tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90308913278703336972023-11-15T22:17:46.127-08:00Golden Prairie AcademyWelcome to our homeschool journey!MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-17139426985368529402020-03-07T19:12:00.000-08:002020-03-07T19:12:01.932-08:00Weekend Edition ~ Sometimes We All Need A Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This article goes along with my last three part series on why some children may not seem like natural learners and techniques that may help. Sometimes even "Natural Learners", and children who love textbooks and workbooks too, and even Mama!, need a break.<br />
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When Mama and the kids start getting the doldrums of being home and the same ole, same ole, day after day. We sometimes just need to take a "inservice", or mental health day. Call school off for the day, and get outside! Walk to the park, if the weather is not conducive of being outside, find a indoor play ground or museum, or even a mall and go get a Starbucks or Orange Julius and walk around! What ever it is, that you can find to get you and the kids out of the house for the day. Sometimes we even call another homeschool family to come join us.<br />
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Do NOT feel like you are failure if this starts creeping up on you, and you just don't want to do another day of school or be in the house another day. This is normal for all homeschool families and even teachers and students in public schools too. But, the great advantage of homeschooling is, we, the parents, are in charge of what we do every single day. And we can choose to take the day off and do something else, and come back to doing a more structured school day another day. Tomorrow, next week, or even next month. It's all up to you. The important part is to allow yourself to know it is ok! Do not try to push through it, you and your children will just be miserable, and you risk squashing that love of learning right out of your children. But, by taking needed breaks to spice things up, you can keep that love of learning, and go back to the structured things later with out fights, or forcing! And every one can get the needed break and feel so much better when you do go back to your more structured days.<br /><br />
This is one reason "Jubilee" schooling is sometimes preferred by many. The 6 to 8 weeks of structured learning, and then 1 to 2 weeks break, and so on. Works very well for many families. Because the breaks are already built in! But, also remember you don't have to have the breaks scheduled in, you have the rights, and the power to impromptu take any breaks you deem needed or wanted! Schools take many breaks all through the year. We aren't expected or legally mandated to do more or force our children and selves to be like robots and keep forcing when we need and can take a break.<br /><br />You may want to also keep in mind what I have found in my experience through the years.<br />
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The beginning of the school year, most homeschool groups start in the fall, is almost always super exciting and people have had a nice long summer break and are ready to get back to the grind. Along with they are super happy that the public school kids are back in the schools and all the public fun places to take children are not so over crowded and it's fun to go to them again. So there is almost always tons and tons of field trips schedule. Sometimes several every day. I find in my area September and October, every single day at least 2 or 3 field trips are scheduled by local museums, zoos, and such, along with most the homeschool groups also have several organized and scheduled. As the year goes on, there is less and less field trips, til almost none of the places or homeschool groups have much at all put together. But, those first two months are almost always super exciting months for the year. And then things wind down to not so exciting, and then down to sometimes down right dread!<br />
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The first month can also be extremely overwhelming if you are too strict with yourself and your children. Remember that most curricula that you buy, is written for the first 20 days to be new learning AND review and will take almost twice as long to get through a day as the rest of the curricula. So keeping that in mind, start with only 1 or 2 of the most important subjects to you the first week or two, and then add in a little bit more each week, so you aren't doing 8 hours a day of school and wiping every one out. Or review each days curricula schedule and only do parts of it that you think your children can benefit from. You can even just do half a day each day.<br />
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When I was growing up, we did not have air conditioning in schools. And the heat can get up to 125 degrees where I live. No A/C and 125 degrees in the afternoon meant that kids and teachers could have a heat stroke. Once in a while we would have a teacher who would buy a fan. But, I can promise you a fan doesn't help much in 125 degree weather in a small class room with 30 other children in it! <b><span style="color: #990000;">HOT HOT HOT!</span></b> So depending on the temperature every day, we were in what was called Heat Contingency Plan for the first month of school (after the first month the temperatures would go down to the 80's and 90's which was more acceptable with a fan). What the Heat Contingency Plan meant was, if the temp was over 105 degrees for the afternoon, we would only go to school a half day. Morning only. And that was for K-12th grade. None of the grades were expected to stay in the afternoon in that kind of heat with out A/C. No one worried about any one getting behind. And no one that I know of, fell behind because we had a month of half days either! We just did reading and math those days. And maybe science if there was time. We all came out fine and we can all read, write, and do math! haha<br /><br />Around February to April, I find almost ALL homeschool families, and public school teachers and families are just done! They don't want to do another day. I think it's awesome that most states schedule their homeschool conferences and conventions during this time, cause it's the time we need the boost the most! It's also a time that I start heading to the park, and we have more outdoor time, and nature walks to keep us fresh and happy.<br />
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So remember just because you need a break, or start feeling over whelmed, or your kids need a break, or are feeling overwhelmed, does not mean something is wrong with you, or that homeschool is not working for you. It means you are normal! And just evaluate what you want to do, and feel no guilt in taking a break!<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-19426527199846050482020-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:002020-02-01T14:59:00.805-08:00Weekend Edition ~ My Child is Not a Natural Learner - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I decided to stretch this article into three parts. Because, this can be a deep subject with many facets, and individual to each family. So I wanted to touch on as many reasons as I have come across on this topic.<br />
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In thinking on this, I wanted to add just one more thought, we are not perfect. I am not perfect, my children are not perfect. I now have a teenager. While some parts of academics took me a while to figure out how to teach my children while they were younger, the teen years are coming up with new challenges. Hormones, and teen angst can hit the best of children. I remember, my own challenges with it as a teen. Such a hard age. So I have also came to terms with some days, we just have to sit back, and have a honest heart to heart talk with my preteens and teens. They are going through a lot of hormonal, and other puberty related growth changes in life that have a direct effect on their attitudes, feelings, and otherwise. And sometimes we just need to have open, honest, and loving talks, that sometimes include tears both from the child and the parents, with them to help them through this time. The YPA book has some good suggestions on these times as well. I put academics on the back burner during these days, but that doesn't mean they are not learning. Remember personal progress. They are learning about other things those days, and it will help them when they sort through the emotional things to make better academic progress the next day or next week. This can also be said of children who believe they are dumb or stupid, and get angry about learning. Maybe step back, even if they are not a teen or preteen, and think about having a heart to heart with them, and finding out what they are thinking, and helping them through that emotional rough patch so they can bust through it and get to the academics learning part.<br />
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I hope these articles help you with relaxing and finding confidence that you are a great teacher for your child, and maybe just need to either wait, or put away some things that may be hindering your child. Keep in mind also, that most learning does not look like what you may have in mind, that public schools have conditioned us to believe is the only way to learn. A lot of learning is from watching mom and dad, and living with you. So when you feel your children are not learning, step back, and re-evaluate what you feel learning is. What were they doing last year? What are they doing this year? It's very very rare, that a child would not have made progress in a year in some form or fashion. We just sometimes have to reprogram our thinking on what learning is, and think about the individual progress each child has made every year, every month, even every week. Living with them, we may not see it, so sometimes have to force ourselves to really evaluate this and make sure we are being honest, and most likely your child has progressed... just maybe not in what your goal was, or in the way you had been expecting it.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-51326444590581136412020-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:002020-01-04T14:16:00.226-08:00Weekend Edition ~ My Child is Not a Natural Learner - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Some of you may of read Part 1 of this article and said, but Heather we have done all that and our children still do not seem to really seek out learning. The next half of this article may seem controversial, so take it for what it's worth. You can try it and see if it will help, but of course I am not telling you what you must do with your family. I am only offering what has helped and worked in my own family.<br />
