{Tuesday Tip: Basket Books}

Every once in a while I think of a little routine or habit that our family has practiced, and it occurred to me that some of you mamas out there might benefit from our trials and errors, bumps and bruises along the way! Some ideas fail miserably (like the time I chopped off Bethie's hair), and some ideas actually work (like having a designated dinner helper). My Tuesday Tip posts will mostly focus on those that work . . . although I'm not opposed to revealing my failings as well.

Today's tip -- surprise, surprise -- involves books. Ever since my kids were able to hold a book, I've made it a point to visit the library as often as possible. When they were really little, we took part in the weekly story time at the Camas Public Library.  Because we homeschooled, it was important for me to find opportunities like this for my kids to participate in structured activities with other children, and it further instilled in them a love and appreciation for public libraries.

Aidan in the lovely Camas library courtyard . . . about five years ago!

One of the highlights in each of my kids' lives was the day when they were old enough to get their own library card. This usually happened around first grade, and it became a right of passage. Oh, what joy to see them carefully write out their name in black Sharpie on their very own card! Their backpacks and cards ready, they hit the shelves. The only "rule" was that they had to be able to carry any books they wanted to check out. Accordingly, they stuffed their bags to the gills.

My kiddos with "The Cousins" at the new downtown library a few years ago.

As they grew, I began to incorporate other "rules" during our library visits. When I noticed that they were becoming too narrow in their focus, rather than telling them that they couldn't choose certain books (although there's sometimes a place for that), I told them that they needed to find books from a variety of sections. This way they were encouraged to explore the many beautiful picture books that weren't necessarily fiction. From poetry and science to mathematics and history, their minds began to expand.

My kids usually make all of their own book selections these days, but in an effort to continue to challenge their minds with wholesome variety, I've set aside a specific place for my very own selections. It's simply a basket in the school room, and it contains the books that I've chosen for them during our most recent trip to the library. I comb the shelves for variety, beauty and age -- those books which have stood the test of time and continue to remain in print. I look for the authors we've grown to love, the illustrations that captivate, and the biographies of people I want my children to know.

The basket sits temptingly in view, and every once in a while (often during school hours) I'll say to Aidan and Avery, "Okay! Time to choose a basket book!" They see it as a mini recess during which they can escape with a gem for a few minutes. Sometimes they prefer to read alone, each choosing a separate book, and sometimes they read together. Aidan gravitates toward the science finds, while Avery often grabs biographies or fairy tales. I gravitate toward the dishes or laundry for those few minutes, thankful that my kids' minds are being stretched and challenged in a way that they see as pure fun.

{Using a Checklist to Guide Schoolwork}

When my kids entered their middle elementary years, it was exciting to see how independent they had become. I could place an assignment before them and tend to a younger sibling and, for the most part, they’d be able to stay on task without straying too far. As helpful as it was, I still found that I was interrupted by too many “what should I do now?” questions. So I took the advice of a friend and developed a checklist.

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom today!

{Shadow Puppet Shows}

These dark and cold winter nights just beg for some old fashioned fun — snacking on popcorn near a crackling fire, reading stories while sipping hot cider, or hovering over a jigsaw puzzle to press in that final piece. As the winter wears on, however, you might find that you’ve exhausted your resources and could use a new diversion. Why not try a shadow puppet show?

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom today to continue reading . . .

{Using a Variety of Sources for Copywork and Dictation}

Because I want to train my children to appreciate excellent writing, and because I want them to have the ability to confidently put their own words onto paper, one of their weekly assignments is to copy sentences or take dictation from various readings. As they write the words of the master writers, their minds are learning to anticipate the beauty of a well-chosen phrase, the power of metaphor and the comfort of rhythm. Slowly but surely, these words will become their own, equipping them to one day write with feeling and clarity.

How do I do this? Continue reading over at The Homeschool Classroom.

