To Break or not to Break?

Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

This week, the kids and I traveled over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house! Now, we're snuggled up with family, enjoying our time together and eating too much food. I'm forgoing most of the mega deals this year, so no need to brave the Black Friday crowds.

This is the first time, though, that we've gone on a vacation like this and I brought our homeschool stuff with us! *gasp* I know, I know. Usually, I like to take the whole week of Thanksgiving off, or at least only focus on Thanksgiving-related activities.

However, this has been a really rough season for us, health-wise. I was sick for an entire 3 weeks in October, and all 3 of my kids seem to be taking turns getting sick themselves or making each other sick. That's put us way behind in our curriculum.

I'm not really one to obsess over something like that. Correction--I am that type, but I'm learning to overcome that bit of the perfectionist side of me. While I'm not in any hurry to "catch up," I also believe we need to stay on track. So, we're brought a little bit of homeschool with us.

Granted, many of our activities are still Thanksgiving (and starting Monday--Christmas) related--the books we read, the crafts we do, etc. We are still making sure to plunge on in our studies. The girls are enjoying learning about the medieval times and animal habitats in science. In another post, I'll have to share the travel books I made for them, which bits of math, spelling, reading, and history/geography in the form of games! Yes, I'm sneaky like that.

What about you? Do you continue to homeschool through the holidays? Why or why not?

Easter-Themed Art Projects for Young Children

Easter is only a few days away, so I spent several hours on Pinterest and my favorite blogs earlier this week to create this list of cute Easter art projects for toddlers and preschoolers.  Each project includes a link to instructions or photos.  I apologize that I don't have many photos for you, but due to copyright issues, I only use the photos that I have taken in my blog posts.  I hope that you enjoy this list; I know that I am now inspired to do even more Easter art with my girls!

Bunny Paper Candy Pouch 

Bunny Ears Hat

Bunny Flower Pot

Bunny Hat

Bunny Mask

Bunny Paper Bag Puppet

Christian Easter Mobile

Cross Lacing Project

Cross Suncatcher

Easter Egg Collage

Easter Egg Crown

Egg-Shaped Bunny

Eggshell Mosaic

Envelope Bunny

Handprint and Footprint Bunny

Life of Jesus Cross

Paper Easter Bunny Face

Paper Plate Jesus in the Empty Tomb

Paper Plate Tomb

Paper Towel Roll Egg Holder

Salvation Storyboard

Seashell Cross

Shaving Cream Easter Egg Card

Stained Glass Cross

Textured Easter Egg

I love making these lists for you!  Now, I am inspired!  I think that we will be doing a lot of art projects this week!


Marla is a former special education teacher, current PhD student, university instructor, and stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of two little girls (ages 2 and 4).  She blogs about homeschooling at Marla's Motherhood Musings and her family's experiences living in Zambia at Our Life in Lusaka.

Last Minute Valentine's Crafts for Toddlers/Preschoolers

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  If you are anything like me, you had grand intentions about the fabulous heart-themed activities and crafts you were going to do with your children, but it is now the day before Valentine's Day and you have not done them yet.  We finally did our first Valentine's art project and made our homemade cards earlier today (nothing like waiting to the last minute!).

For those of you needing a bit of inspiration, I have a compiled a short list of VERY easy projects (with links to blogs that have completed the crafts) to do with your young children today or tomorrow.

Wine cork hearts

Cutting practice with hearts (we did that this year as a part of our homemade Valentine's cards - so easy and a fun way to work on fine motor skills!)

Coloring heart cutouts

Painting or watercoloring heart cutouts

Gluing small pieces of paper onto heart cutouts to make a collage

Heart caterpillars 

Heart footprints

Hearts covered in tissue paper

Elephants made from heart shapes (We did this in our toddler playgroup this morning and the children loved it!)

Heart Valentine paper chain

Heart flowers

Potato print hearts

Handprint heart

Heart butterfly

Toilet tube roll heart stamps

And now that I have compiled this list, I am feeling guilty for not doing more Valentine's Day crafts with my girls.  I have one more day to make it happen!  What fun crafts do you have planned to do with your children this Valentine's Day?

Marla is a former special education teacher, current PhD student, university instructor, and stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of two little girls (ages 2 and 4).  She blogs about homeschooling at Marla's Motherhood Musings and her family's experiences living in Zambia at Our Life in Lusaka.

