Tip for getting through the grocery store
Tonight I needed to go grab a few items from the grocery store and as usual I was dreading it. The kids fight or touch everything and Gideon wants out to join in the madness. Lilly has recently become obsessed with the little quarter machine in the front of the store and Owen has followed suit. (No surprise there) Anyway, the machines finally had this toy mustache that she has been wanting for weeks! So I dug out a quarter, Owen had one in his pocket all ready for the store. Both kids got this 25 cent toy and were getting along, singing, and just purely entertained with something new. Gideon got the little plastic that it came in so it kept him busy too. I think I will spend the extra 50 cents on the way into the store next time just for the pure peace it could bring.
You Tube helps with school!
I use You Tube to teach songs for days of the week or months of the year. I also found some good rhyming songs on there. Owen will watch and it helps to retain the information. I just type in rhyming or sing the months of the year. I like to type in Sesame Street too and I would get some cute clips for him to watch that pertain to kindergarten.
Home School Supplies to Start
Often times we get emails wanting information on recommended supplies when starting out. The best advice is stay basic and go generic. There is no need to invest big money in fance supplies right out of the gate.
Items that make home school easier.
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Stickers (to mark pages you have corrected so you know where you are and that you have looked at that page
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Tape
- 3-hole-punch (spend a little more for a middle of the road as generica will frustrate you)
- Globe (doesn’t have to be big, mine is 3 inches in diameter)
- Daily school planner
- Bookshelf
- Library card (your local library)
- Binders for subject to keep them organized
- Pencils
- Electric pencil sharpener
- Someone to call when you need advice or support (you can always contact us)
Above list is to just start your new home school venture. Another golden tip would be possibly searching Craigslist at www.craigslist.org find either free or discounted supplies. It is not uncommon to get desks, bookshelves and office supplies free provide you have the transportation and ability to pick-up the supplies.
Un-schooling A Form Of Home School?
Un-schooling is also a form of home school. You are probably asking yourself what we mean by un-schooling. Just think of schooling by experience as opposed to schooling using a textbook. If you are independent it works great but everyone does this in some form. Use every opportunity to turn daily happenings into a lesson, like the cooking example that was posted earlier. There are many daily activities that if put in to context can be considered educational to assist in the learning process.
Girl Scout Program Very Beneficial
Girl scouting is a great activity and resource. Although time consuming, the we have had a lot of fun and learning. There are many local troops to join or you could qualify to host your own. Memberships average about $20 in start up fees and only $2-$5 a month.
Troop meets are jam packed with activities and have occasional field trips. Your children have the opportunity to meet new friends and socialally bond with other children. Scouting and not only provides support for parents but also helps reinforce every day life lessons and morals.
A message to the parents; “Be social and find out from other parents what is working for them and what is not?” There is a lot of wisdom to be gained from moms and dads at these troop meets.
Science & Cooking
Did you know that cooking is science! Breakfast and lunch need to be prepaired and you can teach your kids to follow a recipe. Yes they get valuable life information while you get a little help in the kitchen and a little school credit along the way.
Everyone Loves Recess!
Sometimes you need a recess! Don’t think that it only your child that needs a break as one would be just as good for you too. Recesses can be brief and informal. Consider playing outside or taking a walk. Run up and down the block or safely take a bike ride if the weather permits. A change of scenery and a little exercise is a great way to refocus your efforts.
Rather Than Be Frustrated!
If you are frustrated and it seems that it takes 2 hours to do 3 math problems or sentences, the material may be too hard. Take a deep breath and quiz your child orally and see if they need further instruction or it’s time to take a step back. It is way better to review the material and your childs understanding than to spin your wheels!
Keep Math Fun!
Think back when you were a child and had to do school work. Remember how much fun you had in class with all of your friends. Games were prepared in advance and the teacher had activities for the day scheduled. A great teacher made learning fun.
Children must have fun when in their studies especially math. You have to keep their minds curious and active. Creating game like activities will keep the children engaged. Our favorite tools are the printable math games which you can have a sneak peak that can be found here in this link! There are four books jam packed with activities, card games, board games and more. We also choice some great links found on the front page of this blog.
Making Christmas Presents
I am so thrilled about the Christmas present I am giving my mom this year. I totally copied the idea from my best friend but that’s cool. It is a T-shirt that will have my girls hand prints and the boys foot prints. On top it will read Property of then I will write their names over their prints and put the date on the bottom. It was also super cheap and I know she will love it! The best place to get a plain quality T-shirt is at Michael’s. They are only $3.99 each and sometimes you can get them on sale for 5 for $10. The paint was $.49 cents and I got some paint brushes for $5.00. I stepped up on the brushes so I can use them for other home school projects. This craft also counts as school work, so I will take a picture and submit it as arts and crafts! It’s funny how proud I am for getting a great bargain on a gift! My mom will wear it out! I’m even thinking of making a matching one for my dad. Watch out I can get out of control!
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