Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts

Monday, April 1, 2013

Homeschool Focus: Missionaries

My children & I were blessed to get to meet the missionary pilot & his wife who took over in Equador after Nate Saint & Jim Elliot & the other missionary men were killed. I was so inspired by these missionaries who were willing to give up their lives to show God's love to people who had never known that kind of love. I was even more inspired by the missionaries families willingness to not only forgive the Indians, but also to befriend them &a have a relationship with them. Such a powerful example of forgiveness!


This is a picture of the five missionaries that went into the jungles of South America to show the love of God to the Auca Indians who knew nothing but killing and being killed.



If you have not heard the story, I encourage you to check out these resources:

I have seen all three of these DVDs &a they are all very moving. "The End of the Spear" is a Film based on the story of what happened between the Aucas and the Missionaries. Though not everything in the movie is true. "Through the Gates of Splendor" is a documentary by Elisabeth "Betty" Elliot ( Missionary Jim Elliot's widow). "Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a documentary by Steve Saint ( Misssionary pilot Nate Saint's son). I highly recommend these three videos for anyone interested in learning more about the story. (Viewer discretion is advised for ages 13 & under.)

For younger children I recommend watching this movie to begin with until they are old enough to handle the others:



This is an animated movie of the missionary story that begins when the five boys were in school. My kids watched this and said it was not scary at all :) It also has a cd-rom that includes a pdf printable activity book with comprehension questions.
Our whole family enjoyed this one! This story of love, sacrifice & forgiveness will live in our hearts &a not be forgotten.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."--Jim Elliot

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Valentines Day Ideas!

I love any reason to celebrate! Whether it be a birthday, wedding or holiday. What better way to celebrate God's love than with some fun Valentine's Day ideas!?! I have collected a bunch of ideas from different blogs to share with you and most are inexpensive. Yahoo!! These are just a few of my favorites. Scroll down to the end of this post for even more ideas!








































Check out my Valentines Pinterest Board for more ideas! :)



Recommended Book List:



Books I have Read that I Recommend:

Redeeming Love
Heaven
Power of a Praying Wife/Parent
Passion & Purity
Holy Discontent
One Thousand Gifts
Creative Correction
The Love Dare
Love and Respect
The Scarlet Thread
Her Mother's Hope/ Her Daughter's Dream
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus
The Case For Christ
Accessible Apologetics
Bathsheba: The Wives of David Series
Changed into His Image
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends
Jesus Calling
Managers of Their Homes
I Kissed Dating Goodbye


Books My Husband Has Read that He Recommends:
Every Man's Battle
Power of a Praying Husband
The Man in the Mirror
Family Driven Faith
Redeeming the Time
Raising a Modern Day Knight
Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Wild at Heart


Currently Reading:

Family Driven Faith
Raising Maidens of Virtue
Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free
So Much More


On My List to Read Next:
Queen of the Home
Large Family Logistics
What Did You Expect?
It's Not That Complicated
Her Hand in Marriage


Do you have any books that you love or recommend?


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Avonlea Academy Website!

Hi Friends,
I have created a website for my children to navigated safe and educational resources online and I wanted to share it with YOU! I have had a hard time feeling comfortable letting my children roam the internet on their own and have installed safe browsers, but I really wanted one place they could go to and find all of the websites they would need. Since there wasn't something like that out there, I decided to create it myself! I hope it is a beneficial resource for you as well. Also, if you have any suggestions or resources you would like to see on my blog, just use the "Contact Me" tab on the Avonlea Academy website and let me know! :)


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Wholesome Family Movie List!

Hi Friends!
Quite a few people have been asking me for a list of Wholesome Family Movies, so here it is! I am separating the ones you can find on Netflix. Most of the movies are faith-based, & some just are safe & wholesome (no bad language, extreme violence, or nudity...etc). Netflix does change the movies they offer, so make sure to check on the Netflix website for updates.
Disclaimer: Some of the movies listed may be subject to maturity level. It is recommended that you view the movies before showing them to your kids. 