Homeschool Christmas Ideas & Link-Up

Christmas is quickly approaching and its time to delve into all those great ideas we have found on the internet. Whether it was through a website, blog, or Pinterest, the ideas themselves range from doable-for-any-normal-mom to must-be-super-hero-homeschooling-mom-to-pull-this-off. Personally, I try the doable ideas and simply admire the others. Today, we've pulled together some of the Homeschool Christmas ideas and put them into one post. There is space for your own great ideas, too. Please link them below.

Homeschool Lessons and Reference Materials
Christmas Across the Curriculum
The Origin of Different Symbols of Christmas
Feliz Navidad: A Mexican Christmas Unit
Christmas Unit Study Resources
Christmas Around the World Coloring Book, by Joan O'Brien
Christmas Around the World, by Mary D. Lankford

Thoughts and Resources
Meditation on Gentleness, at Christmastime
Giving Begins at Home
Preserving Memories
Homeschooling on Vacation
Gifts for Homeschooling Families

Christmas Music in Books
We Three Kings, illustrated by Gennady Spirin
The Little Drummer Boy, illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats
The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol, Tomie dePaola
The 12 Days of Christmas: The Story Behind a Favorite Christmas Song, written by Helen Haidle and illustrated by Laura Knorr
Christmas Carols for a Kid's Heart, by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada
Silent Night: The Song and Its Story, by Margaret Hodges
Good King Wenceslas, illustrated by Christopher Manson

Christmas Past in Books
O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions, written by Jacqueline Farmer
Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that Changed the World, by Douglas Wood
When Washington Crossed the Delaware, by Lynne Cheney

Ideas for Advent
Jesse Tree
Truth in the Tinsel
Advent Activities File Folder
Shepherd's Pouches
Tubular Advent Wreath
Making Advent Wreaths for Kids
Traditional Advent Calendar

Craft Ideas
Simple Christmas Crafts for Preschoolers
Recycle and Repurpose Old Greeting Cards {12 ideas}
Yarn Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Banner Craft
Rubber Stamped Wrapping Paper

Heart Warming Stories to Share
Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story, by Cynthia Rylant
An Orange for Frankie, by Patricia Polacco
Christmas Tapestry, by Patricia Polacco
Just in Time For Christmas, by Louise Borden
Coal Country Christmas, written by Elizabeth Ferguson Brown

For After Your Christmas Break
Getting Back in the Swing
Beginning Again After a Holiday Break


Other Great Ideas:

Ideas for St. Patrick's Day

Yesterday, we shared ideas for studying presidents, elections, and government. Today, the topic is St. Patrick’s Day.

Before teaching my children about St. Patrick, I knew relatively nothing.  I knew he had something to do with Ireland, lots of people decorated with shamrocks, and some celebrated the day with green drinks.  That about summed up my knowledge. 

Then, a few years ago, I decided to teach my children about the man behind the holiday, St. Patrick.  The Story of Saint Patrick, by James A. Janda, offered us a fascinating introduction to his life.  We were intrigued by his life and experiences. 

This is just one way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into our homeschools.  Another approach would be to learn about Ireland, its history and culture, or perhaps read about the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

Or, perhaps you would rather celebrating the day with a few fun activities, maybe include...

Printable Worksheets
St. Patrick's Day Printables at about.com

Shamrock craft ideas for youngsters
"Tie-dye Shamrocks" from coffee filters at Kaboose

Potato Stamp Shamrocks at Family Fun

Rainbow craft ideas for youngsters
"Handprint Rainbow" at Enchanted Learning (use construction paper or paint)
"Jell-O Scented Rainbow" at Making Learning Fun

Fun food ideas
Irish Soda Bread (traditional)
Irish Soda Bread with raisins
green fruits - kiwi, limes
green vegetables - cucumbers, celery, brocolli, lettuce, peppers
green dessert foods - pistachio pudding, mint flavored ice cream, key lime pie
"Pot o' Gold Cupcakes" at Mega Crafty

Party ideas
"Pot of Gold Party" at education.com


There are numerous ways to learn about and celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and this short list is just a start.  We would love to read about your plans for studying or celebrating the day.  Feel free to include any applicable links in your comment.

Topic for tomorrow: spring

Homeschool Holiday Open House Winners!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I know, we're all getting back into the groove of things now that the holidays are over. Our schools are resuming, we're returning to routine, and maybe feeling a little bit of that after-holiday burnout/blues.

So, let's kick off the new year with some fun! Here are the winners from our giveaway week!

