The Monthly Chat


<< Previous editions   February, 2009   Next edition >>

Printable bits of wisdom, ideas, and reflections for your friends and
homeschool group, from the members of HomeschoolClassifieds.com
Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors.
©1997-2009 HomeschoolClassifieds.com, Knoxville, TN

 
Organization/time management
Organizing Clutter – Do I Have To Toss it?

Often when people think of organizing, they think of dump runs where they’re forced to toss beloved possessions. Frequently, it is this one thought that keeps them stuck in their frustratingly disorderly world.

I have a friend who is quite minimalist. I have always found it to be very calming and relaxing to go to her place, it exudes peace and tranquility. My home, while by no means cluttered, has lots of “stuff” around, but I’m more at ease here than at her house.

I have another friend whose office always looks like a tornado hit it. There are stacks of books on every surface and piles of papers all about. However, he knows where everything is, can lay his hand upon anything he needs and is quite content with the space.

My point is while all these spaces are quite well organized, and each fits its owner’s definition of what they want it to be.

The three problems each of these folks have managed to solve have less to do with how the space looks and more in how it functions. The first problem you need to solve is that everything you decide to keep must have its own place. The next problem you need to address is that of not having a system for managing your possessions that works for you. The final problem to deal with is that of making decisions. Most everything that is nagging you right now, the annoying irritants in your life, is likely the result of postponed decisions.

In fact, if you take a careful look at the clutter around you, you’ll probably find that each item will basically fall into one of these three categories. Just deal with these three areas and a lot of your clutter will take care of itself!
sandysewin

Testing
Wording is SO Important

Rather than saying, ''you have several tests tomorrow,'' I say there will be a review of the material we have learned and you can show how well you understand. Somehow just the wording has decreased the anxiety of test taking.
4salela
 
Handwriting
Recycle that Calendar!

My Dad brought a huge pile of calendars to me to see if I thought I could use them in school or scrapbooking. I sat down to look at them with my son, and the pictures were not only breathtaking, they were educational as well.

I chose one titled ''America the Beautiful''; this title, plus the song is embossed on the front in gold lettering, with a majestic purple mountain background (so we will learn that song this year!) Across the top in the sky, I used stickers and wrote, ''Colton's Copywork''. Then, I took construction paper that matched or was the complementary color to each picture, and using double-sided tape, attached it to the calendar side opposite of the picture. Centered on the construction paper, I attached a primary-lined sheet from my copywork set. I did this all through the calendar.

Then, I took ribbon and tied a piece in each hole (for hanging the calendar) on the front and back cover, and tied my book together. It turned out beautifully! You could also use this as a journal, or a mini unit study.

There are so many different kinds of calendars: animals (study the animal then write facts it); different places and landmarks in the world (study about it, then copy what you learned); beautiful scenes with scripture already written (copy the Bible verse); artwork (use the picture to do a picture study; copy something learned about the artist, or what the child sees in the picture); the list of ideas go on and on!

I made mine for my son; he's only 6 1/2. If your child is older, this would be a great craft project for them; I had a lot of fun making mine!
kimberly66

Bible & Spiritual growth
Proverbs reading

Sometimes we need to set a set our Bible devotionals aside and just get into the Bible. We try to read the Proverbs chapter that corresponds with the date of the month in the morning. Then we regroup at the end of the day and re-read that Proverbs chapter and see how God has worked in our lives individually that day. For the very young set we just pick a few verses that seem more appropriate to them.
houseofrabbits
 
Organization/time management
The Perfect Organizing Solution – A Myth

How many times have you heard the advertisers touting the latest, the greatest, the most perfect, one-size-fits-all handy-dandy organizing solution? How many times have you believed them and bought their systems, only to find they just didn’t work for you? Ouch. It gets expensive. I know it’s frustrating. And you know what? It’s not your fault that they didn’t work.

You really wanted it to work this time, you spent your hard-earned money and time in the hopes that THIS would be the one, THE solution to all your organizing problems.

The real problem is, they don’t understand the problem. It hasn’t been defined properly. Organizing is not about having the right organizers, nifty baskets, multi-compartment drawers, expandable trays or any of the like. Organizing is really a way of thinking. People who think a certain way and have a certain set of habits are naturally organized. It doesn’t make them better than anyone else, just different. Some of us are athletic, others good with numbers, and some, well, we’re organized.

