The Contents of this Room... (Part 1)

...may be hazardous to your health.  The clipart to the left reveals what I discovered in my daughter's room yesterday.  I noticed that the clothes I just washed, dried, and folded were still on her desk where I laid them the day or two before.  I also found a plate she used for pizza rolls and two glasses that had who knows what in them.  

Today, I decided we would go through all her clothes to see what fit and didn't fit to make room for clothes that needed to be put away and possibly clothes she will receive for her birthday or Christmas. Since her bed wasn't made I decided to do that for her...what I found was probably not shocking to most parents but it was to me.  In between the wall and the mattress were a ton of clothes that I assume had been worn, an empty sleeve of crackers, crumbs from whatever, candy wrappers, and books.  I found more clothes under her pillow, two glasses in her window sill, and tissues on the floor that had fallen short of the trash can.       

Going through the clothes wasn't a big deal.  She didn't complain unless she got into an outfit she couldn't get out of and quickly discovered she had a lot of clothes she didn't remember she had!  I anticipated getting rid of more clothes than we did but at least we got rid of a couple of shopping bags full.    

This weekend she is going to stay with a close friend and I plan to take advantage of this time to clean her room!  Her room needs to go on a "stuff" diet.  Right now it looks as though it is a storage unit -cluttered and unkempt.  We have three additional kiddos coming to stay with us the middle of November and this room will have some resemblance of order before they get here!  

Although I am really looking forward to having time alone with my husband, I think between the two of us we can tackle this project head on and then have some well deserved time for us!

DIY Halloween Costume

Halloween is just around the corner.  Kira is going out with some of her friends on Friday night and the original plan (among the girls) was that they would dress as super heroes.  I'm sorry, I don't want to pay $35 dollars for a costume that she would wear once and really don't think I have the skills to make one.  So instead, we decided to use some things we had at home...

For a couple of years now, Kira has wanted to be Nancy Drew.  The only problem was that she didn't have a trench coat.  Last year my parents bought her a coat for her birthday.  She loved it!  We watched the movie Nancy Drew to get an idea of what she wore and also searched Pintrest.

We decided to combine the two pictures and make up our own "Nancy".  In Florida, as sweater is rarely needed so we nixed that right off the bat.  She has a trench coat, the white blouse, and we just picked up a plaid skirt that is really cute!  I'm going to loan her one of my flashlights and she will just wear her tennis shoes since I am sure they will be walking house to house (at least I hope so.)  She has a purse, but I'm going to see if we can find another one similar.  Last but not least we need a magnifying glass and then the costume is complete!

November 2014 Mission of the Month

A couple of years ago I participated in Mama Jenn's Mission of the Month. I found when I was actively participating that I accomplished so much more.  I don't know why I stopped, just that I did.  I just feel off the wagon so to speak.

If you are just now following my blog, let me catch you up to speed. Mission of the Month was started by Mama Jenn in hopes that we can use our blogs to motivate ourselves and others.  We are to make a list of our goals (aka missions) we would like to accomplish for a month - just for one month.  At the end of the month, we share with others in the group whether we succeeded or were a complete failure.  It has been really great to read what others have posted and it has also given me ideas as to what I could/should accomplish in the future.  

My missions for this month revolve around my daughter's bedroom.  We will be having 3 additional kiddos stay with us in the middle of November and I want to make sure her room is cleaner and more organized.

1. Go through clothes - The daughter is growing like a weed.  I have discovered that many of her clothes don't fit or are just on the verge of being outgrown.  She also has a number of "favorites" and I need to rotate them.  Instead of the clothes being hung up or folded and put away, her clothes are folded but laying out.  Sometimes she doesn't know if they are clean or not.   
2. Fix game cabinet doors - The cabinet doors have been broken for years.  All they need is some plexi-glass to fill the empty spaces or some plywood.  Once this is accomplished during Christmas break I would love to paint but that will be a mission for another month!
3. Go through the toys - She has toys galore and with her birthday and Christmas coming up we really need to pair down her "stuff".  She's growing up and really needs a "big girl" room.  I have a plan, lets just hope she goes along with it.
4. Clean out the closet - I'm not sure that the closet has ever been cleaned out.  Well at least not in a very long time!  She only uses one side for clothes - the other side is storage for blankets and other odds and ends.  Things that most likely can go to storage but for some reason they are here.
5. Buy new sheets - Her bed is a trundle bed and has only one set of sheets for the extra long twin.  We really need to get two sets that match.  I'd also like to get a plastic cover to go under the sheets.  Last time we had a sleepover, we had a kiddo get sick in the bed and cleaning it up was a nightmare!!  

