Life at ElCloud Homeschool/Homestead this week ...
Posted on 2009-Jul-2 at 09:14 AM
Today the sky is clouded with a soft gray layer, and a gentle rain is falling on the clothes I forgot to remove from the clothes line yesterday. (oh well) Our 23 chickens and 1 guinea hen are also getting a shower, since we still haven't fixed up the coop for them. Since the 13 Ameraucana hens were digging nesting pits in the dirt yesterday, they probably needed the shower anyway. I think the digging means they are about to start laying. I wonder if they will all use the same spot, as our guinea hen usually lays hers in the same location each day. If not, we'll be having daily easter egg hunts with the colorful easter eggs the Ameraucanas lay.
I have two boys sleeping on the couches in the living room beside me. They stumbled out earlier, said hi, laid down, and fell asleep again. Molly-dog did the same thing on the floor beside me. Although she didn't say hi.
The garden is enjoying the cooler temps and this morning's rain. We planted so many seeds and new plants this past weekend. Some are new to us, and we may be late on others, but it's worth a try. We planted pumpkins, spaghetti squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, sweet potatoes, burgundy beans, and tomatoes. We already had wax beans, green beans, lima beans, and potatoes planted. We harvested the last of our peas, and half of our onions. I blanched and froze the shelled peas, but I am still in the process of chopping and freezing the onions. I like doing that, even with store-bought onions, because they are ready to use in many of my dishes.
Ahh ... now I am typing around the 3 year old, and she's decided it's time to have a conversation. She's telling me all about our adult cats, and our baby kittens. Now she's telling me about the baby bunny we rescued from one of our outdoor cats yesterday, and put in a rabbit cage on our porch. I told her that this morning Daddy and I rescued another one, and put it in the cage as well. I guess I'll send children out to pick grass and clover to feed the baby bunnies today. We put lettuce in yesterday, but I remember when we had a house rabbit for awhile that iceberg lettuce isn't really healthy for them. We do have carrots, too. I'm not certain this was wise, but we really couldn't stand by and watch the cat eat baby bunnies. He's supposed to be catching RATS, not bunnies.
Speaking of our baby kittens, they are 2.5 weeks old now. Most are doing well, but one is definitely a runt. I should bottle-feed him more often, but I keep forgetting to ... or he gains weight and I hope that he's improving and quit, only to have him slack off again. Melody is a good mama, even though this is her first litter. For the first time in our cattery, we have a waiting list to contact first when they're ready to go to new homes.
There is no water running into the house today because the main pipe into the basement started spraying everywhere yesterday. We don't use many cardboard boxes in the basement, but the ones that we do use sit on top of plastic totes since the basement does leak when it rains. Unfortunately if it's raining inside from a spraying pipe, they can still get soaked and ruined. Two chairs, and 4-5 boxes are soaked. We'll see if any of it can be saved or not. I filled pitchers and buckets with water, and if I have to, I can turn the water main back on long enough to re-fill the pitchers. Life will be interesting today, and the laundry will have to wait another day or two.
The girls are still excited about their first 4-H judging event yesterday. They took their sewing projects in for judging in the Fiber Arts category. 13 yo A's 9-patch pillow received a blue ribbon. 12 yo R's striped drawstring tote bag also earned a blue ribbon. 10 yo C's watermelon drawstring tote bag earned a red ribbon. If you're not familiar with 4-H ribbons in KS, there is Purple first, then Blue, then Red, and finally White. I'm so used to thinking of blue-ribbon as being first place, that I usually forget that purple is best when we're at the fair. Now that we've been judged once, it's much clearer to me. I won't forget again. Since none of the girls earned purple ribbons, they won't recieve any of the grand champion or reserve champion prizes. But it was a good first year ... and a good first attempt at sewing with their sewing machine. They may not take sewing in 4-H again (they're undecided), but they will continue to sew.
8 yo J will be spending his evenings and weekend finishing his woodworking project with Steve. His judging is on the 7th. As usual, he dislikes the boring work of sanding involved in the project. I told him it was similar to his sisters not liking to iron their seams open or take the time to pin each seam in sewing. But those tedious details make a better finished product.
Our 2008-2009 school year is officially finished, but the TOS Homeschool Crew has also officially begun. Our first review curriculum (Grapevine Bible Studies) is shipping, and we'll start that soon. Our school year won't officially start until August 17, but we'll be doing light schoolwork before then.
Baby G is awake now, and snuggling in my lap for his morning feeding. He's crawling, pulling up, and cruising along the furniture now. Unfortunately, it also means he sometimes over-reaches and falls down. He has a bruise on his cheek from the coffee table at the moment. But at least he falls over backwards less often. He is our first baby in a non-carpeted house and it was hard to get used to the little bruises on the back of his head when he was learning to sit up. We actually used the boppy pillow with him while he was learning to sit, and I've never used it that way before.
The past several weeks Baby G was slowly cutting 3 more teeth, and ended up with an ear infection. They're finally all in, and he finished his antibiotics ... but now he has a summer cold, so he's still miserable at times.
More and more of my day lilies are blooming. The fair is early enough this year that I might be able to enter day lilies in the open class flower category. Usually all our flowers are gone when the fair gets here. I'll have to see what is still blooming next week. We don't really have any veggies to enter, and I'm not ready to try to enter our chickens. Maybe next year one of the kids can enter our rooster. I know I'm not practiced enough at bread baking to enter that category, so I may just fall back on my Grandfather-in-law's beautiful choice of day lily varieties he planted and enter those only. Next year we all hope to enter photography. Some of the girls want to pursue it as a project, and I enjoy it, as well.
I have a stack of books I'll be reviewing this month and part of next month. And then I really am going to slow down on book reviews. Curriculum reviews will keep me busy enough.
I've rambled on long enough, and I can't think of anything else to share ... so it's probably past time for closing this post. This feels like a chatty letter written to my friends, so I'll close with
This is a list of the vendors that the TOS Homeschool Crew will be reviewing this upcoming year. This list can still grow, but this is the current list.
This list, and the reviews by other Crew members can be found at the TOS Homeschool Crew blog. You can click on any of these links below to look at the companies and their products while you're waiting for our reviews, though.
The more I blog, the more I learn about how I'm supposed to blog. It seems that as a blogger who is now doing reviews, I should have a disclosure policy. This post will be linked in my sidebar from now on, so it can be easily referenced at any time. Although I post my Homeschool Crew Reviews here, most of my book reviews are posted only at my ElCloud Homeschool blog.
So here it is in a nutshell:
Companies send me free books and products to try out, then I write an honest review of the product.
They do not pay me with cash, trips to day spas, or buy me new wardrobes.
I write what I believe, although I try to be nice and polite about it if I don't like something or it won't work for my family.
If a product won't work for my family, I try to present ideas of who I think the product might work for.
If I receive a product I've agreed to review, then I will be posting a review of it, but I will be honest.
I try to choose books to review that interest me anyway, because my reading time is limited. So, if many of my book reviews are positive, that's because I chose wisely.
And now the formal disclosure policy:
ElCloud Homeschool Blog Disclosure Policy
This policy is valid from 19 June 2009
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact ElCloud (dot) Homeschool (at) gmail (dot) com.
This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.
This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.
The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org
Bacon Potatoes Au Gratin (from the garden, in the crockpot)
Posted on 2009-Jun-18 at 02:47 PM
It was 90* in our house last night, after a day of upper 90's temperatures and the use of the stove for supper preparation. Today is supposed to be about 95* again, and I am NOT going to use the stove or oven.
So it's a crock pot night! And to make it even better, this meal is mostly locally grown. The pork cured bacon is from a local pig (not ours) and the peas and onions are from our own garden! The potatoes and everything else came from the grocery store, though. Maybe later this year we can try it again with our own potatoes.
Bacon Potatoes Au Gratin
(this is my own recipe, combining ideas from several other recipes ... my favorite way to cook!)
Ingredients:
8-9 medium potatoes
1 lb. ham cubes or pork cured bacon
1 - 2 cups peas
1 large onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz. can)
milk
pepper
Directions:
Peel and slice 4-5 potatoes into thin slices. Layer in bottom of crockpot.
Chop onion and layer half the onion over the potatoes.
Pour half the peas over the onion.
Sprinkle half the ham or bacon over the peas.
Sprinkle half the cheese over the ham/bacon.
Repeat layers (potato, onion, peas, ham, cheese).
Pour 1 small can of Cream of Mushroom soup over it all.
Pour 1/2 can of milk over the soup.
Sprinkle the top with pepper.
Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours.
I have no idea how many this would feed. Six is probably a safe assumption. I'd like to take this to a potluck sometime.
I hope my kids will all eat it, but many of them reject potatoes in all forms except fried.
One thing I often hear when meeting someone, or discussing our family size is "You must be so organized!" I've been known to laugh at that comment, because I'm just trying to keep 100 plates spinning without dropping them. My husband assures me I am organized, but the plates often feel ready to come crashing down. When I get too overwhelmed with the 100 spinning plates, I start making lists. I like my calendar, and I love my lists!
Last year, I reviewed the 2008 Schoolhouse Planner as part of my application for the Homeschool Crew. As a certified "list maker", I really enjoyed the Planner, and was glad to find forms I hadn't even thought of creating. I knew many of the forms would be helpful ... either now or in the future. I printed the forms and wrote directly onto the paper, not really understanding the data entry capabilities of the planner.
Once again, I'm blessed to review the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner. The Old Schoolhouse has made some great changes, and added over 40 additional forms. There are 12 new articles from homeschool leaders and authors, and 24 new recipes. In addition to last year's 14 helpful lists, there are 12 new lists of important information. The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner has 375 pages, compared to last year's 247 pages.
Some of the new forms that have been added since last year include:
high school transcript
book report forms
preschool activities list
preschool planning sheets
weekly and daily schedules for different numbers of children, up to 5 children
attendance chart
alphabet copywork sheets
co-op planning sheets
home repair list
home project organizer
car maintenance forms
Bible study notes form
With my 13 year old entering 9th grade this year, I was thrilled to see the new High School Transcript form, as well as the high school hours tracking sheet, and the 12 year planning sheet. Those forms, along with the test grade record sheets and progress reports will help me keep track of our high school years. I know I need to keep more detailed records now that we're beginning high school, and the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner will make that so much easier.
