Planning for Next Year: Book of Lists

I enjoy learning more about homeschooling.   My grandmother who recently passed away last year continues to inspire me.  She took Belly Dancing and Bar Tending in her 70's and 80's. She went to different lectures on topics up until her death at age 95.  Once she  told a friend who did not want to go to a topic," What are you going to have to contribute if this topic comes up in conversation?"  I believe he was speechless. 
For me a great source of homeschooling information is the public library.  I went to the 371's in non fiction  and looked around on the shelves.  I found  The Homeschooling Book of Lists there.  I think it is worth a look from your library.  It is from 2008 so it is not the most up to date resource out there, but I did enjoy looking through it. It talks about many topics in homeschooling briefly.  It is a good springboard for learning new things.   
I also learned  they have a web site called the Homeschooling Link.   It is a resource I was not familiar with.  I just started to explore the site, and learned quite a bit.   I think my Grandmother would be proud of me.
Enjoy the week
Becky 

A chance to win The Grace Card. . . at my friend's blog.

My friend Amy at Growing Fruit is giving away a copy of the DVD The Grace Card.   It is easy to enter.  You just leave a comment and a way to have her contact if you win.  Very easy!
So click on over for a chance to win.
Remember  "You can't win if you don't enter."
Enjoy your week,
Becky

Planning for Next Year: Internet Safety

I found Internet Protect Your Kids:: Keep Your Children Safe from the Dark Side of Technology on my bookshelf.  It came in a package of books from a homeschool convention.  One of those books I always meant to read.  My kids are getting older and somehow it seemed more pressing.  One of my older sons is taking internet classes and I realized I needed to step it up here.

The book is slightly dated, but very helpful.  The technology has changed from 2007, but the safety issues remain the same.  We do have some measures in place in our home,  we have our online computers in the kitchen and we have the B-Secure Filter.   I think the book was a good reminder to review safety with my kids regularly.  I think the internet, wireless, and technology are such a part of their lives that I need to make technology safety issues a part of our curriculum for next year.   I felt like it needed to be more purposeful rather than just when I thought about it in between cleaning or helping someone do something.

So is there anything that you want to make more purposeful in your curriculum this year?  Now is the time to write it down and plan for it. 
Hopefully you have nicer weather to enjoy as well!
Becky



 

Fun Finds: Magnetic Board.

I had this idea for a new blog  category.  I am calling it "Fun Finds."  I love to yard sale and go to thrift stores.  I have found some great homeschooling materials when I least expect it.  I hope to post these throughout the year.    Here is my latest and greatest find.

Magnetic board easel  2 sides!  No fights. 

I found this magnetic easel at a church sale for $3.  The church had a school attached to it.  I found this on the way out the door.  I just looked over and it was calling my name.  I love how it has two sides for 2 kids to play on it at the same time.  I looked around on the web and found something similar here.    This is the same brand.  I think I did pretty well.
Happy hunting!
Becky