Monday: Educating the WholeHearted Child, by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson = Lisa Hurst

Tuesday: Preschool Pack of Transportation Counting Cards = Tristan

Wednesday: Educating the WholeHearted Child, by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson = Julie Lupo

Thursday: Walmart $30 GC = Tristan

Congrats to all the winners! If you could please email Ralene at raeburk01 [at] yahoo [dot] com with your addresses, we'll get your prizes out to you ASAP.

So, what are your goals for 2012?

Seeds of Wisdom--Christmas Eve Traditions

Does your family have a Christmas Eve tradition each year?


Dorie--

For Christmas Eve, we always attend church service. This year, one of our daughters is singing the solo part for the children's choir song.

Jessica--

We also spend Christmas Eve in church. Often the children receive special gifts (like a tie or hair ribbon) to wear to the services, which they get to open before we leave. Afterwards, we like to eat at our favorite chinese take-out restaurant, but we actually sit and eat it there. Finally, we head home to set out cookies and hang stockings.


Marla--

We celebrate by having dinner with my in-laws, as well as my husband's aunt, uncle, and cousin. After dinner, we open gifts and stockings before heading to bed.

Aurie--

We travel to Ken's grandparents and exchange gifts. Then we hurry home to get the girls ready for bed, and Ken over to church for the Christmas Eve service. This year I'm hoping we'll all make the service!!

Sam--

Every year we make cookies and decorate them. The kids exchange their gift exchange gifts, and we watch Christmas movies. Rick and I always watch "It's A Wonderful Life" while we wait for the kids to go to sleep. We don't do Santa, but we always wait to bring the presents out.

Beginning Again After a Holiday Break

Eight o'clock at night rang on the chimes, but I was still finishing up the day.  To describe the day as hectic would have been an understatement.  However, the day was not without some positive aspects.  We did finish a day of school.  It was sporadic and patched together, but a day of learning took place and progress was made.  There were very few complaints, and even some laughter. 

It was our first day back to our school routine after a ten day holiday break, and I declared this would not happen again. 

How do you begin again?  After taking some much needed time off for travel, family visits, holiday celebrations, rest, and relaxation, just how do you get back into the smooth homeschool routine you had already established before your break?

At our home, we have tried everything to make it an easy transition.  Some techniques and tips work well for us, other things, not so much.

Three successful suggestions I try to follow in our home are:

1. Let the children know when the first day back to school lessons / homeschool routine will occur.  Our children like to know ahead of time, when their vacation is over.  Sounds simple, I know, but honestly some breaks I have inadvertently surprised the children with a day of school.  Though it was an honest mistake, it did not go over well. 
2. Allow the first day back (or the first few) to progress at a slower pace.  There is always a few hiccups in our routine, especially after a long break.  We may not finish every lesson the first day back.  There may even be some lessons we won't get to do that first day as we ease back into the routine.
3. Be prepared to review some lessons.  It doesn't work for us to jump back into our lessons without some review.  Instead, I allow for some discussion and review of what they have already learned and then proceed to the new lesson. 

These are some of the tips and techniques that work for us, and help ease us back into our homeschool routine.  How about you?  What do you do to ease back into your homeschool routine after an extended break?

Next week:

Join us for A Homeschool Holiday Open House

with encouraging discussions and fun giveaways!

Giving Begins at Home

I love a good surprise. My husband is forever trying to tell me what he got me for Christmas or dropping huge hints and, honestly, I just don't want to hear it. I LIKE being surprised. Even more than that, though, I love to give. It warms my heart to see the looks on people's faces.

Now, how to I teach my girls, 4 and 5, to have the same kind of spirit--the whole "it's better to give than to receive"? All I've heard this year is "I want that".

I have a couple of thoughts, but am by no means an expert. 

Ralene's Non-Fool-Proof Ways to Help Develop a Giving Spirit in Young Children (NFPWHDGSYC for short)

1. Make it tangible for them. Yes, it is important to support programs like Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, etc., but the fact is, the kids don't see anything that comes of it. They're toy gets shipped to some foreign place they can barely comprehend to a group of children they can hardly relate to.

2. Make sure their input counts! Let them help make decisions--what gift to buy, what kind of cookies to make, how to decorate a card/wrap a present.

3. The more hands on, the better! The more the kids can do to hel, the more they'll be invested in it, the more they'll appreciate what happens to it at the end. If you purchase a toy, let them wrap it (with your help, of course) and then make a card for the child. Let them make the cookie dough, roll it out, cut the cookies, and, of course, the best part--decorating them!