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I find my children are much more creative, and eager to learn, when we cut out almost all electronics. We still allow tablets at meetings, and we watch the shows on JW Broadcast. We only have 1 TV. And it is only used to watch JW Broadcast. The rest of the time we listen to the radio. I use a small MP3 playing radio, and have put all our JW broadcasting songs on a flash drive and we listen to them on the radio. They also do sometimes listen to secular radio stations as well on a radio. But, we do not have screens except for meetings, and watching JW Broadcast (limited-not daily), and once in a great while at other peoples homes. I do not dictate that others not allow my children to watch TV. We also don't play video games much, again mainly only when they are at some one's home that wants to, and that's not often. Again I do not dictate that they can not at other peoples homes, that is just too hard to regulate, and makes being a guest harder on the host. I say this because my parents are not Jehovah's Witnesses, and live in rural Kansas, among many Amish and Mennonites. One of my brothers even dates a Mennonite woman. So they have many Amish and Mennonite friends, and they would always ask my parents not to allow their children to play video games or watch tv while visiting my parents. It was really hard to constantly make sure these children weren't doing that. And my parents are more screen free than the majority of people now days. They only have 2 TVs! lol They are a NO TVs in the bedroom family and always have been. But, they live in a large home and have 4 living rooms. So there is 2 TVs one in the Great Room on the main floor, and one in the Family room in the Basement. When I was growing up they didn't have the side of the house that has the Great Room and only had the side with the Family Room in the Basement and that was the only TV they had back then. Being in the basement sometimes the Amish kids would sneak off and watch TV down there or play video games. It became quite the chore to keep them from doing that. haha So any way, rambling to say I don't expect that of hosts, for my children.<br />
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Being screen free, I would estimate at least 85% percent of the time, has really effected my children greatly. I notice a huge, huge, huge difference when they are allowed to be in front of a screen. Attitudes and attention spans are much different. I will warn it took my oldest a few days to detox each time when she was younger. And would be a little bit of a terror for 2 to 3 days with out screens after being exposed. Then she would be normal, happy, exploring self again, with much more patience, and attention span.<br />
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Many ask, what do you do then? We have a lot of things for children to do in our home. They have roller skates/blades, a basketball hoop, a trampoline, a swing set, a animal water trough, I bought just for them to swim in, all kinds of things outdoors. Inside we have books, a mini trampoline, toys, radio, etc. And what may seem odd, and might not work for your family but is huge in my family, is a bathtub! haha The bathtub provides my children with hours of entertainment, when the weather is not conducive to being outside. They put on their swim suits and spend hours playing in the bathtub like it's a swimming pool or something! haha My children never seem to get "bored". Only a few times have they told me they are bored. And I do not play that game. Either they find something to do, or I will find something for them. What I find, most likely is not something they would like to do, hint hint! Like wash the dishes, clean your room, help sort laundry. These are all things I normally have them do, but if they are going to feign boredom, they can step it up and do more. So needless to say this is not something I hear often.<br />
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There is also scientific proof that children who use their large motor skills often. Hours each day during the younger years, have a much easier time learning academics. That is another reason we limit screens, and focus on playing and moving more. It develops brain pathways, and problem solving skills that helps to learn the academics we are all wanting our children to learn. And with out screens to distract them and suck up their time, they naturally spend more of their time physically playing and being more physically active over all.<br />
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This article has become longer than I had originally planned, so I am breaking it up into a third part. Please keep following my blog for Part 3 of this topic.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-49300045140709650852019-12-07T12:24:00.000-08:002019-12-07T12:24:00.348-08:00Weekend Edition ~ My Child is Not a Natural Learner - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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A common concern I have found among many parents, is their children do not seem to be natural learners, or are not interested in learning anything. It leads the parents to feeling, either they must not be a good teacher for their children or they must force and fight their children to teach them anything. The following article will address why this may seem to be the case, and if it is, how to combat these tendencies and help a child progress back to the natural tendencies, that ALL children are born with, of curiosity and learning. Of course barring the child does not have mental, learning, or emotional disabilities that may hinder or override this natural born instinct.<br />
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Remember Jehovah made humans to learn. From conception they are learning, we do not have to force a fetus to learn to listen to our heartbeat and know we are there by that sound. We don't have to force babies to learn to smile, or talk, or eat foods, crawling and walking. These are all things the majority of children will do on their own because they are curious and driven to do the things around them they see others doing.<br />
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Academics really and truly does happen the exact same way. As children see others learning, reading, speaking, doing math for life around them-budgeting, and such. They begin to want to as well!<br />
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Yet many still experience children that seem to lack this desire, when it comes to academics. The main cause of this is expecting what is called "seat work", and particular skills before the child is developmentally ready. Most American schools, and other public schools around the world often start pushing these forms of academics way too young. Meanwhile it is not developmentally appropriate for most very young children. Most of us would assume that the officials in charge of schools academic choices would have researched child development and chose skills that would coincide with the majority of children's age appropriate development. But, sadly that is not what happens in most public schools across the world. Most are developed by government officials who are only wanting to look good on tests scores around the world. Complete competition based, not developmentally chosen. And in this it's failing hugely. The countries like the USA are falling down towards the bottom of these tests scores, meanwhile other countries who delay academia til it's more developmentally appropriate for the children's ages, score much much higher on these tests.<br />
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Because of the above, children who are pushed to learn things before they are developmentally ready, give up on learning. When they can not learn what is being asked of them, they begin to feel stupid, and like it's something they can't do, so give up. And then even when they "can" they have already been defeated in the past so do not want to even try now. Since, they are feeling so badly about themselves being dumb, or stupid, they will fight and cry, and just really throw some fits about doing "seat work" or learning in any way, shape or form.<br />
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Often children who have been in public school already have this problem. That is why it's highly suggested to Deschool (different than Unschooling, and I do have a blog article on this as well) for at least 2 months for each year they have been in school, and summer time does not count in this. To help them develop their confidence back. It can also happen even if a child has never been to a public school because the parents have bought in to the public schools push of academics too young as well. Again deschooling may need to take place.<br />
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One thing to keep in mind that age appropriate development can vary hugely between children. Just like it does for babies and toddlers. One baby may start speaking at 6 months old and another not til 18 months old. One baby may start crawling at 6 months and another not til 9 months old. Doesn't mean we need to push the 7 or 8 or 9 month old baby to start crawling cause other 6 month olds are, or that they don't want to learn, or that they are developmentally behind. All it means is that baby is not ready yet, because humans are not robots and each are ready at different times. It's exactly the same with academics. One child may be ready to read at 5, and another not til 9. Both are fine. Both will eventually learn exactly what they need to, when they need to. And that is ok! Try to let go of competition, and just focus on each child making individual progress. It's kind of the same with our Bible studies. We may have one study that progresses very quickly and another who takes much longer to progress. Both, are coming to a love of Jehovah at their own speed and that's ok. It's the same with academics, all children will learn at their own speed, if we don't squash that love out by trying to force them to learn things their developmental stage is not ready for yet.<br />
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As this subject can be diverse and deep, this will conclude Part 1, stay tuned for Part 2.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-7345381288648665582019-11-02T11:32:00.000-07:002019-11-02T11:32:11.724-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Teaching Your Child to Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I think teaching a child to read is the skill that parents are the most scared and concerned about their ability to teach. It can be very scary. It's one of the most important skills in our ability to learn about Jehovah, by reading his word, the Bible. As well as living in a society that tells us that you need to be a teacher in a school to teach, parents can't do that! But, it's not true! Many parents have been successful in teaching their children to read.<br />
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John Holt speaks about this in many of his books. It seems like How Children Fail touches on this a bit, although the main theme of How Children Fail is his journal of teaching 4th grade math... so it just touches on reading a bit. But, still it's very encouraging that most children can learn to read at home, with out a school teacher.<br />
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The most important part of teaching a child to read is <b>being a reader yourself</b>. Make sure the child sees you reading! Children love to imitate their parents. If you are not a reader, they likely will not be interested in it either.<br />
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<b>Make sure to try to read to your children daily</b>. Going back to what I always tell my readers, and friends, remember age development appropriateness too! Toddlers, and children under 6, may not want to curl up in your lap while you read for hours at a time. Yes, I know it's what we all dream about while pregnant. But, the reality may be very different when the baby becomes a toddler, or up to 6 years old. I had all those dreams of Lela (my oldest), being blissfully curled up in my lap daily while I read and read fun, engaging stories to her. HA! She was not that child! She hated it, would tear up and rip the books out of my hands. Would fight and cry and scream! So I gave up. I would revisit it every so often but til she was 6 years old she just was not having it! At about 6 years old (maybe late 5 years old), she started sitting and listening to me read, and quickly began to enjoy it.<br />
