Oh, here we go-an Ask Sheri opportunity fell onto my lap today-Part I

Well, I find myself with a load of ??s from a fellow blogger, Kelly, who has asked me actually a 3 part question-so, to all you out there-I will simply split this into 2 segments because I need to ponder the one part to come up with something remotely intelligent for an answer...

Here is the easier part, which is long winded-so sorry...

Kelly asks:

"I would also love to know how you "come up" with the ideas for the activity centers."


Well, funny you should ask, because I often have moments where I have trouble figuring that out myself.  I honestly do not know where these things come from (well, yes I do...the Lord puts into my head and opens the door for me to create it).  I don't get it.  I truly don't.  Sometimes, I am like as dumb as a stump trying to figure out a way to get something across to the children-other times I emulate the dude from the "Beautiful Mind" movie, where ideas and things just pour from my think tank like a waterfall gone wild!  Seriously.

So there really is no formula or books I scour to get these things-just general reading of other's blogs, piece mealing ideas I have read in various books/magazines or seen somewhere...then a need strikes.  My poor family is doomed-they step back and I get to creating this whirlwind of something.

Then a situation arises where we could use something fun or an activity of sorts that helps cement the lessons and poof! I get motivated (having worked in child care for many years, I was no stranger to the idea of centers or areas dedicated to a certain topic, but gosh darn it all I don't want my house looking like a science fair or elementary open house display)-so I knew I had to come up with something that I could tuck away.  Hence the science project boards-saw em one day at JoAnns and thought, "Well lookie here, I can put such and such on this, then when we are done with it for the day-fold and tuck it away!" I was sold.

Then I will just look around at the goodies I have squirreled away [the dollar store teacher section is a dangerous place for me-I will see those bulletin board cut outs or something and  "see" that I can do something with it-what?  Well who knows...so I get ones that I believe I can use and "wait" for something creative to pop into my head for it.  Then I start making something after I have a need [such as the geo center].   I look at the resources I have on my shelves, in my 'puter and so forth, pick through to find what will work, and then throw it together. It is amazing what you can find tucked away in toy boxes, one's school stuff, junk drawers, etc!  I get some pretty cool things from those treasure troves. It is like putting a puzzle together-the pieces are there, you just have to figure out where they go and if it even fits (you know cuz the kids mixed different ones together)....to get the finished product.

And there you have it.  I guess need drives my creativity, together with a God given talent [which comes and goes] for whipping up something, is truly how it comes to be. I know there are many more talented and gifted folks out there that put me to shame.  I actually love finding/seeing their stuff, and learning from them; so I can glean what I can for future use. I just tailor it [whatever it is I am trying to put together] to our needs and hope it works [which is not always the case, actually-I have to toss a lot of it out b/cuz it stinks], and that there is my long winded explanation for you.

But thanks for asking!  Part II will come soon-just want to ponder it a bit.  Thanks and hope you all enjoyed another session of Ask Sheri.

Monday's Workbox goodies-Art Appreciation

Finally!  I have these ready to post (well not all of it-but the beginnings of it)...

SO I am really trying here to do more in the Art Appreciation (CM related) department, instead of "getting to it later." My intention this year is to study at least 3 artists. Being that we are into Am. history this year, I chose 3 folks who express the true essence of America.  I wanted someone who also recorded aspects of nature-so we are starting with John James Audubon.  Couldn't think of anyone who better fits the nature loving (OK mostly birds) requirement.  What's more, it so nicely ties into our regular nature study course (and I am throwing in the bird study too)!  Geez, I feel so special having this click so well together!

 The Study of Famous Artists book

The Artwork of Famous Artists book

I popped the books and a baggie with the necessary papers and a glue stick into their boxes.  Normally, we would have a book to read (but we finished it and are awaiting our other choice to arrive at the library) but today, it was mostly just assembly and doing some basic notebooking. I wrote what the boy wanted on his page (lined notebook pages I purchased, and are a part of an Audubon eBook-just chose the 2 per page print option to get em smaller)...and the teen will journal her answers on her own pages...then those will go after the basic artist info. I am going to also have a couple of their favorite pics he drew printed up (small) to place in there too-

We are also making a whole Audubon/Bird study book using coloring pages of birds, notebooking pages, data, some lapbook components and NS drawings to complete this whole study.  Once I get that built up a bit, I will post those pictures for ya.

And that is just some of what we had in our boxes today. 