{ABC Lapbooks For Early Learners}

When my younger children were in their preschool years, they really wanted to “do school” like their older siblings. Our budget was very limited, however, so buying curriculum for the early years seemed unwise (if not impossible). Necessity being the mother of invention, I searched for a way to incorporate the main subjects in an engaging, memorable way for my little ones.

Read about my solution over at The Homeschool Classroom!

{A Glimpse into Our Homeschool: Afternoon Handwork}

A little while ago I posted some ideas for dealing with b-o-r-e-d-o-m and its attack on little (or not so little) people in the home. One suggestion was to write several activities on Popsicle sticks, place the sticks in a jar and invite the children to pick out an idea when ennui strikes.

We started school last week, and I've found that the little stick idea is coming in quite handy. It's especially nice during our afternoon reading session when I suggest that my kids choose "handwork" to bring into the living room.

But let me back up and give you a little glimpse into our home on a typical afternoon:

The children have a lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00. Often, if the weather and our activities permit, I sneak out for a 30 minute walk during this time. It's a wonderfully uplifting and invigorating way to reboot before hopping back to an afternoon of school work.

When I return, I prep the kids for what's to come. Usually I say something like, "We'll start reading at 1:00, so pull together your handwork!"

There is much happy scurrying (they like handwork), and the children eventually congregate in the living room, hands full of quiet activities. (Many of these activities are written on the Popsicle sticks, just in case the little one needs a quick idea before we dive into our books.)

"Handwork" is anything that will quietly occupy a listener for about 30 or 40 minutes. It could be knitting, sketching, coloring, sewing, building or creating. Once they're all settled, I squish down into my rocking chair and begin our Bible chapter for the day.

This month we're reading Matthew. Before I begin the chapter, I give each child an age appropriate detail to listen for as I read. (For example, when we read chapter four today, I asked Aidan to be listening for the names of the first two disciples.) This keeps their minds, hands and hearts focused -- a perfect after-lunch transition.

After our Bible chapter, we move on to our literature selection. We just voted on our next book, and the kids unanimously chose All of a Kind Family. So today we started the first chapter as they continued with their activities.

This reading time provides an ideal pause before we jump into the final afternoon work of science, history or art. My kids' hands have been creating, their minds have been working, and their hearts have been receiving. Which means that my heart is nourished, too.

* * * * *

Here are some favorite "handwork" activities we've collected along the way. Many are also featured on my school room Popsicle sticks which Little Miss Avery Kate is loving right now. I'm not sure how long her enthusiasm will last, but I shan't borrow trouble from tomorrow.

(One more note: I'm including a link to each item, just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Some of these we've acquired from different sources, including garage sales, thrift stores and as hand-me-downs. So keep an eye out!)

Okay, here goes:

Wedgits

Connectagons

Pattern Play

Pattern Blocks

Dynamagz

Coloring Books

Tangrams

Colorku

Equilibrio

Perler Beads

Hugg-a-Planet

Engraving Art

What ideas can you add to our list? I'll fill up as many Popsicle sticks as I can!  

{Involving Extended Family in Your Homeschool Journey}

Children who are schooled outside the home often have a number of opportunities to share their work with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. School assemblies, music concerts and open house events all showcase their work and provide a unique opportunity to highlight progress and learning.

But what about the homeschooled child? How might he share his learning with others?

There are a number of ways to creatively involve extended family members in your child’s homeschool journey. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom today to continue reading . . .

{Seize the Summer: How to Grow During the Break}

With the last day of school quickly approaching, I find myself experiencing conflicting emotions. I do look forward to the change of pace, the relaxed days and the beckoning outdoors. But to be completely honest, I also feel a bit anxious. Going from a fairly rigid school schedule to practically no schedule at all can create a whiplash effect.

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom today to continue reading!

{The Book List: A Work in Progress}

I'm excited to report that my book list is now up and running! I will continue to add to it from time to time, and to that end I treasure your input and suggestions along the way. Feel free to use it, pin it and share it. But most of all, share it with the children in your life.

You can visit our list by clicking the "Books" tab above, or you can follow the link here: Books.

