The Monthly Chat

September, 2007

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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

Baking & cooking
Working in the Kitchen is Fun!

When a day is just ordinary, turn it into something special by baking cookies together. Cookies certainly don't have to be the limit -- we've recently moved to the south, so we are working on perfecting our pound cake -- there are endless varieties.

In a children's book called Thunder Cake, throughout the story, an approaching storm is rumbling in the distance. In an effort to help her grand-daughter overcome her fear of storms, the grand-mother leads her in a cake making expedition. It is a terrific, colorful story -- excellent vocabulary in the book -- great illustrations. In the end is a recipe for 'Thundercake'.

Every now and then, we have made that cake together, with or without the approaching thunder. My son who is now beginning 6th grade, had made 3 thundercakes this summer on his own accord. Living in the SE corner of GA, thunder rolls often lately. Baking something to brighten any day, especially the rainy ones.

Another fun story to act out in the kitchen is a folk tale called ''Stone Soup''. In this story, the characters cleverly round up ingredients to make a tasty soup. For this (and also in using any recipe) simply write the ingredients on separate pieces of paper. Have each child pick one or two, and he is responsible to be the helper for that part. This approach to cooking fosters great camaraderie at mealtime!

You don't have to have a story book to do this; any recipe will do. Learning kitchen skills by watching and 'helping' mama at young ages translates into confident projects later on. Include your youngsters in your kitchen duties whenever possible.

At one time I was so concerned about the mess. But now as an older mom, I realize it is not the mess that is important, but the fleeting time of fun and fellowship. Math skills, reading, and even writing, if your students write up a menu, recipe, or directions, can be accomplished at the same time.

Pick out a recipe and have some fun with your little ones!

loraining

Bible & Spiritual growth
The Power of Prayer for Our Children

I've been studying Nancy Campbell's The Power of Motherhood Bible study. In it she shows how important not only praying is for your children, but also the power of very specifically-targeted prayers.

With this in mind, I came up with a great way to make sure I am covering my children in prayer in many different areas. I purchased an index card box and blank index cards. On each card, I list prayers for my children. Some are very general and some are very specific. Even though my oldest is only 12, I have already started praying specifically for her future spouse and his family, and my future grandchildren, Lord willing. In fact I am doing this for all 5 of my children. (It's never too early to start praying for things like this).

You could also organize it with dividers for each child. The cards make it easy to keep adding things as they come up that need prayer, and the back can be used to record answers to prayer. It's very convenient to be able to sit and flip through the cards when I have a spare minute. I was surprised at how many cards I was filling when I began to write out all the prayers I had for my children.

As I shared this with a friend she told me something similar she was doing. Basically, you have little baggies for each day of the week and you put index cards with specific prayers for others into the bags. For example, on Monday, you may pray for your immediate family, your neighbors, the health of your pets, our country, etc. On Tuesday you may pray for all the grandparents and for your church leaders. The lady that shared the idea had the names of missionaries that her church supports and those were put in the individual bags so that those people could be prayed for each week. She also had individual cards for each member of her family with a specific scripture verse picked out just for them.

Another great use for index cards and Bible memory is in the following link.
http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/

smith8

Organization/time management
Planning to Actually Use Your Resources

If you don't use a boxed curriculum, you may have trouble keeping track and actually using all of the many resource ideas you collect. I collect ideas off the internet and from various homeschooling or library books. To avoid the problem of not remembering what I had and not using them, I use files.

Use a file for each subject. I print stuff off the internet, or I just make a post-it note with either the URL or I say ''in my favorites file.'' On the post-it I'll write, ''algebra games in favorites'' or ''AP Biology Plan www...'' or something. It goes in the math (or science) file. Doesn't matter the grade level, it just goes in the subject file.

If I'm reading a good book, with several grade levels, and I see a good lesson, I'll write a post-it that says, ''2008 writing lesson for Sarah, p. 40 Beechick L.A. book,” and it goes in the L.A. file.

In August, I have binders for each child. Each binder has a piece of notebook paper for each subject. I take out my L.A. file and sort through it, choosing the resources appropriate for each child. I list every resource on the piece of paper that I would like to try to use with a particular child that year. Next, I start scheduling time to use them with a calendar, and I have that paper in the binder telling me where to go for the resource (or if it was something I printed out that I will use, I remove it from the file and put it in the binder).

If I don't want to schedule, I can just choose stuff off that list throughout the school year. I don't care if we don't use ALL of those resources, but we use quite a few that are perfectly suited for and individually chosen for each child, because I know what they need next, and what they are ready for, no matter what ''grade level.''