Since we work on this as a group-I place it right after the Bible wkbx of my daughter's and in the 3rd one, for my son (because her study takes longer and his are quick moving-so usually that works out and we sit down together do the Art Appreciation as a family)-which is a helpful hint to those who have some group material...just do it all first together or place it so the kids finish the other assignments about the same time (and to be sure you have all your bases covered-have a "spare" box available with a quiet time, do-on-your own activity for those who finish sooner)...

Some fun historical goodies to pop into a workbox

 Look at these neat project packs!

I put this in my teen's box-it required sewing this together and I wasn't sure if the boy could do it-besides, she begged to do this one!

Our little corn lady is uh-naked, as we still need to sew her apron and hat...LOL That is her fancy material behind her...now to just get some sewing done and she won't be so "out there"...

so I received these goodies to review for the TOS Review Crew (I am the head First Mate on this so I received all of em-whhoooot)...and thought I would share how neat these are for tossing into the ole workboxes.

We are covering American History right now, and so these are rather timely!  So far, my son has painted and assembled his Tomahawk, helped with the corn doll (which is definitely one where you need two people), and the teen has stitched up the coin purse and (as pictured) the fringe purse.  They really have enjoyed making these!  We will work on the quilt next week, since it requires a bit more time and energy...but when we are done, we'll have some very cute items to remember this period in time.

You can always add such things to the workboxes and the kids will totally dig them-even if they usually don't like this sort of thing. It certainly will add some new, exciting things to do- and it meets the "handiworks" requirement that Charlotte Mason strongly encouraged the children to be exposed to and do.

You can see the great products that the Corps of Re-Discovery company has to offer, and take a look at the other goodies too! I am seriously pondering that Quill Pen and Paper kit!

Enjoy!

**OK, this is not a review per say, but it should be duly noted that I did receive these products for free, from the Corps of Re-Discovery company-to enjoy and use with my fam.  I did not receive any financial compensation for this post or for my opinion of them.  It is what it is-fun stuff to put into your child's workbox to serve as hands-on projects, for their history curriculum.

Geography-state project/center

 The first 2 states postcards are in the mailbox (not the ones we have been collecting for the 50 States Postcard book-but the extras). He will need to color in the two states (map on top left hand corner) we discussed with the erasable markers and he can do whatever else he wishes during his 15 min. time here.

Also have the flags of the 50 states and a full map of the USA postcards in here too.

Just tossed the center card in with the time card, and the timer (Dollar Tree find).

That was his geography for today (we're starting back up a bit slowly-then tomorrow I will introduce Arkansas for our next state).

Another Ask Sheri moment

So Rhonda asked:

I am considering implementing WORKBOXES into our homeschool starting in a couple of weeks. I wonder how parents introduce the system and how it works to the children who will be using it? Sue really doesn't address that in her book, and for my son, info is key to his cooperation. Also, I was considering signing up for Sue's webinar this Friday...any suggestions?


For starters-the question about introducing them-I suggest you create a great excitement!  Talk it up and go over the basic how-to do it with him.  Let him know that this is a new way of doing business, that you will have all his goodies for the assignment in those boxes and ready to go.  Give him 3 stuffed boxes as a trial experience.  Leaving the third one with a fun snack/activity (the other 2 with minimal work-just to give an example).  Show him where you want the boxes to go after he is done, what he is suppose to do with work you want to check over, and how it works with the number cards (not sure how you'll be doing that, so my example is how we do it)  Ex: since I expect the child to go in order, he is to take the number off the box when the project is complete, and then place it onto the number board~I would show him how that works.  

We have two boxes that he is to put the stuff-one for the extra supplies/materials, and the other for those papers/workbooks that I need to go over and check.  I also have a Schedule Ntbk    that he follows along in, due to some activities not being able to fit into a box.  Then it is clear that when those are done-unless I have given him the OK to stop at a certain box-his day is done.


Here is my unsolicited parental take on this-as the parent, I have the final say on how we do school-and as the child, they are to be obedient to this way of doing it.  I am all about using what works and considering the child's learning style and personality, but some children will balk at anything to just be ornery.  This is a life-long character trait they will need to have-for college, work, marriage, life!  They must know how to be submissive in certain areas of authority and acknowledge that they cannot always have it their way.  So setting the ground rules will serve to make this go much more smoothly.  You can talk it up, explain and take it easy for the first couple weeks-but eventually-the child will have to (and this almost happens naturally b/cuz they will know what to expect and can see what they'll be doing) "go with the flow" and just do it...no arguments allowed.  After 22 years of battling some very head strong children, you can take that advice to the bank!  It won't always be a picnic, but push thru the tantrums, pouting and small annoyances, and you'll be blessed if you do.  




