Scout Road Schoolhouse

Breaking up is hard to do.

2011-09-17T20:05:00.000-05:00

So, that's the end, of, well, then end of the Thompson's with our home base on the Scout Road.

See you next week at http://learningonacurve.blogspot.com/. Make us a bookmark!!

the in between times

2011-09-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

I think this photo accurately depicts where we are in this life right now!!!

Highlight Reel

2011-09-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

Twice this summer, we were able to travel to the north woods. Each time we had fantastic weather and fantastic times. One trip was the week before we closed on our new house. We sort of thought, "Now, or NEVER!!" Once the transition was done, though, we were able to meet Pops & Gram for another round.

.....

Girls Rule

2011-09-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

The gals in part of my family have gotten the real treat of vacationing together every few years for a long weekend. It is always a blast, filled with lots of laughing and catching up and hanging out. This year, we hit a beachside community in Michigan.

I, especially, enjoyed hanging out with Lena (and without the boys). It was fun just to meet her at her level and have tons of energy to include her in the group without other distractions. And SHE had a BLAST!! She loved everything about the weekend and was a trooper for all of the shopping and walking and odd mealtimes/bedtimes, etc.

(...love this picture because I know it made my Mom nervous to see Lena acting the daredevil like her father!!!)

We look forward to next year...where shall we go next???

Quickly Covered

2011-09-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

Birthdays of the latter part of May (as well as PJ in August) took a back seat to the move in-progress. We went a bit more lower key than usual and focused on celebrating the person rather than the hoopla surrounding. We toyed around with having one last blast in Maypalooza, but it wasn't meant to be!

#39

Look out next year, summer birthdays!

We're going to party like it's...well, you know how the song goes.

How to say goodbye in a thousand easy steps:

2011-09-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

I think most bloggers, even recreational ones like me, would tell you they find themselves surprised at the end of a three month blogging hiatus. I mean, three months...where has the time gone? Blogging breaks can be intentional, but this break wasn’t meant to occur. In hindsight, however, I really don’t know when I would have found the time to post!

My break comes in part from the move, as well as trouble working on a set up for photo up load and writing at our new place. The other part, though, has been finding the energy to say goodbye to the Scout Road Schoolhouse and hello to something new. (And what might that something new be???)

To sign off, then, from the Schoolhouse, I’ll be posting a series on how the five of us have said farewell to the southeast.

What does a cow say?

2011-06-02T12:51:00.000-05:00

Say it with us, now....

"Home schooling's appeal spreads to mainstream."

2011-05-31T19:11:00.000-05:00

"Home schooling's appeal spreads to mainstream."

BOSTON (Reuters) - Studying at Harvard, meeting for group French lessons, volunteering at a hospital and spending a day in the wilderness are just a glimpse into a typical day of home schooling, which looks dramatically different today from just a mere decade ago.

Once considered distinctly Christian, the movement is deepening its mainstream roots, experts say.

While a majority of home school parents still cite religion or values as a top reason for keeping their children out of public schools, home-school education has been increasingly appealing to a broader audience.

The ranks of home-schooled students swelled to more than 2 million last year, by some research estimates, compared with about 850,000 home schooled a decade ago.

"It's a mainstream option now for most Americans," said Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, which compiled the latest home school data.

Home-school families include varied religions, members across the political spectrum, a range of income brackets and parents with different levels of education, Ray said.

Home schooling is no longer "seen as fringe at all," he said.

Among the reasons for choosing home education cited by secular parents are strengthening family ties, providing more time for children's interests and developing individualized curricula -- reasons that resonate with religious families pursuing home education as well.

They too cite concern about public school environments, family ties and academic standards as reasons to home school, research shows.

Home school is more visible than it once was, with museums catering to home-school groups, home schoolers performing in concerts and local theaters and students earning college credits while still in their early teens.

Such accomplished students include Sophia Sayigh's son, now 21 and on his own playing in a band, teaching music classes and working to get a studio off the ground.

Classes that he took at Harvard Extension School while growing up in the Boston suburbs translated into college credits, and he graduated from Berklee College of Music in just two-and-a-half years, his mother said.

Neither Sayigh's son or daughter, 18 and pursuing a nursing degree, ever went to public school, a choice their mother said stemmed from anxiety she felt sending them into a world of grades, tests and stifling structure.

On a typical Wednesday in Pamela Victor's home classroom, her 14-year-old son works on structured academics while her 12-year-old daughter heads out to a wilderness program to learn to track animals, find edible plants and build a fire.

An extended family trip to Florida will let her daughter pursue her interest in marine biology, Victor said.

"Home schooling has had the benefit of making our family unit much stronger than what it ever would have been," she said.

The trend could grow exponentially, according to NHERI research that shows about three-quarters of a sample of home-educated students who are now adults raising their own children are opting to home school.

(Editing by Ellen Wulfhorst and Jerry Norton)

(Seacrest) OUT

2011-05-25T21:15:00.001-05:00

As I sit on the couch watching the only (and apparently last) five minutes I've seen this year of American Idol (due in part to this new "Mama only" laptop) I'm waiting to see Ryan sign out with his usual blessing. Funny too, that I read an LA Times article earlier on aforementioned laptop (yes I'm very thrilled with it) about Oprah's last show. Sidebar...apparently she was preaching the Good Word (my caps)?!

All the endings lately bring me to tonight's blog posts. The end of May birthdays in the house. Can we all breathe a sigh of relief? Even the thank you notes are almost all written and mailed.

So, since May is almost OUT, bring on summer!

Caption This

2011-05-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

Can you guess....

what is going on....

in these pictures?

That's right, it's doll laundry day! We're saving the earth by line drying.

burning the candle at both ends :: Letter #2

2011-05-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Mermaid of Dolphin Avenue,

We’re coming poor and tired, although not hungry, surprisingly.

We apologize for not bringing anything. More so, we apologize for not offering to bring anything.

We apologize, in advance, for coming, and most likely, abusing your home and its belongings.

We’re bringing one thing in spades, however…our enthusiasm.

SEE YOU FRIDAY!!!

Love,

Us Five (minus one)

*note: I realize I've had an inappropriately unfair amount of photos of PJ lately...especially when it's not his birthday month. But, DANG, that kid gives good expressions! He doesn't pose either, like the other two are known for!!!

burning the candle at both ends : Letter #1

2011-05-17T19:47:00.000-05:00

Dear May,

I really love it when you come, but now it's time for you to go.

All your groceries, and cakes, amazon orders, parties, company, cakes, special shopping trips, cookies, mounds of ice cream with toppings, trips to restaurants, and general merriment are really neat and fancy in the beginning of the month. But now? Well, let's just say, you've overstayed your welcome. Just like this mostly cool weather you keep shoving our way...move it along.

I'll be excited when you come around next year, but for now...don't let the door hit ya.

Love,

Mom

O-U-T

2011-05-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

We're outside, and the only writing I'm doing these last few days is in chalk on the sidewalk. (Never mind, the writing on packing box labels).

Let It Ride!

2011-05-09T20:11:00.000-05:00

The Ultimate Showdown

2011-05-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

Who would win a battle between Pokemon & Star Wars? They both have enemies (double that, I guess).

My guess? Too close to call.

Cloudy Days

2011-05-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Jack seems to enjoy keeping several chapter books going at any given time. He picked this one up on a rainy day earlier in the week and has read with intensity since. He gave me the update this morning on how Percy was doing. It's a hilarious adventure for Percy, Jackson (and I!)

6 on SIX

2011-05-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

S-H-E

2011-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

She HATES it when I do this!!!

a-HA!!!

2011-04-29T10:21:00.000-05:00

(last warm day)

I've finally figured out why it's been such a cold spring! If we've had a promised day of warmth and sun more often than once every three weeks, we surely would have let our summer fever take over and played hooky more often.

As it is, we started our homeschool day with a history lesson by watching Kate & William tie the knot. We got some fabulous views of Victoria's statue along with Buckingham Palace. (Note...the recent movie about Queen Victoria with Emily Blunt is a dry but well done movie.)

We finished up table time with the help of cinnamon + coffee for me.

Next we're onto a picnic and hike with friends at the local state park.

There is lots of talk about birthdays going on, as you can imagine. I'm carefully wading into our busiest/craziest/sugariest month of the year...May... with great hopes of a centered and routine'd start to each day on my part, and then going with the flow as each day progresses. Structure + Flexibility = Happy Mom = Happy Kids.

