Homeschool Memoirs Sick Days

Homeschool Memoirs #29: Sick Days

Aaachoooooo!

Oh, no - someone has a fever.

“There went the lesson plans for today.”

As homeschoolers, we all have “one of those days” every now and then. Sometimes there isn’t even a sickie in the house. Sometimes mom is drained or burned out and feeling run down. Sometimes there are other medical or health issues that are interfering with our best laid-out plans (bedrest for a 9 month old teacher, anyone?!)…

So do we give up and give in? Do we change the plans to make them more flexible?

I’d love to hear about the ideas that some of you have, the stories that you all can tell - about days that were less than perfect because someone “came down with a bug”, but successes anyway. Are you a “carschooler” when there are doctor appointments to attend? Are you a “bedschooler” when life lays you up? Or do you have a “sick day” schedule that you follow - a “rainy day idea can” that you dip in to?

What happens at your house when life throws a schedule curve?

Share your story with all of us moms who need a little encouragement.

The only way I have figured out to solve this is starting this year we are schooling year round.  We always do great and are gung ho till about Christmas time and after that we sometimes have a hard time getting back on track.  This year especially with moving.  The kids have just been doing the basics lately but I want to do more of our unit studies.  So starting in May there will be no more regular work (workbooks like phonics and daily gram spelling etc, except they have to complete their math) and we are going to do our fun unit studies each morning.  I think we will do two weeks on, one week off.  It is so hot here in the summer anyways and they are inside most of the time except for swimming.  So I will let you know how it goes. 

Homeschool Memoirs Life Skills

One of the benefits of homeschool is that you can teach your kids all those wonderful skills that are necessary to living a successful life, but aren’t often taught in a formal “school” setting. Things like laundry, housecleaning, meal planning, tending to livestock, building a fence, and caring for younger siblings. We also have the added benefit that our children become a more vested part of the “family team” when it comes to taking care of things at home.

Tell us about your experience with teaching life skills. Did you have a big family project that provided a wonderful teaching opportunity? What about a home-based business in which your children have helped out? Maybe you have a creative way to get your kids involved in doing laundry. Share what you’ve done or ideas you have. Chores and cooking are just part of life. Our kids will have an advantage being home enough to really get their hands dirty with these seemingly insignificant parts of life that actually are VERY important every day!

It is very important to me to teach life skills to my children.  It is an everyday part of our life.  I have shared before about their job cards and they are working quite well.  Although I will be changing them with moving to our new house.  A goal of mine is for especially my girls is to be able for them to run the household by time they are 12.  My 11 year old can almost do this.  One thing I am going to start incorporating is a kitchen helper for the day.  That day the kitchen helper will get to help make the meals (which they all love to do but I can not handle 4 of them at once wanting to help) and then of course help do the clean up as well.  I will let you know how this goes and how our job cards change.

 

Homeschool Memoirs # 26

 It seems like many homeschoolers begin to see the fire die out around this time of year. Yet it doesn’t always take a whole lot to get the flames burning bright again. It may be one small change in your routine. Maybe it’s trying out an idea you’ve been pondering for awhile. Or you might need to throw on a bit of kindling on to fuel that fire.

THEME:

Let’s see some sparks of imagination as we encourage one another, sharing ways to get your homeschool efforts cooking again. What is something you’ve done, or thought about doing, to “fan the flame” of waning motivation?

This time of year we definitely need to fan the flames.  The weather is so nice this time of year and spring fever hits.   I want to do something fun because it seems like we resort to just getting the basics done.  So even though we are moving this next month (which throws in a whole other set of obstacles) I want to try and do a unit on Dr. Seuss.  It is fun and wacky and good for all ages.  I am pulling material from a couple of sources.  The main one is a unit study I got from  Curclick  (it's the second one listed)  I like this study because it is adapatable for a wide range of ages.    Homeschoolshare.com also has some great resources as well.  I picked Dr. Seuss because March is always filled with ideas for his birthday celebration and there are so many simple ways we can be creative ane wacky which will keep the kids encouraged and motivated. 

What do you do to stay motivated this time of year?

Homeschoool Memoirs # 25 How Many Loads

THEME

This question was posted at a Large Family Homeschooling fourm, and I thought it would be fun as one of the memoirs.

