Tag: homeschool

Homemade Slime for Kids

Homemade Slime!! Of course one the funnest things to make and learn about matter and polymers. I had put this off for a very long time because I didn’t have Borax. I decided that it was time to get some, our Summer is running out and we need something fun and different to do.

Besides I already knew that the boys would love it because they always asked to buy slime, goop, mars mud, gak, you name it they have asked. I found this recipe on Steve Spanglers site, a site we love and frequent often.

Ingredients:

Borax

Warm Water

Elmer’s Glue

Food Coloring (optional)

>>CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE AND INFORMATION ON POLYMERS<<
I tripled the batch so each of the boys could have their own, nice size chunk. They all chose different colors and had fun mixing colors together to create a unique color. After they finished making it and thoroughly playing with it, we stored them in a ziploc. They are still great 2 weeks later!

A fun activity that gives you an opportunity to teach, discuss polymers as the kids are working their ingredients.

August 25, 2013
Field Day 2013

Field day for Homeschoolers? Of course! This year we were invited to participate in Field Day 2013 with a local homeschooler group. When I had mentioned to a non-homeschooling friend that my boys were having Field Day she joked around and asked if it was just them against each other. But, no, this was actually a real live Field Day, lol. There were at least 70 participants in total plus many parent volunteers. The events offered were the 50 and 100 yard dash, long jump, shot put, jump rope race, a race around the park, the clothespin drop and even cup stacking.

All the parents took turns working shifts so everyone could see their children participate in most events. The preschoolers also had their own events with a javelin throw, bean bag toss, long jump and a race.

After all the events were concluded for the morning there was a ribbon ceremony while we all ate a picnic lunch. We sat in the shade with our good friends that invited us. It was such a wonderful time. Me and the boys left after that but many others stayed for a 3-legged race and some water fun.

What great fun my boys had! I really enjoyed watching all the kids, they all tried their best and displayed GREAT sportsmanship. 🙂

May 23, 2013
Field Trip to the Denver Zoo 2013

A picture montage.

February 18, 2013
Open House at Homeschool Connection

One day a week my two oldest boys go to school, they get to get up, get their backpacks ready and head out the door early in the morning. A local school district offers a one day a week program for homeschoolers and my boys absolutely love it!

Last Semester they took classes such as cooking, piano, play performance, fitness, science, and art. Another neat thing is that each semester the kids can choose which classes they want to take, sort of like in high school.

The Homeschool Connection recently hosted an Open House to showcase all that the students had done throughout the first semester.

Homeschool Connection Open House

Oliver played one of the seven dwarfs in a mini-play, Preston played “America” on the piano, they both cooked up some delicious treats for the parents and they loved showing us their class pet lizard. I am so thankful that there is an option for homeschoolers, it has been a great experience!

This also means I get to spend that day with my youngest boy who is only 4 years old, just him and I which is a treat. Anyone that has more than one child knows how balancing time between them can be sometimes so this is really helpful.

January 23, 2013
Our New Schoolroom

It is that time of year! Time to gear up and get ready to start school again. We are starting on August 27th and I have a to-do a mile long. The first thing I had to do was set up my new schoolroom. I got the best birthday present ever, IKEA furniture (thanks to my Mom and Sis). I took everything out of drawers, off of shelves and start over from scratch. Now all my pens are in one place, same with scissors, and crayons and pencils, you get the picture.

August 12, 2012
Summertime Organization

Organizing always “sounds good” but when does anybody really have time for that? So I am taking this Summer to get organized, again! This time I decided to start over, put everything together in one place. I took everything out of drawers and off of shelves, threw it in a huge pile and then sorted. Putting everything back in a perfect spot has taken some time. This is one of the first ‘AFTER’ areas…

I finally have all the homeschool teaching materials in one spot. Also the bookshelf on the right is holding non-fiction books for the kids. I have another half bookshelf with kids fiction and then 1 more full size full of grown-up books on apologetics, missions and theology. I also love looking at what is on people’s bookshelves so I decided to share 1 of my shelves with you in this post.

Since all the books are put away library style the kids don’t venture into them as much as I would like. That is why I love the book basket idea from AMFW. Here are the boys book baskets with selections for each reader. I refreshed their baskets in my overhaul.

Now for the before pictures of the bookshelf wall. It was a hodgepodge of things I didn’t know where to put… I really hate looking at now, so I’m glad it’s gone.

Will be doing so much more, can’t wait to post and I can’t wait to have everything in almost perfect order!

June 24, 2012
Learning All About Adjectives

This year we started exploring adjectives and of course, I headed straight to Pinterest for some inspiration. I came across this poster, I really liked it, I made one right away. It originally came from this blog post.

She has other super great ideas on teaching adjectives. I have since explored this blog and I absolutely love it! It is called Step Into Second Grade. It is full of inspiration, this teacher is incredibly creative and helpful!

So here it is, my adjectives poster:

I made some others too, one for verbs and one for capital letters. I keep them in a huge spiral bound flip chart. Comes in handy, saves space and the kids even stop to look it from time to time when they’re sitting at the desk where it hangs.

June 15, 2012
Organizing School and Office Supplies

This Summer I am revamping everything I have organized since we moved in. We have a super small place and I want another fresh start. I am going to get rid of so much stuff, I can’t wait!

I started going through all the paperwork we have, I was surprised to get rid of so much. We had a lot we didn’t really need. That felt great and was a good start to total organization. Next I am working on organizing and storing school supplies and office supplies.

Here is my 3rd graders desk :

After I organized the kids items, each in their own desk, I started on my cabinet. I keep all the standards in white Sterlite drawers, which I love.

This is just the beginning. Next, the hundreds of books and workbooks. My goal is to organize by subject and reading level. Then on to puzzles, games and toysStay tuned…

June 11, 2012
A Yummy Breakfast – Huge Hit with the Kids

**sidenote – I was looking through old drafts and found this post, love finding posts!**

Cinnamon Oatmeal, Toast Circles, Fruit Kebob

Breakfast is usually pretty casual, most mornings it is oatmeal or cereal, also yogurt and toast. One morning a week I make eggs, pancakes or waffles. One thing I love about homeschooling is giving them a good breakfast and not having to be in a hurry out the door. We can sit and chat, it is a great start to the day.

Today was no different, just wanted to share. The boys like the presentation, my nephew said, “ooo this looks good to eat”, it was so cute.

March 21, 2012
Homemade Puffy Paint

Have I told you I love Pinterest? Of course I have! My most recent inspiration came from a Microwave Puffy Paint Pin, which led me here: Mom’s Crafty Place. She posted really great pictures, my kids and I were sold. We did it right there and then. We loved it and used every last bit, will do this again!

Thanks to Mom’s Crafty Space for the inspiration!

March 11, 2012