Once all of this gets organized, my hubby will take stuff to storage.  I'm hoping to get a jump start on my mission this this weekend since the munchkin will not be at home! Cross your fingers!!

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...

I think almost all parents are familiar with the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book or series.  There are days I feel as though my not so little munchkin is that mouse.  Take today for example we had this conversation while I was doing dishes and she was working on school...

Kira:  There's this sentence in my language lesson on rhubarb.  What is rhubarb?
Me:  Rhubarb is a vegetable.  Papa grew rhubarb in his garden.
Kira:  What's it look like?
Me:  It's kind of bushy and if I remember correctly it had red stalks like celery. Google it.
Kira:  Oh, so that's what it looks like!  You know, Laurie Berkner sang a song about rhubarb pie.
*She starts singing "Rhubarb Pie" by Laurie Berkner*
Kira: Did Papa like rhubarb pie?
Me:  I don't know if he did or not.
Kira: I'd like to taste rhubarb.  Did you know you can make a strawberry-rhubarb pie?  Can we grow some rhubarb?
Me:  Can you get back to language and we'll discuss this later?

Screen Free Challenge

Over the past several years I have noticed something.  Something big.  Ever since my daughter got her Galaxy Media Player she has been more distracted.  She has it with her all the time like we have our phones.  She is either playing a game, watching Netflix (or YouTube), or listening to an audio book while doing other things.  Now she has time limits but when that specific time frame is open it's with her.

When I was in elementary school we had one week that was a no screens week. At that time we weren't surrounded by TVs, computers, cell phones, etc.  Most of us only had TVs with a couple of channels.  Cable was a luxury as were video games.  I don't remember exactly what it was called but that's what it amounted to for us - no screens week.  The purpose was to encourage us to read more and at the end of the week we had a pizza party or some other reward.  I remember dreading it at first but I ended up loving it.  Sure I hated missing my favorite TV shows but we played more board games, card games, played OUTSIDE, and just seemed to have more fun as a family.  I survived.

I recently read a blog post about a family that the children do not watch TV.  That is unless it is football season and their "well-hidden TV comes to live whenever a game is on!"

As I thought about this, I realized my daughter is surrounded by screens.  If I listed all of the screens in our home your jaw would drop.  Mine did!  I am sitting here with the laptop on my lap while watching "How the States Got Their Shapes."

My screen free challenge seemed clear: computer and phones had to be off for all of us.  Sure I could have computer/TV time after she went to bed if I wanted but I think it will be good for all of us.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I just realized all social media will be completely off limits!  

National Young Readers Week is coming up November 10-14th and would be perfect time to do this!  Unfortunately we have family and friends coming to stay with us that week, so I'm not sure we will be successful with no screens that week.  If we don't do it that week, it will definitely be completed soon as possible!

Our Homeschool "Approach"

Someone asked me the other day what "method" I use to homeschool and to be honest we don't really fall into a "method."  So I described what we do during a typical day.  That seemed to appease them.  Of course when I came home I hopped on the computer and looked up homeschool methods.  I came across a number of blogs that talked about how "determining what homeschool approach works best for your family" is extremely important.  Maybe that's my problem.  Each year it seems as though we have to revise our homeschool plan; what may have worked last year may not (and probably won't) work this year.

With that being said, these are the areas in which I believe we fall.

Charlotte Mason Method
I've always thought the Charotte Mason method was interesting but not entirely for us.  It centers on the respect for children and their learning by first-hand, real-life situations.  This method believes that the knowledge of God is the primary and most important knowledge.