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Since then, I have read so many more books and heard so many more workshops on how to homeschool and teach children, that I have learned children do NOT have to sit still in your lap (or any where else) to listen to you read. I have learned children can play with blocks, or match box cars, etc on the floor while you are reading. I do ask them to play quietly. But, they can move around and play while I read. I have tested this many times with Belle, and RJ, and we are doing this with Sofia as well, but she is not old enough for me to "test". But, how I test if this is working, I read a small/short story (maybe a Bible Story), while they are playing quietly close to me, and then I ask them the questions about what I read, and every single time they can answer them with out problems! They are listening even when it seems like they are not paying a lick of attention to you. They look like they are so into their playing with their blocks, or cars or what have you, and they just may be playing very intently with them, but they are also listening. Again, I do have the rule of they need to be quiet while I am reading, but they can move and play all they want.<br />
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When I feel the child is ready, usually around 7 or older, I start with <b>Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</b>. We move on to <b>Pathway Readers</b>, <b>Pathway Readers Workbooks</b>, <b>Climbing to Good English workbooks</b>, as they seem to meld together so well. And also <b>McGuffey Readers</b>. Mott's sells a <b>Teacher/Parent guide for the McGuffey Readers</b> written by one of my favorite worldly authors, <b>Ruth Beechick</b>. If you choose to use her guide, make sure to get the Mott's McGuffey Readers as well, as there are MANY versions of McGuffey readers out there, as they were revised many times in the 1800's. The lessons will not match up if you get a different version of them from the ones that Ruth made her Parent/Teacher guide for. Ruth also wrote a very good 3 book series on teaching children to read. I will have to review for my blog soon. The Watchtower Bible and Track Society used to publish a workbook entitled <b>Learn to Read and Write</b>. It is currently out of print, but your Kingdom Hall may have a booklet or two left, or maybe a older brother or sister in your congregation may have one in their library you could ask if you could have. It's based on the DISTAR reading method. It's a good place to start if you have one available to you to see if the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons would be a good fit for your child.<br />
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However, remember, just because a child doesn't respond to it, may not mean it's not a good fit for your child. It may mean your child is NOT ready to learn to read yet. And it may work later on. Most girls naturally learn to read between 7 and 9 years old, sometimes up to 12 years old. And most boys learn naturally learn to read (with out pushing and just by being in a reading family) between 9 and 12 years old, and sometimes up to 14 years old.<br />
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I strongly always suggest listening to Andrew Pudewa's Podcast <b><a href="https://iew.com/help-support/podcast/episode-145-teaching-boys-and-other-children-who-would-rather-make-forts-all">Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day</a></b>. He added in the "Other Children" because, while this podcast mainly focuses on teaching boys, much of it can also pertain to many girls as well. Andrew has 7 children. I know one of his children, a son, he refers to in this Podcast did not learn to read til he was 14 years old. Just this year, Andrew was at my local homeschool conference again. And I love his workshops so much, I went to every single one he gave. And there was follow up to his son. I do not have my notes, as I am writing this right now, so I can not remember the exact career his son chose in life (he's now a grown adult man) but it's suffice to say he is a successful grown man, and has a career that more than adequately provides for himself. I found a good article written by Andrew Pudewa, as I was trying to remember what career his son went into. Another awesome reminder for parents about ALL children learning to read in their own good time. I actually heard him give this workshop in person years ago. Andrew's article on his son's learning to read at a much later age of 14 years old - <a href="https://iew.com/help-support/resources/articles/the-work-of-a-child"><b>The Work of a Child</b></a>.<br />
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Remember in my previous blog posts, <b>Beverly Cleary,</b> who became a very famous, and acclaimed children's book author did not learn to read til 9 years old. It was when SHE was ready to learn. Teachers and parents were so concerned when she didn't learn earlier, but she was not ready before then. As you can see today it did not hinder her long term reading or success.<br />
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Another good author who speaks on many children not learning to read til later, but still being successful reader is <b>Raymond Moore</b>, particularly his book <b>Better Late Than Early</b>.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-42027490304224279452019-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:002019-09-07T13:59:01.143-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Facing the Lion Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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While I have a paper form of this book, a friend also bought me the digital version from Amazon. So made it super easy to read while caring for Denise, and recovering from her birth. I was able to complete the entire book. I read the unabridged version (NOT the abridged).<br />
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Facing the Lion, is a true biography written by a sister about her life during World War II as a Jehovah's Witness child.<br />
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Simone is the sister's name. She starts the book by giving the reader a background of her childhood and family, starting very early in life. Then gradually gets to the time when her mother found the truth and became a Jehovah's Witness, Simone was still quite young, if I recall around 6 or 7 years old.<br />
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Simone goes on to explain how her mother taught her Biblical truths with out disrespecting her father, who was a devout Catholic and did not want Simone to be a Jehovah's Witness. As time goes on she tells of how so many of her family, friends and neighbors eventually learned the truth because of her mothers faithfulness to Jehovah, and her mildness, respect and love!<br />
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Eventually though as we know World War II hit the area that Simone lived in, and Hitler targeted Jehovah's Witnesses and banned our religion. Simone's story of faithfulness and integrity is so inspiring during this time. She even seen Hitler herself! And other sad and shocking things happened to her during this time.<br />
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There is however, some even more sad, and harsh times that came. Simone was taken from her parents, and both her parents were put into prison and concentration camps for remaining servants of Jehovah. While parts made me cry in emotional pain for this family, and Simone's situation, it was also VERY faith strengthening to read how Jehovah always helped them to feel his love and loyalty, and how they too remained faithful and loyal to Jehovah, never turning their back to serving him.<br />
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Some parts of it were so sad it was hard for me to continue reading, BUT, I knew that Jehovah had always stayed by the brothers who lived through World War II, so I kept reminding myself I knew it would have a good ending if I just kept trudging through and it did not disappoint. The ending was amazing! The love from our world wide brotherhood I had not heard of in the past that I remember (as far as some things provided specifically for and to Simone's family).<br />
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Now take this paragraph with the mind set that I am NOT in any way, shape or form, saying that modern day Public School is any where near the torture and pain that the place Simone was taken from her parents and ordered to live, by the Nazi Regime. However, there was some distinct similarities. The ending chapters explains that Simone's time in the placement home/school had taken away some her of natural curiosity and momentum to progress in life, that is normal for most people, who had not lived in the home that Simone had been mandated to live in. Public School in the USA has actually specifically been designed to do so on a less intense level. John Taylor Ghatto explains this much deeper. But, the constant, just do as your told and do not learn anything that the rest of the class is not learning yet, or only color a picture this particular way and this particular color, gradually and by design takes away many children's, in the USA and other counties public schools, natural desire to learn and progress with out being told specifically to or how. I have heard this from so very many mothers, who are new to homeschooling and just pulled their children out of public school to start homeschooling. That their children just are not naturally curious or interested in learning or progressing in anything! It's a huge reason many people encourage deschooling before starting to homeschool, to recapture that natural learning ability and love. It took Simone's mother a lot of love, tenderness and time to rehabilitate Simone's passion in this way. And that is with Simone obviously having this natural passion before going to the home that the Nazi's ordered her in, that had been nurtured by her parents, and other brothers and sisters for years. In coming articles I will be addressing this more specifically and in detail.<br />
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In conclusion I highly recommend reading this book! Both parents, and children. I would not read it to very young children, as much of it would not be understood and it could get boring or even scary for them. But, a child in 6th to 8th grade should be fine reading it. And I think all Jehovah's Witness children should read it. Simone's integrity through such harsh times is so amazing. I felt wonderful, and even closer to Jehovah and like my faith was even stronger because of reading her story. Her and her family are very inspirational in their faithfulness to Jehovah.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-19391061305303386272019-08-10T14:14:00.000-07:002019-08-12T19:13:27.228-07:00Weekend Edition ~ And Then There Was Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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And then there was 5. So now we have 5 children. haha Lela, Belle, Raphael, Simona, and Denise. After number 4, Simona, I actually had life threatening post partum health issues. My step mother and father were extremely worried for me after having number 5, Denise, as I had Pre Eclampsia again. And last time with Simona, I ended up back in the hospital and with septic shock, heart failure and post partum Cardio Myopathy for 6 months. I truly tried to stay on the Brewers diet which is the amount of protein is supposed to help prevent Pre Eclampsia, but I was just sooo full all the time, I know I was not getting the amount I needed. So this time when I came home my parents made me stay with them for a month. They actually wanted me to stay for 2 months, because sepsis, heart failure, and seizures are all things that can happen for up to 6 months after having pre eclampsia. But, I was ready to come home after a month! haha<br />
