My YT playlist for the Continent Boxes
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Geography Ideas & Continent Boxes-YouTube links
OK-for those of you who enjoy seeing the items-head to my YouTube channel to watch them all! I hope to also get a video done in the near future showing the Montessori Sorting box I have a whole long (actually a few) posts on. You can read about that project here.
Visit my YT channel and be sure to subscribe, as this is where I will be updating and posting reviews, chatting about homeschooling, planning (planners), crafting and so forth.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Three new videos on Laura Ingalls Wilder/Little House Books
I have three videos showcasing some of our books/trinkets and thoughts on the sites, as well as some books I checked out from our library. These ideas should hopefully help you pull some items together to create a Little House unit study, or just offer some great books to include in your pioneer/Laura studies.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Whoa! A new Workbox post!? Yup. It's all about a new approach
Well, it was time. Time to take charge of my out of control classroom area. Which, after many, many and many more hours of cleaning, rearranging and a whole new layout-it's now back under my control. Whew!
Of course, that included the workboxes. Those beauties were turned into classic junk drawers formed by negligence and perhaps a mini F4 tornado or two. It was time to corral these puppies! And so I did.
There are so many ways to pull off workboxes, and we have tried many. Including the classic way of using shoe boxes on the shoe rack to the IKEA drawers (for the boy) to folders stored in a desk top file holder for my (then) high school daughter. For my son, we have mostly used the drawers and pretty much followed the plan noted below:
*IKEA totes filled with various assignments (refilled nightly/semi-nightly) that were switched up by subject to avoid boredom. Mini-notes included on top of work if extra instruction was needed.
*Schedule Book (with tags like the number cards) used to layout day/week's worth of activities (including those things not put in the workbox) that he referred to daily.
*Tags numbered 1-6 (or higher depending on assignments) that were on the tote, then removed and put on his chart when done.
*Items needing to be corrected were placed in a basket-items that needed to be re-shelved/sorted were put in a larger tote for me to take care of.
Due to many things, and some sad events in our life over the last two years-the workboxes became dormant. They turned into junk collecting tubs. They beckoned me. I ignored them. I just looked away. Now, I knew our day would go more smoothly if I just recommitted to using them-but I couldn't get myself to that point. Time. Life. Laziness. Whatever it was, it has now come to an end.
I have a high schooler who needs to get things completed in a timely fashion. He needs to be able to find all that stuff. He needed a new, efficient way to use his workboxes. Mind you, many already do this-but we were just late to the party is all. I knew I wanted to go this route for some time-I just had to have the opportunity and will power to change it over....
NOW-here is the exciting thing, they have been emptied, cleaned and reset to accommodate our new plan.
So instead of having the boxes numbered, with tags removed after the assignment is completed and then transferred to the chart: The boxes are labeled by subject and the tags stay on. These will now house the main materials and larger items for that subject. All of it, except for things that must be graded, will go back in the same box when done. All nice and tidy like.
I will no longer have to fret over what order the subjects are completed. He will (for the most part) control what he does during the day. I will set some "Let's do this now." activities (esp. for history, math new lang. arts material and spelling) where I can give him my utmost attention, but the rest of it is up to him. He can suggest the order to me. I mean if he wants to start with history-so be it. But I will def. encourage math in the morning. He does much better with that earlier than later. He can stay with the same routine each day or switch it up. As long as he's getting those daily assignments completed...I don't care about the order in which they are done.
There is no longer a picture tag Schedule Book. He is now the proud owner of a 3-ring binder which contains the following:
*His personal schedule book noting specific assignments for that day/week. See the video!
*Folders containing any specific worksheets, lapbook/notebook components and quizzes/tests that he will have to do.
Bin for turning in papers to be graded. It's still there (altho a different one than before) and conveniently located next to his main desk.
Anything too large for the workboxes will just be on the main desk and we can put it away when done. I mean, geez-he's certainly old enough to do that. :)
My main goal is to get him into the groove of using a written in schedule book, being much more responsible for his work/class load and taking charge of his day. He needs that exposure to be better equipped for college and beyond. And I need a break. Seriously, it's a lot of work covering all the scheduling/planning, filling and refilling of the workboxes, setting up the daily schedule book (younger version) and so forth.
So there you have it. Our new (to us) system to navigate our workboxes and stay organized, on schedule and accountable. So now that you have read all the way to here-watch the video to see what I am talking about here. Enjoy!
Of course, that included the workboxes. Those beauties were turned into classic junk drawers formed by negligence and perhaps a mini F4 tornado or two. It was time to corral these puppies! And so I did.
There are so many ways to pull off workboxes, and we have tried many. Including the classic way of using shoe boxes on the shoe rack to the IKEA drawers (for the boy) to folders stored in a desk top file holder for my (then) high school daughter. For my son, we have mostly used the drawers and pretty much followed the plan noted below:
*IKEA totes filled with various assignments (refilled nightly/semi-nightly) that were switched up by subject to avoid boredom. Mini-notes included on top of work if extra instruction was needed.