4. As you're going through all the different parts of the process, be sure to explain to the kids what you're doing and why. Emphasize the difference in needs and wants.

5. Have them give of themselves. Help them understand how blessed they are by having them choose a few toys of their own to drop off at a charity. Then take them to drop it off! Let them put it in the box and take it in with you. This completes the thought process in their little heads. It didn't stop with putting it in the box and Mommy hauling it off to Goodwill.

6. Of course, they need to see you model the giving spirit. The giving spirit we harness during Christmas time should live in our hearts all year long. When they see us giving of our time, money, resources, and when we help them understand what we are doing and why, the more they'll develop that same sense as they grow and mature.

Giving can be as much of a gift for us as it is for those who receive our gifts. So, get in the spirit, and watch as you light up the faces of many with your blessings this year!

Gifts For Homeschooling Families

Do you need some holiday gift ideas for a homeschooling family you love? Are people close to you stumped about what you might like to have? Here is a list of suggestions which would make wonderful presents for anyone who is homeschooling.

1) Memberships

Does this family live near a great zoo? A children's museum? How about a YMCA with free family activities and classes? A year-long membership to these types of local attractions will be used and appreciated year-round.

2) Lessons

This is one of the best gifts our family has ever received. Our children were given 'gift certificates' from my parents for any lessons they would like to try. It was a wonderful adventure just seeking out the different types available: ballroom dancing, water polo, piano, guitar, rock climbing, martial arts, gymnastics, ballet and horseback riding were a few that were seriously considered. One of my children is, three years later, still participating in the original activity he chose.

3) Books

Homeschool families love all things literature. Just make sure you are considering the ages of the children when you make your purchase. Most sites online will have recommendations by age. Nonfiction is going to be preferable - you can even ask the families what they have been studying recently. They will appreciate your interest as well as your investment in and support of the lifestyle they have chosen.

4) Outings

Homeschool families LOVE a good field trip. Is there a fantastic place they would love to go? An air and space museum? A mine of some sort? An historical marker with attractions? Find a way to help them go, whether it is passes to the location itself, a place to stay while there, or a gift certificate to a nearby restaurant.

5) Magazine Subscriptions

There are mountains of wonderful publications in circulation for all age groups of children. You will want to be sure you dig a bit before you subscribe - often the most popular magazines are not the meatiest. Homeschool families are going to prefer very high-quality content, and they will thank you for it every time it arrives in their mailbox.

What is the best gift you have given or received that pertains to homeschooling?

Seeds of Wisdom --- Thanksgiving Traditions

It is less than one week until Thanksgiving.  This week, we would like to share our Thanksgiving traditions with you.

Aurie

We are breaking from tradition this year, since it will be first big holiday since my Father in Law passed away. We will be gathering at my sister in law's house for a quiet family dinner. This year we are being intentional about being thankful and we {my husband and I} will include all the items that we have listed throughout the month during dinner.

Beth

We started a new Thanksgiving tradition last year. Because we are a military family, and move around, we thought it would be fun to add dishes specific to the area we live in to our traditional Thanksgiving selections. Because we currently live in a community that is mostly Hispanic, we made bolillos, which are Mexican rolls. We also watch the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." That is a fun way to transition to the Christmas season!

Dorie

We tend to alternate each year which side of the family we visit. Last year, we celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents' house, and this year we will visit my husband's side. Each extended family has their own traditions. On my side, there is always turkey and trimmings, lots of desserts most involving pumpkin or chocolate, football - watching and playing, and Bingo. When we visit my husband's side, there is turkey and trimmings, with additional Italian dishes, and playing cards. For our immediate family, the younger children dress up as Pilgrims or Native Americans and we watch the Macy parade.

Maureen

I used to want to be in control of our Thanksgiving celebration. You know, plan the menu, decide on the day's schedule, etc. But in reality, I realize that just surrendering to the wild whirl of family and food is what makes the day for my children. They love the busy time of being with cousins and eating Grandma's food. I usually 'prepare' for the holiday by reading our collection of Thanksgiving and colonial America picture books.

Ralene

Oddly, we don't really have very many Thanksgiving traditions. It seems we celebrate different every year. Sometimes we celebrate with extended family, sometimes with friends, and sometimes by ourselves. About the only thing that is ever guaranteed is the fried turkey. If we're at home, then the Christmas tree goes up on Black Friday after I'm done shopping.

