Quote for today

“In the end, the secret to learning is so simple: forget about it. Think only about whatever you love. Follow it, do it, dream about it. One day, you will glance up at your collection of Japanese literature, or trip over the solar oven you built, and it will hit you: learning was there all the time, happening by itself.” – Grace Llewellyn

A's activities

Busy, busy, busy - is one way to describe A's activities this year.  There are still a couple of things she'd like to fit in, and if we can figure it out, we might add more.  We shall see.

In a nutshell, here is what's keeping her busy this year:

Leaves of Learning:  two days a week, covering Biology, Shakespeare, Psychology and Independent Art (totally her favorite class because she can choose what she wants to work on.)

Teen activities:  she is a member/participant in three fairly active teen social groups, keeps her busy on Mondays, and weekends... This includes twice a month Social Dance classes - one of her favorite activities.

FCS Teen Board:  she volunteers and was selected to serve on the board for our county's Teen Board, it will be a great opportunity for leadership.

4-H Shooting Sports:  a new activity this year, but fun, and she's a natural.

4-H:  regular 4-H, I'm not sure if our current group is continuing, but if not, we'll find a local group to join for General Projects and maybe Dog showing...

Girl Scouts:  this is a continuing activity, she enjoys outdoor activities and time with friends.

Polymer Clay:  A has really taken off with this artform, and is working on many charms to display/sell at upcoming craft shows.  She spends hours working on clay figures from her imagination.  Super talented.

plus, other school subjects at home...  we are still relaxed, unschooly, but I'm encouraging her to think ahead to college and college admission...  We shall see.

New Year, New view

Our new "school" year has begun.  S is taking enrichment classes once a week at Leaves of Learning.  A is taking a couple of academic classes and an independent art study class twice a week at Leaves.  We are studying all the other subjects at home, albeit in a relaxed fashion.  J wants to spend extra time on history this year, so we are delving into world history, but exploring rabbit holes as they come up.

I still feel a little overwhelmed this year.  I think it has to do with having a high schooler, it's a little nerve-wracking, making sure that all of our i's are dotted and t's are crossed for future college plans...

My plan is to get back to my blogging - because I enjoy it, and it helps me to air out my thoughts. 

Bear with me and enjoy the journey.

In a funk

I don't know if I'm feeling burned out, frustrated, or what.  I've been in a funk lately, and I need to get out of it.  Wish me luck!  I am trying to be funk-free very soon.

Girl Scout Camp

Oh my gosh, my oldest dd made it through her week of sleepaway Girl Scout camp.  She had a blast!  She did high ropes, low ropes, archery, swimming (even in their clothes), canoeing, a slumber party, cookouts, crafts, and even more. 

She was a bit homesick during the week - and I missed her dearly, but we survived.  It was a great experience for her, and she made some new friends in the process.

Sleep-away Camps

Oh my gosh, it's happened.  My children are getting older!  The two oldest children have elected to spend a week at sleep-away camp this summer.   A is attending Girl Scout camp for a week.  J is attending Boy Scout camp.  Mom is excited and apprehensive, and busy shopping for all the equipment needed for camp.  Geesh. 

I'm amazed by how different the camp amenities are set-up.  Girl Scout camp is a bit more rustic than the Boy Scout camp.  Girl Scout camp - latrines, only one shower house, family-style meals.  Boy Scout camp - flushing toilets near every campsite, many showers (thank goodness - it would be a very stinky week otherwise), cafeteria-style meals.

 Boy Scout camp focuses on Merit Badges.  Girl Scout camp focuses on fun, girl-togetherness time.

It will definitely be a learning experience for all of us this summer.  I'll let you know how we survive!

Fourth of July Poster Contest for Children

A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks is offering a Fourth of July patriotic poster contest for children aged preschool through 12th grade (with age categories).   The posters can be digital or hand-crafted.  The contest begins now, and all entries must be in by June 30, 2012.  There are prizes available.  Every child who enters will receive a free instant download of a lapbook from A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks.