There are three parts to the Mason method.  They are an atmosphere, a discipline, and life.  As we all know children absorb a lot from their home and social environments (atmosphere); that parents and loved ones should encourage good habits (discipline); and that children should be given living thoughts and ideas, not just "dry facts" (life).

Multiple Mason sites talk about giving their children time to play, to create and the ability to be involved in real-life situations.  They also talk about going on nature walks and visiting art museums.  Lessons are short that focus on daily scheduled activities, so the brain "doesn't become overly stressed" with a singular task.

All of these websites talk about activities we do with our homeschool.  I found it interesting how they labeled each area.  If you just go by "the method", I agree with all of it.  So let's continue...

Eclectic
I think our family falls almost entirely in this category.  Eclectic homeschool is just that.  It's a hodge-podge of several different styles of learning.  Outsiders sometimes comment that the children aren't learning enough, or aren't disciplined enough.  We don't use one particular curriculum but a wide variety of resources (i.e.  YouTube, Netflix, workbooks, etc.)  We visit the library, local museums, and other local attractions.

Unit Studies
This is something we used more of a couple of years ago.  Unit Studies take a specific area of interest and use it to develop an in depth study that spans across all of the major subject areas - math, language arts (grammar, spelling, and reading), history, science, and art.  Several years ago we had so much fun with this type of schooling but I thought it was a lot of work to prepare.

Kira loved studying Egypt this is way as I did.  We incorporated tons of books and videos that centered on specific areas of Egypt.  She loved learning about Egyptian gods/goddesses but her favorite was learning about King Tut and Nefertiti.  She also found the pyramids fascinating.  We both learned more about the embalming process and rituals involved.  There were a couple of activities I would have loved to tackle.  One of which embalming either a chicken or Barbie.

With Unit Studies, you focus on a particular topic that the student was interested in.  Children learn more when they are learning about a topic they are interested in.  Heck, I think we all do!

As my conversation continued with this group of homeschooling parents, I was asked what I enjoy most about homeschooling.  One word - freedom.  The freedom to select from all the different educational styles and inspirational ideas from other homeschool families and teachers (and Pintrest!)

Results of the Friday Surprise

On Friday, I had Kira get in some shorts, grab a towel and her water bottle and said we were going some place.  Of course the first question was "Where" followed by "With who?"  Since I wanted this to be a surprise I just told her to hop in the car and she would see.  We drove about 20 minutes and pulled up in front of this strip mall in front of a martial arts building.  No where on the building did it say "karate" but it listed Jiu Jitzu, kickboxing, and a number of other things.  She had no clue what any of them were and was still a little confused.  Then I told her.  The look of surprise and appreciation just melted my heart.

So my not so little munchkin went to her first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.  I wasn't sure what to expect but it was great and she really enjoyed it.  The first instructor that worked with her was T.J.  We got there early and he worked with her on some rolls and other things that they would be doing in class, just to get her comfortable.  Mondays and Fridays they have strength training so she didn't need a Gi.

When class started, her main instructor, Logan, worked with her on different exercises to help build up her muscles.  They had an different stations that they worked through involving push-ups, sprints, lifting a kettle bell, dumb bells, jumps and a couple of others.

My little monkey was the only girl and also the only one doing a trial visit.  She has had no experience and the instructors made sure not to leave her behind.  Even when Logan saw she was falling behind in push-ups he told her to use her knees or to only do 3 or so.  She refused.  She didn't want the special treatment.  She wanted to do it just like the boys!

They ended up doing sprints, hitting the punching bag, and then running back to do some sort of activity - push-ups was one of them.  Kira did great with the punching and kicking after a little guidance from either T.J. or Logan.  Even when she got frustrated and I noticed her eyes welling up with tears she stepped away, took a deep breath, and then went back stronger than ever.  I have to say I was really impressed.

After the class, T.J. was talking to us and said he started this when he was 15 years old and she reminded him of himself.  He said got frustrated easily and he was proud of her that she stuck with it and didn't let it get her down.