*Schedule Book (with tags like the number cards) used to layout day/week's worth of activities (including those things not put in the workbox) that he referred to daily.
*Tags numbered 1-6 (or higher depending on assignments) that were on the tote, then removed and put on his chart when done.
*Items needing to be corrected were placed in a basket-items that needed to be re-shelved/sorted were put in a larger tote for me to take care of.
Due to many things, and some sad events in our life over the last two years-the workboxes became dormant. They turned into junk collecting tubs. They beckoned me. I ignored them. I just looked away. Now, I knew our day would go more smoothly if I just recommitted to using them-but I couldn't get myself to that point. Time. Life. Laziness. Whatever it was, it has now come to an end.
I have a high schooler who needs to get things completed in a timely fashion. He needs to be able to find all that stuff. He needed a new, efficient way to use his workboxes. Mind you, many already do this-but we were just late to the party is all. I knew I wanted to go this route for some time-I just had to have the opportunity and will power to change it over....
NOW-here is the exciting thing, they have been emptied, cleaned and reset to accommodate our new plan.
So instead of having the boxes numbered, with tags removed after the assignment is completed and then transferred to the chart: The boxes are labeled by subject and the tags stay on. These will now house the main materials and larger items for that subject. All of it, except for things that must be graded, will go back in the same box when done. All nice and tidy like.
I will no longer have to fret over what order the subjects are completed. He will (for the most part) control what he does during the day. I will set some "Let's do this now." activities (esp. for history, math new lang. arts material and spelling) where I can give him my utmost attention, but the rest of it is up to him. He can suggest the order to me. I mean if he wants to start with history-so be it. But I will def. encourage math in the morning. He does much better with that earlier than later. He can stay with the same routine each day or switch it up. As long as he's getting those daily assignments completed...I don't care about the order in which they are done.
There is no longer a picture tag Schedule Book. He is now the proud owner of a 3-ring binder which contains the following:
*His personal schedule book noting specific assignments for that day/week. See the video!
*Folders containing any specific worksheets, lapbook/notebook components and quizzes/tests that he will have to do.
Bin for turning in papers to be graded. It's still there (altho a different one than before) and conveniently located next to his main desk.
Anything too large for the workboxes will just be on the main desk and we can put it away when done. I mean, geez-he's certainly old enough to do that. :)
My main goal is to get him into the groove of using a written in schedule book, being much more responsible for his work/class load and taking charge of his day. He needs that exposure to be better equipped for college and beyond. And I need a break. Seriously, it's a lot of work covering all the scheduling/planning, filling and refilling of the workboxes, setting up the daily schedule book (younger version) and so forth.
So there you have it. Our new (to us) system to navigate our workboxes and stay organized, on schedule and accountable. So now that you have read all the way to here-watch the video to see what I am talking about here. Enjoy!
Decision regarding my blogs: Their fates
Well, this is something I have been debating and contemplating for a long time. My blogs and their futures.
I am not getting the visits I used to when I had begun this odyssey. It takes lots of time to write and upload pics and provide links. It can be exhausting. I simply cannot justify the time it takes to work on this blog when it is not getting read. SO, I have made the decision to wrap up what I want to add on here by Dec. 31, 2016 and then I will let it go semi-dormant. I will be soon removing all Amazon affiliate links (it's such a pain that Amazon thing), and will declutter the posts to only relevant (good) info posts.
For my Workbox blog: I will (hopefully soon) get a post with the video link up on how we are currently using our workboxes for you. I may have a couple other posts I want to do before I go dormant but right now we are at a status quo for our usage of the wkbxes and there really isn't much new to report.
As for the main hsing blog: I do want to finish the continent boxes series,add a post about how to install (or for us reinstall) a shower board white board in the classroom , finish up the castle project, and maybe add a couple more odds and endsposts . After that-I doubt I will post very much at all.
I will keep both blogs live and available to you. I simply won't be posting after that unless something amazing needs to be told.
I have moved over to the YouTube venue for chatting about homeschooling, planning, life updates and more. So if you want to see what is currently happening around here-please go to my channel and subscribe.
I do want to thank all of you who have stopped by, followed and commented. I truly enjoyed being able to share our experiences with you-and getting to know many of you through this blogging experience. In the future, after I am done with homeschooling-I may very well start one new blog about something? Not sure yet, but if I do I will def. be sure to let you all know.
So there you have it-I finally made a decision regarding this. It's been a long time in coming and I am feeling a big relief off my shoulders. Whew.