(eating out makes us ALL happy for some reason, too)

As a recap for the week:

Jack successfully used the word "symbiotic" in a casual conversation with me.

(Easter box goodies)

Lena's favorite words for this week are crunchy and picnic (pronounced pik-a-nik, think Yogi Bear).

(face painting with friends)

PJ needs a haircut.

(play-doh at the "big counter")

Happy weekend with whatever sunshine you can find!!

Birthday Girl Dreams

2011-04-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

Wednesday nights are always late ones around here with Awana....therefore Thursday mornings always start slow. I kind of like it, actually. Murphy's Law would say that it would be hard to get them back around to school, but not so. Jack (being an extreme creature of habit like me) eventually gets around to table time without being asked. With Lena, we have friends coming over this afternoon, and she knows she must be done with personal grooming (ha!), chores, and table time/reading if she wants to have part in the merry making. For some reason, this unusual morning free time leads to lots of peaceful play between the three (like, they are being EXTRA good so they don't get sent to work!!).

This morning as Jack & Lena were lying on the couch next to each other (I know, NEVER happens peacefully!!), she thought to have him help her write a birthday wish list.

Can you tell where her ideas stopped and his took over??? How this makes me laugh! Can't you just hear him? "Lena, don't you want a Pokemon game for your DS?" "Jack, I don't have a DS, YOU DO!!".

*(picture of unicorn pillow pet) LITTLE
*LAPTOP
*DS
*Pokemon Pearl Vershion
*Bakugan Battle Trainer
*Jepe BaRBe
*CAT
*(picture of a watch)

Did you spot the handwriting change???

I love how ~~KAT~~ is crossed out to be spelled correctly.

Most of you who check in on the Scout Road, I know, have already bought little Lena her birthday present. But, wanted to share this cute list, anyway....

Well, sounds from the play room are becoming less peaceful....intervention necessary.

Clap Your Hands

2011-04-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

A recent FIAR book Lena and I read shared the story of a young girl in post-WWII times. In "A New Coat for Anna", Anna needs a new winter coat and her mother finds creative ways of bartering to get Anna just the right one. Anna gets to see firsthand how her coat is made, truly from beginning to end, including the weaving process.

So I checked this book out from our amazing interlibrary loan system. I scanned several projects and put in the "try this when Lena is older file".

One project we tried right away was simple paper weaving. It was quick and easy. Just the right length to allow her to complete one project in the time it took me to a read Anna's story to her one more time.

Later in the day, I was outside watching the kids in the front yard. Instead of weeding the flower bed, pulling up fence posts, or spraying crab grass, I planted myself near the tire swing and had weaving on the brain. One idea in the "Kids Weaving" book suggested using twigs and branches to weave a fence, trellis, or even a shelter.

I figured I'd start small and build a fence to keep the children out of the fairies camp.

Do you believe in fairies? … If you believe clap your hands.

James M. Barrie

Peter Pan.

Lena's Journal

2011-04-18T16:57:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks, I've slowly been asking Lena to do a journal entry. We're up, now, to making an entry each morning.

I've found encouraging kiddos to write to be more challenging than I would have imagined.

As an adult, I welcome the creative outlet of writing. I enjoy writing for expression in a prayer journal as well as on this blog. With the upcoming move, even, I have a list of people (and places, i.e. the library!!) to whom I intend to write a "sincere letter" of good-bye. When you put something into words, it requires brain energy and thought, and I think that's a great creative outlet and use of time!

Anyway, not so with my kiddos, at least. I'm sure in my public teaching days, I knew kids who welcomed the chance to quietly reflect and write, but so far, I've not found that with Jack and Lena. So, encouraging a journal entry from Lena each day feels a bit like walking on eggshells. I want the experience to be free of frustration and full of positive reinforcement thus to encourage more writing! And for the most part, I've had success presenting writing to Lena in such a way that she's starting to see it's not as hard as she would have thought.

Write on!

Leaf-ing

2011-04-14T17:22:00.000-05:00

There will be a lot of posts thru the next two months, I imagine, titled "leaving" of one sort or another. I've taken to carry the camera with me on even the silliest outings (for chicken pox vaccines, yes, even there).

Suddenly every moment is quickly becoming a "last memory".

And so it begins, or ends, or, I don't know, what???

Full Circle

2011-04-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday I did two things so reminiscent of my own Mother that I wore my turtle necklace this weekend in honor of her. Here are just two examples:

#1. Vacuumed the couch while the kids were watching Saturday morning cartoons. How annoying is that?

#2. Screamed like a lunatic at a sporting event. Yeah, this gal, and I'm not even 40 yet!!

Luckily, I picked up a lot of good habits from Mom, too. Here are just two examples:

#1. Doubled the icing on a favorite cake recipe because you really need that 2:1 ration of icing to cake, then saving a bowl of icing for the kids and I to taste test before the cake is really done.

#2. Working like a fiend in the garden on a Sunday afternoon while listening to the Brewers trounce the Cubbies. Go Brew Crew!!.

Thanks Mom, for passing along the good with the bizarre!!!

Yes, she said Facebook

2011-04-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

I've been a lazy blogger this due in part that it took me forever to sign up for Facebook. Also, I've been spending waaay to much time over at younghouselove.com. Spring is in the air everywhere except actually in the air and I need to hang laundry on the line or something to kick me out of a funk.

In the meantime, Renee's post on moving and homeschooling was a good one today. Check out Homeschooling and Moving over at simplehomeschool.net today. I'm certainly not ready to rid ourselves of our table time yet, but I can tell, it's going to be a push to be diligent in our full school schedule through May.

Pray for us often!!!

(I've been trying to upload a few pics of the week for a good part of the morning and am having difficulties...just words today!)

Recent Learnings

2011-04-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

::Jack is currently working on topics as follows::

square root, the speed of light, Lewis & Clark, journal writing in cursive, preventative measures to sibling peace (i.e. NO eye rolling), chess strategy, keyboarding, fraction reduction

::Lena::

telling time to half hour, coin identification, light and heat energy, self-control (too vague?), interior design (for new room), spelling names of family members, syllabication

Coupled with a recent trip to the zoo, we are plugging along.

There is a lot of talk about many different topics going on these days regarding our impending move. Fun, dreamy ideas (of Mom & kids) which will hopefully give us incentive to push through April & May with school to be completed in time for the move and on to summer break (and summer school, shhhhh).

Decision Quest

2011-04-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart

plans his way,

But the LORD

directs His steps.

Fashion Plates

2011-03-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Lena and I have been reading the book Mrs. Katz & Tush as her recommended unit study for Five in a Row this week. We've read it previous to this week and Lena really took to the story.

First of all, Lena loves, loves, loves cats.

Second, the illustrations show a lot of emotion in them, and I think Lena can relate to the happiness and sadness of each of the characters.

It's a thoughtful story, and though her outer shell is crunchy, Lena has a soft and tender heart.

For Art today, FIAR recommended we discuss the emotion drawn in the faces of the characters as well as the texture used in the illustrations. To demonstrate this, I pulled out my old Fashion Plates from when I was a kid. Remember these? I remember really liking this particular toy, and even now with my own girl, I enjoy color coordinating a smart pant suit for an attractive working woman.

If you recall, each character plate has a plastic textured backside which you could use when coloring each picture after they've been traced or rubbed off.

PJ ended up spending a bit more time than usual playing quietly in the playroom. But he was content and Lena and I were having just too much fun to clean up quite so quickly!

riding on the reading

2011-03-25T13:22:00.001-05:00

Paul often posts things on Facebook that Miss Lena pulls out of her brain and through her mouth, but lately, Jack has been the one keeping us entertained!

"Welcome to Reading Railroad. Enjoy your ride. We have magazines and newspapers for your liking. But we don't serve Tea!"

~Jackson Thompson

Can you guess what game we were playing? And yes, he was TOTALLY egging ME on when he said that....and he was winning, grrrr.

That's My Favorite Word

2011-03-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

This late winter has found the kids in front of the boob tube from 4-5. I think I've mentioned it before, but when we can't get outside to play, it is a blessing to have this peaceful time where I can work on dinner and finish up chores, etc. leftover from the day. We've been watching PBS during this time.

The kids love Wild Kratt's about animals and the environment and I love Electric Company which is on next.

I feel like having them watch Electric Company (remember this from when we were kids?) is like their cultural education to diversity and city life (a big HA!).

