Tuesday's Top 10: Why I Blog

When we first began our homeschooling journey, my mom mentioned that I should blog about it.  At that time I wasn't a big blog reader (except when researching something), and I didn't really have the desire.  But the idea took root and not longer after that, I decided to begin a blog about our homeschooling life. 

Top 10 Reasons Why I Blog

1.  It is a form of scrapbooking.  It is a place to keep all of our pictures and memories.  I can go back and look at old pictures and remember our time together.

2.  I am able to share with family and friends what we do in our daily lives.  It also shows people that we do do something. ;)

3.  It is a way to organize my ideas and a form of record keeping.  It is like a virtual filing cabinet and lesson plan book for future years.  

4.  I can share activities, ideas, thoughts, and thematic unit ideas with other moms, homeschoolers, and teachers.

5.  My wish is that this blog inspires and encourages moms on their homeschool path.

6.  I can reflect on our activities.  As I blog about our learning, I can think about: what we accomplished, how it turned out, what could I add or delete, how I could make it better, and how I could extend it for another grade level in the future.

7.  I want to tell our story and document our journey.

8.  I want to honor God...to show how He is working in our lives.  I hope this is a place where He is glorified and all of the praise is given to Him.

9.  I enjoy doing it.  I don't have tons of followers, and I don't make any money. I just enjoy doing it.

10.  It's my ongoing project.  I am one of those people who always needs a project and a to-do list.  After one party is over I begin planning the next one.  After reorganizing one closet, I begin looking for the next cluttered room or closet.  So this gives me something to do that doesn't cost a dime. :)

Jenny

Tuesday's Top 10: Why We Love Heart of Dakota

As we near the middle of the school year, I like to reevaluate how our year how been proceeding to this point.  Is the curriculum working for us?  Have I seen growth?  Do I need to change anything?  There have been times (especially last year as we were in the beginning stage of our homeschool) when I needed to rework things.  But I am delighted that we are in love with our curriculum for this year.  Old Crow hasn't become bored with it and neither have I.  Each day he is excited to begin.  He is growing spiritually, academically, and developmentally.  We couldn't have asked for a better year...and I am so thankful that I found Heart of Dakota when I did.

So today's Top 10 focuses on why we think Heart of Dakota's Beyond Little Hearts for His Glory is perfect for our family.

1.  Biblical learning is the center of each day. Many Christian-based curricula can be found out there, and the Bible lesson is usually a separate subject....something done first to begin the day and then you move one to the academics.  But Carrie Austin, the creator of Heart of Dakota Curriculum, weaves and integrates the Bible story and scripture into every subject...history, geography, science, storytime, and character education.  Everything!!!!  

2.  Daily lesson plans are created for me.  Once you open the teacher's guide, each unit and each day is planned for you.  I don't have to plan one thing!  It has been such a relief not to have to stress over plans...spending hours at the computer until my husband drags me away.  Within the guide though, there is room for flexibility and tweaking so that it can be perfectly adjusted to each individual child.  I enjoy creating thematic units and activities to go along with my child's interest at a particular time,  but it is now optional and something I don't have to stress over.

3.  It is easy to order.  Carrie Austin has done the research for me and compiled the best of all curricula available (grammar, math, reading selections, etc).  I am preparing for Crazy Horse's Kindergarten year and Old Crow's 2nd grade year, and it is so easy to purchase what I need.  It is all in one spot and with one click the year can be bought.  :)

             4.  This curriculum has been "piloted" and tested.  Carrie and her family (a family of educators and homeschoolers) have tested and used this curriculum with their own families.  They are so helpful with giving honest answers about concerns, scheduling, organizing, etc.

5.  They have great customer service.  On the Heart of Dakota's website, a message board has been created.  I can write in with a question or concern and other's using the program will lend support and advice.  Even Carrie or her sister Julie will chime in with their advice.  Everyone is extremely helpful and passionate about homeschooling and promoting this product.

6.  Heart of Dakota uses the Charlotte Mason approach.  I don't want to bore you with talk of teaching philosophies. :)  If you are interested in this you can read about it here.  But basically as I watched how Old Crow learned and how I enjoyed teaching, I realized we were gravitating towards the Charlotte Mason approach to learning.    Heart of Dakota incorporates many of these methods for teaching and learning.

7.  It incorporates living books and not textbooks.  One aspect of the Charlotte Mason method is the belief that children learn from living books, nature, and environment...not dry text books.  A living book is usually written by one person who has a passion for the subject, and it makes the subject "come alive" for the reader.  Here is a little more information.

             

8.  It offers poetry.  I have been pleasantly surprised at how much Old Crow likes the poetry section each day.  He loves reciting, acting out, creating hand motions, and using art to depict the poem.  He also copies part of the poem each day for his handwriting practice...this is probably the least favorite portion of his day as his hand "gets tired."  We are working on increasing his time and strengthening his hand muscles. 

