What Kids Need

My desire to grow and to develop a more godly character has been greatly expanded through this FREE series entitled "What Kids Need."  It is just one more very helpful bit of information provided by Discipleland.  There are 48 short segments to be pondered at whatever pace seems helpful to you.  I encourage you to take a look!  Then, please be sure to share what comments or insights, if any, you found helpful.  May God continue to bless you and grant you grace, growth, and joy.

Magnetic Lunch Chart (from Martha Stewart)

Here is a wonderful little idea I found through my Facebook fandom of Living Locurto.  She always has a large selection of adorable printables and all FREE!  If you would like to become a fan just visit her profile page:  Living Locurto

Including the kids in the household chores and meal planning is something I have been trying to get a handle on! So, I was really excited when I found this magnetic lunch chart!  The great thing about it is that you can customize to your culinary tastes and then print (on magnetic paper), cut out (each individual food option) and stick (to your fridge)!  Then you let one child per week select the food options and place them on the chart.

Tia got to make our first week's meal plan just this morning (so we will start from Thursday instead of Monday)! I think she did a bang up job! We got to talk about how to put different food options together in a way that makes sense and she got excited about being the one to make the final decision from the options I provided! I highly recommend this activity to anyone who has kids in the home! It was such fun!

The magnetic pages were $6.99 at Hobby Lobby (in the magnet section).  This project requires at least two pages, but the package comes with three, all of which I used.  The first page is a colorful, and very adorable chart and the second page provides 24 rectangle shapes for you to list your food choices.  We have a lot of food "likes" so we were able to come up with twelve different food options for each category (which is why I used three pages instead of two). 

If you're interested in printing this project for your kiddos, just click here! You will find links to both pages and, again, these templates are FREE!  Have fun (and don't forget to include dessert)!

"Healthy" Dessert Options:

Fruit Juice Popsicles
Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
No-Bake Cookies
Chocolate Milk
Fruit Leather
Vanilla Pudding
Fruit (Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honey Dew)
Cinnamon Graham Crackers
Fruit Smoothie
Yogurt

Summer Fun!

Since the last time I wrote my struggle has not been so much about what to write but about narrowing it down. I have been dealing with a literal flood of thoughts, resources, ideas and plans!  Yet, for your sakes here is the short version!

In am amazing sort of Wrinkle in Time sort of way I find that we are already coming upon the "technical" end of a school year! Still, learning does not stop so we will be "informally" continuing into the summer with some very interesting activities!

Circus Fun  (See "Three Ring-Circus")

We will kick off with a trip to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, this Friday, May 27th!  While we are there the children will each have simple lists of things they are to look for as a sort of visual treasure hunt. Then they will each work together to draw a picture and make up a story based on their visit to the circus.

Summer Reading

Beginning June 1st the children will be embarking on our own homemade summer reading program. All three of the children will tackle the task of reading three books per day (with Mommy) while my second grader will have to read one additional book per day on her own. If they meet their goal Mommy will surprise them with a special pizza party at Chuck E. Cheese's!

Family Discipleship  (See "FREE Discipleship Materials")

Also, every Friday morning during the month of June we will be studying the discipleship series I downloaded for FREE etitled "How to Worship God." (Since Daddy has Fridays off during the summer months we will most likely be able to do this as a family!)   If the series goes well we may go ahead and pursue opportunities to present this course to other kids in a once a week summer program. Please be praying about that possibility.

In the near future I hope to complete several posts detailing some of the things I have been working on.  The first involves our curriculum choices/educational goals for next year, the second has to do with what I am personally learning in my walk with the Lord in terms of being at home with children, and the last focuses in on how to help a busy child concentrate on her seatwork.  (I may not actually produce these posts in this order.)  Praying that these things will be both edifying and useful to those of us who have children in our lives!

The Kids at a Spring production of Seussical the Musical!

Tough Times Don't Last - Tough Women Do (Book Recommendation)

Dear Friends and Followers,

I am so very honored to represent my sweet friend, Amy Baggett in today’s post.  She is a contributor to a brand new book entitled Tough Times Don’t Last – Tough Women Do.

I know from watching Amy’s life that she is a person of joy, but I know from what she says that she has gleaned that joy from having to endure many difficulties and hardships.  She is a person of self-discipline and grace; a person of laughter and sober-mindedness; a person of strength and gentleness; and a person of simplicity and great depth.  In other words, she is mature in her faith and seeks to always persevere in both humility and confidence.

I think it would be a shame NOT to take a seat and listen to what this woman of wisdom has to say.  I highly recommend ordering a copy of this for yourself and even for the Moms in your life (Mother’s Day IS approaching)!  I'm sure this book will be a wonderful blessing to any woman in need of a little encouragement and loving advice!