As to the ?? about attending a webinar with Sue-by all means yes!  You will get a great understanding of the system. I heard her speak at the Spring TOS HS Expo and I really enjoyed it.Just keep in mind, that no matter whose program we're talking about-you the parent must figure out how to implement it so it works best for your children. Thankfully Sue (and if you are reading this hon-I love ya but I am sure by now you see that there are many ways to do this and still succeed-but thanks for sharing this awesome way of doing school!) is better at accepting that most HSers have had to tweak and adjust to fit it for their fams. So even tho she wants you doing it her way-you will ultimately need to decide a way that works best for your child. So if you can still get a ticket, and can afford it (sorry, not sure what that is) I say-you most likely will be blessed by doing so.  


HTH





**I am not sure about the Scribd stuff now-I haven't gotten that far into my 'clean up' process and links checking (2014) so not sure if any links/pages will work for that.  Sorry. :(

US States study links and helps

I stumbled across this State Symbols USA site-and boy was I like whooping it up over the wealth of info and such here.  Good place to start.  I used this one to get the seals and other goodies to really make our state study "pop" with neat stuff! I noticed on the side-bar there was this book for Alabama (since we are going in alphabetical order here) and thought-could it be?  Could there be a book for every state? Yeppers!  Now, since I did the study before these were written with my older 3, I was unawares.  So stop giggling if you already knew about em.  The most exciting part-outside of the fact that now I can start each study with a book as the lead in and it fits the Charlotte Mason method, and it is just so beautiful and, and, and...can ya tell I am excited about it?  Best yet-our library has em all-now that is like a one in a thousand chance and I am so geeked!  So-then I searched and saw that they also have this baby available-so I put it on hold (since it was one thing our library didn't own) and got it today-not that I am big on teacher's guides (always seem to not follow em too closely) but figured I could glean some useful ideas to make this a great stroll thru the USA.  Take a look-see here...

Look how nicely each book is illustrated and ties into something major the state is known for!

The series is called Discover America State by State-but when I did the search thru the library-I had to look for each individual state's book-guess our library website is a bit fussy-LOL, so anyhoo-when you go to the State Symbols site-just look on the side-bar for that state and you will have the name.  

I will take some notes and let the rest be (in the guide) but I am always looking for ideas-now to find time to go thru it!

The HIP Pocket Change (US Mint) site has lots too.  I actually downloaded the quarter info-the background about the decisions behind the state's quarter design-look under the extra resources sections for each year...they are about 2 pages long each. I just ran those off.  There is also the full quarters listing in picture form under the 2008 stuff.  If you go thru the earlier years, you won't have em all.  I ran those 2 pages off and then cut out the quarters to add to the info packet for the individual states.  There are also coloring pages that you can run off (good for younger siblings to keep em busy) and lots of other links/activities.  

Found this one, but haven't explored it yet: Teacher Guide to the 50 States

A to Z Teacher Stuff has a recipe for edible state maps (why not enjoy a wee bit of food when doing this heh?)

Maps that Teach  offer up some good online links/activities

The US50 site offers up those stamps I downloaded. I did have to shrink the size of em a bit, and tried to fit as many as possible on the page too.  They have more state info to help you with your studies as well. The license plates are from MS Word-images, I think the only one I couldn't find was SC, so I searched the internet and found one that would work-sized it and added it to the document to print.  

I will also be using a few goodies I was able to review whilst being on the TOS crew:

The Little Man in the Map is a delightful way to learn the states and where they are located on the map.

My Review 

HS in the Wood Olde World US Maps  I will be using the states maps and notebook pages, and the brochure document too-I think that one is under the World maps tho.  I will have to double check-but these are sooooo nice and perfect for this study.  I am also the materials for the Geography Center.  But if you are on a super tight budget, you can find most downloads for free from various other sites-they simply won't be as detailed or have all the data, but they certainly can create a lovely notebook for your student.  I suggest Googling or doing Swagbuck searches, which frankly is a great way to get free $ (Swagbucks that is-you can join and earn-I have already earned $20 worth of free Amazon gift cards just by searching!) Click the icon below and it'll get you there.  :o)

 My Review

TOS Travel the World eBook I will pull some elements out of this eBook to help with our studies too.