Question: Watching the Duggars, and other mega families [our family of 11 is small in comparison!] I was astounded at how many loads of washing. Do all large families do 7 loads a day and more, as I was thinking it sounds a little OTT?

So share all about your laundry. It’s on very rare occasion that it’s suitable to air dirty laundry. Ha!

We are a family of 7 and I am still looking for the laundry fairy!!!  I will not give up!    I do not do seven loads a day.  I do 2 maybe 3 and I don't do laundry on Sundays or Mondays  we aren't home long enough. So there is always laundry to do around here.  I would like to say it all gets folded and put away but there is in fact a basket right here in my room calling my name.  The kids do help as part of their afternoon chores to fold and put it away but it doesn't always happen.  I don't mind doing laundry and even folding it I just don't like putting it away.  However, I remind myself that I am blessed to have a washer and dryer and even dirty clothes to wash.  I really have to remind myself of that when my daughter are each putting on their second and sometimes third outfit of the day!!!

Homeschool Memoirs # 23

THEME

This week’s theme is going to be on unit studies. Some people are really big on unit studies, others aren’t, and some use them as their primary learning tool. I think they’re great a fun way to encompass everything in what you’re studying. please share your favourite unit study and if you’ve never done one before share one you’d like to do.

I post quite often on the unit studies we are doing so I thought I would post some of my favorite links and rescources here.  I love lapbooks and Evan Moor Pockets of learning.  Last year we did a lot of notebooking.  I am very eclectic when I comes to planning these and pull from all different areas.  Some times too many!    I am teaching in our co-op next week with the preschoolers so I am planning a mini unit study on Groundhog's Day.  I found some of the cutest activities. 

1.  They are going to make a pop up Groundhog puppet http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/groundhogday/popuphog/

2.  Then I got a bunch of ideas from www.perpetualpreschool.com

        Tracing the kids silhouettes/shadows

         Guess the shadow

          Musical shadows

3.  I also love www.dltk-kids.com they have some great craft ideas as well.

I willl post pictures later in the week of our activities.

Homeschool Memoirs # 22 ABC's Describing Me

Can you believe there is only 26 letters in our entire alphabet? Only 26 letters that you can create thousands and thousands of words out of, and all those little words make up all sentences, paragraphs, articles, and books we read?

THEME

This week use the ABC’s to describe your character, your life, your homeschool, and your family. Next to each letter of the alphabet put a word that describes you or has something to do with you. It was very amusing and a bit tricky. Once you actually get to a letter your mind goes blank!

Amazing kids

Blessed

Coffee

Daughters (4 of them)

Frugal

Google (how did we survive before it?)

Hands and House full

Impatient

Joshua (my only son)

Keeper of my home

Love the Lord

Mommy

Never a dull moment

Optimistic

Planner

Quiet

Romantic

Scheduler

Trying new things

Unit Studies

Vacation Bible School (love it)

Working on Weight Watchers

Xtremely hard trying to think of an "X" word

Yoddler (NOT!)

Zany house full of kids

 

Homeschool Memoirs # 21 School Days

THEME:

This week I wanna YOU to post your school photo, whether from the 90’s, 80’s, 70’s, or do we have anyone from the 60’s? lol I know you should have one for every year so find your best one and post it. Make sure post year and grade!

 This is my kindergarten picture from 1977

This is First Grade!  1978

You have to love the 70's clothes!  Hey a lot of them have been coming back in style.

Homeschool Memoirs # 19- 2009

 

Today was just a nice day staying at home.  We were busy though taking down all the Christmas decorations!  It took the better part of the day.  Then Jay made a great steak dinner for all of us.  For dessert I made rootbeer floats and some New Years Resolutions.  I didn't want just a meaningless list that would be forgotten by February so I made it short and sweet in no particular order:

1)  Continue with my weight loss goal.  I have posted before how Jay and I are doing Weight Watchers.  I have lost 20lbs and he has lost 25.  Now that Christmas is over we are ready to get serious again!

2) As a family memorize two Bible verses each month.

3) Get a better handle on balancing housework and schoolwork.

4) We will be moving to a new house and community sometime between March and July and I would like to start doing things now so that it won't be so overwhelming when the time comes.

5) Save up to take the kids to Disneyland in September.

6) Set aside more time to sew and do other crafts with Anastasia.

7) Continue to really focus on Character training with the kids.