9.  It takes into account all learning styles.  Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles are reinforced throughout the day.  We manipulate objects for math, listen to read alouds, narrate, use movement to memorize scripture, copy poetry, listen to scripture in song, create art to reinforce history lesson, experiment with science topics.  These are just a few of the ways each child can learn and be successful.

10.  "...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7  

This scripture is found throughout the Heart of Dakota website.  Their motto is "Training children's hearts and minds, one child at a time."  This scripture and their motto fit perfectly with what I pray and wish for my own children.  Carrie Austin has a wonderful gift in her ability to create and develop a curriculum that puts this desire into action for parents.  It is genuine Christ-centered learning.

In His love,

  Jenny

P.S. You can check out the Tuesday's Top 10 link-up over at Many Little Blessings. :)

Tuesday's Top 10: A Few of my Favorite Things

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  There are so many traditions, events, and programs during this month that our calendar gets quickly filled.  But we always try to make time for a few favorite activities.  This list is dedicated to those traditions and activities that keep us focused on the true meaning of Christmas. 

Here is one of our favorite quotes from How The Grinch Stole Christmas...

"Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store,

Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

Tuesday's Top 10:  Favorite Christmas Activities

1.  Cookie Day

One Saturday each December our entire family gets together to bake ALL day.  The women and children are in the kitchen and the men pop in occasionally to "taste test" everything. :)  After all of the goodies are made, we create baskets and tins to give to friends, neighbors, church family, etc.

Cookie Day 2011

2.  Picking our Christmas tree

Each year we love to set aside a day to trim our tree.  We haven't gone the path of artificial trees like most of our family. ;)  So we head outdoors to find the perfect tree. And then begins the fun of looking through all of our ornaments and remembering when and where they were bought...or who created them. 

3.  Setting out the Nativity together

Growing up I can remember setting out the nativity scene with my mother every Christmas.  As I would set each person and animal inside the stable, she would retell the Christmas story.  Then when I sprinkled the hay all around it was complete. :)  I love doing this with my own kids so much!  They listen as I tell the story and now they add the people with careful fingers.  And then Memphis Belle give Baby Jesus "sugar."  (That's a kiss for anyone not from the south).

4.  Riding to look at Christmas lights

We all load up in the car (once we all piled into the RV) and go on a hunt for the most decorated neighborhoods.  We love seeing the beautiful homes and streets covered in bright, merry lights.

5.  Watching Christmas Musicals

Hearing the Christmas story told in song is wonderful...whether by children or adults.  We enjoy these each year and look forward to them.

Crazy Horse in 2011

6.  Giving to others through our advent calendar

This year I am working to focus our attention on giving to others.  Yes, the kids still make a list.  But we want them to know the joy and blessing of giving to others and not just in receiving.  Here are some ways we are doing that:  Giving our time to ring the bell for Salvation Army, leaving kind messages and goody bags for neighbors, giving a thank-you note and candy to the garbage man, etc.  More of these activities will come as we continue with our advent calendar (each day is a way for the kids to give, help, and share with others).

 

Old Crow in 2012

7.  Reading our favorite Christmas stories

Let me paint this picture...cozy fire crackling, soft Christmas songs playing, fuzzy pajamas on sweet-smelling babies, all cuddled together on our clean couch.  That's how I'd like to picture it too, but usually it isn't quite so picturesque.  :)  But no matter how cluttered the floor is, active my boys are, and that the weather is 80 degrees we love to sit together and read our favorite Christmas books.  Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, J is for Jesus, The Christmas Story, The Spirit of Christmas

8.  Our 25 names for Jesus ornaments

We are only on day 4, but I love our time together with this activity.  We sit around our smaller Christmas tree and add our new ornament with another name for Jesus.  Today was Mighty God.  We read Isaiah 9:6 and discussed what it means to be mighty.  Oh, the answers I get from 2 little boys. :)  You can read about our 25 Names for Jesus Activity here.

9.  Packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

One movie the kids love is VeggieTales: Saint Nicholas: The Story of Joyful Giving.  At the beginning of this movie is a clip about Operation Christmas Child.  It tells of this ministry and shows children in other countries receiving the gift-filled boxes.  So when it came time to fill the shoeboxes we would send, they were excited and new exactly what our goal was.  We headed to the store and the boys thoughtfully (with a little redirection) picked items to go in their shoeboxes. 