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All that to say, since we stayed with them for a month, and I have a lot of younger siblings (many also came and stayed with my parents with their kids while we were there too!) helping care for my older children. I was able to read a lot more. So you will be seeing some book reviews coming back soon! And I have also had time to regroup and refocus and start writing some new articles for Golden Prarie Blog as well.<br />
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A few things to be looking forward to in the coming months on Golden Prairie-<br />
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Facing the Lion book review<br />
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How I have taught my children to read<br />
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Children who are not natural learners?<br />
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2019's Branson Missouri's homeschool week at Silver Dollar City<br />
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And hopefully many more. Keep visiting and checking for updates and encouragement.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-85505864928175844612019-06-01T21:46:00.000-07:002019-08-13T22:25:44.003-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Regional Convention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5al2HVxs4rQkyS9UdUhlX-X0k9xk_6NkOxFd40TNLmNLBh_QLQ4ruGwp1-0eRrR6KhZ0KPTidaZAwk9Y1C6L6l9-jwVvX85hBDZEpjDF5vZsN6X3jRRZj7Lgdp6_4PPVPOipJo__LMYc/s1600/67847145_10220055275361635_1933740726454059008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5al2HVxs4rQkyS9UdUhlX-X0k9xk_6NkOxFd40TNLmNLBh_QLQ4ruGwp1-0eRrR6KhZ0KPTidaZAwk9Y1C6L6l9-jwVvX85hBDZEpjDF5vZsN6X3jRRZj7Lgdp6_4PPVPOipJo__LMYc/s200/67847145_10220055275361635_1933740726454059008_n.jpg" width="96" /></a>We went to our Regional Convention, and it was the first one we were able to take my step father to in 20 years. Since my mom died last fall, he has been able to get out again. She had been very ill for decades and he would stay home with her.<br />
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He was so excited to be at a Regional Convention for the first time in 20 years. He didn't recognize many people at first, because people change a lot in 20 years. But, I would point out to him, many of his old friends. He would ask some of them if they remembered who he was, and they would say, Of course we know you Brother Dunn! A few people I didn't recognize also came up to him and said, Hi Brother Dunn! One brother took me 2 days to remember who he was and place him in my mind.. I personally had not seen that brother in decades either! haha I don't know if it was a fluke he was at our Convention or not, but I hadn't seen him in probably 20 years either! haha Any way, he was just so happy and excited he had a great time, as did we all.<br />
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I was 9 months pregnant though so my feet were like sausages! And felt as if they would split open! But, I made it!<br />
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If you know me very well you will also know, that I go to many restaurant grand openings to get one free year of food. Well, I had did that about 7 years ago for a restaurant called Freebirds, I did not use all my points from that, and eventually they went out of business in Wichita. But, are still in business where are Regional was held. This year they announced points not used would be cancelled after one year. I had so many points left, I qualified to have a party for 20 people, plus a bunch more food, and STILL have points left over! So I held a party at our hotel for several of our friends too. That was a lot of fun.<br />
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Then on the way home, we stopped at Red Lobster, because on Mondays there is a reduced priced all you care to eat shrimp meal, and my step father loves shrimp. And the children had a impromptu education on lobsters, and were able to see one up close and even touch it.<br />
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There was substantial flooding though, both in Kansas and Oklahoma during this time.</div>
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-46625372350107253542018-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:002019-08-13T14:11:03.603-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Annual Trip to Walter's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As you may know by now Walter's Pumpkin Patch is one of our top favorite annual field trips. I didn't get a whole lot of photos this year. We had Simona just being 1 year old, and my nephew Gus who was only a few months old with us. So it was a lot of taking care of babies and toddlers, and keeping up with the big kids too! I can say I am so very grateful my dad is still around and healthy to accompany and bring us to such fun field trips too!<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-54071980538784638542018-10-20T18:43:00.000-07:002019-08-13T13:58:05.855-07:00Special Edition ~ Annual Branson, Missouri Homeschool Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every year we go to Branson, Mo for Homeschool Week. There is homeschool discounts at many theaters and museums all over Branson. Silver Dollar City, a 1800's themed amusement park, also has a weekend of events sit up for homeschoolers.<br />
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Our good friend Gracie was able to come along with us, she is also homeschooled, and is in a congregation a few towns away from us. I wish I had taken more pictures but I just get into things and completely forget!<br />
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This year the kids took several of the homeschool classes that were available.<br />
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<b>Candle Dipping</b><br />
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Made <b>drink coasters from clay</b><br />
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<b>Hand embroidered</b> a project that ended up looking like a peppermint candy<br />
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Took a <b>historic train ride</b>, after the historic train ride we were able to meet a fellow JW homeschool family, Susan, but as usual I forgot to get photos!<br />
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<b>Baked bread</b>, and was able to ask a lot of neat questions to the Silver Dollar City bakery crew. Such as how do they make the mountain size chocolate chip cookies! Freezing the dough was the answer!<br />
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Took a <b>historic tour of Marble Cave</b>-which for the first time we seen a special under ground phone being used which was pretty neat. You can not see our tour guide well, but the kids thought it was especially special that his name was also RJ. I think it stood for Ralph (same as my RJ) Jacob. But, I would have to ask the kids to confirm, they always remember!</div>
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One of the days we were there we drove up to Bass Pro Shop in Springfield and took a class on local fish in the area. Since it was such a small class the children were able to ask a lot of questions there as well. It was really surprising that the fish feeders, and educators at Bass Pro Shop were expected to have quite a bit of education for their jobs there.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-8998541030246719372018-04-28T15:24:00.000-07:002018-04-30T15:25:01.446-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Used Homeschool Curricula Sales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I am so sorry for not posting in forever again. But, that's life for right now, with four children and one of them under 1 year old! lol haha We are all signed up for our summer swimming lessons, including baby Sofia! We are so excited over the new Jonah movie being released this summer as well! I hope all you friends have a wonderful summer planned as well. I have been focusing on the children, and getting some much needed excess weight off! But, I plan on reading a lot of books on Home Educating this summer, while the kids are playing in the swimming pool.<br />
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We had a wonderful homeschool convention this year, below is my haul from that convention.<br />
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So I wanted to jump on here and remind every one they may want to check their local homeschool associations and see if they have a used curricula sale coming up. Ours is this week. And while you can never count on specific books or curricula being there. It's always worth a look to see what may be there. So far it's the least expensive priced curricula I have been able to find. Most of the moms are so willing to part with what they bring they are ok with bargaining and negotiating the prices. So if you are looking for inexpensive items for educating your children, they are well worth the time I have found. I have found some of my favorite items at these sales, and have been going for nearly 10 years to our local one.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-88322939599559622702018-03-31T12:51:00.000-07:002018-03-31T12:51:10.308-07:00Special Edition ~ How Can I Truly Educate My Child?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Sorry friends, I can not update this blog very often. As I have a new baby, and still home educating my children, and working hard on losing weight as well, and making my life more healthy all around. But, today I was helping another mama, and came across this article from the FDS, on educating our children. And I thought I just had to share this! Also look for book reviews hopefully soon. As I am going to be reading more home educating books soon as well!<br /><br />But, this article is amazing and wonderful. Of course the brothers are not saying every one has to home school. BUT, they make it clear that ultimately educating our children falls on the parents shoulders, and NOT schools or teachers. It's very encouraging and wonderful. And I just wanted to share it!<br /><br />https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007364#h=1:0-26:50</div>
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-27457965457116794202017-12-08T11:34:00.000-08:002019-09-11T23:14:36.115-07:00Special Edition~Reminder<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpf2Q-y0CoAcjT4h7SlqtRTpO57v-RxXZ64u9rU_gaeZginCNF-ufNtLZlqlwVaUp0SpWdczGv4qIplymKpj-M0sVqbNTHnr2-WvTc2pOZ5NAOvnI3NZUV7qz8AnOj6aFprnM5JdJNYA/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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This is just a reminder that tomorrow, December 9, is the FREE Winter Retreat by Andrew Pudewa and Institute for Excellence in Writing.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_701670684"><br /></a><a href="http://iew.com/winter-retreat2017">http://iew.com/winter-retreat2017</a><br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-85034408092070060932017-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:002019-09-05T11:02:57.690-07:00Special Edition~Winter Retreat<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexSGGa0VC0TK39pma8qdaldcu_AvySvfxLO5BNcknxRB_AT2SaFqRvR7HuukIx06fREXvLtE2fRBh_AwXtt_FQ3n8SCodynCfq05zU3Pxq4A5giyZgubvgc-OJgOZieHRJoSSSFD3_Bk/s1600/MPCweatherWindy.gif" />
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Free Winter Retreat Audio broadcast by Andrew Pudewa the creator of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing), one of my favorite homeschool speakers! They will be live on December 9, and you can also choose for them to send you the recordings if you wish to listen to on your own schedule.
