Health & PE
Bicycle Helmet Object Lesson
Since my boys first started riding bikes, I've insisted on them using bike helmets. Of course, not all of our neighbors insist that their children do so. Lately, my 9-year-old boys have been balking at having to wear a helmet when their friends don't. They complain even more when I make them wear one for rollerblading and skateboarding, too.
This morning, while making scrambled eggs, I had an idea. I had each of them drop an egg into the big bowl, from about a foot above it. What happened? Of course, the egg broke. Then I had them drop the styrofoam egg carton (with one egg in it) from the same distance. The egg didn't even crack.
They were curious why I was having them do this. Then I explained that the eggs were like their head, with a hard shell on the outside and soft in the inside. The carton was like their bike helmet. Did they want their head to hid the pavement with or without a helmet? They both agreed that they would rather hit the pavement wearing a helmet.
The next time they put on their rollerblades, they grabbed their helmets and headed out the door with no questions asked! | | spysmom2 |
College/vocation
Preparing for College Admission
This fall my daughter was getting ready to attend a local college. We had sent in all necessary paperwork and had not been able to get information on her admission. We found that it took a personal visit and staying after the admissions people to get any results. Eventhough, the school encouraged students to do all their admissions on-line, there was no response to emails or other inquiries. My advice is to make yourselves as visible as you can when applying to any college. After finally getting to the right person, we had no problem with the admissions process.
Keep good records. Because we had documented all of our daughters books, including outside reading, they were able to look at that and determine whether she had college prep curriculum. Never underestimate the value of those hours you spend writing down your child's accomplishments. Start early and be prepared with professional looking documents.
Our daughter is now enjoying her classes and learning to adjust to a whole new atmosphere. Don't give up when you hit a snag. I was ready to just ask her to stay out an additonal year rather than put up with the process. We prayed and persevered thanks to my husband's encouragement. | | homeschool24 |
| | Baking & cooking
The easiest way to bake with yeast
For many years, I was afraid of yeast bread recipes because of the concern for the temperature of the liquid. I have killed more yeast than I care to remember!
I have learned that the temperature of the liquid is not really a concern. I have used cool water straight from my sink and cold mild right from the carton in my recipes, with absolutely great results.
You must be certain to melt any butter and let it cool, before adding to your recipe. Follow the recipe, just don't worry about heating the water or milk. It will take a bit longer for your dough to rise, but it will rise. I haven't noticed any difference in the appearance, texture or taste of my bread or rolls. I have used this method for sweet rolls, loaves of bread, dinner rolls, pizza dough, etc..
I hope this will encourage you to bake more healthy breads for your family, and save money in the long run. | | momof6inohio |
Baking & cooking
One helper at a time
My little children, like most, always want to help mommy in the kitchen. The problem with this is usually that so many helpers causes mommy stress, what with trying to keep cracked eggs in the bowl while keeping the egg shells out, and at the same time trying to keep another child from getting burned on something hot at the stove, and yet another one from cutting himself while using a knife.
So we assign one Chef's Helper at a time. (The others get to help clean up after dinner.) This way, mommy can redeem these very teachable years when children want to learn and work, and train them little by little how to become a real help. Everyone knows his turn is coming, when he gets to be the only helper. Each child can get to actually cut with a knife since Mommy can supervise him individually. Much less stressful, more fun, and more productive. | | mamasheep |
Marriage & parenting
Training your children
I come from the perspective of a Christian, but this advice will apply to those of any belief system. Child training is the first and most important aspect of a successful home school. If you do not have your child trained in obedience, respect, orderliness, love for their siblings and their parent; then all the best curricula and methods in the world will not be of much help. If this is your first year to home school, take some time to investigate some good parenting materials and start following a method for good, consistent training.....IN LOVE. | | hippiemamma |
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