Another show I love, which we don't watch regularly is Word Girl. I've tried for two years now, to get Lena to dress up as Word Girl for Halloween and Jack could be the villain "the Butcher" (see picture below....doesn't that look like how my kids interact??). Now with PJ in the mix, he could be Word Girl's sidekick Captain Huggy Face (see first picture above...doesn't that look like PJ?). It's hilarious for kids and maybe more so for adults, trust me.

Okay, so slowly approaching the point here: There is a segment on Word Girl called "That's my favorite word". This morning at table time, Lena uses the word grumbling. I say, "I love that word." She says "My favorite word is brunch". This cracks me up....Do 5 year olds normally have favorite words and if so...are they as marvelously delicious as b-r-u-n-c-h? Come on, say it slowly.....it IS a good word, isn't it!! Jack pipes in "I like surprise because it can be used in so many exciting ways".

This conversation continues to tickle my funny bone, so I thought I'd share with you.

You might tell from my meandering writing that we're still switching beds at night...You should have HEARD the wind out here last night....SO LOUD!!! We trudged the box fan upstairs with some success at blocking out the noise and comforting frightened faces.

Okay, off to watch PBS with the kids, er, I mean, make dinner.

Swapping Beds

2011-03-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's been nights of swapping beds here at the Scout Road. Between colds, coughs, and thunderstorms, we've had regular and frequent rounds of movement in all hours of the night.

The first night we had a storm roll through, it was still before 9 pm and Jack & Paul were gone. When the littles started shrieking at the latest thunder booms rolling through, I gathered them into our bed where we three promptly fell asleep. It was nearer to 8 than 9, I'll admit. It was a very cozy feeling though, with one babe on each arm settling down and listening to the storm as it lessened in intensity. Between the corn fields and the echo of the upstairs, thunder sounds really loud around here!

As a Mom who is usually ready to "call it a day" as soon as the kids' bedtime hits, I was mentally prepared to give up my quiet time to kids in need. It helped that a) there was nothing on tv b) I had no new books or knitting to accomplish and c) I knew that as storms might be rolling through, it would be wise not to invest myself in something from which I didn't want to be interrupted.

Here's hoping to a quiet night on all fronts!

Buena Vista Social Club

2011-03-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Looking back at my calendar from a recent week, I’m thinking to myself, “If people think our kids are not socialized, they should take a look at our calendar!”

Last week we had: a birthday party, an open house, a day out shopping at the mall, lunch at a restaurant, Awana, lunch at friends, play date at a new friends house, play date at our house, lunch at Dad’s work, Bible study at our house, zoo class, and lunch with grandparents.

Whew…tired just remembering it!! That is an unusual week for us, but we sort of had some social dates crammed together, I think, due to the week were on vacation and the week we were recovering from illness.

It could also be a harbinger of things to come now that spring is really on it’s way. Getting out and about gets easier as we count down the 64 days left of school!!

Piano Performance

2011-03-12T11:07:00.000-06:00

Jack takes care of the piano

Lena & PJ work on the performance

Jack Math

2011-03-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, when investigating homeschooling, Paul and I attended a homeschool conference in a nearby state. This conference (as I imagine with all) had a huge vendor hall for business to hawk their wares. It's a great resource to see and touch books, games, and curriculum before purchasing. Often, too, the conferences have discounts available during the length of the conference.

I remember the Teaching Textbooks booth catching my eye. The cover illustration and look of the math curriculum was a lot different than anything else I'd seen. As we were just preparing to homeschool a 5 year old, though, I was pretty sure I could handle the math material I was preparing to cover with Jack.

Then a friend mentioned the company again to me last summer and I decided to check it out. Since fall, now, Jack has been covering their "sample lessons" on their website. He worked through maybe a dozen for level 3 & 4. It's been a supplement to his regular daily math and a fun way for him to end the week doing math on the computer (which while still learning, is SUPER FUN when done on the computer, apparently).

Each lesson has a short lecture, followed by sample problems and then 20 or so math problems to work through. The lecture and problems are very interactive and engaging. You can find a better description of it at their website, of course.

I recently purchased the Math 5 cd rom set with workbook. Seeing it now, I'm not sure we'll use the workbook for Jack, but at least we have it for follow up with him or the other kids. As the others grow into higher math, too, they'll be able to be added to the cd-rom set without having to purchase anything extra. It was the priciest item I think we've purchased thus far at just over $100. There are over 100 lessons, though, so he'll be working through it for sometime.

I’ve read many reviews for this and other texts on line, and while this one is reviewed as a basic math (like this set isn’t going to grow your kid into a math whiz) it is well used in the elementary years and a good price compared to others out there, as well.

30 and 7

2011-03-08T10:07:00.000-06:00

**1**

**2**

**3**

1, 2, 3, Repeat

Family + Math = FUN

2011-03-04T09:59:00.000-06:00

The book Family Math was recommended by our curriculum book and I've found it extremely useful. I've been successful thus far, teaching the kids the how-to's of math, but this book has really encouraged us to delve into math theory. It uses fun, family friendly type activities and games to encourage the learning of mathematical concepts. (I say family friendly, because the games can be tailored to all ages of learning.) There are other books in this series, as well, but I've yet to look into them yet. Check it out!

DEADLINE!!

2011-03-03T10:32:00.000-06:00

Friday, March 4 is the DEADLINE for submitting reading hours for the Great America Read to Succeed program. Homeschoolers may sign up. When you go to the area of "sign-up" and click "choose your school" there is an option to click homeschool. All that great reading our kids are doing, already, can earn them a free ticket to Great America (and the teachers get a free ticket, too!!).

Who forms you?

2011-03-02T11:32:00.000-06:00

Most often, I would attribute the formation of who each child is to creative design (God), DNA, and parental involvement. However, since Lena was born, I’ve seen too, the MAJOR effect a sibling can have on the developing personality and character traits of a child.

When Jack was young and developing ideas and thoughts, we were always supportive of him in his conversation (well, in everything!).

For instance…”Jack, if you were an animal what kind would you like to be?”
“I would like to be a giraffe because they can jump really high.”
“Oh really? I didn’t know giraffes could jump, I thought they were pretty fast runners, though.”
Notice the supportive, tone despite correcting some erroneous information?!

When Lena came along and started voicing (very early) her developing ideas and thoughts, Jackson was always there to set the record straight for her. For instance….
“Lena, what would you like to be when you grow up?”
“I want to be an elephant because they are neat.”
“NOOOOO, people can’t be elephants.”
Notice the unsupportive, know-it-all tone to the sibling’s answer? Not the supportive, encouraging tone given to a first born!

I could be wrong, and only the Lord knows how it will all turn out, but I feel like Jack’s often times non-supportive attitude toward Lena has had an effect on her development. I have chastised and counseled him often to change the way he talks to her, but to no avail as of yet. I want her to be able to flower in a home where everyone in her family is behind her and helping her to succeed or encouraging her when she fails.

It’s a work in progress, for sure. Working on Lena to keep up her self-esteem, and working on Jack to temper his words and attitude toward her. And, finally, working on Paul and I to manage it all with grace, patience, and wisdom!!! At the beginning and end of each day, I'm so happy the kids have each other...they will appreciate that some day!!!

Movin' in the Morning

2011-02-28T11:08:00.000-06:00

During the "Day in the Life" Series on Simple Homeschool, Jamie from Steady Mom shared how they begin each school day with a circle time. I've thought for a while to begin our day, as well, with something that a) signifies we're starting our school day and b) joins us all together.

So...we started moving. I plug in the MP3 and we take turns choosing a song with which to move. I say "move" because I don't want to call it dancing and yet, while we do dance, it usually ends up being a rat race around the kitchen island. But, it calls us all together without Mom having to say "Let's go" and gets a lot of wiggles and giggles out before we sit down to study.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Get Movin!

Constitution of House

2011-02-23T09:58:00.001-06:00

We've recently been reading about and discussing the American Revolution as well as the Constitution. With all the talk about our state, unions, and protesting around here, as well, it figures a boy's imagine might be sparked to start his own revolution.

Here was a recent draft of "Constitution of House":

All men can express free will. There will be only one in charge. Video game times will be increased. (Jack's contribution) Staying up more often. More pajama days. Be able to sell more toys. Getting more toys. (Lena's contribution)

All people have one vote but there is still one leader and one vice-leader. Meals shall be eaten in full with compliments to the chef. Siblings must and shall play peacefully and with joy together, mostly outside. (Jenny's contribution) Christmas music after Nov. 20. Everyone shall play outside when the weather warrants. (Paul's contribution)

Whilst we were away....