I was also excited to see the 3 different homeschool co-op planning forms which are new this year. I will be working with another lady in our homeschool group to plan the co-op classes and meetings next school year. This is a new role for me, and I know these forms will help keep me "together". These forms will be helpful in organizing my thoughts, and communicating them to the other homeschool moms in our group.
There is so much information, and so many different forms in the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner, I know I will be referencing it for years to come. I appreciate the data-entry capabilities that will allow me to print a "finished" copy of my calendar, school records, report cards and especially our high school transcripts. My husband is making plans for us to start printing quarterly or semester reports for our high school students and file them in the fire-proof safe. That type of record-keeping appeals to him, as well.
The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner is a product I recommend for new homeschool families and veteran homeschool families. The lists, essays, and forms make it useful for more than just one year. Most of the forms come in more than one variation, so you can choose the style that works best for you, or try a new method each year. You can custom design a planner for Mom, a planner for your older students, and even one for Dad. It's a $39 value that will be long-lasting.
I've already typed our birthdays, holidays, and important events into the calendar, and printed it out. Now I'm set to take my folder with me to appointments and meetings ... after all, I have to keep up my "organized Mom" persona. I'm still working on organizing my 2009-10 school planner, but my personal planner is ready!
Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
I'm fairly certain there's a rooster in my pullet cage. What do you think?
It's not real clear in this picture, but his comb is taller, redder, and he is getting wattles.
That is not a Buff Orpington Pullet, but rather a Buff Orpington Roo.
Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely...right!
Did you play house as a little girl? I did ... longer than most of my peers.
Sometimes it feels like I am still playing house ... pretending to know what I am doing. I am so far from perfect, and today I am feeling it more than most days.
I sometimes bicker with my husband over petty little things. The honest truth is he tries to get me to bicker at times, because he finds it funny to make me angry. He laughs then and tells me I am so Irish, and I am cute when I get angry. (Something I am sure that Irish people everywhere are now angry about.) I usually look at him and tell him he is as stubborn as he is Swedish.
I lose my patience with the kids. I raise my voice at times. I let too many little things slide, until the house is a mess and then I am frustrated by it. I say "just a minute" too often.
We watch too much TV. Really, we do. We play on the computers too much. We love to read, but we also spend lots of time in front of "screens". Sometimes we do both ... read while watching TV.
I am perpetually behind in laundry ... either the washing of it, or the folding of it. I have conquered this bad habit several times in my adult life, but I have slipped back into it again.
I let the math grading pile up for weeks sometimes. Um ... lots of times. I say "just a minute" when the kids need math help ... and it usually is longer than a minute before I get there.
Many weeks I plan our school week on Monday ... sometimes even on Tuesday. They do the basic textbooks and catch up last weeks reading on those Mondays where I have not planned yet.
Yeah, I have a garden and chickens ... but I usually wait until the weeds are overwhelming the plants before I go weed it. Steve is keeping me accountable this year, but I tend to huff and puff and drag my feet until I get out there and discover it isnt that bad after all.
(This entire post is without apostrophes in my contractions because I somehow messed up my keyboard and it is using that apostrophe key to pull up a "Quick Find Links" panel at the bottom of my screen. Oddly, though, the quotation mark works. Should I keep using formal "is not" or should I just leave them without apostrophes like isnt? It is driving me batty and I can not fix it!)
Back to previous paragraph ... dragging my feet, procrastinating, etc.
The same thing is true about folding my laundry. I keep putting it off, and then once I start I wonder why I waited so long ... it doesnt really take that long, after all. (sorry for the no apostrophe thing ... again)
I am always looking for the easy way. What is the easiest way for ME to teach this to my kids?
I have chickens now, but I still do not have a good chicken house built. I have never killed a chicken, never plucked a chicken, and I usually handle my meat after it is "packaged" by a processor. I hope my chickens live good long lives ... I am not looking forward to killing or gutting or plucking.
I do not bake very often. I quit baking my own bread several years ago. I use more paper diapers than cloth diapers most weeks. The "shoulds" still hang over my head, though. I "should" bake more often, I should bake my own bread ...
We have not started our 4-H projects ... pre-entry is next week, and the fair is in a month. I am not cut out for this.
I am lazy. I procrastinate ... obviously since the 4-H projects are still not started. I am impatient. I do not plan my menus unless we are having company.
I only look like I have my act together. Sometimes I feel like I am pretending. I am still playing house. Surely I am not the wife of 15 years, the mom of 7 kids, the homeschooling mom raising chickens and planning to start canning!?!? Am I really a mom of a new high schooler? How can that be me?
But it is.
So now you know ... I am real. I have faults. If I sound like I have my act together, remember I am just playing house.
Are you interested in a free virtual homeschooling conference?
Posted on 2009-Jun-2 at 04:07 PM
Lampstand Press is holding a "virtual homeschool conference" this year, complete with free speakers, free samples, and conference specials.
There are workshops on the following topics:
writing instruction (beginner and advanced),
personal devotions for Moms
how to help kids grow in their own spiritual life
"Teaching with Tapestry of Grace."
Click here for info (click the "workshop" tab to see all the workshop topics). You can sign up for as many, or as few of the webinar sessions that you want.
A busy weekend in the garden ... with a few twists
Posted on 2009-May-27 at 09:46 AM
We spent our Memorial Day weekend at home, for the most part. We did go yard sale and thrift store shopping on Saturday, along with getting 9 yo C's birthday portraits taken.
But Friday, Sunday, and Monday were spent at home in the garden. We weeded, we tilled, we planted beans. Steve pushed the tiller for hours trying to get it ready for planting. It's a much larger garden than we've ever had before. It's almost too much for just a tiller. He's sporting quite a sunburn this week. Finally we planted a long row of Derby bush beans, a long row of Green and Gold wax beans, a short row of lima beans, and a long row of white and red onions Monday night ... finishing in the dark with mosquitoes everywhere. While we worked, 3 yo L played ... basically taking a dirt bath. The kids love playing in the freshly tilled soil.
Steve also spent time with the kids shoveling sand/gravel into our driveway from two pickup beds. That will be a big improvement on rainy days like today. He worked on that while the older girls and I pulled field bindweed from one corner of the garden so he could till there. We didn't want to plant seeds by tilling it up while it was blooming. After 15 years of marriage, I've finally given up on trying to convince him it was a pretty wildflower, and I know we'll never have morning glories growing in our yard. He was born a farmer's son, raised a farmer's son (even after his father no longer actively farmed), and he's still a farmboy at heart. So no morning glories allowed, and no forget-me-nots apparently. He just vetoed that this weekend.
While we were pulling field bindweed, we had to stop and use the rake and how to find a library book that 5 yo M had decided to bury in the garden. Argh! Of course, he couldn't remember exactly where ... only that it was on the right side of 4-wheeler, and not too far way. How far is "too far" to a 5 year old? I finally found it, but we lost the rest of our evening that night trying to find it. We had to finish pulling the weeds in the morning. Of course, when asked why he did it ... he just said he wanted to. When reprimanded that we do not bury books or toys or anything in the garden, he said again ... "but I wanted to." It took awhile to convince him that he will NOT do this again. But from his giggles, I'm not completely sure he's repentant. 13 yo A has been instructed NOT to take books to the garden again.
Steve and 13 yo A did some mowing on Sunday afternoon, as well. He even let her drive the riding mower. Yikes! He has her drive the 4-wheeler with the cart attached at times, and he walks alongside, picking up branches and tossing them into the cart. But this weekend was the first time he let her drive the riding mower while he worked elsewhere. My Mama's heart wanted to make all the younger kids come inside while she mowed. Instead, we just warned them to stay far away and not to approach. We didn't want a little one to try to run up to her (Daddy lets them ride in his lap when he drives) and get in her way when she wasn't looking.
It was a busy, hard-working weekend, but a good one. We still have lots of seeds to plant, and some we've had to set aside for fall planting since we missed the cool weather of spring. We'll probably do some evening plantings this week. I don't know what we'll do with the larger harvest. I guess it will be a learning experience on cooking from the garden, and canning this year. (Yes, I'm nervous about canning, and trying not to think about it too much.) I've ordered Ball's Blue Book and am just waiting for it to arrive.
We have neighbors next door now. A young newlywed couple is moving in. We're rural, but there are two houses side by side ... with about one city lot empty between them ... one was Grandma's house and one was the house Steve grew up in. We live in Grandma's house and they live in his parent's old house. They're renting it, but it feels funny to have neighbors again. The kids are feeling less free to play and be themselves. They keep shushing each other, because the neighbors might hear them. The older girls feel like they can't sing or pretend with their younger siblings now. I pray they become more comfortable and natural again. I've enjoyed the freedom the kids have had to explore, to play, to be themselves. I don't want them to lose that.
Oh ...and in other news ... I hadn't posted that I was asked to remain on the TOS Crew as an alternate since I have high school age children. I was waiting for the new Crew to be announced first. Since that happened, I actually have moved up to First Mate for the new TOS Crew, since one of the First Mates had to step down. So I'm back on the TOS Crew as a First Mate. Which means I'll be doing reviews, but also mentoring some of the new Crew members. The kids and I are excited to be on the Crew again.
I also will be drawing some coloring pages to go along with some fun e-book unit studies that TOS is putting together. Last week I drew a dung beetle for the first e-book. I'm looking forward to this monthly exercise ... and so are my kids. They were hanging over me the whole time I worked on my dung beetle drawing, and its revisions. "DON'T shake the table when Mom's going over her sketch in INK!" It's not everyday a person can say they were drawing dung beetles.
School and chores are calling, but I wanted to get an update posted on our weekend.
Two great ways to save on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!
Posted on 2009-May-25 at 11:50 AM
The Old Schoolhouse is my favorite magazine! It never fails to encourage me, and teach me new things. It inspires me to try new methods of homeschooling, and to continue to homeschool even when it's difficult. Because of TOS and some of my online homeschooling friends, I am confident that we can homeschool through highschool successfully.