Have your children start thinking patriotic and enter today!
Patriotic Poster Contest

Quote of the Day

Quote of the day...

"Most people, most of the time, learn most of what they know about science and technology outside of school." -National Science Foundation 

Do you agree with this or not?  Let me know what you think.  
  
Enjoy!

Convention Time!

It's time for the Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati this weekend.  Fun times, great speakers, the opportunity to peruse materials hands-on in the vendor hall, many homeschool families, I love it!

This is the one event I've attended every year since I began homeschooling my children.  I find it to be so helpful for re-inspiring me, listening to great, upbeat speakers, and finding a better way to engage my children.

After the convention comes planning time - stay tuned!

Enjoy the journey.

Math tips

I'm sharing some of our favorite math tips over at Hope Homeschool Consulting today - check it out!

Quote of the day

I love the wisdom of Yoda - this is my mantra for today.

 
"Do or do not; there is no try." >> Yoda

Spring!

We are really enjoying our warmer-than-usual March weather.  Parks, outdoor nature hikes, frog hunting, stickball - lots of outdoor fun and fresh air.

I'm always a little leery that the beautiful spring weather won't last (it has snowed in April here before), but the balmy, warm days are making us want to plant veggies and flowers.  Don't worry, we're waiting, weather can change drastically.

I love spring with the beautiful flowers, singing birds and freshly-dressed trees.  What is your favorite part of spring?

Enjoy!

Puppet Making Day

We spent time yesterday with a few friends making puppets!  It was fun.  I always love to see all the kids design their own creations.  What a creative group!

We made stick puppets, toilet paper tube finger puppets, lunch bag puppets, and sock puppets.  We brought home a few puppet books from the library, so our puppet-making doesn't have to stop.

Here is the info I sent (in case you want to host your own puppet-making day):

Join fellow homeschoolers for an afternoon of crafting fun with a
focus on puppets...


When:  Wed., March 28th from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Where:  Madeira Library Meeting Room

Bring:  anything you want to make puppets with (see suggestions below)!

Supplies we will have on hand: paper bags, toilet paper rolls,  some
felt, some fleece, some fabric, some yarn, ribbon, googly eyes,
feathers,  glue guns (and some glue sticks), egg cartons, craft
sticks,  2 liter bottle caps (make great eyes!), fun foam, foam
shapes, dowels, regular glue and scissors

Supplies to consider bringing to share:
fabric (fleece, felt, fur)
googly/wiggle eyes
feathers
markers
glue sticks for glue guns (low or all temp)
buttons
fun foam
wooden spoons
yarn
ribbon
used clothing that can be recycled
embellishments of any kind
silk flowers
beads
pipe cleaners
socks
gloves
let your imagination run wild!

RSVP:  Kim

Not into puppets? That's okay, bring your favorite craft and work on
it with friends.

Here are some of the books we used:







and




Our favorite book is the Muppets Make Puppets - of course, I love the Muppets, so that might be why.



Make some puppets, it's fun!  Enjoy.

Fused glass at Brazee Street Studios

I took the girls to Brazee Street Studios today for a Suncatcher open house.  Brazee Street is a school of glass.  Today's project was creating a suncatcher with glass pieces - it will then be fused and turned into a work of art for our windows.  S created a rainbow complete with a pot of gold, A made a shamrock, and I went with a bright yellow sun.  We pick them up next week.

If you live in the greater Cincinnati area, I highly recommend checking out the Brazee Street Saturday open houses - affordable, unique artwork and it's fun!

Enjoy.

Veritas Press offers $5 gift certificates

Veritas Press is offering a special promotion for $5 gift certificates - and even better, you can refer it to friends and earn even more $5 gift certificates.

Veritas Press specializes in award-winning classical Christian education curriculum for home schools and Christian schools. We also offer a full array of online classes. Check out their web site. 

Sign up here for your $5 gift certificate, and then you will be able to start earning gift certificates, too.
http://www.VeritasPress.com/launchrock.html?lrRef=loOHU