2011-02-21T10:02:00.000-06:00

minds were challenged

some more than others

good times were had

silliness ensued

laughter abounded

moments were shared

fun was had

and some waiting times, too

memories were made

It feels so good to be back, though....back to here, back to schedules, back to our routine, back to our stuff, back to our beds, even back to the kitchen, and this morning, back to mopping the kitchen floor.

regularly scheduled program

2011-02-18T11:22:00.000-06:00

:: healthy ::

:: sick ::

we will return to our regularly scheduled

programming soon... ... ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .

Mid-Winter :: Mini-Break

2011-02-08T21:05:00.000-06:00

Preparing for, adventuring on, and recovering from our mid-winter :: mini-break are taking up a lot of time around here. Even I’m not sure how time plunges into that abyss of yester-moment, especially between 1 and 3 in the afternoon! In lieu of dropping into the extremes of either excessive list making or procrastination, I’m trying to remember a few important pre and post trip as my mantras.

Instead of packing a week before and worrying about what you might forget, go on about business as usual at home. I thinking, now, it doesn’t make any sense to go into a vacation having a stressed Mom and frustrated kids.

You can’t actually pack clothes, books, toys, etc. until at least the day before. You’ll either a) end up unpacking at some point to remember if you packed undies for the kids or b) the kids will unpack what you've packed because they are looking for that thing which you've already packed.

It is okay to leave dirty laundry in the baskets! Does this bother anyone else? Maybe it is because of where we live...with the possibility that someone might come into our house to change the furnace filter... that keeps me from leaving excessively dirty anything hanging around.

Having said all that, I’m four hours shy of 24 hours till take off….I better get to list making, or packing, or dusting, or something!

I do not mind you, winter wind.

2011-02-04T14:25:00.000-06:00

I Do Not Mind You, Winter Wind

Jack Prelutsky

I do not mind you, Winter Wind

when you come whirling by,

to tickle me with snowflakes

drifting softly from the sky.

I do not even mind you

when you nibble at my skin,

scrambling over all of me

attempting to get in.

But when you bowl me over

and I land on my behind,

then I must tell you, Winter Wind,

I mind . . . I really mind!

Katy & the Big Snow

2011-01-31T13:49:00.000-06:00

How appropriate this week's FIAR book for Lena is Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton.

If you live within 300 miles of us, you're feeling like you need to stock up on toilet paper for the big snow storm headed our way.

We're having to watch the story read on the computer this week. This is something new for us. Despite having the hard copy of the book on hold for a month, it has never been returned by a library patron and then properly passed on to us (for shame whoever you are).

After a quick check at some of my favorite on-line reading sites (check out storynory or storyline), I located the book being read on youtube. The reading is a bit obscure, complete with a booming male voice and bizarre choice of orchestra music. However, it almost is more interesting to all three kids who watched it this morning because it is so different from Mom reading.

We took some couch time this morning, also, to read two other Virginia Lee Burton books: Choo Choo and The Little House. (Earlier in the year we had read Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel).

And, now, for the big snow!!

the party rolls on

2011-01-29T13:46:00.000-06:00

Recently, we hosted a birthday party for a friend in our neighborhood. When the kids got home from Awana, they were allowed to stay up and enjoy the fun.

Jack found a merciful soul willing to play Battleship at 10 pm at night...must be someone MUCH younger than me!!

Lena preferred a bit more action (of course!!).

After a rousing game of "ball tag" in our living room she disrobed her top layer and held court in front of the guitars. Either: A) she was completely interested in the game she was playing (not likely) B) the music was extremely mesmerizing (likely) or C) she was trying to be as unnoticeable as a church mouse so she could stay up as late as possible (probable).

Its multiple choice... so there is only one correct answer...you choose.

Read to Succeed

2011-01-27T09:17:00.000-06:00

Check out the Read to Succeed program and get signed up for free Six Flags tickets. Looking toward summer!!

when dropping kids off for a new experience

2011-01-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week, the kids had a class at our amazing zoo. The classes were arranged through a local homeschool group, so I knew the kids would be in good hands, though I didn't know but one other family who would be attending the classes.

I had PJ with me and therefore, didn't sign up to chaperone the classes. As we waited for the others to arrive, I started to get a bit nervous about just dropping the kids off with other kids and adults in a building/class/situation they'd never before encountered. Maybe it wasn't nerves, just the excitement of something new.

It didn't take me long, though, to remind myself that I'd done everything possible to prepare the kids for this new experience and as they walked off to their different classrooms, Lena's big wave and "bye Mom" left me feeling happy for the fun and learning time they were about to encounter.

Take heart, then...with little preparation, you too can have confidence in knowing you've done everything possible to set your kids up for a new and positive experience:

1. Clearly state your expectations to the kids.

*I expect you to be kind to the other kids.

*I expect you to be respectful of the leader.

2. Prepare kids for what they might expect.

*Explain how the class might run similar to Sunday school (ie one teacher and many students, raising your hand to ask questions, etc).

3. Physically prepare kids before the drop off.

*Use the facilities prior whether they need to or not!

*Arrive a few minutes early and eat a snack.

4. Be prepared yourself!

*Read any important information before arriving (like where to meet, whoops!!).

*Enjoy the time alone or one on one time with younger sibling.

winter at the zoo

2011-01-24T19:16:00.000-06:00

:: cocoa at the ready ::

:: warms the hands and the gut ::

:: penguins are happy and warmer than the people ::

:: delivery trucks all to yourself ::

:: sadly, no frozen dairy served today ::

:: homeschool zoo class ::

:: can you name that animal?, can you name that girl? ::

make it your own...

2011-01-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

It’s tempting when teaching the kids to assume every lesson needs to have jazz and sparkle and pop with enthusiasm and energy.

Teaching kids to print neatly isn’t something that this homeschool Mom has found time or interest in making special. The internet, however, is very interested in doing this work for you as it (am I wrong to personify the world wide web as a partner in our homeschool??) has recently proven once again to me.

One of the best handwriting resources I’ve found is a site where you can create your own handwriting worksheets.

So instead of writing rows of cursive letters over and over and over, the parent (or child, I guess) can easily customize pages of Bible verses, notable quotes, important historical documents, knock-knock jokes, or anything you could dream up.

Check out the free, customizable worksheet maker at "The Amazing - Incredible Handwriting Worksheet Maker!"

Answers in Genesis Conference | Answers Outreach

2011-01-20T14:32:00.001-06:00

Answers in Genesis Conference Answers Outreach

There is an AIG conference going on in our area. Thinking about making it to one of the kid sessions on Monday. How about you?

PHY ED (not in a gymnasium)

2011-01-19T13:48:00.000-06:00

Scout Road Schoolhouse
Winter Fun

"Tips For Success!!"

When attempting to teach a young one a new skill, don't plan on participating in the adventure, too...you're along for support!

Take pictures of the new adventure during the beginning of the trip...emotions of students and teacher often quickly fall into frustration.

Give the very littlest ones a "job" like...pulling the sled, very important work.

Sometimes let the very littlest ones try out the sporting equipment. It produces feelings of importance!

Allow older children to venture far and wide on their own...convinced they "know how to do it". (Note to adult....most of the time, they do "know how to do it"!!)

Allow for proper rest times and bribe with chocolate treats at the adventures end!

Above all, while engaging in PHY ED, keep 'em moving!

Science Sleuths!

2011-01-17T16:14:00.000-06:00

Late last summer I decided we’d count Social Studies/Science as a combined “Sciences” curriculum. Doing this, we focus on one topic at a time. Because my interest and abilities are higher in the History and Geography genre, we began there.
I plan for Jack, first, since his curriculum is more in depth and then find as many places to plug in exposure for Lena, too.

The curriculum book we use gives a clear picture of what topics to cover in both sciences. While doing some long range planning over Christmas, I began to think more about science ed. since we’ve almost wrapped up what Jack “needs” to be accountable for as a third grader.

Incidentally, after discussing with him the other day if he was ready to switch from American History to World History (as 3rd grade curriculum suggests), he said, “No way! We’re almost to the war and we’re finally getting to the good stuff”! So we’re changing our curriculum to keep on with American History this year and will start off next fall with World History.

Upon getting out my stack of science curriculum (project ideas, worksheets, etc) I came across several resale store (yeah, Pops!) treasures. I found a small stack of workbooks and textbooks I’d set aside from my larger stash of school stuff thinking it might be age appropriate for our learning this year. After sorting through the small pile, I found a dozen or so ideas which will give up just the leap we need to really delve into some science this winter. It surprised me how little motivation I’d need to encourage the kids to get into some of the topics we’ll cover. Actually, the kids never need motivation to dive into learning, it’s me that needs the nudge to say “Oh, COOL, we get to investigate light energy today!!”