Happy reading, dear friends!

{The Truth About Summer}

We're winding up the school year this week, and already I'm starting to feel suffocated. Not by the heat. (Because there isn't any.) And not by over-scheduling. (Because we don't usually cram a whole lot into the summer months.)

It's a panicky sort of suffocation that I might even venture to call a depression. I tell my husband that I'm not so sure if I even like summer, and he's convinced that I'm deranged. (And then he offers to get groceries and make dinner. I love this man.)

Don't worry. I'm not going all Sylvia Plath on you. I just don't know what else to call it. But I wonder if this floundering melancholy is common among homeschool moms.

Here's the lowdown. We schedule and schedule our days from September to June, and our lives revolve around making some sense and order out of the curriculum, lessons and chores that seem to fill every waking moment. Then, on some arbitrary day in June we say, "Okay, folks. All done!" And the kids shriek and shout because that's what the release of tension does.

But like the cartoon we silently wonder, "Now what?" Guess we'll just walk right back in and keep on doing what we always do, even if it no longer revolves around memorizing presidents and reducing fractions.

I sometimes envy my public school friends who look forward to that last day of school. They know it means that they get to spend all summer with their kiddos and soak up every minute that they can before putting them back on the big yellow bus in September when they will, no doubt, dissolve in tears after a blissful three month holiday. (This is a completely accurate portrayal, I'm sure.)

I don't put my kids on the bus. (Sometimes I really want to.) They're home, not only during the summer, but during the fall, the winter and the spring. Every. Blessed. Season. Don't get me wrong. I love it. (I repeat this to myself from time to time as a mantra.) But I'm also aware that there isn't a marked change that occurs from one season to the next.

We're still all home, and we're still all spending the whole entire day together. Still.

So this is where my suffocation creeps in. Isn't there supposed to be a drastic shift from school days to summer days? Yes, it's great to be done grading math papers. And yes, I love sleeping in. But still.

This morning I began my day in the Psalms, which I'm learning is a good way to begin my summer days. I focus on Psalms 145-150, because that's where I want my heart to be. The Psalms of praise. I am created to praise, no matter the circumstances, and will be most true to myself when I am doing just that.

When I feel suffocated, I remind myself of the rhythm that comforts.

I read Psalms of praise. Even if I don't feel all praisy, I know my spirit is refreshed by the truth of His word. It's a good way to begin the day. (Especially when accompanied by a hot cup of tea.) I'm learning to observe other "sacred pauses" throughout the day, and have set my phone alarm to remind me to praise through the Psalms at intervals throughout the day.

I do the next thing. Years ago my mother-in-law taught me about Elisabeth Elliot's wise words. When I feel burdened with a weight that I can't describe, when I want to sit down and mope, when I want to stay in bed and wallow, I choose instead to do the next thing. Do that thing in front of me that needs to be done. That basket of laundry that needs to be folded? Fold it.

I choose small goals. This is similar to doing "the next thing." Rather than "clean the entire house today," I give myself a pat on the back for scouring the kitchen sink and wiping the milk that spilled in the fridge. I know that tackling the bathroom in one day is realistic. Organizing the garage is not.

I focus on the gifts. Even this morning, as I forced myself to list "the good," I soon found myself overwhelmed with the great number of gifts. God is so good to His people. I thought of my kids laughing as they jumped on the trampoline. I was grateful for their ability to pour their own bowls of cold cereal when I didn't feel like whipping up some impressive super mom organic breakfast. I thanked him for my husband, working hard to support six people.

I anticipate the good. I know there will be lots of fun adventures this summer. I look forward to camping, a family reunion, time with my grandparents, jaunts to the river and the second annual Cousins Camp. In the past I've used summer goals for our family (which we'll do again this year) and my own personal goals, too, like the pursuit of knowledge, health and beauty. These keep me grounded and a tad more sane.