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Schedule and sign up is here-
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_701670684"><br /></a>
<a href="http://iew.com/winter-retreat2017">http://iew.com/winter-retreat2017</a><br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-66912702804436926592017-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:002019-08-08T15:15:12.181-07:00Special Edition ~ Cowtown's Annual Education Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every year our living history museum, Cowtown, has a annual Education Day. They make it sit up like a day at a 1800's county fair.<br />
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Cowtown offers this to all students, both public school and homeschooled children. However, they always advise for homeschool children to come to the "Afternoon" session as there is a Afternoon Session and a Morning Session. They suggest Afternoon to homeschoolers because once you are there, and have paid to go inside, you do not have to leave til 9pm. Where the public school children have to get back on their bus and go back to school. We took Cowtown's advice the first year. But, we found you could NOT do all the activities in the afternoon session alone. And if you wanted to do most the activities you needed to go to both sessions. They do not kick you out for the afternoon if you come in the morning. And at 3 pm they shut down all the Education Day activities, and you are only left with looking at things, and no activities at 3 pm, and the afternoon session begins at 1 pm. So literally you barely get in and may only get to do 2 activities, then all the people who are teaching the neat stuff, start packing up and leaving! So I suggest going in the morning and staying. Only focus on doing the special activities til 3 pm, and then after that you can do the every day things they have the rest of the year there all the time.<br />
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Simona was still just a baby, we made it but I didn't get as many pictures as I would of liked. But, I was able to get some.<br />
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We were able to observe and talk to a family who lives full time in a real teepee. We learned a lot about the deer skins that made the teepee. For instance the parts that let a little more light come in was where the deer was bit by a tick. To allow air flow into the teepee they roll up the bottom. And so on. Very interesting and enjoyable conversations.<br />
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Then we bought some snacks and bonnets in the drug store (1800's theme).<br />
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We took sewing lessons. Lela was able to help sew part of a real quilt. And RJ and Belle did some smaller hand embroidery.<br />
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They ground wheat, made potpourri, hand washed clothes like they would of in the olden days, played tops, and different porch games. Fed goats, and horses. And played baseball just like would of happened in that time.<br />
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They were also able to do a form of archery. Provided with photographic proof that homeschooled children do learn to stand in line! haha<br />
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And explore a real stage coach. My nephew Declan came along as well. But, his big brother Seamus, jumped off his bunk bed at my parents house and broke his arm right before we left, so he spent the day at Grandma Darla's doctors office being treated for that.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-90990371903564493692017-05-06T23:56:00.000-07:002019-09-11T23:15:59.820-07:00Weekend Edition~First Year Home Education Tips & Advice<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfss_4G3ntt82-gxVWxUftYiMw3h9KwZ0FTI6LEWGNMKfMUbqbzYiz2s5lPJAGKSDM7Y9sgsPym5YnaDuID3cKy2Er-sLok0ZuzyTIgXPGj0P2seYsmcuQLLI5Z7Fpu8Td4z9RlID9_7c/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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This is dedicated to my readers who are either considering homeschooling this coming year, or have already made the decision and are looking for first year home education advice.<br />
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I started researching home schooling as soon as I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter 11 years ago. Thankfully I had many friends who were seasoned, been there, done that home educating mamas, who were able to give me some wonderful advice and tips as a newbie mama. In the following article I am going to share a few of these, that have been extremely helpful for me.<br />
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1) In the first year do not sign up for any extra activities that you are tied to doing regularly. Sure go join a loose play group at the park. Or go to the zoo. Or go to a one time science class at the science museum. But, don't sign up for a weekly science class outside the home.<br />
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My friends told me it is extremely hard the first year for most mom's to transition to homeschooling, and extra stress of outside commitments could really weigh a person down. They suggested just getting used to homeschooling, and our own routines and rhythms the first year. <br />
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2) Do not spend a lot of money on a curricula you think you will just love, but have no idea if your child will love it or be able to actually learn from it. Never spend more money then you can afford to lose on a curricula. In other words, don't spend so much money you force yourself to use it even though you and/or your child hates it! Be adjustable enough to let go of a curricula that is not working for you, and move to something that will work for you and your child.<br />
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I remember for sure having a curricula picked out, while Lela was still inside my body! And my friend Cheryl telling me, it may work, but don't get over attached to it. If it doesn't work, don't force it. I kept that advice in mind.. and then it came time, and sure enough we used the curricula I had picked out 6 years earlier, and it was waaay to slow for Lela. And it drove me up a wall because quite frankly it was just too secular, and too much political propaganda, and that was for kindergarten! I kept pushing through, but finally said enough in 2nd grade and have been so happy to just be free since then!<br />
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3) You can do it! Jehovah gave you your children as a gift, and commands all parents to teach their children, on the road when they are walking, at night before bed, all the time we are to be instructing our children. He gives us all we need to teach our children. Even though many would like you to believe you are not good enough, you are! So try not to let doubt, get in to your thinking and cloud it.<br />
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4) You don't have to do it all at once! I pretty much unschool at this point. But, even if you want to have a very structured home school, you don't have to do it all at once. You have a full 12 months to get the things you want done, done. It takes a while to find your routine and groove. Don't overwhelm yourself the first day and first week. Start your first day and week with just one or two subjects, and then each week add another one or two. That way you aren't overwhelmed and bogged down before you even get started!<br />
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I am sure I was given a lot more advice too. But, these were the ones that stood out to me, and I kept in mind when it was time to start home educating my children. And by keeping these in mind, I must say our first year was NOT a hard adjustment, it was fun and seemed really natural and I really have enjoyed the whole experience!<br />
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Now, I'm going to add a few more things, that I have learned through my experience.<br />
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1) Children will learn no matter what, you can't stop a child from learning. Jehovah created them to learn. So you can NOT mess up!<br />
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2) Find your state laws yourself!<br />
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Do NOT trust friends, even ones who say they are homeschooling! I have heard way to many stories, of people saying they "homeschool" but in reality they are using a charter or virtual school, which are subject to public school laws. And then pass on that the parent must go by these public school laws, which are often way more regulated then homeschool laws, and the mother just wanting to homeschool is overwhelmed and defeated! When reality was/is homeschooling laws were very much with in the mothers reach! For instance one of my friends was told by another "homeschooling" mother, that she MUST be a certified teacher to legally homeschool her children. That is NOT the law in any state in the USA! So this mother just gave up and didn't even try because she was not a certified teacher. The even more sad thing about this story, this mothers state, has barely any homeschool regulations at all! ANY parent is allowed to homeschool their child, with out any permission being needed!<br />
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I highly suggest contacting your local homeschool advocacy or homeschool legal group for your state! They will have the best and most accurate laws for homeschooling in your state.<br />
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Above all else, NEVER, I repeat NEVER ask the public school system or district what the homeschool laws are. They do NOT deal with homeschool laws. They ONLY deal with public school laws. They will rarely, or rather almost never have accurate homeschool laws! It is not their job to know homeschool laws, since this is NOT their jurisdiction.<br />