10.  Buying through the Gospel for Asia catalog

I love when the Christmas gift catalog from Gospel for Asia comes in the mail.  We are all able to look through it and see how both the spiritual and physical needs can be met in unreached people groups in Asia.  They can see what a few chickens, goats, lambs, and cows can mean to someone.  We then decide on what we would like to buy and give.  Take a look at their catalog. :)  

Well those are a few of our favorite things!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas,

Jenny

P.S.  You can check out other Tuesday Top 10s at Many Little Blessings link-up.

Tuesday's Top 10: Let's Talk Turkey

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, turkey is on everyone's mind.  Old Crow even dressed up like one today...with tail feathers, beak, and all.  Here are our top ten turkey activities!

1.  Science...Learning about Turkeys

Old Crow is interested in all things turkey...from their wattle to what they eat.  So we will be researching turkeys by looking on the internet and by reading books.  Here are some graphic organizers to facilitate his research.

2.  Craft...Pinecone Turkeys

These adorable turkeys are not only fun to make, but they will be great table decorations for our Thanksgiving feast.

3.  Nature Study...Leaf Turkey

After taking a nature walk and collecting fall colored leaves, we'll use them to create this turkey art.

4.  Math...Thanksgiving Store

We'll use our money skills to shop for items for our Thanksgiving meal.  Creating a shopping list would also be a great writing activity.  If you don't have food pictures like the ones shown in the picture, magazine cutouts would work too.

These fact family turkeys also make a great turkey-themed math activity.

5.  Art...How to Draw a Turkey

These step-by-step directions can be found here.  We'll follow these directions to learn how to draw a turkey.

6.  Writing...Turkey's Plea to Farmer

  Old Crow loves reading Turkey Trouble and this free download on persuasive writing goes along perfectly.

We'll also complete these precious cards and send them out to family and friends.  They are a free download on Teachers Pay Teachers.

7.  Phonics...Gobble Gobble Sound and Blend Game

This free download from Teachers Pay Teachers is a sound and blend game.  Great way to practice phonics with a turkey theme!

8.  Vocabulary...Thanksgiving Bingo

Bingo is always a fun game, and it is perfect for holidays and themed celebrations.  Here is a free Thanksgiving Bingo download.  

9.  Craftivity:  Handprint Turkey with "I'm Thankful for..."

This idea came from the First Grade Parade.  Too cute!!  They could even be laminated and used as placemats.

10.  Read, Read, Read

Sprinkled in between all of these activities will be tons of great books!  There are so many great ones that it would be impossible to list them all.  Here are just a few turkey books.

        

      

Well, that's all the time I have for turkey talk.  If you would like more ideas, check out my Thanksgiving unit Pinterest board and my Tuesday's Top 10:  Learning about Pilgrims.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!  

Jenny

Tuesday's Top 10: Learning about Pilgrims

Thanksgiving is such a special time.  We remember the history of our country, enjoy the harvest of crops, spend time with family, and share our blessings with others.  Turkeys are a big part of the Thanksgiving celebration, but this year in our homeschooling we will focus more on the Pilgrims and their journey.  I've gathered together 10 activities that will help us both learn and celebrate the Pilgrims' voyage.

Top 10 Activities for Learning about Pilgrims

1.  Read Stories of the Pilgrims.

As part of our Heart of Dakota curriculum, we will be reading about the faith, bravery, and hardships of the pilgrims.

2.  Watch Charlie Brown:  The Mayflower Voyagers.

This film is added as a bonus feature in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  

It is also available on YouTube.

3.  Use Pilgrim and Native American figures to retell the story and for play.

Another mom shared these on our Heart of Dakota facebook page.  These figurines will be perfect to go along with our stories of the pilgrims and their encounters with Native Americans.  

Jamestown Settlers

Powhatan Indians

4.  Make a Mayflower craft.

Here are two handprint ideas I have found.

And here is a Mayflower ship that the boys can easily build.

It will go great with their Jamestown settlers. :)

As a Mayflower craftivity, we will also make a suitcase for the Mayflower with a list of items needed for the journey.  The writing can be expanded to tell a story of someone on the trip.  Many possibilities!!

5.  Compare and contrast our life today with what we learn about the life of Pilgrims.

We will use a Venn Diagram to compare modern times to Pilgrim times.  

Two books that describe the life of pilgrim boys and pilgrim girls are Samuel Eaton's Day and Sarah Morton's Day.  After reading them, we can compare and contrast the lives of pilgrim boys and girls.  Here is a Venn Diagram example:

6.  Thanksgiving Story Bracelet

We plan to read this poem about the Pilgrims journey and the first Thanksgiving.  The colored beads on the bracelet match the poem.  You can download the poem here.

7.  Pilgrims Blessing Mix

Here is a snack mix that represents the Pilgrims' life.  It could make a great gift. :)

Here is the original post.

8.  Make a Pilgrim hat and Native American headband.

You can find the Pilgrim hat directions here. 