We’ll be reporting back with some hard scientific data… let’s hope!!

Sharing Ideas

2011-01-14T10:20:00.000-06:00

Over on today's simplehomeschool.net, founder Jamie Martin has asked for anyone to post a schedule of their days. Not to compare, but to share ideas and inspiration of what homeschool looks like in other families. I plan on perusing some over the weekend. I am especially looking for science inspiration since that is what I'm gearing up for next in our school year. Happy blog-hopping!

shutterfly

2011-01-13T15:35:00.002-06:00

Classic Slate Blue 5x7 folded card

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

A BIG thank you from 3 little people for an awesome year!

TURN IT DOWN

2011-01-10T16:00:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to share with you small things that make a big difference in the life of one Mama, here it is a...

LOW HEAT GLUE GUN!!

Lena received a Michael's gift card for Christmas. Yesterday after church, we made that shopping trip into a girl's date and spent the afternoon shopping until we were ready to eat and then shopping some more!

We happened upon the craft store during a 20% everything in the store sale, so we were both pretty excited. I told her probably buying 5 things would use up the bulk of the gift card, but as we tallied up her purchases, she ended up with a few big ticket items and half dozen dollar type crafts.

She's already puttered through most of the dollar crafts (ahem, while her folks watched the Packer game) but today we've been experimenting with some of the aforementioned big tix items!

One item was a LOW HEAT GLUE GUN! What kid likes to be in mid-craft when their parent grabs the most fun part (gluing!!!) and finishes up the project.

Now little Lena is in charge as she happily glues intended and unintended pieces of fabric, string, buttons, fingers, and whatever else together!!

Um, yes, though, it still does sting on the gluing fingers together part, but the recovery time is minimal compared to those third degree burns I've received with the regular high heat glue gun.

Craft away, you merry makers!!

Photos by Jackson (as if you couldn't tell by this expression on Lena's face...."take the picture already"!!)

Reading Updates

2011-01-05T16:01:00.000-06:00

We held our first book club of the New Year this week!

She's a reader!

We started the 100 Easy Lessons text this week and Lena is excited about doing her reading lessons book each day. Lena was pleased at book club to share a book she could read to me and Jack. We gave great applause and congratulations, you can imagine!

Jack shared two books he'd finished up over the weekend:

Jackson highly recommends this 333-page turner. In fact, he gives it a 9 out of 10 on his rating scale!! Inspried to read this because it was attractively placed at the top of our library reading pile (by moi) and because he'd seen a few videos of the animated RedWall series. He's anxious to get his eyes on the second book.

Jackson read this one for school and rated it a 7 out of 10. I agree, it is a very interesting read, especially if you're interested in learning how sailors began navigating by the stars from information in a book!

a day in the life

2011-01-03T16:40:00.000-06:00

As part of Simple Homeschool's "A Day in the Life"

I'll share our daily schedule starting out the New Year. It's similar to how we began in the fall, but for a tweak here or there.

6:00 (okay, add the -ish) up and Utmost for His Highest

6:30 down to the basement for weights or a walk on the treadmill

whilst distracting myself with tv and radio

6:50 big kid's alarm goes off and they can snooze or read

7:00 up the stairs to get the kids going

7:30 kids down to devotions and breakfast with Dad-i-o, I'm off to clean up

7:50 kids do chores and I start my breakfast and quick e-mail check

8:00 wave off Dad, PJ to the playroom,

Jack & Lena & I off to do table work

Jack gets all but reading, piano, and any computer

work he might have completed

Lena gets all of her school work done except reading alone and

me reading to her

9:00 Release PJ and snack for all

Jack finishes up his table work and starts reading for about an hour

10:00 Playtime, I try to get a start on chores, e-mail, and get in some

play time with PJ

11:30 Lunch

12:00 PJ naps & big kids Drop Everything And Read

12:30 I read with Lena

1:00 Playtime...I work on house stuff and school planning and usually play

games, bake, or crafts with the kids for about an hour

3:00 PJ gets up and they all play or head outside

4:30 I start on dinner and if they kids are too wild for inside (as winter does to kids)

they watch tv...usually ends up being "educational" but c'mon, Scooby-Doo

has educational benefits, too!!! This is the longet part of the day for me

and having tv makes a great difference.

5:00 Dinner

This winter will have quiet nights, for which I'm thankful. The kids are not doing an evening activity outside of Awana so we spend time playing games, reading, and wrestling Paul. By the time we finish up dinner and clean up, there isn't a lot of time until we bunker down into the bedtime routine. Reading with one kid alone is one of my favorite activities of the day. Who wouldn't want to end the day all clean, and snuggled up with a good book!!! PJ & Lena are in bed around 7 and Jack by 7:30/8.

One of my favorite sections of the HS magazine "Practical Homeschooling" is the "Day in the Life" section. If you're inclined to comment and post a link to your day, I'd love to read about it!! I find it so helpful to try new things and ideas and activites based off of what it looks like in other families!

Tootie

2010-12-29T19:19:00.000-06:00

I won't bore you with the long story, but in our family, the newest Narnia movie is too scary for 5 year olds in a dark movie theater. If you've read the book, just think back to the scene where Lucy is kidnapped by, ahem, invisible people. We four (sans PJ) gave it a try, but Lena and I spent the middle and end of the movie in the hallway. Luckily we got our money back and....

...gave Tangled a try a few nights later. For whatever reason, 3-D movies seems like a ridiculous and unnecessary feature for young ones that are just happy to see movies on a big screen! Oh yeah, and young one's whose Mom's are so lame, they'd rather see (and pay for) the Tootie (I mean 2-D) version of the movie anyway! Okay, hopping off the soap box to tell you that Tangled was a really fun movie! Of course the stepmother is mean, but her nasty scenes are short lived and a winter coat is an easy make shift blanket to hide under during the quick and scary scenes.

Our last Christmas Break movie marathon recommendation was from RedBox for a "girls only" sleepover with Pebbles. All ages really enjoyed the Ramona & Beezus movie. The movie represents the books very well, and I was pleased with the pro-family themes of sticking together throughout the movie.

So if you're looking for a fun New Year's Eve, grab some popcorn and a good movie and share your recommendation with us!!

Christmas Slide Show

2010-12-28T12:35:00.005-06:00

We're back to school this week, though, we're working on a choppy schedule of sorts. This morning we finished table work, and now the cousins are here helping to play with all the new toys. We'll finish the day reading with Dad whilst Mom reloads the fridge, the library supply, and the bank in town.

Christmas Week Off!

2010-12-20T17:38:00.000-06:00

Hi all,

A quick personal note to wish you all safe traveling and a peaceful holiday over the next week or so. We are "oot and a-boot" for the holiday, now, but the plan is to be back next week for a school week between Christmas and New Years. Until then....wishing you lots of learning and good ol' fashioned family fun in likely and unlikely places!

Love,
Jenny & the Scout Road Schoolhouse Crew

So, so, suck my toe....

2010-12-15T15:05:00.001-06:00

As we finish up Day 70 of our school year, I find myself still trying to blend the lines between play, fun, errands, housework, and school. I want the kids to not have such strict times for what is or isn't school. I consider so much of what they do during the day as intellectual and personal development...not just the time we spend at the table.

Jackson: Today I told him "So, so suck my toe, all the way to Mexico". It occurred to me he probably deals with more teasing at home from Paul & me than he'd ever encounter in a public/private school setting. Today I started a list of all the presents he's NOT getting for Christmas, HA HA HA...still makes me laugh, just thinking of the look on his face when I started this out loud.

Here is a snapshot of items in Jackson's year thus far...

*finishing up our study of US history for the year

*copying a paragraph of cursive every day

*finishing up level 3 math

*working on rote memory of multiplication...getting facts faster

Lena: I sometimes get a panicky feeling, still, when thinking of how far Lena has to go in her learning, but she has come so far already. We have worked diligently at the table each day we've had school, and at any and all impromptu times that learning lessons could be made. After Christmas, she'll be ready to start learning to read using the same text as Jackson.

(I love horses cause (ep?? they are) soft.) I love the punctuation!!!

Here is a snapshot of items in Lena's year thus far...

*beginning to sound out and write words on her own

*beginning to sound out and read words on her own in beginner books and games we play

*has good recollection of most letter names and all sounds

*working on identifying number names above 5 from flashcards

PJ: I shouldn't be surprised how much he picks up just being around the other two all day!