The wonderful news is that anyone can learn these new habits and become organized. It is a skill, and like any other skill, it can be learned. I just spoke with a woman who not very long ago told me she was hopelessly disorganized. She told me that not having a home for things, just putting stuff where ever and never being able to find anything was a way of life for her. Then she learned one of my organizing secrets: labeling. She told me she has now become a “labeling fanatic” and is so very excited about the changes already happening (so is her husband, lol.) I can’t wait to see how she progresses!
sandysewin

Science: general
Interesting Science Website on Snowflakes

I found an awesome website this evening on the science of how snowflakes are formed. It has a photo gallery of microscopic snow crystals. They are so dynamically different! Here is the link: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/

Here are some of the topics on this site:
--Natural Snowflakes
--Designer Snowflakes
--Frost Crystals
--Snowflake Physics
--Snow Activities
--Snowflake Touring

Enjoy!
luke15:10
 
Other
Noah's Duck

Sometimes I get really concerned over my children's ''Sunday School answers'' during devotional time, but this day made me laugh. At breakfast we were reading about Noah's ark (I have five young children). I asked my middle one (age 4 boy) who doesn't seem to ever get to answer any questions, ''Who did Noah send out of the ark to check for land?'' Alex enthusiastically answered. Here is how the conversation went:
''Who did Noah send out of the ark to check for land, Alex?''
''God!!!''
''No''
Jesus!
No....
Holy Spirit?
No.... It was an animal...
''A lion, ROAR!''
No....A bird.
Oh, a bird.
What kind fo bird? (Keep in mind I had just told them in the story.)
I DON'T KNOW
A do....v (trying to give him a hint.)
A DUCK!
(Roars of laughter from everyone, including me.)
No, Alex. A dove.
Oh....a dove.
1samuel15.22

Math: fundamentals
Simply Remembering Math Formulas

Many years ago when I was studying higher math, I had a terrible time trying to remember what formulas worked where, when and so forth. Luckily, I had an older brother who was a math guru (straight A's in Calculus), so I went to him for advice. Here is his suggestion:

Purchase a spiral bound set of 3x5 index cards. Write a formula on the front of each card. Every morning for 2-3 weeks review those cards-- just flip through them. After 3 weeks, quiz yourself to see how you're doing. Spend additional time on the ones you still aren't certain about.

I found this method worked great and used this same index card set to add my formulas for Science classes. Later in college, I used this same approach for memorizing various Bible verses (Bible college). My daughter has also utilized this method for her math studies. It's contained, inexpensive, and you can build upon it from one grade to the next.
slmawmbmm
 
Ministry & missions
Do Good, Web Search, Help with Food Bill

A friend just let me know about www.GoodSearch.com.
When you use this search engine it will donate to your favorite charity (which you choose).

They also link to GoodShop, which contributes to charities when you link your purchases through them.

Why Google when you can GoodSearch?

Also, since most homeschoolers are already on a tight budget, there is an organization called Angel Food Ministries http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. I have not tried it myself as there is not one near us, but my sisters have.

This is from their website: By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts, Angel Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date food or inferior products.
Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase.
smith8

Bible & Spiritual growth
The Bridge

I like to stay informed throughout the day with news however, I do not want the TV on. I listen to The Bridge out of Howell, NJ online at www.bridgefm.org

I get news, great Christian Music, and Bible teaching throughout the day. I enjoy the Christian atmosphere it brings into our home.

The other radio station we tune into on our computer is The Sound of Life at http://soundoflife.org/radio/

It is so important for me to stay connected and have godly broadcasts streaming through our home. I never have to be concerned about what is coming over these airwaves. We connect through the internet because our reception is blocked effectively by a granite mountain!
houseofrabbits
 
Organization/time management
Choosing an Organizing Solution

There are a few things you should keep in mind when trying to choose an organizing system:
· First of all, remember that that are hundreds of ways of sorting & organizing available. Not all of them will suit you; some may be more suitable than others. It really is more important that you put into practice good principles of organization and let the system follow.
· When considering which system to try, choose one that sounds appealing to you. Don’t worry if it’s “perfect,” most won’t be. The important thing here is to make a decision and start with something.
· The absolutely most important thing with any organizing system is that you have to stick with it and use it. Now if you find that that is difficult, then perhaps you need to change your system a bit to suit you better.
· If the thing is utterly frustrating and you hate it, then please don’t feel like a failure, get rid of it and try something else.