Sam

We stay at home, and dress up after making our dinner together. We don't like turkey, so we usually do ham. This year we are looking at other options, but will keep all of the usual side dishes. Perhaps a chicken? Not sure! Our favorite part is always making our pies from scratch. I always take a hundred pictures of that process. Many hands always make it taste better!  At dinner, we always take turns sharing what we are thankful for. We write our thanks on construction paper leaves.

Tracy

We are counting down to thanksgiving with an advent calendar, writing our thanksgivings on a slip of paper each day. On Thanksgiving, we will read them all. We love a big turkey dinner as well. And since we live far away from family, we love to open our home to others who are away from their families. Sharing our home at Thanksgiving is a tradition that our kids, even at 4 and 3 years of age, already expect and look forward to.

What thanksgiving traditions do you have?

Thanksgiving Crafts

Thanksgiving can be celebrated all through November! Here are some fun suggestions of crafts and activities you can incorporate into your lessons:

This great book, The Very First Thanksgiving Day, has rich text and pictures that are interesting for all age groups.

My older children have learned from The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh. It personifies 'the pilgrims' in a more personal way.

I also love reading the book Thanks For Thanksgiving to my children. The text is simple but the pictures are so lovely - we enjoy pointing out things happening on each page (which leads us to discover more about what each character in the story is thankful for).

Another great way of helping children to discover the meaning of this holiday is to make a Thankful Tree. This is a fun activity the whole family can participate in, and it can last the whole month of November. You can either create a paper tree to hang on a wall or bulletin board, or secure a branch with several twigs to stand in a decorative pot. Then, have your children make paper leaves (these can be drawn free-hand, stenciled, or a traced hand print) and cut them out. Keep the leaves and a marker by the tree, so each person can write something they are thankful for on a leaf and place it on the tree. The leaves are attached to the tree with tape if it is a paper tree, or hung with ornament hangers if the tree is represented by a stick. This is a fun activity to add to your lessons once a day or once a week until Thanksgiving.

Handprint turkeys are always fun for children! Here is a fun twist on a paper turkey, or you can create this sweet painted turkey.

My children would not want me to forget to mention coloring pages. They LOVE themed coloring pages! Here are some great Thanksgiving ones.

Have a great time teaching your children about Thanksgiving - and thank you for reading our blog!

Seeds of Wisdom --- Teaching About Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away; many homeschooling moms are beginning to teach about this national holiday.  Today, we share with you what Thanksgiving activities we are doing in our homeschools.

Aurie

We start lunch and dinner asking the girls what they are thankful for. This month I'll be recording their answers each time. In the past we've had a thanks jar {where we put slips of paper in} but this year we are going to have a thankful tree that the girls can actually put their "thanks" on.

Beth

We are still working on the basic stuff, the letter T, what turkeys are, and reading children's literature about Thanksgiving. We will learn the ASL signs for turkey, Happy Thanksgiving, thank you, and the sign for the letter t. This week the kids made turkeys creating the feather plumage with finger paint and thumprints.

Dorie

We are studying the history of the holiday with books and hands on activities. However, our main focus is on giving thanks to the Lord for all His blessings. In the past we have used a tree with each leaf naming a blessing. I loved the visual reminder of our abundance of blessings! This year we are using a Thanks jar, writing on slips of paper the names of our blessings.  



Jessica 
Our curriculum is focused on American history especially this year, and we started studying the pilgrims just two weeks ago. I also keep a system of books and magazines to lay out monthy, so November included all our Thanksgiving-themed bo...oks. Several of the children's individual reading assignments are Thanksgiving-focused books, as well. I did the same thing for Halloween, and will do so for Advent and Christmas.

Marla

We will be starting our Thanksgiving lessons next week.  Each day, we are going to read several books about Thanksgiving (fiction and non-fiction books).  We are making a Thankful tree; each day, we add one or two things that Abigail is thankful for and then we pray a prayer of thanks for those things.  We are also making turkey handprint thank-you cards and giving them to various people who have had an impact on the girls' lives.  Additionally, I downloaded Thanksgiving preschool packs from a few of my favorite bloggers, as well as activities from DLTK Kids and ABCTeach; we will be working through those.

Ralene

We're doing a Thankful tree (every morning we hang new leaves with stuff we're thankful for), and we're discussing thankfulness, wastefulness, and Thanksgiving traditions/history over the next three weeks.

Sam

We are studying Jamestown right now, and we also have picked up several books at the library. We will be sticking with our regular lessons, and reading the other books during our reading time outside of school.

How are you teaching about Thanksgiving in your homeschool?