My Review

I also have a mishmash of atlases, coloring books or map books about the states, and of course-where would I be if I didn't tie in some kinda lapbook to this?  Well-I purchased 

Hands of a Child (look for this particular lapbook via their search)
 and will pull out components as needed. 

10 Days in the USA

This is on my wish list-a nice to have but not totally necessary...

I have found flashcards at the dollar section of Target, a poster listing the state names/capitals at the Dollar Tree and so forth. Been building the collection for some time and now when we get to it-I can draw from all sorts of good products to make this a fab project.  OH, and I have 2 fun puzzles-one of the USA and one of the world, which will show up in the workboxes here and there too.

HTH ya out too.  So that is the big stuff-I am sure I have more, but it gives ya a good idea of what one can use to pull together a study.  I have seen a few other great ideas from my pals via their blogs too-but since I am pretty sure I have enough to make this a detailed enough to remember kinda study-I am using what I have available.  :0)

It is that time of year where one can find the goodies at the Dollar Tree

So, I went on a wee trip to the Dollar Tree, and found a couple neat things-so here they are:
(which means if you have one near you, you may want to take a wee trip there yourself)

The States wheel is perfect for our study of them that we'll be starting.  Way cool, and I am going to put that into our Geography Center for activities.  The little compass do-dads, well, I thought I could write some stuff on the back, like "kitchen" then he has to take that and his real compass and go to the kitchen to see which direction it is.  I can come up with all sorts of places (inside and out) that he can do this activity...again, it will go in the Geo Center.  The little Jupiter expanding towel is something I have seen but never tried, not exactly sure what to expect, but hey-we are picking up our solar system study with Jupiter tomorrow, so it is going in the workbox for fun!  

I don't know why this turned, it is correctly set in the documents, but guess you'll just have to cock your head for a second.  The arrow lines up to the state you want to know the stuff for...then on the other side, you can read the answers.  Fun!  I am thinking I will have my son do this for each state we cover, and have him fill in that info on his lapbook components-kind of a win-win situation-he can do copywork, get the answers for his lapbook stuff and I can step back and let him do it.  Yeahs.

Neat huh? On the back there is a place for the child to write the info on their state and it also lists the abbreviations for the state names.

This too turned even tho it is correct on the documents.  Well, I dunno what we'll find, but it will be neat to watch this grow. LOL

So there are some of the goodies.  I am going back for a couple more of something I found and will post that later.  Til then-enjoy some more ideas from the box.  Hey, and ya know those wall decorations I have noted (in this post and many others-the compasses here-you don't need to use em for what they are suppose to be used for...you can tweak em for all sorts of "works" and/or use em for the file folder games and  more-use your imagination ladies-

Hey if you are a FIAR rower, and have done the bk 4 ones...

help me figure out where these stories are suppose to take place, I would be much obliged.  I am compiling a listing of the states or country or continent these take place in/by/near/sorta maybe....and since I don't own these, and the inter loans haven't come in yet, any help would be great.  I will post the listings for those FIARowers who like to have a quick glance referral as to where they occur, soon on my scribd.


Arabella (I know it is an island-does it pinpoint any specific region of the world?)
Roxaboxen (any place?)
Higgins Bend (?)
Hanna's Cold Winter (?)
Mailing May (I remember it being out west, OR or WA?)
Hickory Chair (southern USA?)
Albert (would NY be a good guess?)




If you could just leave a comment if you know-I figure some have no location, but a guess to the general area is fine too.  Thanks.

 UPDATE!!

**I forgot to cross post-2 folks have now mentioned HSS and their FIAR listings, and yes, I have finally gone there-but also have posted the version I did on my Scribd pages-look for the icon on the side bar to get you there.  Can never have too many reference charts! :0) Thanks for all your help folks-I have this as done as it is going to get. 

Oh yeah! They fixed my issues at Scribd! Yeah!

It wasn't me!  Whew!  They had some tech difficulties and of course, one of the issues is what I had...you can link and subscribe by clicking this little icon!

Ah, I feel better now!

Two things to show ya right now....

this precious excursion led to these

12 totes, two shelves to hold em, and a couple catties

now to assemble, Velcro areas for the number cards, and finally-my teen will have 

a perfect workbox system (well not perfect, cuz that would require having stuff in them!)