My List of Family Friendly Shows/Movies on Netflix for Instant Streaming:
  • The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
  • God of Wonders
  • Creatures that Defy Evolution
  • Brother White
  • The Lost and Found Family
  • The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
  • My Six Loves
  • The Shakiest Gun in the West
  • Being Elmo
  • How It's Made
  • Andy Griffith
  • What Would Jesus Do II: The Woodcarver
  • The Adventures of Ociee Nash
  • Veggie Tales
  • The Borrowers
  • The Incredible Mr. Limpet
  • Father Knows Best
  • Leave it to Beaver
  • Eyewitness to Jesus
  • The Case for Christ
  • Hello Dolly!
  • Sarah's Choice
  • Seven Days in Utopia
  • Liberty's Kids
  • Courage Mountain
  • What If...
  • Flipper
  • The Cosby Show
  • Secretariat
  • Oliver!
  • The Secret Garden
  • The Billion Dollar Hobo
  • Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
  • The Happiest Millionaire
  • Herbie (The old ones)
  • Dolphin Tale
  • Schoolhouse Rock!
  • Akeelah and the Bee
  • Flicka
  • The King and I (older version)
  • Chronicles of Narnia
  • Adventures in Odyssey
  • 19 Kids and Counting
  • Little House on the Prairie

My Favorite Family Movies (Not listed on Netflix):

  • Time Changer
  • Courageous
  • Fireproof
  • No Greater Love
  • Anne of Green Gables (all 3)
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
  • Narnia
  • Meet Me in St. Louis
  • Torchlighters
  • Swiss Family Robinson
  • Dr. Doolittle (Old version w/Rex Harrison)
  • Facing the Giants
  • Flywheel
  • The Blind Side
  • Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
  • Monumental
  • To Save a Life
  • Miss Potter
  • Felicity: An American Girl
  • The Treasure Seekers
  • The Pursuit of Happyness
  • Temple Grandin
  • WWJD II: The Woodcarver
  • Remember the Titans
  • The First of May
  • Samantha: An American Girl
  • Kit: An American Girl

Do you have any that are not listed here?


Friday, March 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!



Today the world celebrates the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss. For over 60 years, the books written by Theodor (“Ted”) Seuss Geisel have and continue to thrill young readers. In his lifetime, Seuss wrote over 40 entertaining, whimsical books for children which are not only fun, but open the doors to a child's imagination.

Here are some Dr. Seuss resources to celebrate his birthday:


LORAX LAPBOOK-FREE



FREE- MY VERY OWN DR. SEUSS ACTIVITY BOOK









LORAX PROJECT IN THE CLASSROOM


SUESSVILLE (DR. SEUSS THEMED GAME & ACTIVITY WEBSITE)

THE LORAX SAVE THE TREES GAME





FREE LORAX APP for iPhone or iPad


Description

Speak for the trees, for they have no tongues, with the Official Lorax App! Hold the phone up to your mouth, and talk. The Lorax’s mouth and moustache will move along with your voice.


 The kids had fun with this free app! :)














Sneak Peak of "There's No Place Like Space"


The Sneetches


OTHER DR. SEUSS PRODUCTS:

Monday, February 27, 2012

Homeschool Helps-American Revolution Lapbook Resources & Printables!

The American Revolution

We have been studying about the American Revolution in our homeschool, and I thought I would share some of our resources with you! :)


Our Revolutionary War Lapbook:




We used mostly Homeschool in the Woods' Time Travelers: American Revolution on CD-ROM to make our lapbook.



026598: American Revolution: Time Travelers on CD-ROM American Revolution: Time Travelers on CD-ROM
By Homeschool In The Woods

The American Revolution is filled with well-known stories and heroes. Experience it to the fullest with Homeschool in the Woods' "The American Revolution" CD-ROM. Make a haversack or a booklet with this fun, hands-on approach to learning. 25 Lessons may be spread over 5-10 weeks, and include creative writing, colonial recipes, factfile cards, a file folder game, science experiments, notebook timeline, notebooking activities and more. Text and project overview pages keep lessons on track, while masters, photos and drawings make for easy lesson planning. Teacher helps, keys, resource list and "guide at a glance" included. Grades 3-8; 1 CD-ROM.


Here are some lapbook freebies that I found as well. They both have free printables!

Notebooking Nook

Homeschool Share


We have also been watching these videos on Netflix & we are almost finished with them. They have been a great learning tool for all of us. They have made the events and people involved in the Revolutionary War understandable. I highly recommend watching this with your kids!

Product Description-
Caught on opposite sides of the revolution, Benjamin Franklin and his teenage reporters, American colonist James and young Englishwoman Sarah, confront the real, physical dangers of war. As the conflict rages, James and Sarah are compelled to choose between their friendship and their countries, their understanding of good and evil, and the moral dilemmas inherent in war. All the while trying to look after the mischievous Henri, an immigrant French boy whose comical escapades constantly lead them into trouble, as the three bear witness to the highs and lows of the American Revolution.