I know I won't be in a fog for three months straight. It just kind of feels like it from time to time. So I remember the good. I cling to grace. I hold on to the truth. I remember where I've come from and I remember where I'm going. And I thank God that I'm His.


How do you respond to the summer months?

{Bird Watching: How to Cultivate a Family Hobby}

When my oldest, who is now approaching high school, was still a bubbly little pre-schooler, I loved to watch him climb up onto my dad’s lap so they could flip through the bird guide together. He frequently ran to the window, pointed his chubby finger toward the trees and announced, “Look, Papa! A Chestnut-backed Chickadee!”

And that was all it took to get the whole family hooked on birds.


Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom today to continue reading!

{Sun Kissed}

When the forecast is sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy. I pull out the lawn quilt, stack the books and suggest to Miss Kate that we do outdoor school today.

It doesn't take much arm twisting.

She snuggles into my arm and leans her head against my shoulder. Seemingly small signs, but for my little firecracker this shouts, "I love you, Mommy. And I'm perfectly content right now."

I'm not going to rush this. Not one bit.

We turn the pages. I read, she reads.

I kiss the top of her head, smell the smell that's her, and I'm grateful for the now we are sharing.

She says, "Pretend I'm sleeping," and I take the picture.

She rolls back onto her tummy, flips through the poetry book and asks me to read the one about the kittens.

We read some more. We read about Laura and Mary and how proud they are of their beautiful mother, all dressed up for the dance at Grandpa's. She giggles over the corset tightening and I put my hands around her waist and say that women's waists were supposed to be SO small back then!

We're relieved that we don't have to wear corsets.

School ends and in a flash she's changed into her swim suit. Big brother sets up the sprinkler. I lather on the sunblock and we smile over the smell. It's been a long time since we've smelled summer.

The ice cubes clink in the glass of sweetened sun tea.

She splashes and squeals, sips and sunbathes.

Because when it's sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy.

{Homeschooling During a Family Move}

Our family has moved a number of times over the past several years, and without fail the moving day usually lands right in the middle of our school year. As with any other big change in a family, moving tends to be pretty stressful. And we all know that stress in the home equals stress in the home . . . school.

It’s hard to pack up a school room. There’s always the nagging fear that the kids will fall behind or that it will take a really long time to get back into a good routine. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, I’ve learned that moving can actually be a great learning experience for our children.

Here are a few things that a family on the move can keep in mind while homeschooling:

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom to continue reading.

{There You Have It: Fun Tips for Using "There," "Their," and "They're"}

Like many others, my kids often struggle with the usage of three notorious words: there, their, and they’re. And for good reason! They all sound the same, and they’re kind of tricky to use. To assist my children, I devised a fun memory tool. It’s rather silly, but maybe it will help some other learners out there, too.

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom to continue reading.


An edited repost from the archives.

{Reinforce Literary Elements With Original Board Games}

This winter my six-year-old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Winnie the Pooh together. As we vicariously traversed the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh, Piglet, and the gang, it occurred to me that the scenes and events in the story would make an excellent board game.

So we decided to make our own. As we did so, I was thrilled with the way it helped reinforce literary elements such as character, setting, and plot.

Continue reading over at The Homeschool Classroom.

{How to Make Monday Mornings Successful}

I can still remember that Sunday night sinking feeling I used to get when I was growing up. You probably know what I’m talking about. That drastic drop from the excitement of the weekend to that low point where there was absolutely nothing to look forward to but a bleak Monday morning.

When I started teaching my own children, it didn’t take long for me to realize that homeschool families aren’t immune to the Sunday night blues.

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom for seven tips on how to make Monday mornings successful!

{Easing in After the Holidays}

Jumping into a rigorous school schedule following the holidays can be a bit of a shock to our systems. The kids are tired from two or three (or more) weeks of weird sleeping schedules, unusual eating habits and plenty of excitement and stimulation. The transition to a full day of structured learning can be daunting, for both the children and parents.

But we obviously need to start sometime, somehow . . . Right?

Join me over at The Homeschool Classroom to continue reading.