As we got ready to leave, I asked about the cost for the classes after our 3 day trial was over...I about fell over with sticker shock.  I was really hoping that we could afford this because it would be good for her but at $177 for the first month and then $157 each month after that, we just can't afford it.

I got in the car devastated.  On one hand I was glad she got to experience this and had 2 more classes she could take but on the other hand I was looking forward to giving something she had been wanting for some time.  Plus it would fulfill exercise requirements, help her with focus and confidence and quite possibly help relieve some of the stress school was causing her.

Logan working one-on-one with Kira.

Just like my daughter, I'm not to give up.  I will look elsewhere for classes with a more affordable price tag.

   

Surprise...

Tomorrow my daughter will be in for a surprise....

After years of wanting to take karate lessons, we have decided to give it a try.  While reading through posts on the homeschool message board we joined, I discovered an instructor willing to offer his services.  I wrote down his name and contact information in my little notebook to do a follow-up.  I checked out the website, read some success stories on a child with focusing issues, ADD, and a couple of other issues.  

Although she hasn't brought karate up recently, I am hoping she still shows interest.    When I spoke with the instructor over the phone I told him she has focusing issues.  She also lacks confidence.  He was so nice and said no matter what they would work with her to make her feel comfortable.  That was that.  She will participate in three trial classes and then we will make our decision.  

I'm trying to keep it a surprise for her.  In fact, I really wanted it to be a surprise for her birthday, but we decided it would be a better idea to find out if she likes it and is willing to put forth the effort. Fingers crossed!   

Lion Country Safari Field Trip

Last week we went on another outing with our homeschool group and it was a blast!!  We went to Lion Country Safari and it was a success.


The only downside was that we had to get up super early (for us) so we could drop the hubs off at work.  When I looked at the directions the day before it said it would take an hour to get there.  To my surprise my husband said we needed to have him at work at 7:30am.  Ugh!

We got there over an hour early.  When we arrived I realized I didn't bring change to feed the fish or lorikeets.  You can click here to view the different lorikeets at Lion Country Safari.  As I looked over this page, I realized I probably saw some of the very lories they had pictured.

Anyway, we did the drive-through and we had ostriches, rinos, and zebras walk in front of our vehicle.  There were tons of other animals in the drive-through but those were the ones that took over the road.

 

Just an FYI, all of the above photos were taken by Kira as I drove!  She's doing a great job with her photography skills!

Anyway, back to the park.  There was a splash park and a couple of water slides that I think all of the kids played in or at.  We spent a lot of time at the lorikeets I mentioned above.  Here are just a few pictures of the many I took!

Now the highlight of the trip for me was feeding the giraffes!  This guy liked to pose.  "Take my picture!"  Then of course we rewarded him with a treat. 

  

 

 This concluded our adventure and then it was time to return home.  Until our next adventure...

Curriculum 2014-2015 (6th Grade)

It is so hard to believe that this year we have begun our 7th year of homeschooling!  It has been a learning experience and through trial and error, I think we might be making some headway!

Many homeschool parents I have talked to locally use one specific curriculum and that's great if it works for them.  We on the other hand, use multiple books as our guides and it makes learning fun when we have the freedom to pick and choose subjects to study.  We don't have a set guideline we must accomplish with that curriculum.  I do make it a point to cover all of the state standards and have a checklist to help me cover all the suggested areas/topics for each year.

Although I am still not done planning this school year, I have decided on the following:

One thing I am using to help me plan and organize is Homeschool Tracker.

Language Arts/Grammar:

• Free Reading (1 hour daily)
• Journal entry
• Moby Max

Spelling:

• AVKO Book #2

Math:

• Moby Max
• Math-U-See

Social Studies/History/Geography: 

• The jury is still out on this one but I am currently researching several options.  

Science:

• Monthly STEM Challenges
• Monthly Co-op Classes at County Park
• Online Webinar with Supercharged Science

Young Adult Questionnaire

Last month a librarian friend of mine, Rachael, contacted me about having my daughter fill out a "Young Adult Questionnaire."  She is currently taking Young Adult Media and Literature and was in need of a young adult to answer the questions and of course I said sure!  Below are the questions and answers...