Starring news legend Walter Cronkite as Benjamin Franklin and including guest starring roles by award-winning actors and real-life historical figures like Dustin Hoffman, Annette Benning, Michael Douglas, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Billy Crystal, Ben Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg, Liam Neeson and many more! The complete Emmy and Humanitas Award-nominated Liberty's Kids is finally available on DVD in one six-disc collectors set!


Here is a slideshow I put together of other children's educational products involving the American Revolution. Click on the picture for more information about it.


Happy Homeschooling! :)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Homeschool-FREE President's Day Crafts & Activities!


President's Day Finger Puppets

What you'll need:

 
  • Blue and black construction paper
  • Cellophane tape
  • Lincoln-head penny
  • Washington-head quarter
  • Scissors

How to make it:

  1. Cut two three-inch squares, one from each of the construction sheet colors.
  2. Roll each square into a tube that will slip over your finger. Secure the roll with cellophane tape. Note: By using tape instead of glue, the coins won’t be harmed.
  3. To make the Lincoln puppet, tape the penny to the black paper tube at roughly an inch below the top.
  4. Cut a thin rectangle from the black paper for the hat brim. Tape the brim along the top of the head.
  5. To make the Washington puppet, tape the quarter to the top of the blue paper tube.
  6. Cut a one-and-half-inch square from the blue paper for the hat.
  7. Fold the square in half, corner to corner, making a triangle.
  8. Cut a slit out of the center fold of the square to make an opening. Once again fold the square in half, this time folding the opposite corner to corner, making a triangle.
  9. Slip the hat over the top of the tube finger puppet.
  10. Tape both halves of the triangle together.

Tips:

  • Dress them up by adding details to the puppets using collage materials. You might want to add a gold sequin medallion to Washington's hat, for example, and some white doily paper to the chin for a lace collar. For Lincoln, try adding a shirt collar made from white paper, and some buttons.

Pretzel Log Cabin

What you'll need:

  • Small empty milk carton
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Chocolate frosting or peanut butter
  • 1 Rolo or other tubular shaped candy
  • 1 square cracker
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue or tape

How to make it:

  1. Cut the top flap of the milk carton off and tape or hot glue it closed to form the roof.
  2. Spread chocolate frosting or peanut butter on one side of milk carton then cover with pretzels. Repeat this step all over the milk carton until log cabin is complete. You may need to break the tips off of some of the pretzels to make then fit up the sides.
  3. Break a square cracker in half, then break one of the halves in half. Spread some frosting or peanut butter on the back of the first half. “Glue” it to the front of the cabin as the door. Repeat this step with a smaller broken piece for the window.
  4. Spread some frosting or peanut butter to the bottom of Rolo and stick to the roof.

Tips:

  • You can make this a larger project using any box and large pretzel logs. 
  • This is an edible craft project, just be sure you check for allergies, especially if using peanut butter as your glue. 
  • Ask children to save their milk carton from their school lunch and wash them out thoroughly before using.




Download this FREE at the link below:



President's Day Barrister Wig

This is a tutorial on how to make a judge's or barrister's wig. This costs less than $5 and takes about 3 hours to make.

Get a cheap fiber Christmas tree skirt ($2.00 after Christmas sale), like the blanket of snow you might put under your Christmas village. It is the same rolled polyfill batting that is sold in fabric stores. Use a ballcap for the base (after you remove the bill) and mold the batting around it.

Make a seam down the middle for a part. Gather the back together then add a "ponytail" made from two flat pieces hot-glued together. Then tie it with a black grosgrain ribbon.



For the side rolls, take long strips of batting (approx. 5" wide) and roll them up like pastries, sewing them shut with a running stitch. Leave a little flap so you can sew one roll to the next. Remove the wig from the ballcap base and try it on periodically to make sure it fits and looks right.

Then make the "bangs". They are supposed to look like a "crewcut" in the front...not easy to do with fiber batting. Cut 3-4 lengths of batting 2" wide, clip the top side of each row and glue them, one below the other across the forehead area, then "fluff" them out.

 
Take a black sharpie and draw in some "grey" hairs to outline the various parts, especially the bangs and the swirled-up end of the rolls. Without the black outline, the whole thing will look like a bright white towel sitting on a head!