{Playing School}

I was running behind schedule this morning and suggested that Avery might like to sit at my writing desk to do her school work while I put on my makeup. She thought this was a lovely idea. So lovely, in fact, that she said, "I know! Let's play school!"

This was funny for two reasons:

1. We do school every day.
2. It usually makes her angry.

But I certainly wasn't going to say anything about that. She merrily plopped down with her sponge curls and a clipboard (clipboards are very fun to use when playing school) and whisked through two assignments with cheerful perfection.

It was shocking.

Her work completed, she demanded with a Shirley Temple grin, "Now dismiss me!"

I summoned my best schoolmarm voice and said, "Push in your chairs, boys and girls. Class dismissed!"

She obediently pushed in her chair and ran out of the room screaming. She paused in the doorway long enough to explain the sudden burst of emotion: "That's what they do."

If curlers and clipboards and Mama's desk and screaming are what it takes, then sign me up.

Class dismissed.

{Day 28} :: What I See

What do I see as I sit and watch and love? Thought I'd share a little visual tour of our week with you this afternoon:

(Along with proof that I do sit.)

The gardens at Fort Vancouver . . . .

Teaching the children to sit, too. The girls are very happy about this.



(I love the way he's cradling his notebook while reaching for a cannon ball. Very realistic.)

"Let's pretend like we're running!"

Grammar with a tatted, tea-guzzling cowgirl who writes "toot" and "poop" on as many assignments as possible.

Kids with huge smiles, checking every other second to make sure Mama's watching. "Did you see that, Mom?!"

Paint is like a magnet to these children. I pull out the supplies and they come a-runnin'. They asked me to join them this afternoon. I did.

Because I know the days of Q-tip art and swim lessons and field trips are numbered. And I don't want to miss a single one.


Read about the thirty-one day challenge over here.

Day 7: Please Don't Make Me Go Around the World

It's always a bit of a challenge for me to make math exciting around here. I grew up with a morbid fear of the subject.

Remember that game we were forced to play in elementary school? I think it was called "Around the World." The chosen student had to "travel" around their peers' desks, challenging each classmate to see who could correctly call out the answer to the flash card displayed up front.

I hated that game.



It's only because of my parents' gentle persistence and my dear tutor's excellent and patient instruction that I emerged from middle and high school math unscathed. My brain just doesn't do numbers.

The thing that's interesting is that I actually like teaching math. Well, at least elementary level math. Of course, I do have the answer key. Perhaps that has something to do with it. Because it's awful scary to think about doing fractions on my own. (I have my sister to thank for helping me survive those nasty things.)

Because I know how creepy math can be, I try to incorporate a little fun and variety into our lessons. Aidan and I usually toss around a Hugg-a-Planet while wildly chanting his "count-bys." Sometimes I whip out the overhead projector for a little tangram excitement. Avery, of course, responds well when a pile of chocolate chips is placed near her math page. I am not above bribery.

On Fridays I usually try to replace a regular math lesson with a math game or activity. It in no way resembles "Around the World." You know how I feel about that wretched game. But we have discovered a few activities that are especially fun, such as pattern blocks, Pattern Play and Qwirkle.

This morning I enjoyed joining Miss Kate at the table for a little Equilibrio fun. We followed the patterns to balance the bright orange blocks and screamed when they came crashing down. It was thrilling.



As we played, Bethie made a file folder game featuring pyramids and times tables. When it was finished, Aidan and I practiced our sixes together. He timed me (with a glint in his eye) and I . . . let him take his time. (You'll be relieved to know that I can successfully multiply numbers one through twelve by six. Just don't ask me to do it around the world.)

I'm starting to like math now, more than ever before. I'm actually improving, too. Because you know what they say. The best way to learn something is to try and teach it.

Maybe I should try teaching calculus next . . . .

On second thought, I'll go ahead and let their dad take that one. Honey?

My profuse apologies if I've offended any math teachers out there. Wink. Wink.