For ordering information please go to:  http://www.teafortheheart.com/books/tough-times/

FREE Discipleship Materials

For those of us who really enjoy FREE things, I have some exciting news about really great resource from a publisher that I truly respect.  DiscipleLand is giving away their DiscipleTown Four-Lesson Series on How to Worship God, designed especially for elementary aged discipleship and church ministry.  Again, this is a completely FREE resource and available for download immediately!

To learn more about this FREE offer click here.

Butterfly Release

Our family enjoyed a beautiful moment outdoors today when we witnessed the Annual Butterfly Release hosted by Home Hospice of West Texas.  We watched in wonder as hundreds of Painted Lady Butterflies flittered silently on petal light wings.  In a sort of otherworldly moment they changed the landscape, creating a glimmering effect around us as the light was alternately reflected and then obscured by their gentle flapping motion.  You would think there would be a sound or a draft of some kind.  Instead there is this incredible quiet, a stillness, a slowing of time, and a teary eyed feeling of joy that something so fragile can rise to such heights.  It provokes those thoughts of alternately wishing them happiness in their newfound homeward breeze, and wishing that they would return to light upon your nose.

The parabolic nature of letting go of a butterfly becomes so clear when it is done in the context of saying good-bye to a loved one.  Imagine such a reality; that an earthbound creature can meet with such an indescribably amazing transformation!  One quiet, powerful change and no longer do they crawl.  Now they lift from the soil to dance in the sky!  What wonder!  What joy!  What grace!

I'm praying with all of my heart that the sweetness of their transformation will permeate my mindset as I watch my little caterpillars.  May they feed well upon those truthful leafy greens, rest in the chrysalis of Jesus' death and raise to new life with the winged, upward gaze of one who is truly free!

Let us Pause for Prayer

The news is reporting that at least 250 people in six states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia) have been killed in an enormous spattering of severe winds and deadly tornadoes.  In some cases entire neighborhoods were obliterated.  Let's remember to pray for the rescue of those still trapped, the safety of rescue workers, the coordination of life-sustaining resources, the care and healing of those injured, and the comfort of those grieving those loss of loved ones.  Let us especially pray that believers rise up to minister the Gospel and that peace would come to those living in a world full of turmoil and pain.

Crossroads of Character: Learning to Make Wise Choices (Book Review)

The children and I have been focusing upon character issues during the last few weeks.  We have talked about how the word "character" refers to a person's qualities, or traits, and that our character can either be good or bad.  Since they all agreed that they would like their characters to be good, we have been asking God each night to help us understand what qualities He wants us to have in our lives. 

What I love about Crossroads of Character is that it has provided a wonderful framework for our discussions.  Each night we read about one quality and then think through how that applies to our lives (even Mommy) and then we ask God to help us practice what we are learning.

I have to say that I wasn't sure how the children would react to this book.  At first I thought it might seem like just another set of stories to them.  Now I would have to say that the children have been extremely engaged.  Each little lesson presents a real live child, a difficult challenge they faced and how the decided to do the right thing.  These are tangible examples of things that happen in every little life just about every day.  Early on, there may have been times when I thought the accounts given by the kids were just a little bit idealized, but as my children have been applying what they are learning they are starting to sound somewhat unfamiliar (in a good way).  It is wonderful watching them trying to emulate these sweet examples.  While this book is largely written for preschoolers, my six and seven year old have been greatly impacted by these accounts in a way that really overwhelms my heart!  It really is moving to see my children learning more about what it is to walk in the truth.

Really, I think this issue means SO much to every parent. Just about all of us want our children to be wonderful, cooperative, fruitful, and spiritually sensitive individuals! As I did not come from a heritage that instilled these qualities in me as a youngling I have to say that I am very hopeful and encouraged for our kids and grandkids, that they will embrace these truths, not merely externally, but internally as well and that they will continue to teach their little ones in the years ahead. Books like these are little stepping stones, handy hooks for hanging memories, that will one day, I hope and pray, result in the genuine fruit of faith and a life of utter dependence upon our Lord and Savior.

Learn more about Kate Boyer Brown and Marily Boyer, their preschool curriculum and child-rearing resources at www.thelearningparent.com.