Here is a snapshot of items in PJ's year thus far...

*knows many color words, though calls everything "ownge"

*knows number words to 10, though doesn't say them in order when we play hide and seek

*learning to say "hut hut hut, hike" instead of "hike hike hike, hut" before the Superbowl

Family Draw

2010-12-13T11:22:00.000-06:00

I think I've mentioned before, one idea I gleamed from Amanda Blake Soule was having a "family drawing night". We did this last night for our advent activity. It works especially well for Paul and me because we're not people who naturally sit down with the kids and doodle. Everyone chose something for the whole group to draw:

PJ-others suggested a truck for the group to draw

Lena-thought everyone should draw a Santa or an Elf

Jack-wanted everyone to draw the largest Christmas dinner they could imagine

Mom-asked everyone to draw a picture of a gift for someone else

Dad-suggested everyone draw a picture of our family

(A local newspaper in our area sells leftover news rolls for $1!!!)

merry making

2010-12-03T16:12:00.000-06:00

We'll all be off-line for a bit, merry making here and there.

Until we talk again.....

Hearing From Santa

2010-12-01T15:06:00.000-06:00

The tradition has been for several years now, that boys and girls at the Scout Road get a letter from Santa on St. Nick's Day. It's sort of a "check-in" from the big guy to see how you're fairing on the "naughty/nice" list. I mentioned in a post last year, but the free sight I have been using can be found @ freelettersfromsantaclaus.com

We've had some good discussions about "believing" in Santa Claus over the past week or so. I found Santa, Are You For Real? to be a very good book to discuss the issue. It's a tricky topic especially with kids of different ages in the same house. I want the kids to know we believe the meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Also, when God gave Jesus to mankind, He became the first gift! I liked explaining to Lena that Santa is like a "tall tale" which we've studied. Santa is based off a real man, aka St. Nick, and his good deeds are well remembered when we talk about "the spirit of Christmas".

PJ's letter to Santa...I think he's getting coal this year.

Jack's continues on the other side..."also some Pokemon, Bakugan and some packs of Snickers".

Lena's is just hilarious with the ..., I think she takes after her...Mother.

Anyway, a pillow pet unicorn, piggy and a radio... please Santa!!!

And so it begins....

2010-11-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

We had many thankful, relaxing days. Here are some shots of one (uh-huh one of a few) of our pajama days...

:: making a ship with legos ::

:: snuggling with his Nintendo ::

:: snuggling with her Piggy, of course ::

Yesterday, then, we cut down our tree. It's a cute little one, this year...very fluffy.

Last night we celebrated the first night of the Advent Season. I love eating dinner by candlelight...it's so funny with kids. Over the past few years, I've used different resources for advent readings, but this year found the book Family Devotions for the Advent Season by James L. Evans.

Trees In Season

2010-11-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

Recently, friends came over to help us celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Here are the artists at work!

The trees turned out nicely and it was very fun and interesting to see all the different styles which came out of one project!

tissue, glitter, glue, paint, stamps

man sitting on fall colored cactus says "yeo"

around the corner.....

2010-11-19T06:47:00.000-06:00

Making our lists and checking them twice...

Projects

2010-11-17T14:05:00.003-06:00

Before the school year started, I made a multi-curricular list of projects for Jack to complete after finishing readings in Social Studies. Each week for Social Studies he has assigned non-fiction reading in a certain topic area.

Throughout the week, he spends time choosing a project from the list and working on it until he “presents” it to me on Friday. At this point, I’m still involved in every step of the process, but eventually, he’ll be in charge of the necessary draft and redrafting.

Here is a photo gallery of completed projects thus far. I’ll list the accompanying topic and/or book which inspired the project.

Native People :: Sign of the Beaver

Illustrate an invention useful to a period from this time period:

"Squirrel Pole"

Native People :: Paddle to the Sea

Design a housing structure or vehicle used by a character:

"Lego Canoe"

Native People :: Talking Bones

Draw a diagram:

"Skeleton"

"Indian Life" Series

Duplicate a game:

"Waltes"

Vikings :: How to Train a Dragon
Paint a shield:

Columbus :: Pedro's Journal

Make a Diagram:

"Santa Maria"

Explorers ::

Make a Chart:

"Comparing Explorers"

Colonial America ::

History Pockets

Interesting to note; Jack has chosen the non-writing projects first! He was surprised the other day when I told him he could only do each project once until the list was filled…then start over again!

Life Imitates Art

2010-11-16T06:28:00.000-06:00

As Lena and I snuggled in the playroom reading Robert McCloskey's One Morning in Maine, I read main character Sal's shout "I lost my tooth". Nearby in the living room where Jack was reading he shouts "I lost my tooth". It was weird and we all laughed and laughed about the strange timing.

For the Ladies...

2010-11-10T16:13:00.000-06:00

Lena recently checked out "A Little House Sampler" from our church library. It is a collection of early stories and reminiscences of Laura Ingalls & Rose Wilder. Lena thought it was another "Little House" book, but it was written for older readers/adults and is true information from the lives of these extraordinary women accompanied by writings of both. What a fascinating read this older reader/adult finds it!

I glorify the time period as being maybe the best time period to live in the U.S., thus far. Regrettably, every time we head to our local living history museum, the flies over a several hour time period nearly do me in...so I'm not sure I would have had the fiber it takes to live during Laura's days.

I found this such a heartwarming piece, "The Sunflower". I truly believe we are all homemakers, regardless of how many are in our home, or how much time we spend there. It is what you make of the time in your home with the people who are in your life which distinguishes your worth as a homemaker. I guess what I'm trying to say is that "home" isn't so much a place as a way of being a welcoming person to others...and I think it is a word that isn't as old-fashioned as we modern women sometimes think.

"The Sunflower" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
initially published in the Missouri Ruralist on August 1, 1923
     Out in the meadow, I picked a wild sunflower and as I looked into its golden heart such a wave of homesickness came over me that I almost wept. I wanted mother, with her gentle voice and quiet firmness; I longed to hear father's jolly songs and to see his twinkling blue eyes; I was lonesome for the sister with whom I used to play in the meadow picking daisies and wild sunflowers.
     Across the years, the old home and its love called to me and memories of sweet words of counsel came flooding back. I realized that all my life the teachings of those early days have influenced me and the example set by father and mother has been something I have tried to follow, with failures here and there, with rebellion at times, but always coming back to it as the compass needle to the star.
     So much depends upon the homemakers. I sometimes wonder if they are so busy now, with other things, that they are forgetting the importance of this special work.
     Because of their importance, we must not neglect our homes in the rapid changes of the present day. For when tests of character come in later years, strength to the good will not come from the modern improvements or amusements few may have enjoyed, but from the quiet moments and the "still small voices" of the old home.
     Nothing ever can take the place of this early home influence and, as it does not depend upon externals, it may be the possession of the poor as well as the rich, a heritage from all the fathers and mothers to their children.
     The real things of life that are the common possession of us all are of the greatest value; worth far more than motor cars or radio outfits; more than lands or money; and our whole store of these wonderful riches may be revealed to us by such a common, beautiful thing as a wild sunflower.

Reading for Comprehension

2010-11-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

I have recently investigated the website Book Adventure for kids.

"Book Adventure is a FREE reading motivation program for children in grades K-8. Children create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes. Book Adventure was created by and is maintained by Sylvan Learning."

There are actually prizes the kids can win. The prize choices were better than I thought they'd be (considering it's free).

I showed it to Jackson last night, and he was very interested! Jack's reading level is very high, and he reads with great speed. It leaves me wondering (beyond reviewing with him and book club) "Is he really getting all the content?" I was able to tell within a few minutes, what sort of retention and attention to reading in detail he had. One note, too, the more difficult the reading level of the book, the more detailed and complex the questions.

I know if I read the questions to Lena, she would be able to participate as well. Many of her FIAR books were listed as choices on which to quiz.

Check it out!

Let's have a Picnik!

2010-11-04T10:10:00.001-05:00

I'm having some serious fun with a little early holiday crafting over at Picnik (ooh, secret...can't tell). I'd most recently posted some doctored photos with the kids' back to school photos, but with trick or treating wrapped up, I thought I'd try a few more pics. Picnik is cool, because it takes my mediocre photos and after a little "junking up" to them, makes it look like you MEANT to take the photo like that!!

But honestly, the subject matter is pretty darn great, too.