I am not getting the visits I used to when I had begun this odyssey. It takes lots of time to write and upload pics and provide links. It can be exhausting. I simply cannot justify the time it takes to work on this blog when it is not getting read. SO, I have made the decision to wrap up what I want to add on here by Dec. 31, 2016 and then I will let it go semi-dormant. I will be soon removing all Amazon affiliate links (it's such a pain that Amazon thing), and will declutter the posts to only relevant (good) info posts.
For my Workbox blog: I will (hopefully soon) get a post with the video link up on how we are currently using our workboxes for you. I may have a couple other posts I want to do before I go dormant but right now we are at a status quo for our usage of the wkbxes and there really isn't much new to report.
As for the main hsing blog: I do want to finish the continent boxes series,
I will keep both blogs live and available to you. I simply won't be posting after that unless something amazing needs to be told.
I have moved over to the YouTube venue for chatting about homeschooling, planning, life updates and more. So if you want to see what is currently happening around here-please go to my channel and subscribe.
I do want to thank all of you who have stopped by, followed and commented. I truly enjoyed being able to share our experiences with you-and getting to know many of you through this blogging experience. In the future, after I am done with homeschooling-I may very well start one new blog about something? Not sure yet, but if I do I will def. be sure to let you all know.
So there you have it-I finally made a decision regarding this. It's been a long time in coming and I am feeling a big relief off my shoulders. Whew.
Monday, July 18, 2016
DIY Homeschool Planner Videos and downloadable page links
I haven't done the download thing in some time, so if it is not working, please be patient with me...just leave a comment and I will see if I can figure it out. But I went thru Google Docs and these should work.
When I saved them to PDF the font/look remained the same but when I uploaded the docx it changed them. GO figure. So I only have the PDF listed right now because that has the same font/pic layout as my planner pages.
Please keep in mind-there are no washi tape (images) at the top of the papers b/cuz I don't have the copyrights to that. You can simply download a copy, put your own washi across the top and then scan/print what you need. The book washi tape I have on many of my sheets is from Washi Wednesday's site or you can purchase thru their etsy shop. If you order thru them (I only went thru their website so I don't know if the Etsy orders take the same amt of time or not), it takes a few weeks to arrive because it's shipped from overseas. Check them out tho-they have some adorable products! Be sure to look at the MT encyclopedia sea and MT birds tapes, the MT moon and MT planet too. Very neat!
When I saved them to PDF the font/look remained the same but when I uploaded the docx it changed them. GO figure. So I only have the PDF listed right now because that has the same font/pic layout as my planner pages.
Please keep in mind-there are no washi tape (images) at the top of the papers b/cuz I don't have the copyrights to that. You can simply download a copy, put your own washi across the top and then scan/print what you need. The book washi tape I have on many of my sheets is from Washi Wednesday's site or you can purchase thru their etsy shop. If you order thru them (I only went thru their website so I don't know if the Etsy orders take the same amt of time or not), it takes a few weeks to arrive because it's shipped from overseas. Check them out tho-they have some adorable products! Be sure to look at the MT encyclopedia sea and MT birds tapes, the MT moon and MT planet too. Very neat!
Videos showcasing the planner pages:
I am refilming th DIY cover pages video, once that
is complete I will get that up here as well.
is complete I will get that up here as well.
**In the video description boxes are links to the
various pages that I found for free on line.
Please click those to download thru those sites.
Pages to Print:
The pages I created via MS Word.
various pages that I found for free on line.
Please click those to download thru those sites.
Pages to Print:
The pages I created via MS Word.
(near bottom so you can print off a calendar above it)
Friday, May 27, 2016
Virtual Homeschool Co-op Intro Video plus a whole lot more!
I have been working hard to get caught up on the Virtual Homeschool Co-op channel assignments. I have #5 and #8 to complete for this year's duties. Trish will be starting a new school year VHC series next September but will have tag alongs this summer for the 2015-16 VHC series. Take a look peeps! There are some awesome ladies with all varying types of school methods, kid counts, styles and more! Join too! It is not too terribly hard (just getting over being in front of the camera that is) and it's fun to partake in.
I have all sorts of videos up and many other ones planned, including ones on workboxing. So please subscribe! And if you do-you can enter the give away I will have going from June 1-15, 2016. Yup! Lots of fun going on. Til then, take a look see at my terrible-terrible intro (I will def. be reshooting a new one for next year) and subscribe! Thanks-
Sunday, May 1, 2016
New header and background to freshen up the old blog
I figured it was time to update a bit. It's the best I could come up with for now. Not exactly what I wanted but different and a bit more subdued.
And since I am talking refreshing here-I am trying to do more on this blog. I guess since we don't use them like we used to-at least to the previous capacity, I just have not had enough to post about. But hopefully here, I will get into the habit of using them more which will lead to more posts. Actually, our lack of not using them is a two-fold issue. The first being that my son is older and I tend to go to a planner or check list and not so much the boxes for high school. Secondly, I have just been doing what I can to get things done-I am feeling better but I am still in that foggy area on the outskirts of grief. It's been a true struggle getting back into life after suffering such a loss (of my brother last year) so keeping things non-complicated is about all I can do at this point. But I have tried a lot of ways to implement them and have seen how well they can streamline your day.