8) Find a time of day where I can stick with doing my own personal devotions and prayer time.

I think I will stop there for now  .

What are your New Year's Resolutions better yet what do you do to help keep them?

Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying their rootbeer floats.  Savannah however requested a rootbeer float with out the rootbeer!  Anastasia didn't want her picture taken, it was a bad hair day!

 

 

Homeschool Memoirs # 18: Winter Treats

THEME

This week I want to invite you to share one of your favourite winter treats. A treat you look forward to making when the snow falls and include the recipe for it so others can try it out.

Well the snow doesn't fall around here (Arizona).  We have just been impatiently waiting for it to be cold!!  But when winter comes around I love to bake all sorts of cookies.  A favorite treat however is egg nog and the special holiday coffee creamers.  My kids loved egg nog this year.  I usually dilute it with milk and they can't get enough of it.

Homeschool Memoirs # 17- Chores

Oh how often we either say it or hear it … “Too much to do, not enough time!”? I hear it and say it quite often. How do you manage all the tasks you have to complete in just 24hours? There are a lot of different methods on how to get chores and organizing done. Some have a strict schedule others just kinda wing it.

THEME:

This week I would you to share how chores are done in your home. How you order your day with school and getting housework done. How do you decide which chores should be done by which child, of which age? I’m looking forward to hearing them!

Here is actually an entry I posted a couple of months ago regarding chores.  Now that we have been using it awhile I thought I would let you all know it is working great!!!  The kids don't dread cleaing they know they just need to get through their cards and they are free to do other things.  The house is staying picked up for the most part.  Again it comes back to me and staying consistent with follow through for them to do the cards each day.  We slipped quite a bit over the holidays and it makes things crazy messy.  If I just stick with helping them do them then things tend to stay picked up!!

 

Chores and cleaning up has seem to become a bad word around here matched with bad attitudes so this week we are trying something kind of new and it is helping a lot.  I made one set of morning cards awhile ago and the kids really liked following them so I have expanded it.

Each kid has three sets of chore cards.  We came up with the stop light method.  Green cards are for morning because they "get up and go".  Yellow is for afternoon before lunch "they are slowing down".  Red is for before bed "it is time to stop for the day".

In the morning when they wake up they get their green cards which are hanging on a hook in their room.  They follow the cards before they go down for breakfast.  The best thing about these cards are they are picture cards so the kids don't have to read (good thing since 3 of them can't  yet LOL) I was able to print them from Titus2.com because I own the "Managers of their Chores" book (I don't follow their entire system)  You could also make up your own from pictures from Publisher or such.

So morning ones are get dressed, make bed, brush hair, brush teeth, say prayers, then feed cat or dog

Before lunch is zone clean (their part of the loft/school/play area), trash (each child empties a different trash can) laundry (put away or bring to me) then wash hands for lunch

Before bed is zone clean downstairs, clean room, jammies, brush teeth, say prayers.

The few days we have been doing this has been great.  I have to be right there with them but they love following the cards and things have been staying picked up, which is the biggest battle.  So we are free to concentrate on other things.

Anastasia's cards are different since she is older and as they get in the habit of these I will add special Saturday cards for more cleaning and such.  And I remind myself that the more time I spend now training and teaching them than one day they will be able to do more and more on their own!!

Homeschool Memoirs # 16 Candy

THEME:

This week it’s seriously going to be just fun. This week share your favourite candies. I know from being on the HSBA Post team that Sprittibee and Dawn love gummy-bears, and maybe Bunny too. Have fun with this… and you’re welcome to post a photo of YOU eating your favourite candy. Haha!

Two of my favorite candies are Peanut M&M' s and Almond Joy  YUMMY!!!

God’s Word is also like sweetness to our souls. His sweet love, forgiveness, comfort, peace, and more is what makes our lives seem a little more bearable when things get rough. Whenever you eat your sweet piece of goodness remember that God loves you and will always be there when life seems sour.

Share a scripture for this week as well. One that lifts you up when you’re feeling discouraged.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be

prayerful. Romans 12:12

Homeschool Memoirs # 15

I love Thanksgiving. Not only for the great food we prepare but the fellowship with family we have! This year my Grandma Starr will be having Thanksgiving with us - the first time in over 10yrs, I think - and that is definitely something to be thankful for! Amanda, Rachel, and I had a wonderful time making up the menu list for everything we’ll be preparing tomorrow. I always get up and want to make all the food in a hurry so we can “get on” with the day, but preparing the food with your family is part of the tradition, isn’t it?

