for the numerals 0-9, Wyatt had no trouble jumping into adding and subtracting. Amazing!


What I didn't like:

  • The Unit Downloads were poorly organized (non-continuous page numbering for example) and, coupled with their massive size, hard to manage.
  • This curriculum meets Common Core Standards, and feels very much like it was completely intended for a large institutional use, and was hardly changed at all to adapt to the homeschool setting. This makes it very hard to teach on a one on one basis.
  • The price of the Unit Downloads was high for my budget, when you consider it is only one subject. As I have 4 students to shop for with an average of 6 subjects apiece, it was too much.


Bottom Line:

The content is great and the TouchPoint concept can revolutionize your child's understanding of number values. The price of this curriculum would probably prohibit me from buying, but I know from others that the price is very reasonable when compared to the cost of special education and therapy programs. I would personally recommend buying the Touchmath Tutor Software and the 3D shapes if you were trying to do this on a budget. The Unit Downloads can be manageable if you plan time for dividing up the PDF files, printing worksheets, and organizing it better.

This was just my experience; please read ALL of the reviews to get a good picture of this curriculum across all grade levels:
Photobucket
Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Friday, March 15, 2013

Day 5: Hands On Projects (5 Days of Teaching Creatively)



Sometimes there's just nothing like a hands on project to wake a child up to the joys of learning! We discovered this with our "O is for Ocean and Octopus Project." It was SO fun! (be sure you click over to try that project as well!)



So when we came to "B is for Butterfly", it was easy to think of a fun project. All the while we talked about the life change a butterfly goes through, and the connections to the Salvation Story


"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world,
the Master calls the butterfly."~Richard Bach


Will you join us in making some butterfly wings?





 What are some fun projects you've tried? I'd love to hear about them! Leave a comment. :)

Join us on a Blog Hop?




©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Day 4: When there is a Crisis (5 Days of Teaching Creatively)



Homeschooling in a crisis? Yes, life still happens to homeschoolers. And this is where we can shine. . . or sink! Certain crisis don't slow us down.
  • Bad weather on the roads? Car broken down? We can still get to school! 
  • Sick with something viral? Mom can bring your books to your bed!
  • Nothing to wear? Jammies meet the dress code!
But some things do slow us down. 
  • A loved one is in the hospital, and kids aren't allowed to visit. Sorry, no field trip there.
  • Mom is sick. Oh no!
  • A death in the family and everyone must travel.
So what do you do when life throws a wrench? You get flexible. This is why we homeschool right? Make a lesson out of it, take the day off, call for re-enforcements? Here's a few things you can do to make it smoother. You're already in a crisis; lets not make it worse!

Throw a meal in the freezer! This is something you can do in advance, you will be glad for later. Choose something dad (or the sitter) can make when mom is at the hospital with a friend, or maybe when mom is the one sick! I love to have soup in the freezer, because it freezes well, and is soothing when you're sick. Here are a few good ones:



Have some fun lessons on video, so the kids can be distracted, but still learning.

If you have a laptop the kids can use, or a personal DVD player this can be a great option. Your local library will often have some great choices. You can check these out when you need them, or be sure to hit the library's annual fundraiser sale. I've loaded up on lots of great videos there. :)  I've also filled my Netflix queue with educational shows I can have the kids pull up in a pinch. Nearly anything Ken Burns does works for us. For younger kids, the Leap Frog videos are fun too.

Another great option is subscribing to a curriculum that has lessons ready to go, that the kids can use by themselves. We are currently reviewing Supercharged Science, and are loving the easy-to-use, ready-to-go lessons and videos. You can check it out for free at this link, just sign up for the free homeschool lessons! (Be watching my blog for this review, which will be posting sometime the week of April 8-15th.) Also, Schoolhouse Teachers .com has math videos your kids can watch, and SO much more.

Have a Travel Pack
You can have lessons torn out into little folders, so the kids can take a little school with them if you have to travel suddenly. This is a great place to stash your extra Highlights Magazines or those fun activity books you find in the Target dollar bins every August. If you're going far, be sure to stop at your library first and pick up some books on CD. That way road time can still be school time.


Plan for Grace
Grace is for days when nothing will work. Plan for "snow days." The school district does it, so can you. Plan a week "off" that doesn't land on the calender until you need it. I add up our school days on my school planner, and then subtract the number of days off we might need. This is the number I use to divide up all of our assignments.

Remind yourself that you are teaching today. You are teaching your kids how to meet a crisis with grace and poise, and how to run to your Heavenly Father for help. That's a lesson you hadn't put in your planner, had you?


Join us on a Blog Hop?




©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com 
Some affiliate links may be included in this post.



LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...