So if you have some workbox questions, ask away. Maybe I can do some more "Ask Sheri" posts for you. I know many are new to workboxing, or are perhaps not quite getting the idea behind it or struggling to make it work for them. Maybe I know a few tricks (maybe-lol) or have a few ideas that may help you out.
And since I am talking refreshing here-I am trying to do more on this blog. I guess since we don't use them like we used to-at least to the previous capacity, I just have not had enough to post about. But hopefully here, I will get into the habit of using them more which will lead to more posts. Actually, our lack of not using them is a two-fold issue. The first being that my son is older and I tend to go to a planner or check list and not so much the boxes for high school. Secondly, I have just been doing what I can to get things done-I am feeling better but I am still in that foggy area on the outskirts of grief. It's been a true struggle getting back into life after suffering such a loss (of my brother last year) so keeping things non-complicated is about all I can do at this point. But I have tried a lot of ways to implement them and have seen how well they can streamline your day.
So if you have some workbox questions, ask away. Maybe I can do some more "Ask Sheri" posts for you. I know many are new to workboxing, or are perhaps not quite getting the idea behind it or struggling to make it work for them. Maybe I know a few tricks (maybe-lol) or have a few ideas that may help you out.
Friday, November 13, 2015
New post up on my Homeschooling Blog
Just wanted to share...I have a new update post on my blog. Be sure to check it out. I haven't been able to do much posting lately, and def. not anything here. Again-life right now is on basic mode. So be sure to visit the Hsing on a Wing and a Prayer blog for new info. My goal is to start using our workboxes more sometime here this new year, so I would have a relevant post to go along with it-LOL. Until then, keep on workboxing and visiting my main blog.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
I have two new posts on our Technology/Engineering/STEM activities
I know some of you don't follow both blogs-so I thought I would link in the two posts here for you. My son has been working on the AmeriKit European Siren and the Elenco FM radio kit. These are really fun for kids who like this sort of thing and it also counts as hands-on experience that you can tie into the final grade/transcript for your class.
I also did a quick Q and A Show and Tell video of his project as well. Be sure to visit my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer blog often as I don't post pert near as often here.
I also did a quick Q and A Show and Tell video of his project as well. Be sure to visit my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer blog often as I don't post pert near as often here.
Soldering post with European Siren
FM radio mini post on the FM radio with a video
Friday, September 11, 2015
Video Tours of our curriculum for 2015-16
OK, here are the video tours of the curriculum we will use this year.
It's not all of it but the main stuff. I plan on making one for the
artist study with more details. Anyhoo-enjoy!
And please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. That way
you will get notifications on any new videos! Thanks!
Friday, August 28, 2015
Just in case you missed this! I have my entire classroom area on video
OK, so if you haven't heard -I am a YouTuber now. I have several uploaded videos and most are all on my classroom area. Take a look see! And be sure to subscribe. I hope to continue using this format to showcase what we have (for homeschooling) about our home, how we use the stuff, and other homseschool/life/couponing/grocery haul type of videos.
I have direct video links on this post over on my main blog! Enjoy!
I have direct video links on this post over on my main blog! Enjoy!
Monday, August 17, 2015
Hi Everyone! IF you don't follow my main blog-you are missing out on some great new posts
I have been YouTubing it and I have about 9 videos posted so far. I have almost completed the classroom tour. Just two more to go.
So to just save time-please click here to go to my channel. Be sure to subscribe too! I will continue to add when I can. I have lots of ideas, it's just been a busy summer, so it's taking me longer than I had hoped.
Anyhoo-thought I would post that update. I hope your summer is going great!
So to just save time-please click here to go to my channel. Be sure to subscribe too! I will continue to add when I can. I have lots of ideas, it's just been a busy summer, so it's taking me longer than I had hoped.
Anyhoo-thought I would post that update. I hope your summer is going great!
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Nature Study Tote Box
Not sure if you visited my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer blog lately, but I have a detailed post highlighting all the things we keep in our Nature Study Tote (portable one for taking out into the field for study) with links too. Be sure to check that out.
The tote could be put into the workbox (if deep enough to hold it) with a notebook page on a particular area to study, some field guides and a little note with the projected time of your little excursion. Or one could simply put a cute card in the box with details of your outdoor study, a snack/water and so forth. Since the weather is so much more inviting, it's time to embrace the nature study activities as often as possible. Having that tote to go is a great way to be ready in an instant.
**I try to cross post as often as I can because I know folks don't always remember I have two active blogs...so I wanted to mention the post over there. I have lots and lots of things I cover but do not repost here. Wanted to give you a reminder of that-HTH.