When I read TOS, I am always blessed. My daughters look forward to its arrival as much as I do. TOS is a magazine for the whole family, and the heart of Paul and Gena Suarez (and all the other TOS employees) is to inspire and encourage homeschoolers everywhere.
If you'd like to subscribe to TOS, now is the time!
Until midnight on Tuesday, May 26th, you can subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine ™ for only $15. Plus, as a bonus, you can select 5 FREE WeE-books of YOUR CHOICE! TOS is taking $10 off for one-year print subscriptions! (U.S. only)
Here's what you need to do to get a 1 year subscription for just $15:
Put our Pick 5 WeE-book™ product in your cart byclicking here.
Place a one-year print subscription in your cart by clicking here.
At checkout use coupon code FREEPICK5.
If you already have a TOS subscription and you need to renew ... this is also the time!!
There are 8 days left to RENEW your subscription to The Old Schoolhouse ™ Magazine and get 2 years for the price of 1! For just $25 you'll receive 2 full years of TOS! But you must subscribe by June 2nd to get the summer issue!
To renew, go HERE and then use coupon code 2YRRENEWAL to renew for 2 years for the price of 1. You'll receive two years of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine for just $25 - only $3.12 per issue.
Click on this image to visit The Simple Woman blog, and find daybook entries by others.
For Today ~ May 11, 2009 ...
Outside my window... 1 guinea hen, 14 Ameraucana hens, and one over-sized Sheltie stalking them through the fence
I am thinking... I need to go write down that Baby G crawls and claps on the calendar
I am thankful for... life! Yesterday, on Mother's Day and her Dad's birthday, my 43 yo cousin (a wife and a mother of two) died suddenly from an unknown infection.
From the learning rooms... groans as my oldest struggles with her math. We are learning about the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the building of the Trans-continental Railroad in Tapestry of Grace right now.
From the kitchen... "What's for dinner?" "Something that uses ground beef."
I am wearing... my boot cut jeans that I should have exchanged for a smaller size, tennis shoes, and a peach and white striped short sleeve square-necked sweater.
I am creating... book reviews!
I am going... slowly insane? No! I am going to begin teaching my girls to sew this week.
I am reading... Christianity In Crisis and A Claim Of Her Own.
I am hoping... that it doesn't rain at all tomorrow so I can use the clothesline.
I am hearing... a fussing baby who wishes he could crawl faster, and maybe even walk.
Around the house... snack time! Next ... clean up time!
One of my favorite things... flowers!
A few plans for the rest of the week: school, laundry, reviews, church ... just a normal week.
Here is picture thought I am sharing... I love using this vintage pitcher as a vase for flowers from my yard. The flowers hide the broken and glued spout.
I just posted earlier today that I wasn't sure if my lavender guinea was posturing to practice laying an egg or if it was some male mating stance which wouldn't do it any good since there's only one left out there.
Kris, at SimpleLiving4Us, posted a link to listen to guineas to determine their gender. http://www.guineafowl.com/fritsfarm/guineas/sounds/ It was very helpful and we decided THIS one was a female. I know we had some males earlier, (now that I know what they sound like) but they all came to sad endings.
I just went out to freshen up her water, and she did her little egg-laying stance again. I petted her and then decided to stroll around her enclosure and take a peek. I've been watching for hidden eggs for a couple weeks now, ever since she started that odd stance.
I found an egg! She's definitely a guinea hen. This is our very first egg ever! We hope for lots of eggs from our Ameraucana hens.
Chicken Coop Ideas Needed -- alternate living options?
Posted on 2009-Apr-30 at 07:57 AM
All right, it's time for those 14 Ameraucana chicks to get OUT of my basement! They are totally stinking up the place and we have a huge poop+shavings+food mess to clean up down there.
The only reason they are still down there is housing! The old hen house and the old brooder house are on the FAR side of the property and need fixing up. While slapping a little more wood over gaps and cleaning them out is the EASIEST way to house them, it is so far from our house, that I'm not wanting to do that. I can't even see the coops from the house, and I really did dream of watching the chickens from my house, or the porch, or something!
We had hoped to build a chicken tractor, but Steve has been so busy with work we haven't done anything yet. He's getting home late at night and working weekends at the moment, so he hasn't had any time to build anything ... or to mow. We want to move them outside this weekend, so we're looking for what can be accomplished quickly.
Last Spring when we moved the guineas (5 of them, only 1 still living) outside, we moved them into a little fenced area beside the house that had a doghouse in it. It was supposed to be temporary and we were going to let them wander the property freely once they were older. Well, it didn't work out that way thanks to the dog we adopted shortly after that, and the one guinea still lives in there, although he rarely uses the doghouse anymore. He just sits out in the rain and snow. Seriously!
That isn't ideal for the chickens. We want them to have a proper home with nesting boxes and roosts. But if I can't come up with an easy solution, Steve's going to put them in with the guinea this weekend, regardless of having built a coop or not. If we do that, I'd likely put a tarp over one end of the fence and it's chicken wire ceiling, to provide some shelter from the rain. And it would be temporary!
But I really would prefer ideas. What alternate chicken coop or tractor ideas have you come up with? Anything that can be built in a day? Do I just need to quit whining, fix up the old coops, and start walking way over there, where I can't even see the chickens from my house, several times a day? That will be a bummer ... can't imagine not being able to watch them from my house as I'd dreamed of doing.
Chicken help needed ... please leave comments with ideas!
(Speaking of the guinea, it does this weird posture thing when I go out to feed it, and I can't decide if it resembles a female trying to lay an egg, or a male taking on a mating stance. No, I don't know what gender the guinea is. We bought 5 straight run guineas. I suspect male, though.)
Well, I just wrote my last review for the TOS Homeschool Crew. I still want to write a journal entry (of sorts) about my time on the Crew, but otherwise, I'm done. Life has been fairly hectic here lately and I've neglected to write about our family.
We lost another Persian kitten several weeks ago, so only two survived. But those two are active and running around the house. We've listed them for sale, and will hopefully be telling them goodbye soon. We're also having to make decisions about our Persian queen and stud, whether it's time to retire them. If we retire them, will we buy more and continue breeding, or will we just retire ourselves as well?
Our outdoor cat had 4 kittens 1.5 weeks ago. However, she was a neglectful Mom and none of them survived. Stupid cat. She's so pretty and I was looking forward to more barn cats. I hope and pray she gets more mothering instincts next time.
Saturday, 3 yo L cut her hair. She hacked off several tufts that were 3 inches long just above her ear. Thankfully she left enough there that it's not too obvious. An hour after she did it she suddenly reached up and said, "Oh no! There's no long hairs here!" Well, duh! What did she think would happen?
Yesterday, 9 yo C cut her leg in a rather unusual way. She was climbing a chain link fence with 8 yo J to get into a tree. This portion of the fence is kind of falling down away from the top fence bar. When J stepped into the tree, the fence flew up and C fell off. But as C came down, she hooked her ankle ON the top of the chain link. She was momentarily suspended upside down by the chain link IN her skin. Gross! J told her how to move to free herself, but she left a chunk of her skin and tissue out there on the fence. She walked into the house acting pretty calm, although she did start shaking while we cleaned and bandaged it and assessed whether it needed stitches.
We had to take her to the Emergency Room for 6 stitches and a tetanus shot. Besides the inch-wide wedge-shaped cut, she also had a separate puncture wound. She was really worried about the stitches, but she never did break down and cry. She was very brave, and Steve and I are proud of her. She's sore today, but we're just glad it wasn't any worse. She and J have sworn to stay off the fence from now on, and we've all agree to stand at a distance and "hurl insults" at the "stupid fence". The ER nurse remembered me and Baby G from when we accompanied Steve to the ER 2 months ago for the staples he needed in his head. Not the way I like to be remembered.
As I said, my time as a TOS Crew member is over, but I have become a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine itself. I received a box of children's books today to read and write reviews on. Those will be submitted to TOS, and will be posted on the TOS website -- http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/ . If I'm lucky, some of my reviews might make it into the magazine someday. The children and I are just glad to have a chance to continue writing reviews on products.
Steve has been "crazy busy" at work, with an approaching deadline. He's been working late every night and even worked all day Saturday this past weekend. The kids and I are all missing him, and while he's busy with work ... our chickens are growing bigger and bigger. They are ready to move outside, but we don't have a shelter ready for them. We're still trying to decide where would be the best place to keep them. We have a fenced area that our guinea lives in, but it has no coop. I'm trying to figure out how to add a coop outside the fence that would open INTO the fenced area. But I still need Steve's time and help to accomplish that.
Baby G is mobile, but not in the usual way -- at 7 months, he's not crawling. But if he's sitting up, he manages to scoot to where he wants to be. The other night he was sitting in the kitchen while I cooked, and he kept scooting (on his bottom) over to the kitten food. I kept moving him, and he'd come right back. He's also trying to pull up, even though he still doesn't crawl. I blame the exersaucer, and the dog. We put him in the exersaucer more to keep him away from the dog ... so he's had less floor time than any of his siblings. Having wood floors hasn't helped, either. I'm trying to decide how worried to be if he skips crawling. We always hear that it's necessary for brain development, but is it?
We're moving through Tapestry of Grace year 3 at a "double time" pace. I want to be able to start Year 4 in the Fall for the beginning of 13 yo A's 9th grade year. So, we looked at the calendar and realized that if we did 2 TOG weeks per week, we could finish TOG this year. We're taking the "superhighway" approach to these last 2 units. It's not ideal, but it will work. We'll be finishing our school year the first week of July, thanks to the baby break, funeral break, and breaks for family visits. We'll finish just in time for the County Fair and my sister's wedding.
Well, it's time for me to make supper and rebandage C's leg. I'd better work fast while G is happy.
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When Memoria Press told us we could select items to review, my children all came rushing to the computer to help me choose. I knew we wanted to review the Famous Men Of Modern Times set since it fits right into our current history studies, but they had so many other great products to choose from I couldn't make up my mind. My oldest girls were excited about First Start French: Book One, so we chose it, as well. Then we anxiously waited for our package to ship, and arrive.