Book Club

2010-11-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Like most things at the Scout Road Schoolhouse this year, they started out good but slowly! However, Jack and I have really begun to find our groove in our Monday afternoon meeting of Book Club. Even Lena has recently joined in since we started having hot cocoa with the advent of cooler weather.

Jack is assigned a novel to read each week that closely correlates in topic to his Social Studies reading. It is up to him how he divides the reading up for the week, as long as it is finished by Monday afternoon.

Thus far he has read, Sign of the Beaver, The Talking Bones, Paddle-to-the-Sea, How to Train A Dragon, How to be a Pirate, Pedro’s Journal, and the Vanishing Treasure. This isn't an exhaustive list of his reading, just assigned chapter books for Language Arts.

Monday afternoon, we snuggle on the couch or set up a tea party of sorts in the playroom. If I’ve found any discussion questions by googling the world wide interweb, I might ask some of those, but if not, we talk about parts we like about the book and whether we’d recommend it to others. As our list of commonly read novels grows (yes, I have to read them too!!) we’ll be able to compare story elements.

Our last Book Club came together very naturally and finally felt like a discussion with a peer instead of just “Mom asking questions again”. Soon, it is in my plans to have Jack lead the book club! We’ll see!

Oh, Lena (who might have heard a chapter or two of the assigned novel) usually participates by quietly sipping her cocoa or choosing a book to share with us that she recently enjoyed. She shares her favorite page and whether she'd recommend the book to a friend!

If you want to join us, let me know, and I’ll tell you of our upcoming readings!!!

Reading Recommends...

2010-10-29T15:22:00.000-05:00

Lena and I have been having such fun reading together with her FIAR program mentioned earlier in the week.

If you're looking for some good book recommendations, my brain is constantly pushing out really important stuff in order to accommodate the ever growing list of books the kids have read and will read, so give me a buzz if you need something specific!

Two books we've especially enjoyed this week:

for a good look at persistence, try The Glorious Flight. Never mind was our favorite phrase which made us giggle.

for a good laugh about naughty children, try Tikki Tikki Tembo. You may remember this one if you were born in the 70's like I was....it has the coloring to match the decade it was made in, but it's much funnier now that I'm a parent.

Happy reading to you and yours, as always!

Give Me Five

2010-10-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

I’ve been intending to blog about the FIAR(Five In A Row) program for weeks now, but as soon as I start to share something cool, it seems we’re on to the next neat topic or book!

This year for Lena’s base curriculum, we’re using the FIAR program. The title comes from reading the same good book to her each day. Many of the book titles are classics, and all of them provide for good cross-curricular activities.

Monday’s focus is Social Studies, Geography & History.

Tuesday’s focus is Language Arts: Vocabulary, Story Elements, & Descriptive Writing.

Wednesday’s focus is Art!

Thursday’s focus is Applied Math (using math in everyday situations).

Friday’s focus is Science.

For many of the subjects we simply discuss certain topics as they appear in the story. But often, we do something tactile, and if at all possible, I try to turn a learning activity into a craft project!

The FIAR program has turned out to be an excellent backbone for our Kindergarten learner (and her Mama is enjoying it too) this year. Without our beloved library, it would be a costly program, but with proper planning, it is turning out just fine to use books on loan!

(Note*I bought the only FIAR "guide books" off ebay last summer and paid below price for very well taken care of books.)

All Fall In

2010-10-25T11:21:00.000-05:00

We were a bit preoccupied last week with all of the pumpkin-y type activities happening around here. It's such an exciting time for kids, and an inspiring time for everyone. The new season brings such a sense of excitement and activity. I'm sharing with you today, in photo!!

Order Rules

2010-10-20T07:38:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of this game...ColorKu?

Neither had we until a co-worker loaned it to Paul.

Paul thought Jack would like it, so we tried it out one night after all the kids went to bed. It was fun, but definitely more fun (in my mind) because we did it together. I'm not one who takes easily to a SudoKu puzzle...I'd much rather have a crossword any day! Paul played a few rounds with Jack at lunch. By dinner time, Jack had all the game cards in numerical order so that he'd be able to go through each game setting from the beginning. By that I mean, he liked the game, and I guess has a natural tendency for mathematical order!

Reading on the Run

2010-10-18T14:21:00.000-05:00

I found myself on our recent mini break snapping photos of Jackson reading anywhere and everywhere he possible could. Even when distractions abound, that kid can glue himself to a book like white on rice. Either he’s got superb concentration or that cold he has lingering really does let him block out all the noise surrounding him.

:: on the porch ::

:: on the boat ::

:: on the boat again ::

:: while siblings play with minnows ::

:: on the boat again ::

:: while kicking his sister ::

Make mine caramel, please.

2010-10-14T07:55:00.000-05:00

Last summer, before some good friends moved, I asked the Mrs. to share a recipe for me that I could keep as a remembrance of them. I really like having other people's recipes, especially written in their own handwriting. It's such a cool keepsake.

The Mrs. suggested the recipe for her caramel corn, since it was something she'd seen Paul enjoy before a band practice or two.

Instead of writing it all down, she invited me over to make it with her and save her some of the detailed recipe writing.

So, for the first, time, I made popcorn not in a microwave, but on the stove!

I also mixed caramel corn in a paper bag instead of dirtying up another bowl!

Lena was my sous chef and helped me bake the corn in the oven.

We were sending some of that caramel corn love to a few of our long distance peeps, so we sent a little to some folks who'd been helping us out around here too, lately. Lena decorated the gift bags.

An easy and quick recipe for a chilly fall day:

Sue's Caramel Corn

Mix over medium heat to a full on boil:

2 c. brown sugar, 1 c. butter, 1/2 c. corn syrup

After boil, add these off heat and stir well:

1 t. salt, 1 t. vanilla, 1 t. baking soda

Pour mixture over 1/3 full grocery bag of popped corn and stir.

Remove any unpopped kernels and add nuts if you'd like.

Pour into a roaster pan or onto a baked sheet and bake @ 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Stir half way through baking time. Share!

like school on Saturday....no class

2010-10-12T07:56:00.000-05:00

Applause to those of you who can get away on long weekends or mini breaks and get school work done!

Though being on vacation allows for a break of a lot of normal chores, it does add some extra elements of work and time just keeping up with everyone.

Such as boat rides, eating, hiking (or death marches…depending on who you ask), eating, chores, sight seeing and yes, eating.

eating, watching tv, napping, playing kick the can,

eating, chores, sight seeing and yes, eating.

Teaching with technology....

2010-10-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

Ha ha ha!!! NOT!

One of my favorite teaching tools is the wipe board. So cave man era, isn't it! I have one for each kid and just replace them halfway through the year or so when they are hard to erase (or get permanent marker on them by accident). They are only a few dollars now at your local big box store.

After some daily math this morning during table time, I used the wipe board to write some letters and then we used some picture cards and placed them by the corresponding beginning letter sound. Good times!

Home Church

2010-10-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

It just felt right yesterday to stay home on a Sunday morning and have "home church". We've had some busy-ness around here as of late: a fair amount of running around, as well as frequent visitors, and a full day's work for everyone in the family. Accomopanied with lingering coughs and sniffles, and well, you see what I mean!

Doing church at home is also a good chance to show the kids that church isn't just a building we go to one day a week, but wherever believers in Christ are gathering in the His name. We sang some songs to Paul's guitar, discussed some verses from the Bible, and spent a few moments in prayer.

To end a nice, peaceful morning around the house, we all spent thirty minutes cleaning the upstairs (per my request) and then went on a hike.

again & again & again & again &...

2010-10-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Pencil to Paint

2010-09-29T12:16:00.001-05:00

Lena's school plan for the day included using a special "cross hatching" drawing technique found in the adorable book
A Pair of Red Clogs.

We invited Jack in on the fun and used these super cool watercolor colored pencils to perfect the drawing technique before adding water and filling the picture in.

We chose to draw animals from an I Can Draw Animals! book.

Check out the fun results!

lizard by Lena

lion by Jack

Survive in Three's

2010-09-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about the rules of survival?

You can survive:
3 minutes without air
3 hours without shelter (clothing)
3 days without water
3 months without food

Well, we survived with our own rules of three this weekend.

If you're bringing three children camping, you ought to bring:
6 extra blankets
3 pairs of long johns
10 packs of hot cocoa
1 bag marshmallows
3 flashlights

Oh yeah, an incredible amount of patience and enough courage to say...."Let's try this again next year!"

Jackson learned a lot about fire safety this time.