The tote could be put into the workbox (if deep enough to hold it) with a notebook page on a particular area to study, some field guides and a little note with the projected time of your little excursion. Or one could simply put a cute card in the box with details of your outdoor study, a snack/water and so forth. Since the weather is so much more inviting, it's time to embrace the nature study activities as often as possible. Having that tote to go is a great way to be ready in an instant.**I try to cross post as often as I can because I know folks don't always remember I have two active blogs...so I wanted to mention the post over there. I have lots and lots of things I cover but do not repost here. Wanted to give you a reminder of that-HTH.
Planning and Purchasing next year's curriculum/materials-how I do it
So it's that time of year again, when we moms dive into websites, catalogs, stroll vendors at conventions [if you attend] and poke through various blogs to find all sorts of neat goodies we could purchase for our cherubs. Usually this is a fun activity-especially if you need a break from the every day schooling to dream upon what you want to do next year. I do that and actually enjoy it. Crazy but true. I love the thrill of the hunt and the planning of new things to study. Others tho, may not. I am not sure which category you fall under but if you need some 'how does that old gal do it?' kinda advice-continue on dear blogger pal.
If you have just started homeschooling or you can't seem to get a handle on it-maybe something here will help you out. For those out there that are can do this with mind-boggling precision, then perhaps this is not the article for you.
Now, I know that some folks are all super organized with everything done all computery like-but I do not go that route. Too old fashioned I suppose. I like the ole pen and paper approach. Only after I have that done, I will go ahead and click the goodies onto the 'wish list' for both Rainbow Resource Center and Amazon. Mind you-that doesn't mean I will actually purchase it all there or even buy everything noted on it. I do that so it gives me a good visual of what I need to be on the look out for (of course, I can add to it as well) so that I will be ready to order when our pocket book is willing and able. Plus, having it finalized (in loose terms) I have a list I can cherry pick from when I am out at local garage/library book sales, local shops and such. I will also scan the resale online sites before paying full price on most things. Not workbooks tho-I almost always buy those new unless there is a sparkly, spanking new one with the set. I also make my book list (at least for the first semester) so that I can cruise the library website to see what I can find that way to help save money, then note what I cannot get and just order those books.
One thing I have learned over the years (mainly it's our funds for purchasing which have played a major role) is that you do not need to get everything new! Seriously-unless you have a lot of kids coming up behind where you know for sure the program will work [for all] then a new item purchase would warrant forking over the larger sums of cashola. Less spency things are not necessarily in this category-I am talking the big bucks stuff. Of course the exception to that would be if it were a new program that just came out on the market. But you get my drift. I have also swapped books/materials with good pals from time to time to help save too. But beware. You should be sure they are responsible and loving toward your stuff (same goes for you) so that it isn't returned damaged or worse-destroyed or not at all. Know who you trade with.
Step 1: Write out some simple educational/personal growth goals you have for each child [and/or for the fam as a whole] for that coming year. Nothing deep or too wordy but just simply what you want to see accomplished. This is your first paper. This is what you can pull out as the year progresses and see how you are doing. You can always add/delete to it, but by having this you can easily see if the fam is hitting those noted milestones. Remain flexible. Life happens. I did not know we'd experience the death of my brother this year, so a lot of what I had hoped to cover, simply was not. And that is OK. I just carried a few things over to the new year's list. Actually, I was able to add a few things that we didn't think we'd cover too. So it evened out. *No pic here. I feel this is a very personal thing and don't feel the need to share-I believe you get the point by the above advice. This is meant for our family and is something that should remain private-I suggest the same for yours.
Step 2: Take paper-fold into three sections with paper's long side horizontal-write out list. This one can be modified or just scribbled over as you double check and clarify. This is the messy, preliminary list that will be pitched once I am all done spending/creating and organizing this stuff. It's after all that when I make one final (nicely printed) list of the subjects and main curricula/materials needed (sans the have/order list) to refer to throughout the year.
*When I had more than one student I would simply jot down each child's name at the top of the page and list what was needed for that year. Then I converged all the 'to buy stuff' onto one big order list.
Step 3: Once you feel you have the things you want to purchase noted, head to your favorite sites and start your wish list. I didn't say 'buy list' because sometimes you can find them cheaper somewhere else or you may decide you don't want that item after all. For example: I am still on the fence at this point for our Bible studies. I don't need to decide right yet-so I listed two curriculum choices that could work. I have a noted list so I won't forget and I can pick one of those when I go to order or go with something completely different. It just gives me a visual and frankly, it's a reminder that I need to spend more time figuring out that subject.
**I use Rainbow Resource Center mainly because they seem to have the largest selection and I can make and print a wish list quite easily. Then I hit Amazon. But there are plenty of other merchants that offer this as well-so the choice is yours.