When I list resources to use for the coming year, I can also go back and look at an older sibling's binder and read their subject resource summaries, and I'll remember what was a hit and what was a miss.

barkingchickens

Lang arts: grammar/composition/writing
Two-Minute Write

To encourage your kids to write, get a timer and set it for two minutes. Introduce a prompt for them to each begin with and then start the timer. They love to see how far they can get in two minutes and their story is ALWAYS longer and more interesting when pressed to 'beat the clock'. After the timer beeps have each person read his story out loud.

*You may decide to gradually increase the minutes throughout the school year.

jlweaver

Lang arts: grammar/composition/writing
Why Should Students Study Grammar?

Studying grammar for the sake of grammar alone is unnecessary for students whose time could be better used in the pursuit of other brain-building subjects. However, I believe there is some value in less obvious ways in studying grammar.

Studying grammar helps the student become a better communicator. To make one’s message clear, it is necessary to follow standard guidelines of spoken grammar. As Christians, our directive from Christ is to share the gospel with all people; if we cannot communicate effectively, we cannot share the good news.

Studying grammar helps the student to develop logic. Logic is necessary in being able to function effectively as students, and later on, employees. Without the ability to reason, problem solving isn't possible. Grammar is a logical subject, organized in a well-defined format. Even the exceptions so prevalent in the study of English grammar cause the student to think through the steps necessary for analysis.

Studying grammar is an exercise for the brain. Each time a student must determine the function of a particular word in a sentence, he is using his brain muscle. In our age of thinking skills being acculturated out of our day-to-day functioning, we must work harder to find ways to keep this muscle between our ears in top condition.

Shouldn't the question be one of how much or what kind of grammar suits a student best? Effective communication can be achieved without sentence diagramming. Logic skills can be developed though a systemized study of logic, a subject nearly unknown to twenty-first century students. Mental exercise can be accomplished by the study of algebra. The study of grammar in a language other than the student’s native tongue is far more effective in reaching these goals than twelve consecutive years of English grammar.

sallyc

Math: fundamentals
Make Math More Fun

Have you ever had to watch your child sit hour after hour procrastinating and complaining about their math? Well, we have set timers and given warnings to no avail.

I found that a stop watch (counting up, not down) has been a good way for them to beat their own time. When they actually see how long it takes it doesn't seem like forever anymore. We give incentives for beating their old time. This is great for drill work that should only take a few minutes per day. We record the times so they can see their progress. This also works for chores that they think will take FOREVER....well how long, really, is forever? Wow, only 10 minutes? Great job! Next time you won't have to listen to the complaining!

dee_russell

Homeschool helps
Libraries Are a Homeschooler's Friend

Hopefully not your Best Friend! But your local library can be a great resource to supplement your curriculum, or even be the curriculum, in some cases.

We've homeschooled near two major metropolitan areas and both our local libraries have been part of a larger library system that allows for inter-library loans of materials. That means that I'm not constrained to the choices I have at my local branch. In some cases, the system will also look outside the system to other systems for the book or video or CD you may be looking for. This has been a big help when introducing new music to my children. At my fingertips I have 1000's of CD's - literally!

Both of the library systems I've had experience with have given users Internet access to the database. I can introduce my children to Shakespeare plays, classic films, as well as get a sneak peek at curriculum I may be considering. The last is not always possible but it has been helpful when it has been available.

In addition to access to more books than could fit in my home, I also have the option to request titles I'd like my local library to have on their shelves. Only one request might not be filled, but if many users ask for the same book, DVD, or CD, it might just happen. I've also done the reverse and donated an item I think should be available.

All in all, libraries are wonderful places for people of all ages. Our librarians have gotten accustomed to setting aside one whole shelf for our family's holds. And all those books were only a few clicks and a drive away.

pammylbear

Bible & Spiritual growth
Bible Time is a Blessing at Home!

I have found that gathering my 4 children together for devotions every morning has been one of the biggest blessings of our day. We read a chapter (or more!) in the Gospels, I give each of them room to share their thoughts or questions, and then I read out loud from a missionary biography or other similar book. We then say our Bible verse & end by taking time to ''tag-team'' pray.

I am so encouraged when I hear my 10, 13, 15, and 17 year-olds seek God for friends, family and situations. I see the time we spend in Scripture ''paying off'' in their attitudes throughout the day, and, the biggest blessing of all, it opens our hearts up to the Lord for His speaking and impacting all day long!

And when God's answers to those faithful, child-like prayers come, my kids are right there in the middle of the rejoicing!

sunnymeadowsfarm

Foreign language
Rosetta Stone. Did You Know...