And here are the directions for the Native American headband.

9.  Visit a Colonial Village

The American Village in Montevallo, AL is a "nationally pioneering classroom and American history education center."  They offer a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving experience for children...Living America's Story.  This is just one example of such a place near our home.  I'm sure there are many others throughout the states.

10.  Read Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving.  

This entertaining and historical book shows that God is the hero of Thanksgiving...not white men or Indians.  It comes highly recommended!

After reading about Squanto, we will make a craft (with goldfish and corn) to show the way Squanto taught the white men to plant corn.

We will make a Squanto Snack to go along with his planting corn technique.

And we will also create Indian names for everyone.  Hmmm, maybe something like...

"He Who Talks too Much." ;)  This should be fun!

I can't wait to get started!  And I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jenny

    

Tuesday's Top 10: Joining a Bible Study

Today is the first Tuesday since my small-group Bible study ended.  Our 8 week study of the book of James  was a wonderful and mighty experience, and now that it is over, I'm feeling a little bereft.  I miss having my girlfriends over for dinner, sharing sweet girl talk, and listening to Beth Moore as she brought the life and message of James alive.  After a short break, we'll begin a new study and I'm looking forward to that time together again.  

As today began to draw to a close, I couldn't think of a topic for my "top 10."  The more I reflected over our recent Bible study, the more I realized this would offer a perfect Top 10.  Some of you may wonder, "What in the world does this have to do with homeschooling?"  Well...Mama is an important factor in the homeschooling equation.  She needs to be filled with wisdom, grace, and the Holy Spirit.

So I go to the well...where I will be filled.

Top 10 Reasons You Should Join a Bible Study

1.  You grow and mature in God's word. 

2.  You can commit scripture to memory.

3.   You are able to fellowship with other believers and build a community.

4.  You can develop relationships and friendships with other women.

5.  You can eat good food.  

And even if you miss the meal, you'll never leave hungry. :)

6.  You can share your concerns and troubles with others.

In a room of Christian sisters, you'll be wrapped in love and mercy.  This love and encouragement is so precious!

7.  You are able to pray and offer praise together.

8.  It allows an outlet for you to serve and minister to others.

Meeting the needs of those in your group & working together to meet the needs of those in the community. 

9.  It offers a level of accountability.

10.  Because it's Biblical.

Jesus used the small-group strategy in teaching his disciples.  Luke 6:12-13

The early church began in small groups.  Acts 2: 46-47

We are encouraged to meet together.  Hebrews 10:25

I'd like to hear why you love your small-group Bible study!  And if you haven't joined one yet, I urge you to find one and begin an awesome journey with the Lord. 

In His love,

Jenny

Tuesday's Top 10: Netflix for Kids

As a child, I remember renting a VCR player and movies from the local video store.  Many years later, while in college, DVD players were becoming the new thing.  Then came TiVo with the ability to rewind live TV.  Wait a minute...huh???  Is that even possible?

This new technology continued to spread and now we have smart TVs, DVRs, and Blu Rays. And with these we now have more capabilities than ever before...including Netflix.  Netflix offers a wealth of both entertainment and education.  Because of this, it is one of my family's new favorite electronic toys!  With the streaming capability on televisions, computers, and ipads, learning comes alive visually.
And the entertainment value isn't so bad either.  ;)

Top 10 Netflix Picks for Kids

1.  Mighty Machines

This is by far one of the boys' recent favorites.  Trains, planes, and heavy machinery geared towards kids!

2.  All About

Helicopters, Construction, and Boats are just a few of the different episodes.  

3.  Veggie Tales

Humorous stories with a strong focus on Godly character traits and Biblical stories.

  

4.  Modern Marvels (The History Channel)

A behind-the-scenes look at man-made wonders and technology breakthroughs.  Great for all ages! 

  

5.  How Stuff Works

An explanation of the stuff "that makes the world go round."  

6.   National Geographic

Wildlife and exotic, foreign locations are brought right into our living room.  Parental guidance may be needed on certain portions.  

7.  Thomas the Train
Talking trains with a multitude of facial expressions and strong British accents.  The kids love it!!  They often get their wooden trains and reenact the stories.

8.  The Land Before Time
Little Foot and his gang often find themselves in a sticky situation.  But it's nothing that a little teamwork and determination can't fix.  :)

9.  David Attenborough: Wildlife Special
Beautiful footage of God's amazing creatures.  Each episode looks at a different animal in their natural setting. 

10.   Military Channel:  Top Tens
Military weapons and systems throughout history are ranked and rated.  A top pick for Daddy and the kids love to watch as well.


Now that Memphis Belle is older and able to express her opinions, I'm sure Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears will soon be added to our favorites. ;)


'Til next time,
Jenny