Remember that the most important component of any organizing system isn’t anything made of wood, paper, metal or plastic, but YOU. You must consider how you think, how your mind works, how you prefer to manage things, your priorities and your general way of life. Only then will you be able to develop the perfect organizing system for you. Even then, you can be constantly working it, making it fit better and better. It’s a lifelong skill and one definitely worth the care & attention it takes to learn.
sandysewin

Marriage & parenting
Getting Your Kids to Help at Home

I just came across an awesome book that is so practical -- The Everyday Family Chore System. The author has eight children of her own and has ministered to numerous foster children. Her website also includes lots free practical tips that any homeschooling family can use.

I'm printing off her suggestions on how to make each month special. For February she suggests giving your children pancake mix for National Pancake Day (or maybe make some from scratch together) & enjoying some tootsie rolls to celebrate the Tootsie Roll Anniversary. Also check out her tips on what to do with toddlers if you have young ones at home! Go to
http://www.everydayhomemaking.com/homemaking.html
nohermanv
 
Other
Homeschoolers Can Shine As Volunteers

Incorporating volunteerism into your homeschool plan can have lasting benefits. Volunteering can open doors to future goals and help students see what lies beyond their textbook studies.

We allowed our 9 year old daughter to volunteer at a local center for persons with disabilities. In the course of her volunteering, she learned how to copy and collate documents, created volunteer manuals, became aquainted with a staff of thirty and a myriad of volunteers, assisted persons with disabilities at various functions hosted by the organization, and was asked to create and maintain a flower garden. Her volunteerism was done throughout an entire school year and she was rewarded, along with other volunteers, at the organization's annual dinner where she was given a plaque with her name on it.

But that wasn't all the story...her volunteering made it possible for her to present herself in a respectful manner to a group of individuals who (in most cases) frowned upon homeschooling. Needless to say, the sterotype of children who have school at home has changed within this organization, along side our daughter's sterotype of persons with disabilities.

In our case, volunteering provided our daughter a chance to learn from others in a safe environment with minimal cost. I encourage you to look for areas in which your homeschool students can shine in their community by volunteering.
slmawmbmm

Science: general
Nature Study

Do you love learning about nature with your little ones? I do! I have found an easy way to include this in our school day, and it has proved very effective!!

We are learning a different bird each week. I post a color picture of the bird to be seen all week; we name it each day, and read information about it; we look for it outside; we listen to it's song on a computer cd or the internet. Then on Friday, I fill out a notebooking page with the information about the bird (name, latin name, it's diet, how many eggs are usually laid and the color, and one sentence that is unique about that bird; we also attach a feather of the bird if we can find one), and then my son colors the picture of the bird on his sheet using the example we have looked at all week to get the colors right . If your child is old enough, he can copy the information himself for his copywork that day. We review the birds we have studied every few weeks so he doesn't forget. At the end of the year, he will be able to identify 36 birds!

It is very satisfying when he looks out the window and says, ''Hey Mom! Come look at this Blue Jay! (not ''this bird'')
kimberly66
 
Art & music
Your kids can use their talents for God NOW!

One of my most rewarding experiences is seeing my teens using their talents to reach out to others and minister to Jesus.
We have a contemporary worship team at our church & I am honored to be the worship leader. This gives me some flexibility of say-so that other parents may not have when desiring to see their kids step into ministry. Some of my favorite people to use are my own teens & other teens in our fellowship!
We begin encouraging them with their instruments at home with lessons & practice. When they are confident enough to follow along in easy songs, I invite them to participate in worship.
We don't make a big deal of it- they just sit up on the stage with their instruments & follow chord charts along with me on piano & our drummer. My teen sons have played drums, bass & now guitar for the past few years. One of them is now leading worship in his youth group!
I firmly believe in encouraging our kids to serve the Body of Christ in any capacity that they can without waiting ''until they grow up''. They can begin with drama, skits, readings, serving, hospitality, or even helping out in little kid's ministry. This way they have a place to use their gifts and learn the wonderful ways that God can use the Body of Christ while they are still young and under our wings.
sunnymeadowsfarm

Other
Clinical Symptoms of Homeschooling

Six-year-old Sophia Claire had brought along a book bag filled with good things to read, when she accompanied me to my dental appointment. Kindly making conversation, the hygienist asked S.C. to name some of her ''favorite story books.''

Sophia paused to think before responding, ''The most interesting book I've read recently is a biography of Marie Curie which explains how she discovered radium.''