When the package arrived, everyone gathered around to see the books. My oldest two ran off with the First Start French and I had to make them bring it back to me after awhile. I sat down with Famous Men Of Modern Times and was immediately impressed with the full-color artwork included with each biography. I don't mean recent artists' renderings, but famous classical paintings. Famous Men of Modern Times
Famous Men of Modern Times is a reprint of a classic book, first published in 1909. It covers 33 famous men who were prominent in history between the years of 1449 and 1898. Memoria Press has added beautiful artwork to the book, and the book itself is a large paperback that is a comfortable size to hold and read.
Memoria Press has created excellent study guides to go along with the book. The student guide is designed for the junior high student (6th - 8th grade). It includes important facts to know about key people, quotes, vocabulary, comprehension questions, activities, and some map work. The student guide also includes review lessons, a "who said that" worksheet, and a timeline. The student guide can be used as a consumable workbook, or the answers could be written on separate paper, but it is not reproducible.
The teacher's guide isn't just a list of answers without the context of what was asked. Instead, it is a copy of the student guide with the answers included. The teacher's guide also includes copywork passages, writing prompts, tests, test answer keys, and a final exam of 100 drill questions.
Memoria Press' Famous Men Of Modern Times set is a comprehensive study of modern history centered around the interesting stories of real people. With 33 weeks' worth of work, it is a full-year's history curriculum for junior high. It is a complete history curriculum that doesn't require any other resources or materials. The Famous Men of Modern Times text could also be used as a supplement to another history curriculum.
We enjoyed the Famous Men Of Modern Times set. The text is beautiful, with its artwork, and the biographies it includes are interesting. All of my children listened as I read the biographies from Famous Men Of Modern Times aloud. When we discussed the comprehension questions, I was surprised at the facts that even the younger children retained. The student and teacher's guides are very comprehensive and include more than enough activities to help your student learn and remember the people and events in history. Since the text is written in the form of biographies, it enables our students to have a memory peg to organize the historical events around. Famous Men Of Modern Times is not a traditional textbook -- it's much better!
First Start French, Book One is a French curriculum written for the 3rd - 8th grade student. It provides an introduction to the French language. The set includes the student text, teacher's guide, and a CD that enables the teacher and student to hear the proper pronunciation of words. The student text and the teacher's guide are both quality full-size paperback books.
The textbook is broken down into 36 weekly lessons, and the teacher's guide begins with suggestions for breaking each lesson down into 4 sessions per week. Six of the lessons are review lessons, and the other 30 lessons introduce the student to French vocabulary, grammar, songs, and conversation.
The teacher's guide is non-consumable and reusable. The student guide can be used as a consumable workbook, or the answers could be recorded in a notebook to make the student guide re-usable. Neither book is reproducible, however. You can view samples at the Memoria Press website.
I love the straight-forward approach of First Start French. It is easy to use, for the teacher and the student. The accompanying CD is recorded by a native French-speaker. The accent is wonderful to hear, however we found it very quiet and had to turn our volume up very loud to hear it well.
My girls have enjoyed adding French phrases to their conversation and can be heard singing "Bon Matin" throughout the day. It worked well to have both my older girls working on First Start French at the same time, for encouragement and carmaraderie.
The ElCloud Point Of View
Although we have thoroughly enjoyed Famous Men Of Modern Times we will not be using it as written. Since we already use another history-centered curriculum, we will use Famous Men of Modern Times as a supplement, but not as our main history curriculum.
First Start French: Book One states that it is designed for 3rd - 8th graders, but it can also be used in high school. Together, First Start French: Book One and First Start French: Book Two equal one high school credit of French. We enjoyed using First Start French and will be saving it for high school use in our home.
Final Details
The Famous Men Of Modern Times set is sold for $39.95 on the Memoria Press website. You can also buy the text individually for $16.95, and the teacher's guide or additional student guides for $17.95 each.
First Start French: Book One is also sold as a set for $39.95 at Memoria Press. The teacher's guide can be bought separately for $17.50, as can the student guide book. The Pronunciation CD is $4.95.
I really feel that is a great price for both of these curriculums, and I'm glad we were introduced to Memoria Press and all their great products!
Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
$30 gift certificate giveaway to Good For The Kids website
Posted on 2009-Apr-26 at 11:59 PM
Angie, owner of Good For The Kids web-store is letting me host a giveaway for a $30 gift certificate to her store at my ElCloud Homeschool blog! If you haven't been to her store before, I promise you will be pleased with all she has to offer in the way of educational toys, and safe products for babies and children.
We were blessed to receive so many curricula and educational items to review this year as part of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. We truly enjoyed trying out so many new things, and are thankful to all the vendors who sent items for our family to review.
But when all is said and done, we do have our absolute favorites, the ones that we just know are right for our family. The children and I compiled this list together, although we couldn't narrow it down to just ten items.
#1 Favorite Curriculum Of All
Five In A Row -- this is still the curriculum I recommend most often because it is so gentle, enjoyable, user-friendly, and inexpensive. I love the books that it uses to teach, and I love the gentle conversational style of education. I have to admit that I really do compare every other curriculum that I use to Five In A Row.
#2 Favorite Curriculum Of All
Tapestry of Grace -- I love that it simplifies the process of teaching multiple levels of children and uses living books. I love the unity of the whole family studying together with history as the foundation of our studies. I love that I can adapt it easily from week to week. I rated it #2 because I know it isn't as user-friendly and it's more expensive.
Best New Discoveries For Me
All About Spelling and All About Homophones (both by Marie Rippel) were the best new discoveries I made this year. I love them both and they were totally new to me.
Must Have For Every New Homeschooling Mom
Homeschooling ABC's e-course -- I still wish I'd had this ten or eleven years ago.
Top Ten Curricula (in alphabetical order because I can't decide which ones I like best)
We didn't receive every item that the TOS Homeschool Crew reviewed this year, and our top choices differ from other families' choices. You can see what other Crew members rated on their Top Ten Lists HERE (although not every family created a Top Ten List) .
You can read ALL of my Homeschool Crew Reviews HERE.
Chemistry was my hardest subject in high school, and I avoided it completely in college. So, I was thrilled to see the word "friendly" in the title of this curriculum. I figured if it was friendly for the student, it would also be friendly for the teacher. The teacher's manual walks you through each lesson, providing helpful analogies like using an apple to explain the principal quantum number. In addition to the teacher's manual, the authors are available to help by email.
The Friendly Chemistry textbook is written directly to the student, in simple language. It uses unique analogies, hands-on activities, and games to help students understand complicated chemistry concepts. This multi-sensory approach also helps the students remember what they have learned. The Friendly Chemistry course is flexible: a high school student can use it in a self-directed way, it can be used in group settings, or the junior or senior high student can work with their parent one-on-one. Some of the games and activities included are: Doo Wop Mania, Ion Bingo, Compound Restaurant Game, and "Turmoil in the Chemistry Kingdom" dramatization.
Its friendly approach doesn't detract from the academic level; it is definitely adequate coursework to receive high school credit. There are 32 lessons, which should be covered at an average pace of one week per lesson. At this pace, the course would be completed in one school year. Although, for students not desiring to pursue a science-related career, and only needing two science credits for high school, it would be possible to take this course at a slower pace.
If the thought of mixing chemicals in your home for science experiments scares you, then Friendly Chemistry can set your mind at ease. All the experiments in Friendly Chemistry use common substances that will not blow up your kitchen! There's no need to increase your homeowner's insurance before beginning this course. That should also set your husband's mind at ease, or your land lord's mind if you rent. You can see the supply list at their website.
The Friendly Chemistry set arrives with a Student's Textbook, a Teacher's Manual, and a manipulative set. The student's textbook and teacher's manuals are both bound in 3-ring binders, as many self-published curriculum are. There are 330 pages of text in the student's textbook and 300 pages in the teacher's manual. The student textbook includes worksheets, and the teacher's manual includes tests and answer keys. You can see a sample (text only) of lesson 1 HERE. First, the text from the teacher's manual is listed, and then the student manual.
The manipulative set (which comes with the student textbook) includes the Doo Wop mania game, flash cards, and pieces for the Compound Intensity game. Get out your scissors, because the manipulative set does not come pre-cut.
My 13 year old daughter understood the chemistry concepts in Friendly Chemistry, and enjoyed reading the student's textbook. While she did understand the concepts taught in Friendly Chemistry, we feel she will benefit from more algebra studies before proceeding further with Friendly Chemistry. We didn't progress through the textbook as fast as I had hoped. This was partly due to my 13 year old being unaccustomed to a textbook approach to science. We only began using a science textbook with her a year ago, but she was taking it at her own pace, as she felt comfortable. So, she struggled to keep up with the 1 chapter per week schedule we attempted with Friendly Chemistry. She wanted more time to process the information, study it, and prepare for her tests. This is an area we need to work on with her, as well as testing anxiety, before we begin Friendly Chemistry again.
From my own perspective, I did not find this to be a "pick up and go" curriculum. It required advance preparation from me: to become familiar with the lesson, highlight anything I needed to say, divide it into daily sections, and gather all the chemistry lab supplies. Some parents may not find this necessary, but I did. It is also helpful to read the student's textbook before teaching the lessons, especially if you struggled with chemistry in high school as I did.
We've decided to set aside Friendly Chemistry until our daughter has grown accustomed to using a science textbook, and following a schedule that will move her through it at an adequate pace. We also feel she would benefit from studying more science and algebra first. Basic algebra is a recommended pre-requisite for the course. We may choose to work through it with both our oldest daughters at the same time, either as 9th and 11th graders, or as 10th and 12th graders. This would maximize my teaching time, and allow them to do some of the group activities. Since this will probably not be a self-directed study in our home, pairing up our children to take the course two at a time will be the best solution for us.
Friendly Chemistry can be ordered HERE at their website. The Student Textbook with manipulative set costs $75.00, and the Teacher's Manual costs an additional $60.00. Shipping is FREE within the United States. The price of Friendly Chemistry seemed high at first to me ... but it's less expensive than hiring someone else to teach chemistry to your student.