For some reason the RR list didn't delete the CD I had crossed off, so I did it after. I also noted a few things to refer to later. I also listed the Amazon and other companies here too. I can go onto Amazon and see in my saved Wish List items in more detail and move them to my cart later.
Possible Step 4: If you plan on attending a convention then have your list ready to go. BUT for all that is good and gracious-save yourself the "UGH! I could have bought that for $$$$ less!" scenario. List the things you want to look at and or buy at the convention but only after you spent some time online/catalog researching to compare prices. WRITE the lowest price you found next to the name of the source selling it with some sort of key like A for Amazon, or SL for Sonlight or RR for Rainbow Resource, so you can refer back to it later when you finish your shopping. AND for extra good measure, walk the circuit a couple times and 'window shop' jotting down prices as you stroll about because you may find things cheaper at other vendors or by ordering online later. Most vendors usually have convention sale prices/deals so watch for those as well. That way you know who has the best price for whatever it is you are looking for. DON'T panic if you come back and it's gone. They usually give you the sale price on an order you can place right then and there which will be shipped to you. That way you don't come home having overspent. Also beware of the 'bug eye' convention syndrome. You DO NOT need every cool and dazzling thing out there. Write down the name/brand/price and who is selling it. Get catalogs. Think about it! Then after the fuzzy haze of convention wears off you can make a more informed purchase. I have some books that are pretty much door stops now because I was careless (at first) and didn't follow that plan of attack. Money gone for something that was an ill fit for us, that we never even used.
Possible Step 5: Now for giggles-I make another paper where I denote anything I need to make/put together for the coming year and that just simply helps me during the summer break. I will pick and choose my point of interest and work on it as time allows. Again-nothing elaborate or too detailed. I don't need to drown myself in the nitty gritty but just give my ole brain a quick reference from the 'do it woman' list.
After I took the picture I wrote down the names of the artists and musicians. That way I can be on the look out for activities and materials to work on specific to them.
And there you go. That is how I figured out a simple and easy way to plow through the planning of curricula and materials we'd need for our schooling. I tried the super organized, super detailed way and all it accomplished was to kill the thrill of planning. So I came up with this easy-peasy way that seems to be working. Hope you can glean a nugget of goodness to help you with your planning/shopping too.
If you have just started homeschooling or you can't seem to get a handle on it-maybe something here will help you out. For those out there that are can do this with mind-boggling precision, then perhaps this is not the article for you.
Now, I know that some folks are all super organized with everything done all computery like-but I do not go that route. Too old fashioned I suppose. I like the ole pen and paper approach. Only after I have that done, I will go ahead and click the goodies onto the 'wish list' for both Rainbow Resource Center and Amazon. Mind you-that doesn't mean I will actually purchase it all there or even buy everything noted on it. I do that so it gives me a good visual of what I need to be on the look out for (of course, I can add to it as well) so that I will be ready to order when our pocket book is willing and able. Plus, having it finalized (in loose terms) I have a list I can cherry pick from when I am out at local garage/library book sales, local shops and such. I will also scan the resale online sites before paying full price on most things. Not workbooks tho-I almost always buy those new unless there is a sparkly, spanking new one with the set. I also make my book list (at least for the first semester) so that I can cruise the library website to see what I can find that way to help save money, then note what I cannot get and just order those books.
One thing I have learned over the years (mainly it's our funds for purchasing which have played a major role) is that you do not need to get everything new! Seriously-unless you have a lot of kids coming up behind where you know for sure the program will work [for all] then a new item purchase would warrant forking over the larger sums of cashola. Less spency things are not necessarily in this category-I am talking the big bucks stuff. Of course the exception to that would be if it were a new program that just came out on the market. But you get my drift. I have also swapped books/materials with good pals from time to time to help save too. But beware. You should be sure they are responsible and loving toward your stuff (same goes for you) so that it isn't returned damaged or worse-destroyed or not at all. Know who you trade with.
Here (finally) is my super simple but effective for me way of doing this.
Step 2: Take paper-fold into three sections with paper's long side horizontal-write out list. This one can be modified or just scribbled over as you double check and clarify. This is the messy, preliminary list that will be pitched once I am all done spending/creating and organizing this stuff. It's after all that when I make one final (nicely printed) list of the subjects and main curricula/materials needed (sans the have/order list) to refer to throughout the year.
Here is my chicken scratch list-made quickly.
I went back to it later and noted a few changes
as you can see with the pink pen. Again, it isn't
super detailed. I don't even have the artists/musicians listed yet.
First up: list each subject and main curriculum choice
and various other little additions.
Do this off the top of your head and don't worry until you get to the have/buy sides. Just list away. Sometimes when you over think it-you forget or miss stuff that the 'flow as you go' method catches. You can go back over after to find gaps or make corrections.
Middle-list what you already have.
Third-what you need to buy in each category.
