Homeschooling A Houseful

I read this idea a few months ago, and well one thing lead to another, and I am finally getting around to doing it! You know the ever growing to do list, just never seems to get to do-ed!! For years now, actually the entire time we have been homeschooling, we have memorized. We started simple with scriptures and then slowly added quotes, then hymns and songs, and more and more. Currently we are memorizing; Weekly: one Poem {usually one week is all we use on a poem, though it depends on the length and how well we really practiced it} one Scripture, one quote, one educational item {again, usually one week, sometimes more when needed} Songs {one Hymn, one Childrens Hymn, one Educational Song, one Patriotic/American history type song, and usually one Seasonal or just for fun song} Monthly:one Historical Document. along with a new history facts memorization we will be throwing in. I never really needed this with A1, he tends to be a fact magnet, or maybe that should say a fact sponge! He lo...

I am somewhat joining....more so stalking the new Spell Out Loud Making Christmas Meaningful thread. I do not have a lot to add to this, because this is an area I am looking for ideas and getting organized myself. However, since I have been thinking about this, since....well last August or so!! {Seriously!!} I have found a few ideas, and come up with some plans, that I will try to share. First treasure I found, at the Aussie Pumpkin Patch . These great holiday planning sheets , scroll down they are there, along with tons of other free planners. I have these all printed and sitting, nice and BLANK on my desk!!! She also has tons of Christmas Crafts, under the Christmas link. Now I have a cute planner cover and sheets to add, thanks to Spell Out Loud I also like the idea I got from my good friend, at Dean's Academy , about Christmas School We will be doing this for about 3-4 weeks during December and January. I am thinking 2 weeks before Christmas into the first week of January. Oth...

I would guess that my Part 1 was clear as a bell!!!! Or no one dares to ask me questions about it!! Or maybe no one has actually finished reading that NOVEL of a post!!!! So since I am not, at this time, needed to clarify our system... I'll just start on Part 2~ Rewards or, well might I just say Bribes!!! Yes Papa and Mama Bear have struggled with giving rewards for chores. We are firm believers that things just need to be done, and you just need to help out. However we have a few children who just don't get it, and so I am trying a new rewards system, to hopefully catch their attention! Also this is not a fluffy, laid back kind of plan.... OH NO Mama Bear is strict.... and yes sometimes just like a bear! When I say something needs to be done to my expectations, you are talking perfect! {or as close to perfect as the child can get it} My expectations for A1 are completely different than what I expect from say A4, or even A3. Once the children complete their chores, they come to...

My SIL reminded me of this helpful tip, so thank you "M" I LOVE books, My kids LOVE books...we have tons of books. However books are expensive, but a good investments. I do try to find good deals, and love looking at all the book sales I can possibly find. I also use to purchase from Scholastic.. which anyone can purchase from. I was introduced to this from a neighbor who ordered with families in the neighborhood. {Back to my story} You can purchase paperback books for so much less...but paperback books use to scare me. There's NO way they can survive living in a houseful...or can they? I got this tip from a public school teacher, she covered her paperback books-covers with clear contact paper. You can purchase this in most places, it can be hard to find. Contact paper is typically used for covering shelves to keep them from scratching, or to cover up the scratches. Clear contact paper is also used for crafts and such. You can purchase a large roll for under $10. I simply...

How do I remember it all??? Hmm...well I don't, but this helps! I make a simple planner with a simple table, using a simple words program. {trust me, nothing special and pretty here!!} Each Independent learner has their own personal planner, and it's personal to them and their studies. On this I listed that kids individual lessons, we call these IS {Independent Studies} These are things that the older kids can do independently, or most of the time independently. Things like Math, Spelling,Vocabulary, Grammar, Handwriting, etc. I usually spend a few minutes Monday mornings, to discuss lessons and go over words. I listed all these things, plus IS readings, textbooks, typing programs, explode the code, logic etc. Then on it, I put 2X, 3X, 4X, or 5X. This counts for how many times those things need to be done in a week. So Math is a 5X, Scripture Study and Journal writing is 5X. Handwriting is 3X, IS readings are either 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X depending on the child and the topic. Things ...

Well, I am really into making Montessori type preschool activities for my younger kids right now. I just found this amazing site, Senteacher.org You can input information for making your own cards, with names. They have pictures {real photos and clipart type images} that the site searches through. I printed off some animal cards. I clicked on the animals tab, and it has a pre-selected group of animals. You can also change any, if you are doing a unit on African Animals you can add only African Animals. Also if a picture comes up that isn't exactly what you wanted, such as I really wanted photos, not clipart. You just research for the thing you want. I plan on visiting this site, often. As soon as the kids are done with these cards, I can simply make some new ones! Oh and next time I will print them onto cardstock...then I simply put clear contact paper on them. this has been added to thirsty thursdays .