1. What is your favorite type of book to read?
   It is really hard to pick one.  I really like mysteries like The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene.  I also like books comedy books like the "My Weird School" books.  I also like fantasy books like The School for Good and Evil.
2. Do you have a favorite book?  Author?
   My favorite book is The School for Good and Evil but my favorite author is Carolyn Keene.
3. What makes these books your favorite?  Is it the characters or just what the book is about?
   The reason I like The School for Good and Evil is because you feel like you're there watching it happen and because you can feel the emotions of the characters.  The reason I like The Hidden Staircase is because the mystery just keeps growing and it gets more interesting as you go like watching a good movie.  The reason I like the My Weird School books is because they are so funny and weird that you wish you could go to that school.  I wish I could have gone to that school when I was in elementary.
4. How often do you actually read?  Daily, weekly, or just for assignments?  Why?
   Daily because reading is good and I have a lot of favorites.
5. Do you use Facebook?  Twitter?  Why?
   I don't have either because I am only eleven.
6. Have you ever read an eBook or an eMagazine?  Which do you prefer, a paper book or an eBook?  Why?
   Yes, I have read an eBook I have read a lot of them and I like eBooks because you don't have to go to the library to get it and you don't have to o back to the library to return it.  I like paper books because one they are better for at night because tablets and Nooks and Phones give off a blue light that keeps you from being sleepy and two because of the new book smell.
7. Do you think your friends read more or less than you?  Why?
   I am not sure because my friends and I don't really talk about books.

I had to laugh as she was answering them.  She was so indecisive when it came to her answers but they were her answers.  There was absolutely no help from mom or dad, it was all her.  I talked to Rachael just the other day asking about her questionnaire and her response was "IT WAS AWESOME!!"  The other kids in her class had all asked public school students.  The munchkin was the only one being homeschooled.  They were really impressed with her answers and how well she articulated loving to read - when other students spoke of how important Facebook and video games were.  Rachael said they discussed at length on what may be the differences and how they could get public school students to have similar answers.

Wow!  Talk about a proud mom moment.  I would have loved to have read the other questionnaires. I have noticed that she is spending more time on her computer or her phone.  Heck a lot of students are.  I see more and more kids glued to their electronic devices instead of communicating with friends or family members.  I guess we are doing something right after all!  Note to self...REMEMBER THIS!

Rachael's class also think that she would like to be in a reading group if there was one at our local library because she spoke so well and enjoyed reading.  I require at least one hour of reading before she can have any computer or other multi-media free time.  I discovered a couple of weeks ago that the homeschool group we just joined does have a book club that might be interesting to join but I also will consider looking into a group at our local library.

Now I'm curious...what would your answers be for this questionnaire?  Feel free to share!

Christopher Columbus

"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue... "

In fourteen hundred ninety two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He had three ships and left from Spain;He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

He sailed by night; he sailed by day;He used the stars to find his way.

A compass also helped him know How to find the way to go.

Ninety sailors were on board;Some men worked while others snored.

As children we were taught to memorize this with pride.  This was the year that we were taught was an important part of our history (which it was) but to me it seemed like that was the year North America was discovered when in fact people had been living here for hundreds of years before that.  Am I having my daughter memorize this?  Yes, I am.  I think it is important but I also want her to learn that Columbus wasn't the man we are led to believe in public school. In fourteen hundred ninety-two

Say No To Stress

Last year I was told by my daughter that our school was too serious.  "We just don't have enough fun anymore."  Don't get me wrong, I notice it but at the time I just ignored it.  I guess I really didn't see it until summer was over.  It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized summer was over and when we should have been doing fun things, making memories.  Instead, I was working on a project for a volunteer organization.  I often spent night and day on this project.  I should have taken my daughter to activities at the local library or other free activities over the summer.  My priority should have been my family, not this other organization.

I should have listened closer when she said "Mom, you look stressed" because she wasn't the only one who noticed it.  It should have been a wake-up call, but for some reason it wasn't.  Is it bad when your child of 11 years old says you look "stressed"?  I think so.