Reacting with only a barely perceptible, merry twinkling of eyes, the hygienist smiled nonchalantly, ''Oh! So, are you homeschoolers?''
kerce

Marriage & parenting
Planned Parenthood

''Children are still getting to know their parents. I'm only 5 years old, and so I'm still getting to know you and Daddy. I'd like to observe you more, so that I'll know if I can trust you with my babies someday.''
-- Sophia Claire, age 5 years
kerce
 
Other
Teaching your kids with your home business

We own & operate our own soapmaking cottage business & have done so for the past 10 years. My kids have grown up participating in one way or another with this venture & I love seeing their creativity & accomplishments grow. Our youngest 3 (ages 10, 13 & 15) have even developed some of their own soap recipes & now have customers requesting them!

They have learned to handle money, greet customers, & have learned the benefits of integrity, honesty, professionalism & friendliness. Involving our kids in our home business is a wonderful hands-on way to introduce them to the ''real'' world within a Godly, safe framework!
sunnymeadowsfarm

Reference: general
When NOT to Homeschool

Yes, there ARE times NOT to home educate. The one I will approach here is this: if you are ill, don't do it. I presently have a dear friend who is in the Mayo clinic in Minn. for a liver transplant. She, come to find out, wouldn't give it up until I spoke to her last month when she told me she was so ill. I convinced her, rightly so, that it would it in the best interest of everyone if she put homeschooling aside until she got better. The reality: she may die. The child has some hearing issues; the father works as a coach. If she makes it through this and wants to homeschool--go for it. She was only planning to do it through 6th grade. Right now she must focus on getting better. Sometimes we just CAN'T do it. :(
hcinfo

Math: fundamentals
Teaching Math to Young Students

I have four children and have homeschooled using several different curriculums. I ''tried'' out most of them on my oldest two and they seem to have survived unharmed. But, my two youngest sons are a bit different. Neither wanted to sit a look at workbooks or play with fun math manipulatives. So, I decided to take the advice of a wiser, older homeschooling friend. TEACH with out a workbook! Oh, my, can I do that? I was shocked. But, we have used many online sources. I have even found a great online scope and sequences just to keep me on track. IT can be done and I think should be done. They have long enough to stick their heads in a book!
klhcom

Baking & cooking
Involving Your Child in Dinner

I have found that my child enjoys and eats a more balanced dinner when she is involved in the preparation. We have had more fun times preparing a strawberry pie or making black beans and risotto. I have a partner chef and she learns the skills to succeed in her own home someday.
4salela
 
Bible & Spiritual growth
21 Day challenge

My husband is a youth pastor and he challenged his youth to do the 21 day challenge of reading one chapter a day out of the book of John in order. We decided to do it as a family during our ''Bedtime Devotions'' and it is amazing how much the kids are learning and ''digesting.'' This is a great tool to use for evangelism too. If you know someone who doesn't know much about the Bible, but wants to learn or may be willing to read something, challenge them to read a chapter in JOhn every day. Let the Word of God work in their lives. My husband plans to share this with his public school basketball players in 7th grade that he coaches.
1samuel15.22

Homeschool helps
A Simple Gesture in Time

Life can be so busy at times that we forget its simplicity.
Only when we forget the simple things in life, like a kiss on our child's cheek ''just because'' or a slight poke in their side ''just for the fun of it'' to make them laugh, do we become harsh and bitter in routine. Who says routine can't be interrupted by these gestures? Only us. A kiss, a poke, and a giggle. Just a simple gesture for a simple time in life.
~`euby4gsus`~

Other
Family Meetings

For about four years now we have been having Family Meetings on a fairly regular basis. On Sunday evenings, we sit down as a family with our Family Prayer Journal and we each have a turn (without interruption) to express a concern, need, desire, or thought. We then write down the prayer concerns of our family and take turns praying for those concerns that eve. Prior to praying, we review the prayer concerns of the previous meeting to see how God has answered prayers since that time.
rosecash

Baking & cooking
Snow Ice Cream

Here's a little recipe for using fresh snow to make ice cream. Fill up the largest bowl you have with clean snow. Add small amounts of vanilla, milk and sugar to snow. You can adjust the flavors and creaminess of the ice cream by adding one at a time until you get the desired result. You can even add fresh or frozen fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries. Any extra freezes quite well. This is a fun, tasty and inexpensive treat...not to mention a terrific experiment!
slmawmbmm