 Found this tutorial HERE

Friday, February 17, 2012

Homeschool Helps-Classical Conversations!


We have been using a program called Classical Conversations for the past 2 years. CC uses a classical method of instruction (from the beginning of time and moves forward from there). (Which has been so much easier to understand than the way I was taught history!) The children learn facts in sequential historical order in 3 different cycles starting with Foundations. Though we have chosen to teach our children CC at home with the memory cards and songs on CD, many parents join the local CC co-ops that are located all over the U.S. We have enjoyed learning this college level material to the tune of fun songs, games, & activities.
Here is how we use it:
First, I bought the Cycle 1 Audio CD, and the Cycle 1 Memory Cards on PDF
Then, I printed out the cards according to the colors CC prints theirs in. (You can pay $30 & they will make & laminate all the cards for you, or you can pay $15 and make them yourself) Since I had more time than money, I decided it would be better to make them myself. Plus, if they were ever lost or misplaced I would have the file to make new ones. Also, I was able to cut & make one set of cards for the kids to hold AND made another set that I didn't cut apart but just left them in sheets and put the sheets in page protectors in my CC binder. I had to call CC and ask them which colors went with which subjects.
I got a packet of assorted cardstock through our charter school & went to work.
Here are the subject-colors I used when I printed my cards:
Latin-purple
Grammar-blue
History-orange
Science-pink
Geography-green
Math-yellow
The U.S. Presidents I left white & they are repeated in each cycle so your kids have 3 years to learn them;) Though they probably won't need that long since it doesn't take that long to learn a song!
They also do the same Math for all 3 cycles, so do not be discouraged if your kiddos don't have all of them memorized by the end of the year. There are other great ways to supplement (I will share more later).
Most of the memory work has songs to go with it except for Geography, Science & Grammar. So I went to my iTunes playlist and started matching-up songs with each memory sentence! Boy did that take a lot of work! But it was worth it when I noticed how much faster the kids were learning the facts since it was to the tune of a song.

Here are a few samples of the songs I have matched to the CC memory sentences:
Latin Noun Cases- to the tune- "Hickory Dickory Dock"
Five Kingdoms of Living Things-to the tune-"Farmer in the Dell"
Fertile Crescent-to the tune-"BINGO"
Prepositions-to the tune-"Yankee Doodle"
*Disclaimer-these are meant to help those that have already purchased the CC materials through their website*
Then I printed out my song matches & added them to my binder.
Then I went online and found pictures for the different subjects and printed those out & put in the binder. Voila!
I hope this has helped fellow CCers or anyone interested in CC.

Be sure to leave a comment if you have any questions! :)


To check out CC's website click here: http://www.classicalconversations.com/

To purchase CC products for the K-6th grade click here: http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/fobo.html

Here are my kiddos practicing some of their CC memory songs! It really works! :)


Friday, February 3, 2012

Homeschool Curriculum Review-Little Passports!




We homeschool through a charter school and had the opportunity to subscribe to an educational monthly subscription called "Little Passports". I am so glad we did! "Little Passports" is a company that sends monthly pictures, games, activities and souvenirs from different countries around the world. It has been a fun way for my kids to learn geography. Your child will receive the travel suitcase first with the world map. We laminated our world map and hung it on the wall near our homeschool room. The kids look forward to getting their package every month! Not only does the package come with fun activities and souvenirs, but it also comes with a secret code to log onto the website and do more activities online! I wish this would have been around when I was a kid! :)




Here's the info from the website:

"Every month, our characters Sofia and Sam travel to a different country and send your child an exciting package including:
  • A letter from Sam and Sofia describing their in-country adventures
  • Fun and unique souvenirs and gifts that bring each country to life
  • A secret code to access our online Boarding Zone full of games & activities

First Month's Explorer Kit

In the first month, the adventure starts with an Explorer Kit that includes:
  • Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sofia and Sam
  • World wall map
  • Travel passport
  • Fun stickers
  • Activity sheet
  • Access to online games and activities with our boarding pass
 

 The Adventure Continues

In each following month, your child will receive a package from Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country. Each adventure package includes a letter addressed to your child from Sam and Sofia, fun souvenirs, an activity sheet, a photo from the country, a passport stamp, a map marker, a suitcase sticker, and a collectible boarding pass to access more online games and activities.
Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Examples items include: traditional country toys, arts and crafts projects, puzzles, pencils/erasers, photos, stickers, and postcards.
The recommended age range for Little Passports is 5 to 10 years old."


