Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Posted by Cindy on January 31, 2008
Our Middle Ages unit is going to be so much fun! This is one of my favorite time periods to study, and I have to admit that it’s going to be hard to tame the fun down to a manageable unit.
Here are the books I’m using as I plan our activities.
Two helpful websites:
Posted by Cindy on January 28, 2008
Okay, so my Charlotte Mason friends may raise their eyebrows to this post. I can get overwhelmed with all the “stuff” that’s out there to teach. Good stuff like artists, composers, Latin…. Things that just seem to slip by the wayside sometimes when the phonics and math lessons drag on far too long.
Even though it may be considered cheating, there are times when I leave art/artist study to chance. I know, I know. You’re gasping right now. But, I feel that this method at least gives the kids a fighting chance to soak in some artist knowledge when mom takes off for the day to finish the laundry, start supper and chase the wild toddler.
Mind you, there are times when all is right in the homeschool week and we joyfully sit down to gaze at beautiful artwork, learn about an artist and try our hand at some fabulous technique. But, ahem, those weeks are coming fewer and farther between as the school year plugs on and the baby becomes more mobile! So, just how do I try to teach art without really teaching art?
http://ourjourneywestward.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=191&action=edit
I use the same learning center plan that I’ve used so many times in the past:
They typically enjoy the free art time. I do have to admit, though, they almost always do better artwork after a lesson with me. But, masterpieces aren’t my main goal (although it would be nice.) I’m simply aiming for art appreciation and enjoyment right now.
is a WONDERFUL book for ideas and artist information!
is a nice addition because it comes with poster sized prints of ten pieces of art that are studied in the book.
Posted by Cindy on January 25, 2008
Our toys are in jail. They have visitation rights, but very limited. You see, since I couldn’t lock the messy children up, the toys had to be the ones to suffer.
They’ve been in jail for almost a month now and the time apart from the children seems to be doing everyone well.
We took every toy in the house and put them all in their appropriate boxes, bags or containers (like they should’ve been to begin with.) Then, I carted an old bookshelf up to our bonus room space and started stacking toys. It didn’t matter whether they were attractively placed or easily accessible because the kids weren’t going to have “unsupervised visitiation rights”.
If they want a particular toy, they have to go through the guard (me) to get it. I go to the bonus room area and pull out the whole container. In other words, if Caleb wants one particular spy toy, he has to take the entire spy gear box. As long as the spy gear (or other type of toy container) stays neat, he may keep the container as long as he likes. No other container of toys may be played with until the first container has been returned in its entirety.
I really thought this idea might not work, but it has! It has!! The house AND bedrooms are staying tidy. The kids are enjoying their toys more. And I’m smiling more! 
Sorry that I have no pictures to share. Our camera finally died. Just took it’s last breath one afternoon without warning. Maybe we’ll have a new camera soon. That was to be my Christmas gift, but the dryer took it’s last breath before the camera. We’ve buried two important things this month.
Posted by Cindy on January 24, 2008
Mammoth Cave is the most amazing site! As the longest cave system in the world, there are many tours offered to cover miles and miles of underground beauty. We chose the easiest tour because of Eli, but it also happens to be one of the most beautiful tours as well. The Frozen Niagra tour is one of the only “wet” tours, which means you get to see God’s work in action. Stalactites and stalagmites are being formed as you watch. Plus, you get to see the most amazing works of God’s hand, including a huge formation appropriately called the Frozen Niagra that looks as if Niagra Falls has been frozen in rock.
Even as we listened to our tour guide talk about millions of years, we were able to clearly see God’s handiwork through the flood. We were able to quietly explain to our children how the truth of the Bible could be proven in spite of some of the things the tour guide was saying. I actually got brave and asked what sorts of fossils they’ve found in the cave. He said, “Oh, we’ve found many, everything from mollusks to shark’s teeth.” Sharks teeth!?? How can they explain sharks teeth (a salt water animal) being found inside a cave in the middle of Kentucky? Well, we just winked at our children because we all knew the answer.
Can you see the running water over the cave entrance, as well as the frozen water? It was just above freezing outside, but the temperature inside the cave remains a constant 54 degrees all year long.
After a Friday full of caving and swimming at our hotel, Saturday was conference day. CHEK puts on a Leadership Conference every year to encourage and inform the support group leaders in KY. It was a wonderful day! (Especially because Steve took all the kiddos away for bowling and shopping for the entire six hours of the conference!!) Many good speakers, a round table discussion and getting to know new homeschooling friends from around the state = a great time! And I had the opportunity to present a workshop on managing your homeschool group without neglecting your family.
Posted by Cindy on January 22, 2008
Are you thinking about adding some fun Valentine activities to your homeschool during the next few weeks? Here are some great sites that offer exciting and original ideas. Have fun!
Easy Fun School Unit – lots of ideas including science, cooking, a book list. As always with Easy Fun School, this is a well put together unit!
The Virtual Vine – an early elementary site meant for the classroom, but still offers lots of cute ideas.
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