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3) I wish wish wish, I had started going to homeschool conferences and conventions from the beginning. The first few years, I had the mistaken idea that it was just a place to look at and buy curricula. While you can do that. That is secondary to the wonderful educational and motivational homeschool workshops. They are priceless! Worth every penny. Seriously you can homeschool for FREE... use your library, and JW.org and all our literature... but spend money to go to the conference!<br />
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4) Read good books about child development when it comes to education. Like Ruth Beechick. Seriously knowing what is developmentally appropriate and how different that is from the school system will save you a lot of grief. So many get so upset with their children and their selves, thinking homeschooling is not working. When in reality, they are expecting developmentally inappropriate things from their children. That no matter what their child would resist because it's just not time to be learning that. BUT, if the parent relaxed and waited for when it is a better time developmentally to be learning it, there would be NO resistance. And in fact would be fun!<br />
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Ruth Beechick<br />
Raymond Moore<br />
John Holt<br />
John Taylor Ghatto<br />
Andrew Puedewa (he does excellent talks, and workshops, that I highly suggest! Pretty much above any one else for workshops! Mainly he speaks about educating boys, but believe me this information transcends to educating girls as well.)<br />
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Are all authors I highly suggest! Seriously start with any of their books, and just start reading.<br />
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5) Do NOT worry about buying a curricula the first year. Children will learn no matter what you do. So instead of spending money on curricula, spend money on experiences, like museums, zoos, etc. And spend money on mommy being educated on homeschooling! Spend money on homeschool books like from the authors above. Spend money on going to the homeschool conference local to you. Spend money on fun field trips. Go to the library and pick all the books you want for free! Sometimes even curricula books! haha But, save your money for curricula that first year. Curricula will always be there.. and you may even find you don't need one at all. BUT, even if you choose to use one.. a year is not going to make or break using it. So give yourself the freedom to just learn about homeschooling the first year with out the stress of finding the perfect curricula. You will most likely be amazed what your children learn that year!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlidDXX6oQjKJqzXgIpVM1IBGToGGAED7mYx1dNYF7VcIrX2to5oYVdsz2l-gUBcBLfJRnoiGhu58Y0jLya1cJffGFbzQI4XgLBaNgnWexvGEVWxPfF7a5Gy1r0q6JGTyaQj-J8k-jEC0/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-84354817153718994132017-04-01T08:15:00.000-07:002019-09-11T23:17:04.347-07:00Weekend Edition~Time for Planning!<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tmd6HGs0rTRWOS44sBo1RCRtKhgM7OBDlNaypGmd7UIphBWJbRD3btpJ5pGIOUAjP0WWYdW5FyTILyNT3eWWk0phNdRtNSEfPXGQBbCahK5RmuZMtk4XQ_4C02JuSpjbWWlXI8ZvfKg/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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This is the time of year that I start planning my planner for the next year. Last year, I put it off because of so many family obligations that were unplanned that sprung up. As a result, I rushed in June to make this years, and many misplacements, and even blank and backwards pages were put in! haha<br />
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So this year, I am starting early like I have done in years past.<br />
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This early in the year, I start by making a basic running list of what I want included in the planner. Later I will try to figure out the exact lay out and execution or where I place those pages in the planner.<br />
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So first this year, I have decided on a few small changes I would like however in both, and what I do like and want to keep with both aspects.<br />
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Cover art-not sure yet.<br />
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Inside cover I want to keep to this planner belongs to page.<br />
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I want to keep the attendance chart as the first page in the planner. I also want the homeschool planning schedule on the back of the attendance chart!<br />
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Right after the attendance, First put in the Curricula resource page, I think I want to put in a art like encouragement page on the back of the resource page. And a list of for homeschool play groups, and field trips, maybe also for reading books, and put those in for each 20 day segment.<br />
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Planning pages-love what I have.<br />
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Fruitage of the Spirit chart.<br />
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Bible Reading Schedule-both for Lela and the littles.<br />
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Pen Pals pages.<br />
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Give a hoot-password pages.<br />
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Library Resource pages.<br />
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Reading Log pages.<br />
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Book Resource list-design new.<br />
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A parent check list for field trips, would be awesome.<br />
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Field Trip Reference Chart, Field Trip Tracking Guide, enough field trip pages for 40 trips.<br />
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Field Service Tracking-may design my own.<br />
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Inside back cover-multiplication chart.<br />
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Outside back cover-choose art! - Maybe kids photos!<br />
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This is my basic plan for now... I will see how it comes together when I am done.<br />
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I also want to stress, I highly highly suggest reading Tina's homeschool planner suggestions. Really reading it. She has some of the very best suggestions that have made my planner much more user friendly and fun to use! Especially the spiral binding-I tried to save money the first year and use a 3 ring binder, and hated it... You can't bend back the cover, so it always has to be completely spread out, and it's heavier and harder to carry around, and just not as nice. I LOVE the really nicely, thick laminated front and back covers! LOVE! And having enough room to actually write in the planner!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX8zsVFZloPpyQgU6hyuRS4Hk5YUpBQjMeZQGmyKEwa1vqwC39PuZGDFt_hAQm4QUEoY3B0x0Fc6IaCqceMo50wg1tyIJ8hc8C-qml-vJSZQ8M8IaCx5BMahYh8yCGHwQmnouGnIeKiY/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-15139906697133509702017-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:002017-03-29T15:09:07.908-07:00Special Edition~To Russia with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<br />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-66511322224648937952017-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:002019-09-11T23:19:38.244-07:00Weekend Edition~What about a diploma?<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tmd6HGs0rTRWOS44sBo1RCRtKhgM7OBDlNaypGmd7UIphBWJbRD3btpJ5pGIOUAjP0WWYdW5FyTILyNT3eWWk0phNdRtNSEfPXGQBbCahK5RmuZMtk4XQ_4C02JuSpjbWWlXI8ZvfKg/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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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?<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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HSLDA has a wonderful list of answers to almost all high school diploma questions.<br />
<a href="https://www.hslda.org/highschool/diploma.asp"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.hslda.org/highschool/diploma.asp">HSLDA Diploma answers</a>!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCORXFvUye-pLx1E-6a7toJz0iWpPR2-A1N9PGWFn0BEaQ0qYn4CbUv4EXtm8zMKTW2wzhCKLd7QD5gRurh1zaalmQp-E5U2qGenQiGWFTibFDXQOTrAm_PJaiM1LutP1xqmg_GnfexvY/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-924157962342095912017-03-18T16:33:00.000-07:002019-09-11T23:20:41.356-07:00Weekend Edition~Homeschool Haul<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tmd6HGs0rTRWOS44sBo1RCRtKhgM7OBDlNaypGmd7UIphBWJbRD3btpJ5pGIOUAjP0WWYdW5FyTILyNT3eWWk0phNdRtNSEfPXGQBbCahK5RmuZMtk4XQ_4C02JuSpjbWWlXI8ZvfKg/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGi-y9k96xFaSuZGGeTLiqUjhfYnryIknvOuxPAVdidP1-ele4yJchLLGhyphenhyphenX3k9egQSpd34Y1hYc_LAdJI7svMFU6UFyHx3CjzweYGypqMOOEkkrkBrlaRFG1dR_01FB9-RKC4DXEP5g/s1600/cbacktoschool.gif" />
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This is most my haul this year from my local homeschool convention.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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).<br />
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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.<br />
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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).<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-63582421104837319282017-03-04T16:14:00.000-08:002019-09-11T23:24:28.687-07:00Weekend Edition~AAHH Almost here!<img border="0" data-original-height="33" data-original-width="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAY18KhIHu1QImpRMo4HPAkKo4jz6BocqlNb5UqJAOCbL1WCTTxjHgh_qvVrBQgBFG5Am9xoa3MMeyVt-2Z7BL1JfJQpWah5Fnje0wnIyVUUgDt833N22oHwV1YbOwDhjnAjxxjPeBhM/s1600/cm_wm_hiddensun1.gif" />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09ETdMJdUtf1lC-frHlXNunCO1gaSHA9D8Owo4dPYD-2Ng1P-GwSzZ0seK9BKsbPLMirQPEqiRIlxqavbHa3WAjxeWP6dGhrQYt1IN2UlUhdzximIRH3COTl_MdFoFTMRyjqqoz3Ogl8/s1600/cbacktoschool.gif" />
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It's almost convention time, Homeschool Convention that is!<br />