...that you can get access to Rosetta Stone programs through many libraries all over the country? Access varies, as does cost. If your local library has made access available it may be completely free! Some libraries only have access to the travel versions of selected languages (or so I've been told), while other offer access to the full host of online Rosetta Stone lessons.

My state has at least two libraries offering access. For one library it would cost ~$65 a year to get a statewide library card and then a local library card which is necessary to use the RS database. Another library only required that I purchase the statewide card ($35), but would only issue a local card if I applied in person.

The library in Chattanooga, TN doesn't require you to apply in person! For $35 I received a digital only library card that allows me access to all of that library's database resources -- including all of the Rosetta Stone languages. For the cost of one computer game or over-priced toy, my family has been able to listen to the different languages spoken all over the world. Plus, if we actually stick to a schedule, we might actually start learning a new language.

To find out which libraries in my state offered access to Rosetta Stone, I used the following search terms in my web browser: ''Rosetta Stone'' ''database'' ''library'' and [my state]. Give it a try and see what you find!
If your strike out in your state, you can always sign up with Chattanooga's library. Here's a link to the information page: http://www.lib.chattanooga.gov/databases/rosettastone.html

momathwtk

Handwriting
Writing Paper Websites for Handwriting

After doing some searches on the Internet, I discovered the following site where one can customize writing paper and it's free!

http://www.dltk-cards.com/writingpaper/cpaper1.asp

This is a great resource for making whatever style of writing paper you need for different grade levels in handwriting practice.

Also, Donna Young has a TON of free printables for handwriting, even a section specifically for use with 100 Easy Lessons.

http://donnayoung.org/penmanship/100ez.htm

Enjoy!

luke15:10

Ministry & missions
Praying for the Persecuted Church, Family, Friends

I wanted to start this school year on the right foot, and started the practice of having family devotions at the beginning of the day. It is a discipline I want my children to naturally have as adults.

I choose a Bible verse each week and write it on the white board on Sunday night. When the children wake up and sit for school for Monday, it's the first thing we do. We do some activities to help the children memorize, then move on to prayer.

I've been receiving mailings from The Voice of the Martyrs for a few years now, but being the busy mom that I am, couldn't always give them the attention I felt they deserved. This summer I received a mailing with a map of the world with countries highlighted according to the severity of the persecution. I wanted to highlight this important need in the body of Christ to my children, and saved the map. I hung it on our bulletin board in our school room.

On the other side of the bulletin board, I hung all the pictures we'd received in Christmas letters last year from our loved ones, both friends and families, as well as all the missionary cards we have.

Each morning, each of us chooses two people or families for whom to pray, and one country where Christians are being persecuted. Even my three-year-old wants to be part of this.
I am so encouraged that we have finally found a way to bring an outward focus to our homeschooling, and I hope this is helpful to others looking for ideas.

animama30

Biography
Common Sense in Choosing Curriculum

I homeschooled for most of 19 years, with both success and failure. One thing I learned is to not jump on the popular homeschool materials bandwagon.

Using many older edition books, particularly in the primary grades, allowed me to give my children a quality education at an affordable price. Older readers, history texts, math books, and even science books (particularly in the younger grades) are perfectly appropriate and sometimes even better than the newest editions. These books can often be purchased at a substantial discount because we tend to want the latest and greatest.

When you are looking for materials, consider carefully if an older edition will meet your needs, while saving you considerable money.

elemiller

Ministry & missions
Don't Forget Evangelism Training

In light of what is often called the Great Commission -- Jesus' last words to us in Mark 16:15-16 -- evangelism must be a top priority in our lives as Christians. Verse 16 explains the eternal consequences that are at stake. There are not many tasks that carry this importance.

We have found some training material that has really helped our whole family to learn how to effectively share the gospel. There is a lot of training and resources available free, as well as outstanding tracts, books, cds you may purchase. Please take time to visit www.wayofthemaster.com and www.livingwaters.com

Start by listening to a message entitled: Hell's Best Kept Secret. The book ''The Way of The Master'' was life-changing for us. We are learning to swallow our fears of talking to others about their destination.

I also bought the Biblical School of Evangelism Book. The lessons are suitable to include grade school and high school students. It wouldn't matter what denomination you are, just that you believe the message of the Bible. These lessons include Bible memory suggestions, great quotes, often humorous and sometimes sobering real-life examples, and chapter questions (suggested answers included at end of book).

Please consider adding evangelism training time to your family's day. Not only that, practice what you learn everywhere you go!

loraining

Other
So You Want to Give Someone a Reputation Rating...