Lena staying warm and keeping her Dad (ahem) laughing!

People kept calling PJ "the cyclops" because his hat was always over one eye.

Away, Away

2010-09-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, we've been away and we're going away again!

This week we've been away though still at home. Strange, yes, but true. Life has taken over this week and I'm struggling to make it look good as I come up for air! As I always seem to be saying "A lot going on...all good things, but still a lot!!"

To capture it all, I'm resorting to my old friend "the list":

Jackson
-read about Early Americans
-ran around the house three times
-went on a beast quest (new book series)
-read several books in a new book series
-Awana, swim team, and birthday party, Apple Barn
-drew and labeled a skeleton
-had piano lessons
-taught PJ how to empty the dishwasher
-read Lena one book by force

Lena
-told me 13/15 letters we've been working on (big day)
-read Madeline and learned about the Eiffel Tower & France
-drew an ink picture and colored it in with cray pas
-Awana, gymnastics and a birthday party
-played with Bear & Doll after digging up grocery cart/stroller from basement
-made an apple pie almost on her own
-made a bow and arrow

PJ
-beaned Lena with a drum stick, then chucked play shoes at her
-got his first real discipline
-helped pick gourds from the garden
-ate several apple cores (around the seeds) and fed the rest to a donkey
-practiced running in the yard

As for me, well, I've watched it all happen!!

Before I sign off to prepare us for our next adventure, share a photo with you of the smallest member of the house. Despite his reprobate ways of earlier in the week, he still went peacefully into the play room each day where he plays on his own until I finish school with Lena and Jack is steadily into his work. However, after a recent reintroduction of the musical instruments toy box, he took to the harmonica to share his sorrows with you.

Why he took his pants off is lost on me...unless its a relection of his hand me down jersey.

Nature Study : Part 3

2010-09-17T13:30:00.001-05:00

After hiking and collection making, it's time to report back what has been done in nature study for the week. Both kids have been interested (yes, with my "birthday camera") in taking pictures whilst out and about collecting and hiking. For the day we work on our journals, I'll have printed pictures at the ready. Kids can choose what they would like to journal. It was a fun project and will hopefully gain more scientific footing in the coming months!

Lena dictated while I acted the scribe.

why oh why???

2010-09-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

Remind me to quit cutting this kid's hair...it really changes his look!

Nature Study : Part 2

2010-09-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

I've done enough hiking with young ones, now, to know never to leave home without some sort of bag to keep our found "treasures" contained. Tired of carrying things in my own pockets or tucked away in the stroller somewhere, I made mesh type hiking bags before our trip to the Smokies last spring (reference here).

Once the nature bags are emptied...preferably outside...a sorting of sorts can begin. Paul has begun talking with Jack all about categorization in the sciences and this is a fun and easy way to aid this discussion. Guided by the appropriate age levels, I've helped the kids narrow down everything in their nature bags to categories. Then they choose one category to glue on to an old ice cream lid (with paper inserted so it is reusable) and research what the items are. Certainly there is alot of "hand holding" in this process the first few weeks. We're slowly assembling reference materials and such (besides Google) so further research will be more child directed.

Lena's Wildflower Collection

Jackson's Leaf Collection

Nature Study : Part 1

2010-09-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm done with my "eye nap" as Lena calls the moments when I sometimes rest my eyes in the early afternoon I can get to sharing with you about our nature study.

Over a year ago, now, I came across the Blue Yonder Ranch homeschool blog and was really inspired by this post detailng the nature journals they kept.

For us, we will try to accomplish a three parts to our nature study on a weekly basis.

Part 1 is to get out and hike!!

Knee high by....look at that corn!

The shortcut to my favorite hiking trail.

Hiking B-I-N-G-O is a good motivator to get outside!

Can you see PJ hollering "on, on" for "come on you slow pokes"!

Taking a look, and checking it twice.

Wild grapes, Jennifer...

..and what to guess on these?

Fresh air equals happy kids!

The Times

2010-09-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

joining the crowd of readers at the schoolhouse this week...

All About Me, revisited

2010-09-08T06:26:00.001-05:00

Last month I shared this blank document as a fun first day of school activity. Here were the results of ours...

Note: In Lena's family picture, MOM is the big face in the middle....the center of her universe, I guess!

Note: In Jack's family picture, he forgot (?) to draw Lena....hmmmmmm...more to add to her list of future topics to discuss with her shrink.

The first two days of school went very well. Despite slight fevers on both of the big kids and lots of extra play time one of the days with lingering friends, both were enthusiastic about beginning again and were more than ready to tackle the work set out for them. They were especially excited about their nature journals which I'll share in an upcoming post. PJ, too, did great in his play room time. Even if the rest of the week falls off, I feel so grateful we had a positive jumping off point.

Labor Day

2010-09-06T06:23:00.000-05:00

It might seem weird to begin school today on the last day most Americans have summer vacation. However, around here, Paul has to work anyway. And...you know we've partied enough this summer to not feel bad for us that we're missing out on summer's last breath!

So, off we go!

Meet this year's students at the Scout Road Schoolhouse...

Please remember to keep us in your prayers!

The Last Blast

2010-09-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

What sums up the end of summer like the County Fair? Nothing, in my mind. Thanks to all who have come and gone to our home and allowed us into theirs for (again, in my mind) truly the best summer.

Until next year, anyway!

See you on Monday for a fresh start to the 2010 homeschool year!

Motoring

2010-08-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

Our baby turned two this weekend!!!

I submit this photo essay to you in hopes you'll come along for the ride with us!!

The Divine Miss "L"

2010-08-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

If I could bottle up a day to remember Lena as five, it would have been Tuesday of this week.

We had just finished our first chapter book together that afternoon. “Little House in the Big Woods” was the first chapter book she was really able to focus and sit through without pictures. Don’t get me wrong, as I begin to read a chapter or half chapter each night before bed, she circles around like a cat for a good few pages before she finally stops wiggling. But you could tell….she was really focusing on the story and interested in what was going on in the lives of “Laura & Jack” (why not good little Mary???).

As we all headed out to the tent to camp out for the night, I quickly rifled through the chapter book shelf for my all time favorite late summer read, “Charlotte’s Web”. It’s about the county fair in so many parts of the book, and come Labor Day time, so are we!

We read several chapters before flashlights out and Lena enjoyed the book as much as I’d hoped. The next morning when the garbage truck and farm animal sounds woke us up at 7 am, she rolled over and sleepily said “Mom, can we read more of Charlotte’s Web”. Ah - - - be still my heart. She is a lover of books, after all.

I couldn’t stop smiling as I read in my best “annoying neighbor tones”, the voice of the goose and pointed out all the good qualities Fern exhibits.

When the dust bunnies of the county fair are long rolling down the highway, my girl and I will be snuggled up in her bed with a gajillion Webkinz (another new favorite) most likely reading “Little House on the Prairie”.

It almost makes the long nights of fall worth the coming!

squeezing it in

2010-08-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

As *gasp* summer's end approaches, we find ourselves squeezing in every last bit of the sights, smells, tastes, and activities that we can. My mantra has been "save this all for February"!!!

:: ye old abandoned bridge ::

:: three in a tub ::

:: stormy weather ::

:: game face on ::

:: goggles always ON TOP of head, never over eyes ::

:: practicing for holiday photos ::

:: "too old" to pose ::

{this moment}

2010-08-20T06:55:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Wishing you a lovely weekend!

Cheers to SouleMama for inspiring a wonderful Friday ritual!

History Comes Alive

2010-08-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

If you've been to our house you know below the big kitchen counter we have two stools. Hiding behind those two stools is a fabulously blank canvas for which to keep a world map and timeline. New to the Scout Road Schoolhouse this year, we'll more closely study geography and history through the use of this world map and timeline.

Lena's FIAR program asks for each day the story is read, that the country/state of origin is noted on a map. She has a small picture to adhere to the map for each story.

How did I luck across THIS fabulous site which has already done 90% of the research for me? Googled it, of course and had a lucky day!

We'll be using a laminated world map. The plan is to buy one at an office store close to home as I don't want one with wrinkles due to a folded map for cheaper shipping.

As for a timeline, I found a set of four timelines at learningthruhistory.com which will fit in the designated space.

Because these timelines will not be very user friendly, more of a reference material, I'm also going to purchase Sonlight's blank Book of Time for Jackson to work in along with these small adhesive pictures for him to assemble his own timeline as we complete this third grade year.

By the way...have you used Squidoo.com, yet? What have you found useful? It's new to me!!