Friendly Chemistry has a goal of making the process of learning chemistry painless. Their curriculum, while not as polished as some other curricula, definitely succeeds in making chemistry friendly for the student, and the teacher. If you or your student are afraid of the word "chemistry", then Friendly Chemistry is for you!
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I've decided that the May issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is my favorite of all! I've enjoyed every issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest , but this one resonates with many of my recent thoughts and desires for my home and family.
The Feather Your Nest Frugally feature (guest-written by Aubrey Lively) has a wonderful article about creating a peaceful, unified home decor in small spaces, and on a tight budget. I have been frustrated recently by the cluttered and disorganized appearance of our school - dining area, and was challenged by this article to create a more peaceful and beautiful home environment. Aubrey encouraged me that it is possible, even on a tight budget!
"Preschool Pressure or Preschool Peace" by Barbara Frank (part of the feature topic on Learning For Life -- Your Child's Education) is also a subject that has been on my heart recently. I have seen an increased emphasis on "preschool at home" all over the internet in recent years. Websites and blogs full of activities for our preschoolers, and even those who have school rooms for their preschoolers. (I don't even have a dedicated school room for my 8th grader!) I have felt an increasing guilt that I wasn't doing more "preschool activities" with my youngest children. Barbara Frank's article was a breath of fresh air, a guilt-buster article for me! My youngest children aren't missing out on "preschool at home" ... they don't even need it!
The articles on college alternatives were very encouraging to me. College isn't for everyone, and it isn't the only way to gain an education and career training that prepares you to provide for your family. I am always interested to read of others who are successful, and have found their career training without the huge expense of a college education (and the debt that usually accompanies it).
I also found the article on "clepping" your college courses interesting. I learned about a wonderful way to have the best of both worlds -- gaining your college degree in a less expensive, shorter, and creative way. For the children in my family that God leads to college, it is good to know there are more options than pouring time and money into the secular community college, secular state universities, or private (and expensive) Christian colleges!
This month's Goal Getter Spotlight shares one family's journey from being a two-income family, to the Mom achieving her dream of being a full-time stay-at-home-mom. A reminder that it is possible to be a full-time Mom, even in today's economy.
And then the Reader's Write In ... so I did. Yes, you'll even find a little something from ME in this month's Molly's Money-Saving Digest! I responded to their request for readers to share about how they've furnished or decorated their homes on a budget. I even included a few pictures of one of our very best deals!
Did I mention the lovely yummy recipes throughout this issue? Who can resist easy chocolate-dipped strawberries, freezer jam, or salads for your Memorial Day barbecue? Or who wouldn't be encouraged to read about how "Small Changes = Big Savings" without giving up all your luxuries and pleasures?
Like I said ... May's issue is my favorite issue of Molly's Digest so far! It was encouraging and refreshing -- exactly what I needed to read this week!.
Tapestry of Grace, Redesigned Digital Edition Review
Posted on 2009-Apr-17 at 04:00 PM
Our family has been using Tapestry of Grace for 3 years already. We have been using the classic version, because we have always been just a step ahead of the redesign project (until our baby break and TOS Crew curriculum review break this year).
I was excited to get a chance to use the redesigned digital edition for the TOS Homeschool Crew. We chose the same unit we had been studying in the classic plan (Year 3, Unit 2) so we could just continue our studies. We also received the Year 3 Map Aids to complement our history studies.
Tapestry of Grace is a huge curriculum, and the new digital edition adds an additional element to this review. I've divided my review into subsections to help you find the information you're seeking.
What is Tapestry of Grace?
Tapestry of Grace was created by Marcia Somerville when she was on the verge of giving up homeschooling. She was struggling to teach multiple ages of children with many levels of curriculum. Since her husband was a lawyer for HSLDA, quitting wasn't a possibility. So, she set out to design a method that would make teaching her children more manageable, and would unify their studies.
Tapestry of Grace is a multi-subject curriculum designed for all ages to use at once. Kindergartners - 12th graders (K-Mom, actually) study the same period of history, using age appropriate books and lessons. There is only one year plan required for all those ages. It is a literature-based study, using history as its foundation.
Tapestry of Grace is divided into four different year plans, each covering a different period of history. The lesson plans cover the following subjects: history, church history, geography, literature, fine arts, government, philosophy, and writing. (Tapestry of Grace doesn't include phonics, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign languages.) There are four units in each year plan, and they can be bought by unit, or the entire year plan.
The year plan includes notes for the teacher to summarize what the children will be learning through their reading that week, book suggestions for all ages, discussion questions, writing assignments, ideas for hands-on activities, and worksheets that are designed to work with the recommended books. There are more books and activities in Tapestry than a family can truly cover; every week you select what books and activities you want to cover from the "buffet of suggestions". Tapestry does not include the books themselves, which will need to be found at the library, used stores, or ordered new online.
The Tapestry of Grace website is also a treasure trove of helpful information, with links and resources, the Loom, and helpful discussion forums for Tapestry users. Lampstand Press (Tapestry of Grace publishers) recently created this wonderful Map of the Humanities which shows how Tapestry of Grace weaves the time periods and subjects together. It's a roadmap for your family's education.
So tell me about the Redesign!
The redesign not only reorganized the layout of the teacher's manual, but also reorganized the order that some of the subjects are studied, so we didn't have an exact transition from classic to redesign. Some of the subjects were ones we had already covered in classic, but we tried to use different books to review them. The redesign also updated the books to replace out of print books that were used with the classic version.
I like the new layout of the Redesign, although it seems to have doubled the number of pages in each week's lesson plan. There are more worksheets with the Redesign, and the teacher's notes include answers to those worksheets (which were not included in the classic plan).
I'd heard that the Redesign was much easier to use and understand, and I can see now that it's true. For instance, after using Tapestry of Grace for 2.5 years, I didn't even realize there were alternate reading selections in the Classic plan. That's because 2 different pages separate them from the recommended reading selections in the Classic year plan. However, in the redesigned year plan, the two lists are back-to-back.
How do you like the Digital Edition?
The Digital Edition (DE) was a necessary change for Tapestry of Grace, in order to remain a viable company. I understand their reasons for making the switch, although I prefer print curricula over digital curricula.
I found the LockLizard software easy to download and use. I did have problems with my multi-function printer, at first. LockLizard doesn't like SOME multi-function printers. I contacted customer service at Lampstand Press, however, and they told me what to do to fix the problem. I received a quick reply from them, and the solution for my printer was a simple and quick fix.
I didn't have any problems using LockLizard and the Digital Edition, other than that it is harder to wade through 65 pages of a weekly lesson plan at the computer. It makes flipping between pages more difficult. With a book, I can put my fingers in different sections and easily flip back and forth. My other complaint (which is true of any digital curriculum for me) is that because I don't have a laptop, I can't take the curriculum to my couch, with me to the library, or when I run errands. I'm accustomed to taking my unit notebook with me to the library when I'm looking for our books.
Tapestry of Grace realizes that some people really prefer the printed year plans, so you can pay extra to have both the DE and a printed plan. It is an additional expense, but I think it will help Tapestry newcomers to have a printed copy in hand.
Of course, with the digital edition, you have more room for the literature and history books since you won't have notebooks full of lesson plans taking up room on your shelf. The digital edition also makes it easier to print student sheets for your children, and reduces the need for a separate lesson plan sheet.
I am disappointed that the switch to a digital format means the curriculum can NOT be resold. It moved from being completely reusable and resalable to being a consumable product, for one family only. We have often bought used curricula to save money, and have often sold curricula we were finished with.
What are the Map Aids you received?
I have wanted to buy the Map Aids for the past several years. I was thrilled to have a chance to review them. In the past, I've scoured the internet trying to find blank line maps to use with our schooling. While I could usually find some of a state, country, or continent ... I couldn't find them with historical data entered. I couldn't find a blank line map to go along with wars, changing boundaries, migrations of people, etc. This is where the Map Aids excel. They provide those maps for your historical and geographical studies, all in one place.
So what does this all cost?
The digital edition redesigned year plans are available by year, or by unit.
DE Unit, $45.00
DE Full Year Plan, $170.00
DE Full Year Plan with Printed Copy, $280.00
Printed Year Plan (available in occasional group orders, but I don't know if this will continue) $225.00
There are also Bonus Bundles that include additional support products with the full year plan:
DE Bonus Bundle, $250.00
Bonus Bundle 2008, Print version -- there are some still available for Year 1 $295.00, and Year 2 preorder for $270.00.
The Map Aids CD's are available for $24.95.
Where can I find more information?
Start here to understand what Tapestry of Grace is and how it works. You can even download two different 3 week samples here:
I really love Tapestry of Grace, but I realize it is not for everyone. It most greatly benefits those with multiple children in a wide age range. I agree with Marcia Somerville's recommendation to switch to Tapestry Of Grace when your OLDEST child is entering 5th grade. When asked, I do tell parents of young children that I feel they'd be better off waiting until their children are older before switching to Tapestry. Its strength is in the upper levels and the fact that it unifies the family in its studies.
In our family we use it in a relaxed way, relying heavily on the library system, and substituting books when we can't find the recommended book. Usually this works fairly well, but occasionally we can not find books for a certain subject or era at all. For instance, there were no books for children on Queen Victoria or the Victorian era in our library. If I work far enough in advance, I can often get books via Inter-Library Loan, but it requires more organization. It is possible to use Tapestry of Grace without buying all the books, but definitely less convenient.
Next year, our oldest will be entering high school and the rhetoric level of Tapestry of Grace. At that time, we will need to stick to the recommended books much more closely, so we can make full use of the discussion questions.
There are several benefits for me in using Tapestry of Grace:
Family unity -- I love that all my children are studying the same thing
Ease of planning -- No more juggling several different curriculum
Literature based studies rather than textbooks
Older children work independently -- I was having a hard time leading 2 or 3 age-based unit studies
I only have to buy 4 year plans -- after that I can spend my money on BOOKS!