THEME

This week, you guessed it, is going to be about having a thankful heart! Yes, of course, we should always be thankful for everything we’re blessed with, but it’s not too often we actually sit and ponder what. This week please join me in writing 27 things you’re thankful (There’s got to be at least 27things!). I picked 27 because this year Thanksgiving is on the 27th of November.

Also, share a Scripture verse for this week!

1.  Jesus as my Savior

2.  My family

3.  My kids boundless energy --even when I am dragging

4.  Being able to homeschool my children

5.  My husband's desire for me to stay home

6.  Our new library

7.  Our backyard that the kids love to play in.

8.  Computers

9.  Close friends

10.  Coffee

11.  A God who always provides

12,  Internet

13,  Rain

14.  My sister

15.  My parents

16,  A comfy bed

17.  My children's laughter

18.  Good night kisses

19.  My brother

20.  My husbands family

21.  My favorite purple blanket

22.  time to blog

23.  Dinner with my family each night

24.  A God who is in control

25.  My suburban

26.  Being able to read my Bible freely

27.  God's grace

This is our Thankful tree all full now!

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"   Joshua 24:15

Homeschool Memoirs # 14

THEME

This week I want to invite you to nominate your family to their correct categories as well has have others nominate them. While my two sisters are listed under Best Teen and Best Design, those definitely are NOT the best traits they have nor the funniest.

This is how you do it…. you post the category that best describes each of your family members and write something about why you nominated them in that category, and you’re welcome to post photos. You can see mine below for an example.

Homeschool Memoirs #13: “Mom” Help!

Homeschool Mothers do a lot in a day…. I’d say they do more than the working mom because they have to care for the kids, the house, the meals, and much more. They are constantly on the go and with the kids! Sometimes you just need a break. You need to sit down and have a break. While I’m not a mom - YET - I know there I are times I need to sit down for a breather.

THEME:

This week I’d like to invite you to share what YOUR “Mom” help is. Some drink coffee, soda, or chia-tea. Others check email or read their favourite blogs. Some talk a walk…. what do you do when you need to clear your head and take a breather?

Scripture Share:

Please share a Scripture that gives you a “mom” help when you’re spirit is feeling overwhelemed.

For me to take a breather I love my coffee or should I say a little coffee with my creamer.  I like to drink it while checking email and working on my blog.  I also like to go to the grocery store by myself and take my time!

The easiest verse I quote is : Philippians 4:13-  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Homeschool Memoirs #12

Homeschoolers are very resourceful people. They use what they have and use them to their best ability. I know in our home many times people ask us how we use this or that for learning, and we are happy to explain it’s value. I think the main thing that a lot of people miss is that life is learning, and you must use everything in your home for learning otherwise you won’t fully be prepared.

THEME

This week I want to invite you to share what different games you use for learning in your homeschool. Outside games, board games, or card games, and what purpose or subject you use them for.

I love playing games and so do my kids.  We play board games, card games computer games, file folder games you name it!  We have a whole game closet

Having lots of little ones we play:

Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders and Hi Ho Cherry-O for colors, counting, taking turns, sharing

They like to play hopscotch- numbers, large motor skills

I have to share two favorites though that we just got this year from Aunt Teri and Uncle Brett (thank you)

The first one is Journey Through Bible Land it is for ages 3-6 and no reading required.  It is similar to Candy Land but Bible based.

The other one is Armor of God board game for ages 5 and up.  You have to go around the Board and be the first to collect the Armor of God pieces (cards). 

Homeschool Memoirs # 11

Homeschool Memoirs #11: Field-trips

Written by Miss Jocelyn on - -

I’m a dreamer. I dream of visiting all the historic places and foreign countries. Not sure if it’s in God’s plan that I will, but still I’d like to. Over the past few years, as homeschoolers, my family has thought of visiting quite a few different places. When we went on vacation last June we had planned on visiting the Roy Rogers’ museum as well as a few places in Texas and New Mexico. Things didn’t workout so we’re able to but it would have interesting to visit I’m sure.

THEME:  This week I’d like to invite you to share your favourite field-trip that you’ve been able to go on since you’ve started homeschool. I’d encourage you to include photos, but you don’t have to.