...but you can't remember the e-mail address or name! Here's what I did and maybe it will work for you:

Check your files. You may still have an e-mail from your buyer or seller in your In box, Saved Messages, or (if you've not emptied your ''trash can'') in your Deleted Messages folder.

If that doesn't work, review your payment records. Did you use Paypal? If so, you should have an e-mail address for the other party to the transaction. If you wrote a check you may just have a full name, which isn't much good if what you need is a nickname. But look it up anyway, maybe you'll remember the nickname or recognize the name when you see it again.

I think I managed to find all the people I've done business with here at homeschoolclassifieds.com and was able give each a rating by checking my records. Hopefully you can do the same and take advantage of this great new resource.

momathwtk

Homeschool helps
Giving Kids A Choice

I would like to begin by saying that it is important that children know that you are in charge. That said, I also believe that it is equally important to take their needs, wants, and desires into account without jeopardizing their education. Sometimes that means simply asking them which choice they prefer. It is necessary, of course, to give options that you can live with.

Especially with more challenging children, you get more cooperation when you allow them to have a say in what and how they study. Everyone works better under less stressful conditions. Sometimes, more often than not, what suits our teaching needs may not suit theirs.

I always tried to do what I thought was best for their educational needs, often choosing a difficult route. The things that were appealing to them often seemed too simple to suit me. Looking back, I think they would have learned more from a curriculum that interested them. No matter how good the content, it isn't worth it if it doesn't get through to them.

I have a few books on the shelf that I still think are wonderful, but they didn't speak to my children. Maybe as they mature and their interests change we can try some of them again. For now, without sacrificing quality, I am taking the path of least resistance. So far it is working like a charm -- My children ''ask'' to do their schoolwork most days.

6souls4jc

Bible & Spiritual growth
Joey Makes a Decision for Christ

In our home, we usually have family devotions over breakfast. On days when time is so tight that this just doesn't work, we do them as we drive. One morning last October was such a day. I was stressed and sorely tempted to skip devotions and just pop in a book on tape to maintain the peace as we drove.

I grudgingly went ahead and started the prayers anyway. We recited Psalm 1. Then the questions started from my five year old. ''What does 'wicked' mean?'' ''What is 'righteous?''' I explained, leading into a brief discussion on salvation. He then said that he believed in Christ and wanted to turn his heart to follow Jesus and live for him. Praise God!

Every parent's greatest joy is seeing their children walking in the truth. I nearly missed this precious opportunity to share Christ with my child, because I was stressed and just didn't want to make the effort that day. God used the little that I could offer and turned it to his glory. One more child for the kingdom! I would encourage every parent to pray with their children and teach them the scriptures. Look for the chance to share Christ with them. This is the most important thing that we can do.

rjvarblow

Science: general
Where Would We be Without Science?

In the dark ages? Stuck in a hut with no heat? Walking everywhere we want to go? If you think about it, science is involved in making light, be it by electricity or oil lamp. Science is involved in heating, whether by natural gas or wood fire. And science is involved in transporting ourselves from one place to another, whether by that brand new mini-van (okay - new to you!), or by horse drawn carriage.

How did someone come with the idea for fire and how to harness it effectively? Think of all the concepts that follow just that one area of study. How to produce fire consistently, how it behaves under different circumstances, what burns hottest, even something mundane as cooking over it, in it, or under it. Even the wheel is a phenomenal discovery. How did the first person come up with that one, anyway?!

Science is, in it's essential form, observing the world around us. Looking around isn't scary, is it? This is God's creation, after all. What a wonderful way to get to know Him better than to observe what He's done in this world. Yes, as you and your children progress through the various levels of science, math does become more involved. But the underlying principles and ideas are still understandable. God is a God of order and science is one way to get to know Him.

pammylbear

Special needs
Homeschooling Goes Beyond the Books!

Don't get so caught up in the books that you forget the value of children learning from ''just about everything and every experience'' in their everyday life. Talk, talk, talk to your children! Share, share, share with your children! Discuss the ordinary, discuss the extraordinary! Deviate from the ''box'' and step outside to point out the things no one thinks about when they think of ''school work''.

When the going gets tough, take a deep breath, close the books, and remind them they are valuable and priceless -- then go have an ice cream cone together and ''let off the pressure''!

On your way there, be sure to point out the beautiful blue sky, and the colors of flowers on the roadside! When you arrive you can add up the cost of 2 cones, figure out how much change you should get, and discuss how they think ice cream is made! School is never out -- but learning is a lot more fun this way!

huskerhut