Once completed-go thru your stuff! I found I had listed a workbook I actually purchased last year that we hadn't used yet. I would have re-purchased it-not cool. Actually-I saw I had a couple repeats on it! Yikes! So double check every nook and cranny first before finalizing
the wish list on your favorite sites.
the wish list on your favorite sites.
Seriously, that is it! Nothing too complicated. Just the facts ma'am. Just the facts.
*When I had more than one student I would simply jot down each child's name at the top of the page and list what was needed for that year. Then I converged all the 'to buy stuff' onto one big order list.
Step 3: Once you feel you have the things you want to purchase noted, head to your favorite sites and start your wish list. I didn't say 'buy list' because sometimes you can find them cheaper somewhere else or you may decide you don't want that item after all. For example: I am still on the fence at this point for our Bible studies. I don't need to decide right yet-so I listed two curriculum choices that could work. I have a noted list so I won't forget and I can pick one of those when I go to order or go with something completely different. It just gives me a visual and frankly, it's a reminder that I need to spend more time figuring out that subject.
**I use Rainbow Resource Center mainly because they seem to have the largest selection and I can make and print a wish list quite easily. Then I hit Amazon. But there are plenty of other merchants that offer this as well-so the choice is yours.
Possible Step 4: If you plan on attending a convention then have your list ready to go. BUT for all that is good and gracious-save yourself the "UGH! I could have bought that for $$$$ less!" scenario. List the things you want to look at and or buy at the convention but only after you spent some time online/catalog researching to compare prices. WRITE the lowest price you found next to the name of the source selling it with some sort of key like A for Amazon, or SL for Sonlight or RR for Rainbow Resource, so you can refer back to it later when you finish your shopping. AND for extra good measure, walk the circuit a couple times and 'window shop' jotting down prices as you stroll about because you may find things cheaper at other vendors or by ordering online later. Most vendors usually have convention sale prices/deals so watch for those as well. That way you know who has the best price for whatever it is you are looking for. DON'T panic if you come back and it's gone. They usually give you the sale price on an order you can place right then and there which will be shipped to you. That way you don't come home having overspent. Also beware of the 'bug eye' convention syndrome. You DO NOT need every cool and dazzling thing out there. Write down the name/brand/price and who is selling it. Get catalogs. Think about it! Then after the fuzzy haze of convention wears off you can make a more informed purchase. I have some books that are pretty much door stops now because I was careless (at first) and didn't follow that plan of attack. Money gone for something that was an ill fit for us, that we never even used.
Possible Step 5: Now for giggles-I make another paper where I denote anything I need to make/put together for the coming year and that just simply helps me during the summer break. I will pick and choose my point of interest and work on it as time allows. Again-nothing elaborate or too detailed. I don't need to drown myself in the nitty gritty but just give my ole brain a quick reference from the 'do it woman' list.
And there you go. That is how I figured out a simple and easy way to plow through the planning of curricula and materials we'd need for our schooling. I tried the super organized, super detailed way and all it accomplished was to kill the thrill of planning. So I came up with this easy-peasy way that seems to be working. Hope you can glean a nugget of goodness to help you with your planning/shopping too.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Geology/Archaeology: Dino Dig activity in the Workbox
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Homeschool Room Tour 2015 Part 3:2 and 3:3 -finally done!
Well folks-after many, many retakes, stalls/stops and a kitty cat that just couldn't stop trying to be the star, I have uploaded the last two sections of the 3rd part of our tour.
Enjoy!
and
and in case you missed the first one:
I have two other posts noting the geography wall and the basic pan around intro video too!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Homeschool Room Tour Part 3:1
OK right now I have the first part of the 3rd installment loaded. This covers the area with the information center, nature study box and a few other things. I had to split the video because it was too long. I hope to get the second part loaded soon.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Video Tour of our Classroom Part 1 and 2
I have been a bit MIA of late and I apologize for that. Right now I am going to continue blogging on occasion and see where it takes me. Part of my goal is to try to reclaim my fellow bloggie pals who came by frequently by adding in some new dynamics [meaning room tours/closer look videos] to help spice things up.
SO, I thought it would be fun to do a homeschool room video tour first (insert grimace-fun? I do about a zillion takes before I can get one I have to be OK with-so I film like for three hours to get a measly 5 min. video! LOL So please-be kind-I am trying here. A videographer I am not)...anyhoo-I tried to do this last summer and it just got too busy and crazy to finish it. I am back at it and so here you go...part 1 and 2.
Start with the basic overview then go to the second one for a closer look at our geography center. Since I have all these things detailed in posts on my two blogs, I chose to not go in depth about them.
Be sure to look on my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer Blog for posts regarding the things I talk about because they are not all on this one. I'm working on the workbox video now, but of course right in the middle of filming it stopped because there was no more room (had to delete all those out takes)...so I am recharging my phone and will try to get that up soon tho.