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Mine starts this Thursday night...<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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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<br />
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Feel free, to add any of your own tips, and tricks that you do to prepare for your homeschool conventions too!<br />
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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!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5clphGJ8Fk7baGzJvLOREdt30-lZAKckuvdR6MBGkQV6TcX3o9Z1zV9AaV_bqI_EFACjt356WK8KkrylMA4hsVlXfBLQ9_3Z2O34A7Rh1rKdW5pBgJvzSAFg0HcoK_g9DsTCZcKyenIw/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-63113193315166698422017-02-25T13:09:00.000-08:002019-09-11T23:26:38.947-07:00Weekend Edition~Minersville School District v. Gobitis<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzTGD4FtCL2WdHagZ2tgJ52eUzVOMsmRogkPT6wCCFNR1h9mb7dLy3-qmqRVqeOnPcIsn0zb1uPnJFqrDSmG9eUx3xzn9y8aS2NPzG6bja7ZeE9esloLfdD21Wxvs4ZcgXNV0kwdEf50/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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My local homeschool conference is coming this week!!! Thursday thru Saturday, March 9-11th 2017. I am already getting excited!<br />
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Last year, I mentioned how the HSLDA keynote address was on Jehovah's Witnesses contribution to educational freedoms in the United States of America.<br />
<a href="https://goldenprairieacademy.blogspot.com/2016/04/special-editionday-one-2016-homeschool.html">Special Edition~Day One 2016 Homeschool Convention</a><br />
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Since then, I have come to realize that many people are not familiar with the case that the keynote address was discussing, Minersville School District Vs. Gobitis.<br />
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I personally grew up knowing a sister who was kicked out of school at the time, along with her siblings. Her and her mother would often speak to me about that time, and what happened with and to them personally from it.<br />
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I decided since my local homeschool conference is upon us, I would come back to address this case, and share information about this case directly. As even though this happened in the 1940's it has direct effect on us now as witnesses, and just as citizens, as well as our near future til we are in the new system. These experiences can give us strength to remain faithful even when opposition is fierce. Much like our Watchtower study was about today. We can not force any one to accept the message of the Good News of God's Kingdom, but we can control ourselves to remain faithful and continue to do good!<br />
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This is a link to her story from JW.org directly.<br />
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/united-states/lillian-gobitas-klose-dies/">Lillian Gobitis's Story</a><br />
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While I hate, linking to anything on Youtube I do not know any other way to share this video interview of Lillian with Phil Donahue.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sal9CsemNFw">Interview Video</a><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp7v9c9gL1CPa6V_h1qVooOLhnZcRUkSl1vEwXeLl45e7_ENhIlE0WLKqOiWT3Ktmo3fo_0si6HSkOiN_7qyVDL3nRRWKxsLQT5zHBhrcTE8j8ragPthxNcA9lABZchrlrVzfIlfBjGo/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-81533654342240498972017-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:002019-09-12T12:49:22.978-07:00Weekend Edition~Homeschool Convention Tips<img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntuknPTLJ_O5YQ4MxFecBGGMhQd5vRTBZNl0hBCwkglIsnEbceGljtamYhl8Qvgl_APZf4corYZPwJtMXIn8zYC03HyxRyOzDXIXEVdXf1Q-u-WlTovdT7_Fxn0K-tgRiCYBsSpIdriM/s1600/MPCweatherSunny.gif" />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb8D11FtTHvHLsvAnJjqKG0E9l1pksRwvHrV1jdiBsqyQ6KIpMvQT8wlvAwtfUNWRCBg3mr8KoQwfHXgLe6bc3pDEQdTbGqgwW5vl2VDXNWZb34WQw1qNDI3Q1NQbfhf-QqZb6JWdJMY/s1600/cbacktoschool.gif" />
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A few things I have gleaned from my personal experience at homeschool conventions.<br />
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1) Long before you go, make a list of what you think you want to look at and research curricula/educational game/book wise. There will be a LOT there. Having a list will help you not be overwhelmed and forget once you are there. There will be a LOT of vendors, as well as Rainbow Resource has a huge booth... seeing it all in person verses a catalog makes a huge difference, and you don't want to miss something you really wanted to see, but forgot because you got so engrossed in one or two other booths and totally forgot something you had been interested in for months and waiting to see in person!<br />
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2) Along with 1, don't forget to make a list of positively what you want to buy. There's a few things every year, I know I will be buying at the conference. And every time I get in that vendor hall you can bet, I forget a few things, if I didn't have my list!<br />
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3) Have a budget and stay in it! To support staying in your budget. Do not buy anything til you have looked at every thing on your list of what you wanted, and every thing on your list of wanting to look at. Once you have looked at it all, and priced it all. Re-evaluate what you want to buy. You may even wait til the second day to purchase. Even if they run out of stock at the actual convention, they often will give free shipping and you can order it and ship it to your house for free! So don't feel pressured to buy it the first day. Also if you find something new you want to buy because of a workshop you attended, you for sure will want to sleep on it. You could be all fired up because of the mob/group excitement during the actual workshop, but after you sleep on it, and re-evaluate if this would really be used in your home, or work with your family, or even your homeschool style, it's just not a good fit. You don't want to spend money on something that is not right for you. So think carefully first!<br />
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4) Along with the last tip... there will most likely be many things you want to buy but is either outside of your budget, or it's not really needed for this year. For instance, last year, I seen a science book I really really want for my children, and I also seen a game I really really want for my children. But, I really was at the limit of my budget, and both the science book and game were not age appropriate yet for my children. So I noted them in my notebook and took pictures of them with my phone. And they will go on this years list of things to buy!<br />
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5) If this is your first year to attend you may want to see if there is discounts for first time attendees. Sometimes it's even free!<br />
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6) Also way in advance, as soon as you know the dates of your conference. If you have children with in ages that can not, or would not enjoy sitting through lectures all day. And youc an be away from them for a day (not nursing or needing you). Plan and schedule some one else to take care of them during the day, during the convention. If they have to attend with you. Maybe ask a friend, or fellow homeschool mama with a teenager who wouldn't mind... to come with you and help you with the children.<br />
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You will not get much out of the workshops if you are constantly having to attend to children going potty, needing water, chattering etc. And it can get really frustrating and self defeating. I am all for taking children every where with me. But, I also know at my children's ages, it's more advantageous for all concerned (me getting things out of the convention, and them not feeling tortured by being still and quiet all day!) for us to schedule a local friend of mines teen to care for them at their house for the day. While her and I attend the convention together. Her home is close enough, we can go to her home at lunch and check on every one. But, really her teen and my children are responsible enough, it's not really needed. But, is a nice advantage.<br />
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7) Go the night before to the introduction workshop. They often give tips of who will be there, as well as often have seasoned been there, done that mom's with experience that will help motivate you and encourage you that it will be ok!<br />
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8) If you can get a schedule of the workshops the night before at the introduction workshop. Look through it, and pick and choose which workshops would best fit you and your families needs. Make a list of first choices, but also make a back up of second choices for each of your first choices. Sometimes, workshops are cancelled, or rescheduled, or over crowded. Or for various reasons you may not be able to attend your first choice, and often only have seconds to choose a different workshop and get in before it starts too. Of course most will let you come and go freely, but if you want to get the complete workshop you want to get there as early in the session as possible. So having a back up already planned, will make this much smoother and faster to just run down the hallway to the next choice.<br />
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9) Bring a note book for taking notes during these workshops. And pens/pencils. You will be learning many many things about how children actually learn and by the end of the day could be jumbled if you didn't take notes. And you will want to note which speaker said what. It may be a speaker you want to seek out for the future, because they were that good! And want to seek their books, or other things from them. And on the other hand, it may be some one you disagree with so much you want to make sure you avoid and don't make the mistake of purchasing from them, something that won't work for you or your family.