SPOILER ALERT (haha)

For those who might consider purchasing this book, the qualities it describes are: Obedience, Patience, Honesty, Gratefulness, Respectfulness, Responsibility, Initiative, Diligence, Kindness, Self-Control, Contentment, and Deference (Sharing),

I think I may have found the best online price ($11.99) at http://www.christianbook.com/crossroads-character-learning-make-wise-choices/kate-brown/9780977768523/pd/768523#curr.  I highly recommend nabbing this little treasure.  I pray it blesses you as it has our family!  :)

Kids Praise & Worship

Sometimes, in the midst of trying so hard to get done with our Math or Language Arts assignments (and so on) I have been guilty of neglecting praise and worship.  I'm so thankful for the Lord's gracious reminder to set Him first in our sights each day and to worship Him for who He is.

One of the best worship leaders for kids (that I am currently aware of) is Jana Alayra.  Her lyrics are biblical, her melodies are beautiful, and her true love for Christ always shines through.  In honor of our wonderful Savior, I thought I would post this beautiful song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT5M8rlArsw

Learn more about Jana Alayra at http://www.janaalayra.com/

Three Ring-Circus

This past Tuesday I surprised the kids by introducing them to a clown.  He was scheduled to be at the library to promote the tour of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to Odessa in May so I thought we ought to be there.  He even gave a FREE performance, including magic, juggling, music and silly stuff that made us all laugh out loud with amusement.  Even Tia got to go on stage and perform a bit of magic hersel!  That was sooo cute (how I wish I had my camera!).

One of our favorite comedic moments was when he started playing When You Wish Upon a Star on his ukelele.  He became so serene and happy as the tune played on that he had to stop and say, in a choked up voice, "It's so beautiful."  All of the kids just roared with laughter.  How silly he was!  Sophia turned to look at me, Daniel put both of his hands on his head, and Tia just giggled and wiggled.  There were many more very funny moments, but considering the show lasted for an hour I certainly can not share them all!

The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus has been around for quite a while now.  Originally they were two separate circuses (Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey) but become one in 1919, making their debut in Madison Square Garden, New York.  Similar to the depictions we have seen in Disney's Dumbo, the circus really did travel the rails and perform under a big top for many years.  It was not until 1957 that they became an indoor production.

I have countless childhood memories of the circus!  Even now so many of the acts are still vivid in my mind, particularly of the tigers, the trapeze artists and the elephants.  Even as a young adult all I wanted to do for my birthday was go to the circus.  I thought it was phenomenal!

So, you can imagine how intrigued I was to learn that in addition to hosting this litlte show, the Ector County Library is sponsoring a reading program in cooperation with the circus!  All the kids have to do is read five books and they will each get a FREE ticket to the show! 

Needless to say, we're going to give this one a go!  It makes me very excited to imagine taking the children to my favorite circus!  I just can't conceive of anything more fun and delightful!

For showtimes and ticket information, go to:  www.ringling.com.

The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Ector County Colliseum in Odessa Texas!  Show dates and times are:

Thu	May 26	7:30PM
Fri	May 27	7:30PM
Sat	May 28	3:30PM, 7:30PM
Sun	May 29	2:30PM

The Goodness of God's Grace

There are a multiplicity of things for which we as frail human beings need grace, but I think it better to acknowledge our need of grace not for many things, but for all things.

When I think of Paul and his struggle with "a thorn in the flesh" I acknowledge that it must have been a troubling thorn indeed. It was, after all, given to him as a means of keeping him humble in the face of his extraordinary privileges in Christ, even that of being caught up into Paradise and receiving inexpressible revelation from God. Off the top I can only think of three other men who encountered visions of heaven (Isaiah, Ezekiel and John), limiting this privilege to a select few to be sure, however Paul was even more unique in that he received his training through one-on-one encounters with the risen Lord over a period of several years. I think he may be the only one ever to live to have had such a rich measure of discipleship; such a deep and thorough acquaintance with Christ Himself. You would think such a man could encounter anything and remain unphased, and yet, that "thorn."

I do not count myself too ashamed to acknowledge that I too experience weakness and need; I too suffer with pains I would rather have removed. It matters not that my struggles can not compare with those of Paul (for Christians are not called to compare themselves by themselves) rather, our struggles whatever they be cause us to see our need of grace.