SO, I thought it would be fun to do a homeschool room video tour first (insert grimace-fun? I do about a zillion takes before I can get one I have to be OK with-so I film like for three hours to get a measly 5 min. video! LOL So please-be kind-I am trying here. A videographer I am not)...anyhoo-I tried to do this last summer and it just got too busy and crazy to finish it. I am back at it and so here you go...part 1 and 2.
Start with the basic overview then go to the second one for a closer look at our geography center. Since I have all these things detailed in posts on my two blogs, I chose to not go in depth about them.
Be sure to look on my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer Blog for posts regarding the things I talk about because they are not all on this one. I'm working on the workbox video now, but of course right in the middle of filming it stopped because there was no more room (had to delete all those out takes)...so I am recharging my phone and will try to get that up soon tho.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Thoughts on Blogging-Part One
Here is a straight from my heart post. This is not a boo-hoo poor me thing, but a truly honest take on what has been stirring within me for a long time. I sense I am not alone. I bet many bloggers out there feel exactly like I have/do/will. When do you call it quits? What's the point anyway? I mean, really.
Seriously. There are those shiny blogs out there that you know are very popular and they do offer oodles of ideas and resources. Thank God for them. I have gone there many a time to get new inspiration or ideas to help me carry on. But what about my blogs? If I go by traffic (I am betting many hits are just spam) then I would have to say I am definitely not in that category. The real kicker here is that I am not even sure I want to be. It's work. They must continually maintain and keep on top of it to be that successful. Do I even want that responsibility? What about the posts I pen? Are they just junk to the reader? Useless? Are they even remotely helpful?
Right now, I have decided to wait it out. I will continue to pray to see what comes about. I guess, all five of you out there who may read this-you too will have to wait too to see what becomes of this. The 'to save or not to save my blogging career' will not be made lightly-but it's become abundantly clear I need to get off the fence and go in one direction.
Honestly-I can't answer that.
I truly decided I was done blogging. It's true. Done. I lost the love of it and I didn't see any reason to continue. Hence the lack of postings over the last year or so. It has been on my mind (letting it go) for a long time now. I felt like I put a lot of effort into what I was writing/creating and had very little response/traffic to justify the time involved. Why write when no one is even reading it? So I did very little to maintain it and just let it sit there as it begged me to put it out of it's misery.
I mean, did anyone really care? Was I helping fellow moms/homeschoolers or was I just taking time away better spent with my family? Frankly, it was the latter not the former of that question that hit me like a big pizza pie in the eye. I was blogging for not. Now, I know people have lives, so cruising the internet for this or that isn't always possible. But I also know many gals do have successful blogs that truly are a help-that get readership and have loyal fans. They exist and thrive. They are blessings.
I didn't (and still am unclear here) feel mine were much help. And that is the cold hard truth that has literally kept me awake at times-pondering...
Do I just let it go?
I have prayed about it. I have even shed a tear or two about it.
I have let it sit so as not to make any rash decisions.
Then I had a talk with myself.
I have been a mom now for almost 27 years, have cared for children since before I was 13, I have an Early Childhood Development degree, have worked at a Montessori school, had home day cares, taught Sunday School, researched the snot out of different homeschool methods, curriculum and so forth, wrote reviews on curriculum for four years, helped with homeschool groups, ran a homeschool co-op for a time, plus I have done home preschool through high school graduation with my children for over 25 years. Surely I have some insight, some useful nugget of hope or help that can inspire or encourage someone out there. I know I have, I have comments attesting to it. But is that enough?
Our lives are different now from whence I started blogging. Three of our children have graduated. Two have earned college degrees, moved out and gone on to be successfully employed adults. So yes, to all those doubters, they are able to live -no thrive- in the real world. One is currently working (while still living at home to save for future expenses) and will be attending college down the road. The baby of the family is our lone student. The dynamics are different. Homeschooling one vs four is a big change. It's definitely a "horse of a different color" from our humble beginnings. Do I have anything new, update and hip to offer? Or is it all the same regurgitated stuff penned on a different day? Is there enough in me to want to continue? Want to keep coming up with different ideas or projects?
For five people to read in five minutes? I don't know-I truly don't. And here I am-standing in some vast wasteland of doubt with discouragement bombs raining down with hurricane force. Do I truly want to make that [dedicated, intense and committed] walk across this land to save my blogs or grab a shovel and bury it quickly. Very, very quickly and move on along down the road?
Right now, I have decided to wait it out. I will continue to pray to see what comes about. I guess, all five of you out there who may read this-you too will have to wait too to see what becomes of this. The 'to save or not to save my blogging career' will not be made lightly-but it's become abundantly clear I need to get off the fence and go in one direction. Continent Box: Asia link
Another continent (Asia) post is up on my main blog: Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer. You can read about the goodies we have in our box and I have also included some links to other resources for you. Again-putting a "Continent Box" card in the workbox with a timer is a great way to implement the two.
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