Posted by Cindy on January 21, 2008
Well, I never realized just how old 36 is. Or should I say, I never realized just how old my children think 36 is. After my son’s comment, I’m feeling like they think Fred Flinstone and I could’ve easily hung out together.
The kids found a typewriter in the basement and carted it upstairs with great excitement. Mind you, it is a typewriter from the late 80′s or early 90′s, but not that old! They studied and fiddled and tried every way possible to load the paper. After they had finally loaded the paper from the front end and had it laying sideways and it was crooked, I finally, I said, “Would you like Mom to show you how to load it?”
Mahayla said, “No, I think I’ve figured it out.”
Caleb piped in with, “Come on, Mahayla, let her do it. She grew up with this kind of computer!”
Yes, I guess I am that old!
Posted by Cindy on January 20, 2008
A friend from Singapore asked this question recently:
I have a 6y+ son who just started public school in Singapore. He can read pretty well but he can’t spell. He has simple spelling list from school which he has problems learning. Do you have any advice?
Many children need hands-on or movement-based lessons when they seem to be struggling with the typical methods. Here are a few suggestions.
- Write the words in shaving cream.
- Lay white paper over sandpaper and have your child write the words using a crayon. It will create a tactile sensation that makes connections with hands-on kids.
- Mom writes the words in large print on a piece of paper. Lay a plastic canvas screen (from the craft section) over top and let the child trace the words with their finger.
- Write the words on the sidewalk using a spray bottle.
- Write the words in a very shallow sand or rice box.
- Play a ball toss game where you and your son say the next letter of the word as the ball is tossed to you.
- Use magnetic letters to spell the words.
- Play a magnetic letter relay where he has to run to get the first letter of the word and bring it back before running to get the second letter and so on. He may look at the word each time before he runs. This will help him with the memory of what comes next as he’s running.
- Lay random paper letters on the floor and have him jump from one letter to another to spell out the word.
- Some children enjoy spelling to a particular rhythm or tune or even clapping out the letters.
- I would also really stress sounding out each letter at a time as he tries to write the words, helping him hear every sound if he struggles with this.
- Of course, never give up talking about phonics rules as they present themselves.
Posted by Cindy on January 17, 2008
Yep, the season for burnout is upon us. Better days are ahead for those who hang in there. I’m hoping this is one blog you can disregard because everything is joyful and sweet in your homeschool. If not, I hope some of these ideas will perk up your blahs.
Symptoms of Burnout
fatigue
impatience
lack of motivation
overeating
feel like a failure
crying for no apparent reason
hard to muster enthusiasm about school
many chores/jobs being left undone
feel pressure that children are being left behind
Overcoming Burnout
Pray!
Be in the Word daily
Get plenty of rest – mom & children
Get plenty of exercise – mom & children
Eat well & drink plenty – mom & children
Don’t allow too much free time
Don’t become a curriculum slave
Take time to be alone
Designate a place for school “stuff” so you have a visual and mental break from school
Don’t compare yourself or your school with others
Allow input from your children
Set realistic goals
Take “fun day” breaks
Communicate expectations with children
Take frequent breaks during the day
Vary the teaching and learning techniques
Don’t be a perfectionist
Be flexible
Ask hubby for support
Talk to a veteran homeschooler
Don’t overschedule
Organize yourself
Be part of a support group!
Well, I’m off for the weekend. We’re headed to Bowling Green for a trip to Mammoth Cave Friday and then the CHEK Leadership Convention Saturday. I’m doing a workshop at the convention and certainly would appreciate your prayers! Anyway, I wanted to leave you with some encouragement since I won’t be posting for a few days. Have a great end to your week!
Posted by Cindy on January 12, 2008
Have you ever heard of Warm Fuzzies for Cancer Patients? I hadn’t either, but our 4-H extension agent did some research and found this wonderful program for us to take part. Groups (or individuals) make fleece lap blankets and donate them to cancer centers. So, that’s what our 4-H group did this week. Our blankets were headed to Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, KY. That’s our pile of rolled blankets and all the loving and capable hands that made them.
Making the blankets is a cinch. You take one yard of fleece and cut 4″ squares out of the corners. Then, cut slits up 4″ about an inch apart on all sides. Loosely tie two “slits” together in knots until you go all the way around the perimeter. There you have it – beautiful lap robes that kids can easily do on their own.
Here’s a site I found that gives directions for making your own fleece blankets. Have fun!
Posted by Cindy on
We went to the Creation Museum again this week, and it did not disappoint! What an awesome ministry! What an awesome day!
Later the same evening, we were able to attend a Stargazer’s Night with Dr. Lisle. We were supposed to have gone outside to observe the sky through telescopes, but the clouds didn’t cooperate. Instead, we viewed the night sky in from the planetarium and learned so much!! Let’s just say Dr. Lisle left no question unanswered. What a brilliant man! Considering we had recently finished our astronomy unit, this class was perfect!
If you ever have the chance to be near Northern Kentucky, you won’t regret taking a day to visit the museum!