I can move a child up or down a level, as needed, without having to buy multiple levels of curriculum
I can do the bare minimum of reading assignments with the children during busy and stressful times, and add in additional reading, the activities, and writing assignments when we are able to focus more ... and know that their education is moving along just fine
Tapestry of Grace works well for us! We use it more relaxed than others do, and we adapt it to fit our needs. At times I've felt that the reading assignments for the younger children in our Classic plan were dry, but the Redesign has sought to remedy that.
I definitely recommend Tapestry of Grace for larger families, families with varying ages of students, and those desiring a history-based literature study for the whole family!
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Write Shop Primary Book A: Early Elementary Incremental Writing Program
Posted on 2009-Apr-14 at 10:12 AM
As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we received Write Shop Primary, Book A to review. It's designed for Kindergarten - 1st grade students ... or the reluctant 2nd grader. Well, that would be my 2nd grade son ... reluctant. I decided to work through this with him.
Each of my children has been fearful of writing. Some struggled to express the thoughts in their head in a way that satisfied them. Others seemed afraid of making spelling or grammar mistakes. I've tried to encourage them to just write, to just begin. I don't want writing to be so daunting to them, and have attempted to just get them started writing before we addressed issues of spelling and grammar.
At times I felt that perhaps I was helping them too much, giving them too many suggestions or prompts. I have even felt guilty for allowing them to dictate to me instead of writing for themselves. But one of the very first things we did with Write Shop Primary, Book A was a guided writing exercise. Aha! The same methods I had used to help my children think through their writing assigments was the very one used in the book. I'll be honest and admit I found that reassuring. I know Write Shop is a quality writing program that many homeschoolers use, and I was glad to see that it uses a method similar to what I have used.
I haven't made writing a focus of our early years of school. Our focus has always been on reading at that point, but Write Shop Primary makes it easy to introduce writing to our students. For me, the ease is in the fact that the lesson ideas are there for me already. I don't have to think of an age appropriate writing assignment ... it's there. The other benefit is that having a curriculum which makes it so easy can keep me from neglecting this subject.
I'm thankful that Write Shop Primary uses an interactive, parent-involved approach to writing. I prefer using interactive methods of education with my young children, building up their independence as they reach upper elementary and junior high.
Not only does Write Shop Primary take an incremental approach to teaching writing for our students, it also breaks down the process of using Write Shop Primary for the parents. The introductory section includes charts that suggest a schedule for teaching at different paces, and for teaching multiple levels of Write Shop Primary. The instructions are very clear and understandable.
In addition, Write Shop Primary's Activity Set Worksheet Pack includes an evaluation sheet to help the parent evaluate their child's writing and their progress. Evaluation is likely the hardest part of teaching writing, for many homeschool parents. It seems so subjective. The evaluation sheet provides questions to help you with this process.
What does it cost?Write Shop sells the Write Shop Primary Book A teacher's guide for $26.95. The e-book version is available for $24.25. The Activity Set Worksheet Pack is available in print for $4.95, and as an e-book for $4.50.
What is included in this curriculum? The teacher's book is available in a spiral bound softcover version, or an e-book. It includes 10 lessons, divided into 8 mini-lessons, and a 20 page introduction with instructions for the parents. The appendix includes a master supply list and a list of picture books to use with the lessons. (I love the books on this list!) The worksheet packet is sold separately, in print or e-book format. You can view a placement chart, lesson sample, and worksheet sample HERE.
How long to complete the curriculum? If you follow the 3 week/lesson plan, it is a full year's curriculum. If you follow the 2 week/lesson plan, then you will finish it and move onto level B before your year is over. The 1 week/lesson plan will get you through the book in 10 weeks, and you can cover all 3 levels in one school year at that pace. The introduction includes guidance on which plan to follow for your child's age and abilities.
Can you use it with multiple ages? Well, it isn't designed to be used in that way, but you can. If you have children close in age, you could use it with both, assigning the older student to do more independent work and write longer assignments. It would take more tweaking for that, but that is how I used it when I was reviewing it. I used it with my Kindergartner, and my 2nd grader. I even drew the 4th grader in for some assignments, expanded to her level.
Is this curriculum a necessity? No. You could teach writing to your young elementary students without it. Some unit studies and other curricula do include writing suggestions for your children, and you could use those to teach writing. But Write Shop Primary breaks down the steps of the writing process in a very helpful way. It teaches children HOW to put their thoughts on paper instead of just saying "Write about your dog."
Is it reusable? Yes. Write Shop Primary teacher's book is reusable and non-consumable. The worksheet packet (sold separately) is reproducible for SINGLE family use only. You can make as many copies as your family needs, to teach it to multiple children. But, while you could sell your Write Shop Primary teacher's book, you can not sell your worksheet packet. However, the worksheet packet is inexpensive.
Who would benefit most from Write Shop Primary? Those required to cover certain subjects and report on them to an overseer. Those who have a child that needs extra help learning to express their thoughts in writing. Those who need help (either with the methods or the accountability) teaching writing to their children. If you're using the Charlotte Mason methods of dictation, narration, and copywork, then this curriculum may not be necessary or helpful to you.
My final thoughts ... I can't see myself using this curriculum as intended. I don't see me adding in weekly structured writing assignments for early elementary students. I prefer to use Charlotte Mason methods of dictation, narration and copywork, as well as more natural writing opportunities. We just do not use much curriculum at this age.
However, it is a well-designed and helpful curriculum. It is well-written and would provide an excellent introduction to writing for elementary students. Although it isn't for our family, I would definitely recommend Write Shop Primary, Book A to others looking for a writing curriculum. Having seen its quality and the incremental approach it uses, I am very interested in their upper level curriculum for our older students.
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Chivalry Isn't Dead: Easter Excitement In Our Fmily!
Posted on 2009-Apr-13 at 09:19 AM
I had several title ideas for this post ...
Need more family time?
Making Memories!
How did you spend your Easter?
How to get your kids to bed easily after all that Easter candy!
Roadside Etiquette.
How to See the country AND meet the people!
Any of those titles would have worked. You see, last night I got to spend 3 hours alone in the dark with my children. They got to see their Dad be a hero for us, and sacrifice his own comfort. They also were able to see chivalry in action as other men also gave of their time and comfort to help us.
We went to an Easter cantata at another church last night. We enjoyed it, despite the fact that I didn't initially want to go out on a rainy night to a strange church because I'm an introvert and my husband is not. But on the way home we took a different route. We decided to proceed on the road the church was on, rather than backtrack to the little highway. What we didn't know was that the gravel was going to end in 2 miles, and the dirt road would be clay mud.
We soon found out as the Suburban hit the mud and immediately began to slip and slide. We finally slid to a stop sort of on the side of the road, and were totally stuck. We couldn't add enough traction to move forward or back. My shoe was sucked off by the mud and my white sock may never be the same again. The floor board of the Suburban (along with the gas and brake pedals) still show the evidence of the thick mud that caked our shoes (and our pants, and Steve's jacket, and his tie.)
Steve walked back to a house, only to discover it was vacant. He walked forward (in the cold rain) to see if there were houses ahead of us ... there weren't. He finally walked and jogged back the two miles to the church we had been visiting. Thankfully there were still people there cleaning up from their refreshments. They called a church member with a BIG OLD 4-wheel drive truck. Well, the truck couldn't get us out because it was getting stuck itself. So the two men (Greg and Darren) who'd come with the truck stood around outside in the rain with Steve while they waited for Greg's Dad to bring his tractor to tow us out.
The tractor was able to get us out and then we followed them back to the church, where we discovered Darren's wife and baby waiting in their car (for over an hour). I felt even worse then, when I realized she too was sitting around in a car in the dark. We were safely on our way home, then, with a few lessons learned.
Don't drive unknown gravel roads in the rain, especially after dark.
Children can sit in a confined space in the dark for 3 hours if there's enough adrenalin to make it exciting.
Children can come up with some wild scenarios in that time-frame.
Children need lots of reassurance and encouragement to be patient.
Sometimes a refresher course on how to relieve oneself on the side of the road is a good thing. While most of our children took to this refresher course easily, one was rather miserable while "holding out" for our rescue and sprinted to the bathroom when we reached the church again and found out it was unlocked.
Chivalry is not dead, and Steve isn't the only chivalrous man who still remains.
Kansas is full of "good Christian neighbors".
The family of God is the best network.
God takes care of His children.
My children are pretty much all afraid of the dark.
John Deere tractors are cute after they rescue us; 13 yo A really wants one. We'd better watch out that no young man ever has to rescue her, or he might be so cute she wants to bring him home, too.
Silliness helps relieve tension.
Baby G can honk the horn with his rear end if he's dancing on your lap in the driver's seat.
We know how to make memories, even if we don't intend to.
We really love each other.
Children fall asleep quickly when they get home after midnight, despite all the Easter candy sugar highs.
While I don't really recommend sitting on the side of the road, stuck in the mud, for 3 hours on Easter -- it really wasn't too bad. Other than the continual discussion over whether or not a certain child could hold it any longer, it really was enjoyable spending the focused time together. It would have been better if Steve were in the car with us, rather than shivering in the cold rain, but it was also good for the kids to see him be the hero.
On a different note: leave it to one of my kids to play with their gum on the way to visit a different church, and leave it to one of my kids to wrap his gum around his neck. He still has gum remnants there this morning. So in addition to cleaning muddy clothes and shoes, I get to figure out how to get the gum off my 5 year old's neck.
If you haven't heard of Homeschool Share (also known as HSS), they have a great collection of free unit studies and lapbooks, created by other homeschool Moms just like you. I've used a few of their unit studies (Curious George was lots of fun!) and we're getting ready to do a Nim's Island unit study from Homeschool Share once we finish our Crew reviews.
Well, it's Homeschool Share Blast2009 time. This is when they hold a contest for new unit study submissions. They're giving out prizes for the best unit study (or lapbook) in 8 different categories, as well as honorable mentions. They have some great prize sponsors, including The Old Schoolhouse magazine, CurrClick, and Homeschool In The Woods.
If you've always wanted to try to write your own unit study, now's your chance! If you're an "old hat" at writing unit studies for your kids, join in the fun! Although we've used unit studies in the past, and I've "rowed" non-Five In A Row books with my kids in a very unplanned manner, I've never written a complete unit study. But, I'm hoping to finish one up to enter!