The lesson of the "thorn" is not that we ought to carry on in pride when it comes to matters that we are capable of handling, and then cling to grace in those few matters of difficulty. No! Rather, the lesson is that each of us live at all times in a state of weakness and dependence upon the Lord, and it is in that state that we ought to rejoice, for as Paul says, "When I am weak, then I am strong." Paul's struggles never eased up and his "thorn" never went away, serving constantly to remind him of his need of Christ. How simple it is to see why he took pleasure in his infirmities...for one who lives in an infirmed state knows by experience that those things which hamper us can do nothing to hamper Christ; those things we regard as useless are held subject to One who would make them useful.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Science Helps

Free suggestions for those soliciting them are always available, overwhelming as it may be to actually sort them out.  That is why that when I find a bit of usable info on this vast universe called the Web I try to make note of why it is helpful so that I can make it easier on myself later when I want to put it to use.  Here are some really great sites for free First Grade Science Experiments, although there are helps for viritually every grade to be found.  Take a look!  Let me know if you have others to recommend!
1. Education.com (http://www.education.com/activity/first-grade/science/)

They have experiments with shadows, ice, eggs, etc...Lots of household items that you already have on hand! They compliment the use of the senses concept that first graders are learning about. Lots of fun!

2. ScienceBuddies.org (http://www.sciencebuddies.org)

Their experiments seem a little more challenging, fit for science fairs, for example. Experiments are detailed and show the relative time and cost for each.

3. ScienceProjectLab.com (http://www.scienceprojectlab.com/volcano-science-project.html)

This is a link to the classic and much desired volcano experiment! We gotta try this!

4. EducationalToyFactory.com (http://educationaltoyfactory.com)

This one talks about character development (such as patience). I like how the experiments highlight the importance of making observations. They also utilize an observation journal teaching the kids to take notes. They also encourage the use of scientific terms or "larger" words to acquaint the kids with the proper terms for things instead of "dumbing down" the information.

5. SEDL.org (http://www.sedl.org/scimath/pasopartners/senses/welcome.html)

Among lots of other things, this site provides quite a few resources (and a complete lesson plan) on the five senses! This seems like a really cool supplemental bit of info. They also have a lot of interactive things for kids too.

One thing I want to keep in mind for our LIFEPAC units on the five senses is to get outside and make observation. This week in particular I would like my first grader to observe what she can using only her eyes...and then again to make other senses with each sense as we go. I also want her to create a poster board collage that uses magazine pics of people using their senses.

6. BeaconLearningCenter.com (http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/ChristmasBear/default.htm)

This is an interactive online story about the five senses. :)

Reflection

I thought it would be wise to take some time to reflect.  While there is nothing really groundbreaking about my observations I do find them personally applicable after encountering many difficulties, experiencing a waning resolve, and enduring lots of my own failings and flubs.  Yet, I still want to be my kids' teacher. Homeschooling is still a passion in my heart.

Here are some of the things I have learned:

1. Don't be too hard on myself.
2. Keep it simple.
3. Be diligent.
4. Be prepared to take advantage of learning moments.
5. Appoint specific personal time to rest, pray, do housework and think about other matters.
6. Invite others into our homeschooling scene.
7. Be humble about who teaches who what...be willing to learn as well.
8. Make homeschooling a lifestyle.
9. Be thankful for small victories.
10. Reward and congratulate the children for jobs well done!

I am not quite sure what the future holds for the children. However, I do look forward to the opportunities that I have to educate and nurture them. They are precious to me!

Sample Kindergarten Schedule!

One of the joys of homeschooling is that you can set a schedule designed just for you that reflects your priorities!  Still, as everyone with little kids knows, a schedule can be defeating if you think that it's the thing your world will spin according to.  So, while you may benefit from having a structure to your day, just remember to be realistic.  Expect that there will be times you will need to wing it, and make it a habit to tweak your schedule when it will help you to better accomplish your goals.

As a friend once shared with me:  "Schedules aren't sovereign: God is."

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday

Morning:

Calendar Time
Reading & Writing Notebook
Math Activity
Bible Time: Old Testament

Evening:

Catechism Questions
Bible Memory

Friday
Special Projects & Activities
Field Trips/Errands
Home Care Assignments

Free-Time Activities: Imagination Station (self-made crafts and little inventions); Math Games & Manipulatives Table; Reading Corner; Coloring Exercises (painting, crayons, colored pencils, sidewalk chalk); Magnet Board; Flannel Board; Dress Up and Role-Play Station; Toddler Trunk; Listening Activities (audio books, playtime music).

Calm, Cool and Collected

These days the pressure has really increased...not really with homeschool issues, just with life issues...and it seems hard to believe but by the grace of God I am doing just fine. In fact, the more distressed I am tempted to feel the more I am seeking to lean on the Lord and to trust Him with strength, with hope and with joy.

My biggest concern is that once homeschool starts the pressure will increase to such a point as to make it a difficult experience and thereby discourage us! It has caused me to realize, yet again, that the matter of sending one's kids away to school is sometimes because the other issues of life are permitted to crowd out one's mind, heart, time and energy. Of course, public school may be the only option for some...I'm not being insensitive to that...it was, after all, the only option my mother had at the time. Yet, I do have the choice and along with that the obligation to make the best decision(s) that I can!