Unfortunately sometimes all I can see is what "needs" to get done (e.g. laundry, dishes, sweeping, making agendas, typing minutes).  A blog I read said it perfectly.  "Each day you juggle more tasks than a CEO."  So this year I have vowed to change things and at this time, it seems *fingers crossed* to be working.

Each year (or at least it feels like it) our daughter's learning style changes and I feel like we are starting from ground zero.  Things that worked last year don't work this year and quite honestly I get frustrated.  What I need to do is remember to relax.  Take things one day at a time.

I need to remember how rewarding it is to see my little girl learn to read.  Finally understand long division.  Really get how circuits work.  Build things with her own two hands.  I get to see those things personally and not just have her bring the project home.  I get to see the things that interest her and not things that are sometimes forced on public school children.  Don't get me wrong, I support the public school system but our system down here...just doesn't work.

So this year, we have joined a few homeschool groups.  I had been looking for something to break up the monotony.  Something to give us both a break and really get us out of the house.  Not only that but I have made our school week four days instead of five.  It allows us to have more fun.  Watch a movie.  Read a book.  Or just...

on top of that she now gets her "field trip Friday."  (I think that is a Magic School Bus quote, but I'll have to ask her.)

So no matter how frustrating my day may be or how discouraged I may get, what matters to me is that homeschooling is rewarding for not only myself but for my child.  I need to remember to continue to make it rewarding.  Relax a little.  Take things slower.  Have fun.  There is no "deadline."  And occasionally put nothing on my to-do list!

Pompeii

Earlier this week I wrote about the Facebook page Traveling Through History with Doctor Who.  The first lesson is about Pompeii.  We immediately started watching the Doctor Who episode "The Fires of Pompeii." She found it very interesting the similarities between it and the documentary we watched on Netflix "Pompeii: The Last Day."

Due to an unexpected event the kiddo worked on her own on Tuesday using Minecraft to built Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii as it might have looked before the eruption in 79 A.D.   Yesterday she focused on a map of Italy and the surrounding countries, major cities, physical features.  she quickly discovered she had heard of several major cities in Italy.

Next week we will start building our volcano...

Homeschooling with Facebook, Netflix and Other Media

The other day while I was wasting time on Facebook and came across some homeschool pages that could be quite beneficial.

Homeschooling with Pintrest - I am a Pintrest junkie and have a ton of school stuff pinned.  I have them divided by subject to make searching for projects or ideas easier.

Homeschooling with Netflix - During our lunch break each day, we typically watch a documentary or other educational show on Netflix so of course this group was a must.  This is an awesome group and while perusing various posts yesterday one homeschool mom asked for reviews on Doctor Who for her 9 year old.  The child has multiple friends who watch it but she felt uneasy about it.  Our munchkin has been watching Doctor Who for several years and loves it.  Withing about 30 minutes there were over 100 posts.  Many of them were people saying "We love Doctor Who!" or "Our family are Whovians."  Quite a few shared sites that had Doctor Who related material.  There were some that did not like Doctor Who at all, thought it was too scary, or something else.  When the group hit 200+ comments the administrator came on and said "Folks - this isn't a Doctor Who fan board.  Please no more comments on this Thread.  Thank you."  Ugh.  That post just generated more comments and questions.  One mom shared a couple of other pages that the Whovians would like...

Traveling Through History with Doctor Who and Homeschooling with Doctor Who.

Picture courtesy of the "Traveling Through History with Dr Who" Facebook page.

Traveling Through History with Doctor Who actually goes along with the Eliademy course one mom developed called  Traveling Through History with Doctor Who.  We signed up for it and although the "semester" has already started and they are into the fourth lesson/week.  The first lesson was about "Fires of Pompeii".  Activities involve map work, research, writing, but the most fun of all (for the munchkin) is building things in Minecraft.  I'm sure I won't get any complaints about that one!!

Time to go print off the activities and make some worksheets.  

A couple of other Facebook pages I checked out were:

Creative Education with Homeschoolers

Homeschooling with YouTube
Secular Homeschooling with Netflix & Other Media