If you don't want to submit a unit study or lapbook, be sure to check the HSS website later this year to see all the great new items that are submitted during the contest.
Apologia Educational Ministries: Quality Creation-based Science For Your Homeschool
Posted on 2009-Apr-8 at 08:26 PM
Click the image to go directly to Apologia's website.
Apologia Educational Ministries isn't new to the homeschooling community. If you've been homeschooling more than a year or two, I'm sure you've heard of their company and their products. We have been using Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science for 13 year old A's science for several months now, but we hadn't ever used any of their elementary products. We were glad to receive Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day as well as an updated version of Exploring Creation with General Science to review.
Click on the images to view the product descriptions.
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day by Jeanne Fulbright (scroll down to read the General Science review) We haven't used a textbook approach to science in elementary school, so using Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day was a new style of learning for my 8 year old and 9 year old. To be honest, they weren't sure they liked having to listen to me read from a textbook, but they loved seeing "Try This!" on the page. That meant they were going to get to try a hands-on experiment. Our very first experiment related to lift and reduced air pressure over a bird's wing. Only 8 year old J could make that one work. I tried and C tried, but J was the successful one. He was so proud to show that to Daddy when he came home.
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day is written directly to the students in a conversational style. Most importantly, as the title indicates, it is written from a Christian worldview, proclaiming God as the Creator. You will not find any evolution in Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day, as you study birds, bats, and flying insects. There are colorful pictures on every page and the chapters are clearly divided into shorter segments that make it easy to read in portions. The introduction suggests two different approaches:
read each lesson chapter in one week, do the notebooking and experiments the second week, finishing the text in 28 weeks.
read 5-6 pages of text each day, 2-3 days per week, and then perform the experiments after each lesson (chapter). This approach would last 32 weeks.
Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day includes a wide variety of activities and experiments, using easily available supplies. The supplies needed in each chapter are listed in the introduction. The introduction of the book also lists the information on how to log into the Book Extras on the Apologia website. The Book Extras include book corrections, helpful articles, frequently asked question database, and links to other helpful websites.
Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day is available for $35.00 at the Apologia website. You can also view a sample, the table of contents, and the course description in PDF format HERE. Jeanne Fulbright also has a beautiful helpful website HERE which includes free notebooking pages.
I definitely think this textbook is a good value for a family It is a high-quality, totally reusable and non-consumable, Christian science curriculum. Although they enjoyed looking at the beautiful illustrations, my 8 year old and 9 year old weren't excited about listening to me read aloud, especially in the first chapter which is more technical. We tested out some later chapters to see if they would enjoy the chapters about the birds, bats, and flying insects more. They did find those more interesting, however I think we will use this more as a reference book, or use it in upper elementary school. It is written for children grades K-6, but I think it would work best for children in 3rd grade or above, unless they are more science-oriented. Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Wile
We also received the 2nd edition of Exploring Creation with General Science. My 13 year old daughter had been using a 1st edition copy of Dr. Wile's General Science, so we were already familiar with this textbook, although not in its newest form. This was her introduction to using a textbook for science. (Prior to that we use a living book and nature study approach to science.) I was worried last year that she would dislike it, fight against using it, or find it overwhelming. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she loved it!
Every day she had something new to tell me, something exciting she'd learned in her science textbook. She was excited to learn about simple machines and the formula for figuring their mechanical advantage. Since she hasn't always liked math, that was a joy for me to see. Yesterday, she presented her very first science fair project on Simple Machines at our homeschool group ... inspired by her enjoyment of the Exploring Creation with General Science textbook.
Exploring Creation with General Science is a quality textbook designed for 7th or 8th graders. It is well-organized and well-illustrated. (My daughter was admiring the 2nd edition and commenting on the new illustrations that were not in the 1st edition.) It is written to the student, and they can work through it independently. The science experiments use common household objects and ingredients, and there is a complete list (by module) of the necessary supplies in the appendices of the text.
The textbook is comprised of 16 modules. Each module should be covered in approximately two weeks, allowing some flex time for more difficult chapters. That rate would allow your student to complete the textbook in one school year. Some of the topics covered in the 16 modules are: the history of science, scientific analysis, simple machines, geology, cells, and the human body.
There are many learning aids available with Exploring Creation With General Science. Thetext itself is available on CD-rom or in hardback book format for $65.00. There is a solutions and test manual for $20.00, a multi-media companion CD-rom for $15.00, and an audio MP3 CD for $15.00. These can all be viewed HERE. You can also view a sample module, table of contents and the list of lab supplies at the website. The introduction of the book includes the password to the Book Extras on the website, which provides a list of many helpful links for the modules, and a few articles by Dr. Wile.
Once again, this textbook is also completely reusable and non-consumable. The Solutions and Test Manual includes the tests, which can be reused if a student records their answer on a separate sheet of paper. The Solution and Test Manual also comes with a separate packet of tests which can be photocopied, or can be used as a consumable product.
Both textbooks are quality hardback books, with an easily navigated format, and excellent illustrations. They are both written from a Creationist viewpoint and are an excellent foundation for your family's science studies. Apologia Educational Ministries' goal is to help our children "Learn, Live, & Defend the Faith". Their textbooks do that well, helping parents in their goal to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), rather than teaching them the godless teachings of evolution.
We definitely recommend them!
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The Homeschool Crew cruise ship is coming into port soon. They'll be docking, and changing deckhands. It's time to look for a new Crew.
The last item for the current Crew to review is shipping this week. We're winding down. I have five reviews left to write next month. And as the Crew members are wrapping up our reviews, preparing to say goodbye to each other, and making plans for tackling projects we've put on hold (like cleaning our closets) ... the folks at The Old Schoolhouse magazine are beginning the search for the new Homeschool Crew.
This is the first portion of an email I received today:
The TOS Homeschool Crew is ready
to set sail on its 2nd adventure!
Would you like to join us?
Last summer, TOS launched what would become one of our most exciting adventures to date--the Homeschool Crew. The Crew set sail for a year of fun and hard work, reviewing products from fifty different homeschool vendors. If you haven't seen our blog, check it out now--it's like a "convention in a blog", with information about many homeschool products (including websites, pictures, and plenty of reviews)!
Maybe you've heard about the Crew and wondered how you could become a part of it. Would you like to become a part of our exclusive group of reviewers--sharing your opinion on hot homeschool products via your blog, online support group, or homeschool newsletter? Do you have what it takes to be selected as the "cream of the crop" for this year? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this e-mail is for you!
The Homeschool Crew = Focus Group
The Internet is busy with homeschoolers talking, sharing, and networking. It is natural to recommend our favorite homeschool resources, products, books, and more. We love to share!
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, is embarking on our second exclusive "whisper campaign" with up to seventy-five ofour magazine advertisers. You can help us start out as a whisper and end in a roar, known as "viral marketing." Are you game to be part of it?
MarketResearchTerms.com defines viral marketing as: The effective way of advertising or producing brand exposure through social networks. The technique spreads throughout the network rapidly by word of mouth or by Internet resources like e-mail, blogs, or other services. Like a virus, it replicates and spreads quickly.
I want to join--how do I sign up?
TOS is looking for 100 blogging, emailing, cyber talking, home educating parents for this exclusive group and will begin the screening process for the top 100 very soon.
We are inviting 75 of our best advertisers to take part in this special viral marketing program. These exclusive advertisers are going to send you a selection of their hottest products to try.
Your job as a Crew member is to thoroughly use the products in your homeschool. Then, blog about them, email, tell your online groups, and get the information out, helping us go viral. Not only do you get to use the product but it is a free gift, for being part of the focus group!
If you are a support group leader, then you should send out information about some of the focus group items to your support groups. Additionally, support group leaders are asked to take some of these exclusive products with them to physical meetings, and do a "Show and Tell," sharing their experiences with the items they are reviewing with their groups. The more you write, blog, and share about the items, the more fun you have, and the more viral this campaign goes!
If you'd like more information on HOW to apply for the Crew, then email me. (Click on the fourth link down in my sidebar!) I'll forward the email with the application steps to you.
It's been a hectic year, but a year full of blessings. I didn't expect to become friends with the other Crew members, but we've enjoyed sweet fellowship while we took our cruise on the Maiden Voyage of the TOS Homeschool Crew.
Let me know (remember that email link on the sidebar) if you're interested in joining the 2nd voyage of the TOS Homeschool Crew!
Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts e-book is coming!
Posted on 2009-Mar-19 at 10:28 AM
If you've been reading my blog, you know I love Molly Green, Econobusters, and Molly's Money-Saving Digest. When I found out they were going to make a Molly cookbook full of $5 dinners and $3 desserts, I was very curious. Steve and I agreed that this was an e-book we wanted to own. We try to cook frugally most of the time, but we can always use more ideas for inexpensive meals, especially if they're healthy and can feed the whole family.
I'm so glad I got the chance to review an advance copy of Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts. I wasn't disappointed with the cookbook at all! There are a wide variety of recipes to enjoy with your family, including some of my own recipes. *wink*
Some of the recipes sound elegant:
Chicken Piccata
Greek Spinach and Rice with Black Beans (vegetarian)
Others are obviously family favorites:
Uncle Bob's Potato Soup
Grandma's Stovetop Tuna and Noodles
Rice Stuff (love the name)
Some of the recipes make your mouth water with their name alone:
Yummy Chicken Legs
Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup
Then there are the comfort foods:
Broccoli Cheese and Chicken Soup
Chicken Pot Pie
Fearless Fried Chicken
The luscious desserts:
Cherry Chocolate Dessert
Favorite Chocolate Pie
Health-conscious recipes:
Gluten Free Donuts
Healthy Brownies
Broccoli and Pasta (vegetarian)
Mixed Bean Soup
Those are only sixteen of the delicious and frugal recipes you'll find in the Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts e-book. I counted over 70 recipes in all. I'm personally looking forward to trying the "Cherry Chocolate Dessert", "Minute Minestrone", and "Fearless Fried Chicken"!