I'm asking the Lord to enable me not only to walk through the various trials and difficulties of life in dependence upon Him but also to enable me to discern where my own decision making or even my own personal pursuits contribute to the complexity of the day. There is nothing wrong with weeding out the unnecessary and in fact, it is a desirable thing to do for one who wants to make the most of the opportunity!

From a worldly perspective it may seem silly to put aside my own desires and preoccupations, like continuing my education or involving myself in more church activity, in order to stay home and make purple hippopotamuses out of egg cartons, but I'm not living according to the expectations of this world! I am living for my Savior and committed to His will for me! He is leading me to be at home with these kiddos and He will supply the strength and the encouragement that I need!

Toddler Trunk Idea

Here's a nifty idea for keeping the little ones busy during school time! It's called a Toddler Trunk! Inside are safe and fun things for kiddos to do to better their coordination and concentration skills!

• Old pictures glued onto index cards and hooked together with a ring ( or a piece of ribbon) make a quick photo book.
• Plastic tongs can be used to pick up little objects (erasers, little bouncy balls, little rocks, rotini noodles, etc.) for a great fine motor skills activity!
• A magnifying glass and different items to observe (old piece of carpet, sea shells, different textured fabric scraps, etc.) can be a great learning activity for your toddler!
• Give your child a paint brush, small cup of water, and a sheet of construction paper for some water painting!
• Fill a deep baking pan or bucket with rice or beans. You can hide foam letters and numbers in the pan and have them search for the hidden treasures. I often sit my children inside an old plastic swimming pool along with the container of rice/beans and let them dig away!
• Colored craft sticks can be placed in matching colored cups.
• Have your child clip clothespins to a piece of decorated cardboard.
• Old paper towel tubes and boxes make great tunnels and garages for that little car lover in your home!

JoEllen Hurst (CurrClick.com Weekly Newsletter, dtd. 07/27/09)

Homemade Ice Cream

Someone from church mentioned this on Sunday evening...that homemade ice cream was the best! One word: brilliant!

You will need:
- 2 bags of party ice
- 1 gallon whole milk (or chocolate milk for chocolate ice cream)
- Ice chest
- 1 box of kosher salt
- Paper cups (a least one for each student, and 1 for each teacher in the building who wants to try it)
- 1 lb. Sugar
- 1 gal. Ziplock bags (2 for each pair of students)
- vanilla extract
- Plastic spoons
- 1 quart ziplock bags (1 for each pair of students)
- paper towels
- Measuring cups, teaspoons and tablespoons

Directions:
- Combine 2 tablespoons sugar with a few drops of extract and 1 cup (8 oz) of milk in a small ziplock bag (quart size) and zip it up. This is the small bag!!!
- Add 2 cups of ice and 1/2 cup of rock salt in a gallon ziplock bag. Place this bag into another ziplock bag to reduce leakage. This is the large bag!!!!
- Place the sealed small bag into the large bag and seal the large bag.
- Have the children pair off, and have each partner hold one end of the large bag and shake it until the ice cream is firm.
- After the ice cream is firm, supply the children with cups and spoons so they may pour the ice cream into the cups and try it.

Reference: http://www.123child.com/UBB/showthread.php?t=6342

How to Make a Flannel Board

For some reason it never occurred to me that I could make one of these at home! Now that I see how to do it I feel so silly for not thinking of it myself!

Reference: http://babyparenting.about.com/od/activitiesandplay/a/flannelboard.htm

Garden Snails

Cute site for those who want to learn a little something special about garden snails. Fun "outdoor" activity for kids!

http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/allaboutsnails.htm

Imagination Art Station

I found this at one of my favorite sites and wanted to have it for easy reference! Here is the site it is from: http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/bible_and_rhyme_activities.html#TactileExperiences

While teaching at a kindergarten center, all of the teachers had set up what they called "Imagination Stations'. An imagination station is a place where there are a variety of materials and children can use them in any way they wish to create their own masterpieces and inventions! What fun for a preschooler as well! Below are some items you may wish to include in your own Imagination Art Station!

• Empty cardboard tube rolls
• Ribbon and rick rack
• Scraps of fabric
• Sequins
• Yarn
• Buttons
• Feathers
• Pom poms
• Cotton balls
• Wiggle eyes
• Stickers
• Popsicle sticks
• Paper plates
• Paper lunch bags
• Muffin liners
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks
• Stapler
• Tape
• Hole punches
• White paper
• Construction paper
• Envelopes
• Washable markers
• Colored pencils
• Crayons - regular and glitter