My kids just received the Egypt package and were SO excited to get to do this project that was inside: A plaster pyramid with an Egyptian statue inside! Fun, fun, fun!



Click HERE for a sample of "The Worldwide Adventure Activity Sheet"

Click HERE for a sample of the Letter from Japan

Click HERE for the Brazil Boarding Zone Games/Activities Sample


 Please visit: http://littlepassports.com/index.html



Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thoughtful Thursday- Homeschool Curriculum for 2012!

Hi Friends,
I wanted to share with you the homeschool curriculum we are using this year & LOVE!

We ordered our first set of audio cd's of Mystery of History & we are loving them! We were doing Story of the World but we like this much better. We like this woman's voice, & I also like that this weaves World History with Biblical History. Click on the link below to order this from CBD & you can help support this blog! I prefer the audio but if you don't mind reading the stories yourself, you can order the book instead of the audio. CBD is having a sale on the MOH books 24% off right now!

375663: The Mystery of History Volume 1 Second Edition, Audio Book Set (10 Audio CDs) The Mystery of History Volume 1 Second Edition, Audio Book Set (10 Audio CDs)
By Linda Lacour Hobar / The Mystery Of History, Inc.

Listen along to the thrilling story of the Mystery of History Volume I! This CD set features the Mystery of History stories read by author Linda Lacour Hobar and set to music. Read the text along with the CDs, or simply listen. Perfect for families on-the-go, with auditory learners, or who simply enjoy listening to an excellent narration! These CDs contain narrated lessons only, and do NOT include pretests, activities, quizzes, exercises, or other similar items in the textbooks.
Total listening time: 11 hours 14 minutes
This CD is based on the Creation to the Resurrection, Volume 1: The Mystery of History Series, Second Edition text.

or you can read them the stories and save! Click below:


427298: Creation to the Resurrection, Second Edition, Volume 1: The Mystery of History Series Creation to the Resurrection, Second Edition, Volume 1: The Mystery of History Series
By Linda Lacour Hobar / Bright Ideas Press

The Mystery of History Volume 1 is written from a Christian, young-earth, perspective, teaching children to see God's hand throughout history...and how the Gospel of Jesus is the mystery behind all of history! Written in a conversational style, many lessons are presented in the form of mini-biographies, integrating fascinating stories with the events of the time. Covering creation to the resurrection, students will learn about famous biblical characters, ancient peoples, and well-known men such as Aesop, Buddha, Pythagoras, Confucius, Emperor Asoka, Herodotus, Caesar, Hannibal, and Herod.
Arranged by quarters and weeks, each quarter begins with an "Around the World" summary of events to introduce the time period; lessons progress chronologically with each week having 3 lessons, a pretest, review, and exercise or quiz. The 108 lessons will take a year to complete if you follow a traditional 36 week school year.
Activities are broken down by age group and reinforce the material just learned through fun ideas that engage all learning styles; they're based upon the classical grammar/logic/rhetoric stages. Review exercises cover the timeline and map work exercises; quizzes are cumulative reviews that go over material from the very beginning of the course; the semester-long tests are similar (though longer), covering materials from 2 quarters (one major time period). Quarter-end worksheets help students synthesize what they've learned and keep everyone straight! Suggested Schedules for different age groups are included, as well as plenty of reproducibles. Line-listed answers included. 636 pages, activity pages reproducible, softcover, three-hole-punched and perforated pages. Grades 4-8, but adaptable for the family.
This second edition features the following updates & improvements:



  • Over 140 new pages that enrich the lessons; broaden the scholarship level of the text; develop new activities; enhance the mapping exercises; and simplify the timeline directions.
  • The Table of Contents has not changed, but has been improved with better chronological detail, based on the work of James Ussher.
  • The layout has been changed to a cleaner, more-readable style, and features upgraded artistry, photos, font, and cover; an expanded reading list; Answer Key maps for all the mapping exercises; a pronunciation guide; a Bible reading list; and more. 


