Although my children would love to eat the same favored meals weekly (at least they think they would), my husband and I appreciate more variety. I'm thankful to have Molly's cookbook of frugal meals to choose from, so we can add to our repertoire without raising our grocery bill. I won't have to dig through my cookbooks trying to figure out the costs of the meals, either. With the Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts e-book, the costs are already listed for me.
If your grocery bill is just too high, and you need to lower it, then this e-book can help! You can't lower a grocery bill unless you lower the cost of each meal you're cooking. I know I can't make lasagna from scratch using my Mother-in-law's recipe every week, because it's too expensive! (Not to mention really time consuming.) Not only can you find new recipes to try, you can also find cost-cutting ideas for changing your own recipes.
Watch for Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts at the Econobusters Store later this Spring. It's another bargain -- over 70 frugal recipes for your family's enjoyment, for only $8.00! It's scheduled to release around May 1st, so stay tuned!
My second grade son has been enjoying his math lately. He's using The Critical Thinking Company's Mathematical Reasoning Level C. Yes, I did say he's enjoying it!
Mathematical Reasoning Level C has colorful pages and math lessons that require the student to think logically and mathematically. It's not just a list of problems to solve, and it's not just memorizing math patterns. It seeks to help children understand the reasoning behind the math.
For instance, in the lesson titled "Candy Store Change", the children don't just add their money or subtract it. They start by adding up how much money they have in coins. Then they have to read the chart to figure out how much their candy items will cost, sometimes adding costs together. Then they subtract the cost of the items from the money they have. Last, they draw a line to connect to the picture of coins that equals the amount of change they should get ... once again adding up the coins pictured.
In one lesson, they have recognized coins and their values, added money, read a chart, added the costs of items, and subtracted money. And they only had 9 problems to do on those two pages!
Mathematical Reasoning does not overwhelm the student with too many problems. We've used math programs before that just had TOO many problems. I had to cross out 1/3 - 1/2 of the problems so my children wouldn't be overwhelmed and feel defeated before they even began. Mathematical Reasoning's shorter lessons also help to hold his attention for the entire lesson. He is learning to pay attention rather than to dawdle and become distracted. Charlotte Mason would be pleased.
Mathematical Reasoning uses word problems to engage the student's mind in solving the math problems. There are some pages of simple addition and subtraction problems, but they are not the predominant type of lesson. The focus of the book is on problem-solving and developing thinking skills that will be necessary in upper level math. When basic math drill pages are used, they are linked to a puzzle. The correct answers help complete the dot-to-dot, which provides a reward for doing the math drill, and a self-checking benefit.
Some students may need more review and practice than Mathematical Reasoning provides. However, practice worksheets for basic math are readily available (inexpensively or even free) on the internet. Additional worksheets could be added occasionally for extra math drill, if needed.
My second grade son is thriving on this math style. He enjoys the shorter lessons for obvious reasons; but, he also enjoys the problem-solving involved in the math lessons. He has been more engaged in his math lesson with Mathematical Reasoning than he has been with any other math program we've used.
Because it is discussion based, he is also enjoying having my attention and interaction during his math lessons. He isn't given a sheet, told what to do, and left to do it alone day after day. Because I am involved, I am able to grade his work as we go, rather than having to grade it at the end of the day (or week).
Mathematical Reasoning is a complete curriculum, and it meets the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Don't let the colorful pages and short lessons fool you. This isn't a cheap workbook ... it's a complete curriculum. The answer key is included at the back for the parents to correct the lessons, as well as a glossary of mathematical terms. You can view samples of the lesson pages HERE.
Mathematical Reasoning Level C can be bought for $32.99 at The Critical Thinking Co. website. The book is reproducible within your home and family, so you can use it with more than one student. We approached it as a consumable workbook, and I wish we hadn't. Many of the lessons could have been completed orally, or the answers recorded on notebook paper. Very few lesson would have needed to be photocopied. Not many companies are granting a reproducible license with their curriculum anymore. It's a blessing that The Critical Thinking Co. still does.
FOUR thumbs up ... two from my son, and two from me! Schoolwork had become a real struggle with him, and it is a joy to see him enjoying his math again.
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Click image to view Beautifully Made product details.
We were blessed to be able to review this set of 3 books from Generations of Virtue. I'd stumbled across Generations of Virtue's website when I was searching for a Purity Ring for my daughter's 13th birthday, but I hadn't seen the Beautifully Made books before.
"Purity of Heart. Purity of Mind. Purity of Body." That is the central message of all the products created by or sold by Generations of Virtue. They are a non-profit organization of volunteers who are working together to equip parents to teach purity to their children. Generations of Virtue has books and products for boys and girls of all ages. Several of our favorite books are sold at Generations of Virtue.
TheBeautifully Made book trio is created by Generations of Virtue, edited by Julie Hiramine. There are 3 books in this set: two for our daughters, and one for mothers. It is a Biblically-based purity-minded series designed to help prepare our daughters for puberty and the changes that come during that time.
The books are well-written, clearly explained, and they handle the subject matter delicately. Not only are the changes of puberty covered, but the books also include suggestions for coping with physical discomforts naturally. The first book is designed for daughters approaching womanhood, the second is for daughters who have reached womanhood, and the third is guidance for mothers on how to handle this time of change.
The goal of the books is to celebrate womanhood as God's design, and not to present our daughters with more information than they need. They succeed!
I'm very thankful to have these books to share with my daughters. I had discussed most of the information with my daughters already, but it is still helpful to be able to provide them a book to read as often as they'd like, and know it will not contain any objectionable material.
There are only two concerns I have about the books. The second book (Celebrating Womanhood) discusses the use of certain feminine products, and encourages girls to let adults know if they decide to use protection other than feminine napkins. I feel it is best that daughters seek their mother's advice before deciding what type of feminine protection to use, rather than informing them afterward.
The other concern I have is also in the Celebrating Womanhood book. One chapter in this book talks about the spiritual symbolism of the menstrual cycle. I suggest that mothers read the book and decide if they agree with this chapter or not. If you feel this chapter is unnecessary or disagrees with your theology, then you should paper clip or tape that chapter shut. At the very least, I suggest you discuss this chapter with your daughters.
Other than those two concerns, I highly recommend the Beautifully Made book trio. There is nothing else like it available, and its value far outweighs those two concerns. If you have daughters approaching womanhood, this set is a wonderful investment! If you don't have open communication lines with your daughters, then this set can help to establish those. If you've already discussed these issues, it can enhance your future discussions, and serve as a reminder. It's very important to communicate with your daughters as they grow into young women.
The Beautifully Made set is reasonably priced, and can be bought for $18.99 at the Generations of Virtue website. The Celebrating Womanhood book is also sold individually, so you can present it to each daughter as a celebration. It is normally sold for $6.99, but at the moment they are selling an older version for $3.99.
I hope you'll take some time to look around Generations of Virtue. I'm sure you can find a gift or book for each of your children. If you're looking for a gift idea for your child, a friend, a family member ... Generations of Virtue has a plethora of wonderful Biblical books.
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Can you "spot" a Schleich when you see one? Check out these spotted cats ... the cheetahs ... to try it. I bet you can. The Schleich is the very detailed, realistic one.
Did you figure it out? Of course you did. The Schleich female cheetah is the one on the left, the one with the most detailed painting, and the more finely carved features.
Schleich makes high quality action figures of wildlife, farm animals, knights, dinosaurs, elves, and the American frontier. You can see their wide line of products HERE.
You've probably seen Schleich action figures already: in museum gift shops, your local farm and home store, Toys R Us, or on Amazon.com. We had admired the animals in our farm and home store before, but didn't realize what a treasure they actually were until we got these in the mail and compared them with other toy animals we owned.
Every Schleich action figure is modeled to be as realistic as possible, and is hand-painted. They're more than just toys; they're truly collectables. I fell in love with the hedgehog when I read Jennifer's review, and I was hoping we'd receive one. Unfortunately, we didn't get a cute little hedgehog for me to add to my knick-knack shelf; but, we did get six wonderful animals.
Female Cheetah and Jaguar
Charolais Cow, Falabella pony, and a Gnu
If you're counting, you'll notice that's only 5 animals. Well, that's because the goose waddled away for awhile. But she eventually waddled back, reminding me greatly of Jemima Puddleduck, and I snapped her picture, as well.
The goose that waddled off, and back again!
I've said it before, and it's still true. I love toys that allow my children to play creatively, using their imagination to develop stories and act them out. I appreciate toys that can be used creatively with other toys. For instance, my children can build a homestead out of blocks and then bring their Schleich action figures in to act out a story. And that's exactly what happens with the Schleich action figures!
You can visit the Schleich website to view their products. Prices vary according to the size of the action figure. The cute baby chimpanzee and my darling hedgehog are only $2.69 each, and the 5 piece farm babies set retails for $11.49. A cowboy with lasso on a horse retails for $14.99. Reasonable prices for exquisite products!
I know I'm going to begin buying historical and wildlife action figures for Christmas instead of super hero action figures. And that cute little hedgehog is going on my personal wish list!
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We are a Christian homeschooling family with 7 children (ages 13, 12, 10, 8, 5, 3, and 9 months). We love having "room to breathe" in rural Central Kansas, and are working to make the "family homeplace" our own home.
• Steve 36 yo hubby
• April 35 yo SAHM
• A - 13 yo girl
• R - 12 yo girl
• C - 10 yo girl
• J - 8 yo boy
• M - 5 yo boy
• L - 3 yo girl
• G - 8 month boy
She's telling me all about our adult cats, and our baby kittens. Now she's telling me about the baby bunny we rescued from one of our outdoor cats yesterday, and put in a rabbit cage on our porch. I told her that this morning Daddy and I rescued another one, and put it in the cage as well. I guess I'll send children out to pick grass and clover to feed the baby bunnies today. We put lettuce in yesterday, but I remember when we had a house rabbit for awhile that iceberg lettuce isn't really healthy for them. We do have carrots, too. I'm not certain this was wise, but we really couldn't stand by and watch the cat eat baby bunnies. He's supposed to be catching RATS, not bunnies.
It's not real clear in this picture, but his comb is taller, redder, and he is getting wattles. 
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