Special Edition~To Russia with Love

We wrote and sent out letters on Friday to Russia. Such a good feeling to be able to help our brothers, even in such a small way. Lela wrote her own letter and did very well. I didn't take photos though, I forgot! So kicking myself about that. But, one line I remember she wrote that I loved, she came up with it all on her own, "We are a humble society.". I thought that was brilliant. So proud of her. We will keep praying that Jehovah will intercede for our brothers, and give them strength to endure what ever comes.

We also had a wonderful assembly on Saturday, and met up with wonderful friends. Don't forget, that is a entire day of instruction, reading, history, social interaction and so much more! So of course you can count that towards "school" hours and days! We learn so much at our assemblies and conventions, not to mention the spiritual strengthening and life long relationships with others who are also serving Jehovah. Seriously, could not be getting a better education.

Weekend Edition~What about a diploma?

This is probably one of those most asked questions. How does my child get a diploma, or do they have to get a GED to legally graduate?

Good news! When the laws made it legal for parents to home educate, by default if they are trusting the parent to educate their child/ren, they have to give them the trust/right to know and decide when that education is complete! So you do not need to have a GED.

Parent issued diplomas are legal in all of the states of the USA. If you were to reach some wall of some one not willing to accept your diploma, you can contact HSLDA lawyers and this can be fought, since it's federal law now for parent issued diplomas to be accepted just as legally as school issued diplomas.

HSLDA has a wonderful list of answers to almost all high school diploma questions.

HSLDA Diploma answers!

Weekend Edition~Homeschool Haul

This is most my haul this year from my local homeschool convention.

Basically a run down. Some things are new, some things are used, also a few things are not shown that I ordered from Rainbow Resource because it wasn't at their booth. And during the homeschool convention there is always free shipping. So I ordered Climbing to Good English for both Belle and Lela.

What I was able to buy directly from the Rainbow Resource booth was all three children's Pentime books, for hand writing, for next year. And two new Mad Libs books. One with some original mad libs classics, and one with Peanuts! We LOVE Peanuts so couldn't pass that up!

I was able to buy Belle one new learning through sounds workbook, and one used learning through sounds workbook. They are a 2 workbook set. Saved me about 1 dollar to buy the used one. They are pretty inexpensive to begin with though. (only 2 dollars and some change).

I was able to get two Pathways readers used. One for first grade, and I think one was for 6th grade. That saved about 2 to 3 dollars per a reader.

I bought one Rod and Staff math workbook for Lela used-again it is already inexpensive new, but it still saved me a little over a dollar. Then I bought both Lela and Belle's Rod and Staff workbooks for next year new. Which Rod and Staff was having a 10 percent off sale during the convention. (they usually do in the spring time).

I bought Lela a used Rod and Staff geography book. Saved me about 3 to 4 dollars cause it had a little irregularity in the cover.

I bought RJ a boy reading book new from Rod and Staff, looked pretty good in my flip through. It was inexpensive enough if it's not for us, I can probably trade it for something else later.

I also bought the Pablo Yoder books I have been wanting for a year! I bought two different ones. I still want to get one more of his next year. So happy to of bought, The Works of His Hands, and My Father's World this year though. And the children are adoring them. We will be using his books for science. Seriously though, they want to keep reading and reading and reading his books, they keep begging just one more, just one more mommy!

The Rod and Staff booth, also wanted to cut down on some of the things they bring to the convention so had a close out on those green reading books and workbooks you see in the photo. They were about 1/4 of their regular price. But, finally a book that seemed to have easy enough wording for Belle to get right now. I've been having a hard time finding one with enough easy words for her to read, yet have a story line, and not just be meaningless. So we are hoping that will be helpful.

So far, Belle is loving doing her new math workbooks, and the Learning Through Sounds workbooks are really really helping her. I am usually not much for workbooks, but these are inexpensive, non common core, and seem to help Belle make some progress with reading. Of course they both LOVE Pentime, and now RJ has been begging to do Pentime too!

I really enjoyed the Excellence In Writing workshop, where they had us go through a sample lesson our children would do in the program. I really think that is on next years wish list!

Weekend Edition~AAHH Almost here!

It's almost convention time, Homeschool Convention that is!

Mine starts this Thursday night...

Thankfully I already made a master list of all the homeschool things I have, and don't need to buy! (that way I don't accidentally buy it again! lol haha) And making a list of the essentials I need to either get a good look at in person or buy.

Homeschool conventions only last a few days, and are loaded with workshops and vendors! So many that it can get overwhelming, exciting, exhausting! And you plain old forget what you already have, what you had wanted to look at, and what you had planned on getting!

So I suggest at least a month ahead of time (so it's not having to be all rushed) going through all your homeschool curricula and supplies, re-evaluating what your goals and needs are for each child. With ALL the shiny new stuff and the smooth talkers you can really end up spending way more then you had budgeted, and either not like or not even use half the stuff you spent too much money on. So having a list of what you already own, and a clear current view of what you are planning written down can really narrow down things for you ahead of time, before the overwhelment and smooth talkers get a hold of you! It doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to the vendors, ask questions and learn about new things and new methods, but having some notes written down to remind you of your goals, can help you pick through what may work better for your child/ren and family, instead of being pie eyed for ALL the stuff you see and hear about!

I can't tell you how many things sound at the time awesome! But, when I review my goals and plans... I can either see I already have that thoroughly covered by something we have at home already, or what I had planned on using and buying really will work probably better. And yes, sometimes I DO find something new I didn't know about and for sure want to get and we do use it.

For instance last year, I seen a science book by Rod and Staff, that looked amazing! Tons of real photos of animals and plant life, nature from all over the world. However, it was not in my budget last year. Later on Costco had something similar.. and was about 1/3 of the price.. I bought it, and we began to use it and then HATED it, as it was common core, and sooo much evolution it was hard to filter the false from the truth. It wasn't just a little.. it was just saturated with such falsehoods it was just more frustrating then enjoyable. So believe me, the Rod and Staff book is for sure being KEPT in the budget this year! It will not be anything like that Costco book, and honestly the Rod and Staff book had better photos too!

Last month I made the list of what I had, and the last few weeks been doing the research of what other things I want to add to our stock pile! lol But, I will still go in there with open mind, to learning more and even seeing if there is anything else that may be a good fit... but I know that my written goals, and plans will help keep me centered and from getting all "squirrel!!!" once I get there! lol

Feel free, to add any of your own tips, and tricks that you do to prepare for your homeschool conventions too!

If you attend yours, I hope you have a fun, entertaining and educational time, getting your refill of homeschool motivation for the year! I know I will!