  • Our math program is "Teaching Textbooks". This program is my FAVORITE and my daughter's favorite so far. We had tried Right Start, Math on the Level, Math by Hand, Saxon, and all were frustrating her (or me). LOVE this one!!! Order this program from the link below and receive FREE shipping!
    895050: Teaching Textbooks Math 3 Kit Teaching Textbooks Math 3 Kit
    By Greg Sabouri & Shawn Sabouri / Teaching Textbooks Inc

    Early primary-grade math lays the framework for all later mathematical skills, and is also vitally important for everyday life. Ensure that your students understand every aspect of adding and subtracting multiple numbers, writing fractions, carrying, multiplication, money, telling time, advanced place value, mental multiplication, whole numbers, decimals, perimeter, area, temperature, the metric system, and bar & line graphs with Teaching Textbooks 3. The workbook contains all the problem and practice sets, as well as written summaries of each lecture; the summaries conveniently allow children to skim over the text instead of re-watching the lecture if they forget a key point.
    An included digital gradebook grades answers as soon as they are entered and calculates percentages for each assignment. The CD-ROMs feature step-by-step audiovisual solutions to every one of the thousands of homework and test problems.
    Teaching Textbooks 3 is designed for Grade 3, or advanced Grade 2, children. 118 lessons, 17 quizzes.
    This full-year curriculum kit includes:



  • A 604-page spiralbound, consumable workbook
  • An answer booklet, 33-pages, line-listed, softcover.
  • Four CD-ROMs with step-by-step audiovisual solutions to every homework and test problem. System Requirements:
    PCs:
  • A CPU of 1.0 GHz or faster
  • A Windows XP or later operating system
  • 256 MB RAM
  • A 4x CD-ROM drive
  • Speakers MAC:
  • A CPU Processor type of: G3 PowerPC / Intel Solo
  • Processor Speed of: 500 MHz / 1.0 GHz or faster
  • Mac OS 10.4 or later
  • 256 MB RAM
  • A 4x CD-ROM drive  

  • For Bible we are using "Positive Action Bible Curriculum". It has great colorful activities while teaching about the Bible.

    For Handwriting we LOVE "A Reason for Handwriting". Not only do they learn manuscript and cursive, but they have scripture verses to copy and memorize! How cool is that!?


    785381: A Reason For Handwriting: Manuscript A--Student Worktext, Grade 1 A Reason For Handwriting: Manuscript A--Student Worktext, Grade 1
    By Carol Ann Retzer / A Beginning Advantage

    The pages of this fun workbook feature manuscript handwriting based on verses from Psalms and Proverbs. Verses are chosen not only for the correct letter combinations, but also for inspirational content. The course begins with a review of the letter formations learned in Kindergarten and introduces students to the Golden Rule Club and their treehouse. The treehouse is transposed onto the beginning of each line of the manuscript ruled pages and is used as a guide for students to learn the proper sizing and spacing of letters.
    After the introductory review lessons are complete, students begin a schedule of lessons that include daily writing practice of selected words in the "Scripture of the week." On Day 4 the student writes the complete verse and then on Day 5 they copy it onto a border sheet from the back of the workbook.
    Border sheets are outlined with wonderful black-line drawings and graphics that students can color to decorate their handwritten verse. They are wonderful "treats" for grandparents or shut-ins, aunts and uncles or friends to receive in the mail. Your young student will have an opportunity to spread the gospel and send a smile to someone they love.

    For Foreign Language we are doing "Rosetta Stone Latin Level 1". I think this has been a great way to learn another language. You can move along at your own pace, you can set up separate log-ins for every member of your family so you can all learn together. It comes with the special headset with microphone & it is very interactive. CBD had the best price on this product PLUS FREE SHIPPING! You can click on this link to go into the website and you can choose a different language also.



    179955: Rosetta Stone Latin Level 1 with Audio Companion Homeschool Edition, Version 3 Rosetta Stone Latin Level 1 with Audio Companion Homeschool Edition, Version 3
    By Rosetta Stone