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTjV7kcpPxQrloUpG29i2YfKxQxQeeOXOnLGN0skr2Eyn23b-2mSD9ducbRwouvYiEeA1PIG-ZNDbyvddh-CAW9CVpc6J8fL8YMGNjhQflevS2FgvDf2KnxYFop3pLKt-TpAK0T6fKPU/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-35705890737242547992017-01-14T18:46:00.000-08:002019-09-12T12:55:05.708-07:00Weekend Edition~Winter in FULL Effect<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqvwC5_Sf0HLeFfcg4eNuVBJiCJchG0dJ7fUN2KnakdfDCT4GzwK8Aj9BUb7qbVlujoxWiOaGPiLOwEM9j119LdLR8RIO-3SgT8c9xONlQquY_fr-ptYK2kW0mhllCFADzecyxDJB4nc/s1600/hot3.gif" />
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I don't know about where you live. But, in Kansas we can have both really warm weather and down right freezing weather in January.<br />
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While sometimes, we don't mind snuggling in with a good book as the wind blows it's icy breath. There comes a time when we are just burning up with cabin fever! And have to get out! This is the time of year, I rely heavily on those family passes we have to indoor museums, like our local science museum. Or the library. Or the history museum. etc etc.<br />
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I also love the set up our annual space museum field trip in the middle of winter. It's kind of a long car trip for us. About a hour drive. And then it's a ALL day of being inside, because it's also a costly trip, and I wouldn't want to pay the cost of admission and the time devoted in the car to get there and not do every thing it has to offer while there. However, as much as we LOVE the space museum. I hate to spend two hours in the car and then the whole day inside on lovely spring, summer or autumn days. So just when we think we can't take another moment of captivity in the house, we bust out our day at the Space museum field trip. There's tons of interactive things that literally kids can spend the whole day doing there, and still not want to go home. And best of all, if you go with fellow home educating families, you get a significant discount, it's about 60-70 percent off retail price for the day! Plus you can add in hot lunch option for only a few dollars more per a person. So worth it!<br />
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So if your temperature has spiked (cabin fever), and you are looking for a way to cool it down, with out freezing to death... you may want to do some looking around at a few places that you don't normally want to spend all day indoors at during nice weather and see if it can become a good tradition for your family as well. In the meantime... pull out those family passes to what ever else your family may have memberships to that is indoors, and don't seclude yourselves in the cabin a minute longer!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="40" data-original-width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTJ0mmpMrEbiv9Ulzv31jL6k_GAj9QbxJNtcQda0bzLoxIaCYlZVmBcGKONXA5chzlnvWqKd-4ZMOqU2qdgu2zKSHw46QI2lsjjhARRcGRu6db4UBA3CaMTTJqsteXvuULKpuYwih00k/s1600/rosesigwendyfont5.gif" />MagnoliaWhisperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07008827521669772420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9030891327870333697.post-41069511677559208862017-01-07T14:32:00.000-08:002019-08-13T14:33:27.000-07:00Weekend Edition ~ Alpacas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_Hw93kI04b5xPGwg7PBGlXeD439hoTST02FF-LzdFqcbOhXWyCJF_MmeQCUJeICDjUWUt7bMn-oNlK4fDQAhbN9lp3tSirm-k3BdWTQCQijMp_f0oL1uZCxVbTdiWuFVPjIGa1h_Qs/s1600/MPCweatherCloudy.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ_Hw93kI04b5xPGwg7PBGlXeD439hoTST02FF-LzdFqcbOhXWyCJF_MmeQCUJeICDjUWUt7bMn-oNlK4fDQAhbN9lp3tSirm-k3BdWTQCQijMp_f0oL1uZCxVbTdiWuFVPjIGa1h_Qs/s320/MPCweatherCloudy.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HHH0N9GNcX_C1IfbK6WKyGvJEQe_g36YaWEX15RIu6z55hRQwmTFJLQQ0_0KzZ4vz8K_l2Li8phj_ypNNrc0agKxDf7tSyu-rnK8uNVBFOKes5Ou8uVcUF3romkd6ZmYcV2jYf_1ADQ/s1600/hedgehogsaturday.gif"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HHH0N9GNcX_C1IfbK6WKyGvJEQe_g36YaWEX15RIu6z55hRQwmTFJLQQ0_0KzZ4vz8K_l2Li8phj_ypNNrc0agKxDf7tSyu-rnK8uNVBFOKes5Ou8uVcUF3romkd6ZmYcV2jYf_1ADQ/s1600/hedgehogsaturday.gif" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwpl5kDhHfp-iR5cjVHlWgTwxR8ZXWBBdjwkmR2fAbBM9NgMEnVuuhTxY9cw0PuM0X1dZ0ZNtVhbF2jYxBhvDjw8vZdlV3PpM8sxfqng75AGtdnn37UjzoaoOlIPyilOglRhyzfjn53Q/s1600/coldgirlstatic.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwpl5kDhHfp-iR5cjVHlWgTwxR8ZXWBBdjwkmR2fAbBM9NgMEnVuuhTxY9cw0PuM0X1dZ0ZNtVhbF2jYxBhvDjw8vZdlV3PpM8sxfqng75AGtdnn37UjzoaoOlIPyilOglRhyzfjn53Q/s320/coldgirlstatic.gif" /></a></div>
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We have a really sweet Pre-School Homeschool Co-op. It's a very casual group, and while most people have at least one Pre-School age child, all children are allowed to come along. Most the women I also attended La Leche League with as well.<br />
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This group was mainly people from the Co-op. Three families came with us who are witnesses. Two of the families just started homeschooling this month! And one family is in our congregation, while they do not homeschool, they often get to come along on homeschool field trips with us! So like I keep telling all of my readers, and friends, do not dismiss inviting ones from your congregation to come along on your homeschool field trips, even if they do not home school. You would be surprised how many they may get to tag along on, and you get the added bonus of more association and bonding with others in the congregation!<br />
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Our field trip this morning was at a local Alpaca Farm, in Rose Hill, Kansas. My dad dropped us off, but then had to take my sister Sarah to a doctor appointment. But, I had just needed a ride there, because the sisters who also came to this field trip had already planned on us going to lunch together, and drove me and the kids to lunch and then home afterwards.<br />
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