Ahhh field trips!!  I don't think I could pick just one favorite field trip we have done so many!  They are one of the many reasons we love homeschooling. We can take a field trip anytime and get real hands on learning.  The best part we love is going places "off season" on our own schedule!  We love to travel as a family whether it is to the local zoo or all the way to South Dakota which we were blessed to get to do this past summer.  There are yearly field trips that we always do such as the State Fair, The pumpkin patch, zoo lights, the arboreteum, things like that and then we do special trips. Ok I guess I could pick a couple that stand out.....

Mt. Rushmore was incredible even our littlest kids were impressed. We read books and looked it all up on line before we went.  So it was neat getting to experience it in person. 

 Two years ago Anastasia and I got to go spend a day in the "Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder" and that was a great trip.  Anastaisa wore a prairie dress we packed a picnic lunch and it was a wonderful day.  We learned how to make candles and butter, learned how to dance the Viginia Reel, make rope and tie knots.  (I will have to find some pics)

I would have to say another favorite of this past year would be the Hall of Flame Museum here in Phoenix.  It has the largest display of fire trucks.  We were able to tour the museum, learn about fire saftey and then the kids got to shoot the fire hose and participate in a bucket brigade.

Ok I could go on but I will end with stating that our ultimate goal is to spend a year "field tripping" (my new word)  We want to get a motor home and just go travel the USA.  We want our youngest to be old enough to remember most of it and Jay will need a job where he can telecommute.  Wouldn't that be awesome!!!

Homeschool Memoirs # 10

The time will be changing again. I think on Sunday but not sure. Anyhow this is our 10th Homeschool Memoirs so this week it’s going to be about 10 timely facts about you! Write 10 interesting, crazy, weird, fun facts about you! Include facts about you as a woman, a wife, a mommy, a homeschooler, a homekeeper, a taxi-driver, a cook, etc .

1.  I am left handed

2.  4 of my 5 kids were born via c-section

3.  I went to France in 5th grade as an exchange student.

4.  I love blogging.

5.  I lived in a dome house once.

6.  All my kids names end in A

7.  I want to design and sell my own unit studies someday.

8.  My husband and I knew we were going to get married after less than a month of dating.

9.  My husband and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in February.

10.  I love burning scented candles.

11. I love being able to stay home with my kids.

12.  I love homeschooling.

13.  I organize a homeschool group of over 30 families.

14.  I like a clean house.

15.  I accepted Christ as a teenager.

16.  I love to keep lists and plan things (follow thru is another story)

17.  I don't enjoy grocery shopping.

18.  I do like to cook.

19.  I love playing games of all types.

20.  I love traveling together as a family.

21.  My favorite Psalm is Psalm 139.

Ok I was on a role and went over! 

Homeschool Memoirs # 9

I came across The Homeschool Post  from some other blogs and these this assignment looked like a lot of fun so I thought I would give it a try.  I have seen the video (Adams family homeschool) several times before.  It is too cute!  Click here to see the video.

Each family has something special about them… we’re all unique in that way! LOL! I know my family is like no one you’ll ever meet and I’m sure you all can say the same thing! Sometimes God has a sense of humour when creating families, but he has a plan in everything. Isn’t comforting to know we were designed with purpose?

THEME

This week’s theme is about your family. Don’t worry. I’m not going to make you write a long essay about all the great things your family does. Just something little diddy that I know everyone will have fun with!

Watch the youtube video and then take this song and add your own words, about your family. The end of the first three lines should rhyme. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

So here goes:

To some our family seems large

The kids occasionally think they're in charge

We drive a big black barge

A homeschool Family

 

We're learning about creation

And America as a nation

Jesus is our salvation

A homeschool Family

 

We read books cuddling in bed

Learn math facts standing on our heads

Mom hollers that the dog must be fed

A homeschool Family

 

(Treats)

(Sweets)

(Major Feats)

 

We are always on the go

With lots of kids in tow

We love learning don't you know

A homeschool Family

 

Mom is the teacher

Dad wants to be a preacher

Anastasia loves all creatures

A homeschool Family

 

Joshua is the boy

Savannah plays with toys

They all bring us Joy

A homeschool Family

 

Alexa will try and test

Baby Tasha Grace likes to rest

We all try our best

The Pearce Family