Things to do in December!

    "December is one of those months that is so crazy you forget how crazy it is until it comes around again." 

A lovely women whom I used to teach with in Georgia.

I find the above statement to be so true.  Convincing children to work during December can be a challenge. Their minds seem to be elsewhere.   There are certainly many ways to cope with this.  I thought I would share a couple of things we do or have done to get through the month.

Ideas:
This is a great time to finish unfinished projects.  Maybe that half finished log cabin, the time line that is missing a few spots, or an unfinished writing project.

Take a field trip.  It's fun to get out and experience something new.

Do a service project.  Collect caned foods for a local shelter.  Have your children clean out their old toys, clothes, and other things to give to charity.   Make Christmas cards for residents of nursing homes, soldiers overseas, or those who are homeless.  Call a local  ministry and ask them if they need any help for an afternoon or morning and volunteer.  Clean an elderly neighbor's home or put up their Christmas lights. 

Do "School Lite".  I posted about this last year.  


Bake goodies and review cups, tablespoons, liters etc.  Measure things around your house and record them.

Clean out your school area to be ready for a fresh start in January. 

Hopefully this will get you started.  Below is a picture of my children making cards for the residents of Amsa a special needs orphanage in S. Korea.  My brother was gathering Christmas cards to send to the children.  He had at one time been a resident. 


Let me know any great ideas that you have.  The month is still really young and I am looking for things to do.  

Becky

Celebrating homeschooling!

We have two tubs of Chistmas/winter books we bring out at this time of year.  My kids have always been excited, but I took note this year on how excited they were.  It was like time stood still.  Everyone grabbed a book and began to read after we brought them out of storage.  Old favorites were read and new books discovered.  It was one of those moments where I decide to celebrate homeschooling.  I realized my children have developed a love of books, and that gave me deep satisfaction.  It's easy to doubt what we do sometimes.  Is it working?  Do my kids know enough?  Is it worth it?  I took these pictures to remind myself that yes it is working, and yes it is worth it. I am cultivating life long learners who love to read.  

Take some time to celebrate today what is working in your homeschooling.  It's easy to get lost in the agenda, and forget about what is important (at least for me).

Enjoy the day!

Becky

Fun Finds: Math books

I have a fun find.  I was at my favorite thrift store in Cincinnati.  I was looking through the books and came across an entire set of Miquon math books.  I was so excited.  This is one of my favorite math programs.  They were less than $1 each. It was the find of finds.  Who would have thought this would be in a thrift store?   I guess you never know.

Proof of actual purchase :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!
Becky

Interesting Article on Phonics

Hello,
I am back.  My husband was out of town last week, and we were pretty excited to make it through the week.  We did have some great chances to play in the leaves. 

I am taking a class to keep up my Ohio certificate.  We had this article in class.  It is a nice article that describes phonics instruction.  I thought it might be helpful.  I will finish up my reading series in the next few weeks with a post on vocabulary.

Hope you are enjoying the first day of November.  We have a beautiful sunny day here.

Becky