homeschooling

{Spice Up Your Homeschool} Historical Markers

October 25, 2012 By Thaleia 3 Comments

{Spice Up Your Homeschool} Series Intro

Got the homeschool blues? Need to spice things up a bit?
Have you been homeschooling for a while and want to try something new?
Maybe you are new to homeschooling and still trying to figure things out.
If you need a break from your “typical” day or routine then check out
{Spice Up Your Homeschool} for valuable tips and ideas!

{Spice Up Your Homeschool} History

Have you ever rushed out the door to a field trip and saw something of interest along the way, but didn’t have time to stop? Have you traveled to a new area or visited family and wanted a way to incorporate something educational? Maybe you had to rush home from a field trip and noticed one of these signs:

You can find out where the nearest spots are near you by checking out: The Historical Marker Database. This website not only lists markers for the USA but other countries as well. If you know of a new marker near you, then please contact them with pictures and description including GPS coordinates. I’m sure they would love current information.

I have to admit we did this yesterday. Getting ready for the field trip I didn’t even think to look up the historical markers along the way. I even KNEW about the ones we’d see if we took a certain route home. So we went whizzing by at 55 mph with our new tadpole, Tom, rushing home to get him into his bowl:) Eldest and Princess were very excited and worried so we headed straight home!

I was quietly bummed that we missed a great impromptu History lesson along the way home. Do not be like me:) Check your route or your hometown even for Historical Markers. (Our town has 26 markers listed!)Make sure to bring your camera and Flat-Stanley’s if you have them!

What have you done to spice you your homeschool?

Check out all the posts in this series:

10 Great Homeschool Items from Dollar Tree

October 23, 2012 By Thaleia 3 Comments

Have you looked at theDollar Tree

for Homeschool Items?

I love a good bargain. With a limited budget being college students ourselves and homeschooling three kids, I really have to keep an eye out for cheap homeschool items. I search high and low for unique and helpful items. I keep an eye out for FUN items as well.

1. Bible Dvd’s– Famous character’s from the Bible like Noah, Jonah, David, Jesus, etc. includes animated story and songs.

2. Animal Dvd’s– great for a quick science lesson at home or on-the-go. Usually pretty short but informative.

3. Webster Pocket Dictionary– nice, small compact size for travel or school in the backyard!

4. Borders– the kind teachers use on bulletin borders. Make great file folder and matching games if cut apart, numbered, etc.

5. Seasonal Items– great for Tot School and Preschool.

6. Pencils– super cool and super fun seasonal designs to inspire any student! My kids love a brand new pencil. I love getting a pack of 10-12 with super neat designs.

7. Measuring cups and spoons– great for science projects that require equipment that food cannot be used in afterwards.

8. Posters– a variety of educational posters depending on season and store. Sometimes states and capitals or various parts of speech.

9. Calendar– you can often find calendars of all sorts and sizes. If you find a good one with famous artists you can use for Art History or maybe you’ll find a poster sized one you can laminate and use with your younger children.

10. Candy and Food– I often hit Dollar Tree when we are about to have a birthday party for their food items. Sometimes it’s ring pops other times it’s a themed candy or food item only Dollar Tree carries!

What items have you found at a dollar store that have been nice to use in your homeschool? Any other stores with really unique homeschool items?

Impromptu Assignment and Without Complaining!

October 16, 2012 By Thaleia Leave a Comment

Have you ever assigned schoolwork

out-of-the-blue without complaining?

I am so proud of Princess and Eldest today! I got off the pc (excited about learning more blog stuff) and asked them to do schoolwork. GASP. (Our school day was technically over and now time for housework and down time.)

And they did! Without complaining!

I asked them to think of their favorite season and tell me 5 reasons why it is their favorite. They both grabbed a piece of printer paper and off they went to do their assignment.

Without complaining!

So a few minutes later I found each one quietly in their own rooms contemplating what to write about! They both ended up picking Summer for various reasons. I hope this doesn’t mean we are in for a long school year!

Princess:
1. School is out
2. Friends to hang out
3. You can spend time with your mom and dad-(melts my heart a little gotta admit!)
4. It is not cold
5. You can wear flip-flops
6. You can swim
7. Your friends can spend the night
8. You can ride the go-cart

Eldest:
1. You can swim
2. No School
3. Hang out with friends
4. Ride go-cart
5. Video Game parties
6. Stay up late

I am not that surprised by their answers at all. Both grandparents have pools and my parents own the go-cart on 5 acres to play. They have friends they can spend countless hours with during the summer and barely get to see since those children attend public school. They both mentioned school which is sorta funny since I am still leaning to year-round schooling. (Don’t tell them, yet!)

Don’t they look so proud of themselves? What have your children done lately without complaining? Please leave a comment about your child’s experience.

Tot School Oct. 7-13 (29 1/2 mths.)

October 14, 2012 By Thaleia 3 Comments

This week was just as busy as the last! Lil’ Red had lots of seasonal experiences and just plain old fun for tot school. We did not have a lot of “traditional” tot school or tot trays, but we were barely home this week. We started the week with nature and ended the week with nature!

Nature program- petted a Grass Spider and Collected Hickory Nuts

Homeschool Gym Day- got to learn some gun safety and take a hike. Big brother and big sister got to play kickball.

Pumpkin Patch– he got to ride in a hay wagon and pick HIS VERY OWN PUMPKIN! His first time at a pumpkin patch:)

Grandparents stopped by, so he got to see both sets in one day!

Tot School table time-He got a little wild with his markers! He took his dry erase marker to the wall next to his table area. I cleaned it up and he did it again. I took the markers away for that day. Next he wanted to work on his notebook, but ended up drawing on the wall and shelf again!

Cut Broccoli for soup– we put him in his seat to help make some yummy cheesy broccoli and carrot soup!

New Hair-do-He got a haircut by grandma and looks like a little boy- no longer a baby!

Scarecrows at local festival-Lil’ Red helped put up scarecrows made from recycled materials for a local festival. He waited patiently while mom and dad were busy securing the scarecrows (for a little while anyways)!

Outdoor time Tricycle Riding-He learned to peddle his tricycle! This was a big accomplishment. I thought he wouldn’t be tall enough until Spring. I guess we will need to clean the house up even more so he can ride around the kitchen and livingroom this Winter!

Nature Time-We went on a Nocturnal Wetland program looking to catch frogs and insects. We did not catch any, but got to see some!

Each day he amazes me at what things he knows and has picked up. His vocabulary is increasing especially if he can repeat a “bad” word or phrase that he hears others use. He thinks it is hysterical if he repeats something that drives the rest of the family nuts! That’s just a typical 2 1/2 yr. old.