    Rosetta Stone's interactive, immersion-method course has helped thousands of students to easily master a new language. Vivid imagery, native voices, and real-life exercises foster speaking, understanding, reading and writing intuitively from the first exercise to the last, while speech recognition technology provides instant feedback and improved pronunciation. Grammar and spelling components build comprehensive skills, while real-life simulated conversations test fluency.
    Allowing homeschooled students to progress at their own pace, parents can choose whether to use a preloaded lesson plan or full-year curriculum track; create their own lessons; or use an alternate program to focus on specific skills such as listening & speaking or reading & writing. Students are tested periodically, automatically advancing as their scores improve through reviewing weaker areas. At the completion of a unit, students complete a "Milestone Activity" in which they must speak into the microphone and participate in a conversation. The built-in reporting tool gives parents the ability to view, print and export student results, including completed exercises, current lesson progress, scores, and time spent learning.
    Now including an audio companion, reinforce language skills anywhere, anytime! Five audio activities per level correspond with the computer lessons and provide additional conversation practice. At home or on the go, students can redeem the time by improving pronunciation, vocabulary, phrases, speaking & conversation skills.
    Rosetta Stone Latin Level 1, Homeschool Edition, Version 3 with Audio Companion, provides instruction in basic conversational skills, greetings and introductions, colors, adjectives, numbers, prepositions, definite & indefinite articles, singular & plural nouns, family relations, the five senses and time of day.
    This Kit Includes:


  • Application CD
  • Language CD
  • Users Guide
  • Parents Guide
  • Keyboard Stickers with letters for target language
  • Headset with Microphone
  • Quick Start Activation Card
  • Audio Companion CDs
  • Supplemental Education Materials CD with table of contents, scripts for each lesson, and an index to all the words in the program. System Requirements:
  • Windows 2000 or later
  • Mac OS 10.4 or later
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 1 GHz or faster processor speed
  • 600 MB free hard-drive space (per level)
  • 16-bit sound card
  • 800 x 600 display resolution (1024 x 768 recommended)
  • Internet or phone connection required for product activation
  • Speech recognition feature requires a USB headset microphone (included with purchase)
  • 16X CD-ROM Drive (for installation) 
  • For Art we are using a wonderful program called "See The Light". It is a master artist that teaches kids all the tools to become artists. She even takes out her Bible and explains how we are God's creation and He is the master artist! So cool! My kids LOVE this program and their drawing has improved SO much. I cannot imagine a better art program for kids! Click on the banner below to check it out!

    We use "For Instruction in Righteousness" as our go-to guide for Biblical character training and behavior discipline. It is AMAZING! They have compiled everything the Bible says about each behavior and give pages of things you can do for that behavior. I have even learned new things from this book. I like to use it as a morning devotional and often hear the kids quoting scriptures from the Bible to me from it. Can't say enough good things about it! Love, love, love it! Amazon has a great price for this! I think I paid at least $10 more when I bought mine! I would grab it while the price is this good. :)



    I hope you enjoy these products as much as we have! :) Happy Homeschooling!

    Friday, January 20, 2012

    Homeschool Art Curriculum DVD Giveaway!

    Hi Everyone!
    I am excited to be doing my very first GIVEAWAY on my new blog and excited about what this giveaway is!
    See The Light Art Class Volume 1 on DVD 

    This DVD includes:
    Lesson 1: TOOLS OF THE TRADE - Learn the basics of what makes a drawing. Master artist Pat Knepley demonstrates what you need to have on hand in your drawing “toolkit” to always be ready to draw. 

    Lesson 2: IT ALL STARTS WITH A LINE - The most fundamental element of all drawing is the line - but not all lines are alike! Learn about different line qualities and the most essential skill of drawing - contour drawing.

    Lesson 3: CONTOURS & COMPOSITION - Train your eyes and hands to be synchronized! You'll learn some tips to place items in a drawing - or "composition" - to get the best results!
    Lesson4: DRAW WHAT YOU SEE - You'll take a common everyday item - a shoe - as your subject for a completed contour drawing. This is a true test of whether you draw what you SEE or what you KNOW!

    *Bonus Lesson: CHALK-IT-EASY CHALK ART LESSON with See The Light chalk artist Gloria Kohlmann
    TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

    #1: Become a follower of this blog by clicking the "Follow Me" button on the right hand side.
    #2: Go to See The Light's Facebook page and click the "like" button.
    http://www.facebook.com/SeeTheLightShineArt
    #3: Come back here and comment on this blog post that you did those two things.

    BONUS ENTRIES:
    *Tell others about this blog and have them come back here and "Follow Me"& then comment on this post when that is done.
    (One extra entry for every person you refer!)

    {GIVEAWAY ENDS ON SUNDAY JAN. 22, 2012  AT 10:00PM PST}

    *GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
    Congratulations Linda Kay! You are the winner of this giveaway! Please send me your address and contact information to my email address swingdancingmom@yahoo.com

     A special "Thank you" to Pat Holt for sponsoring this giveaway!