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To Eclipse or Not To Eclipse

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Source: http://www.sciencealert.com

This week my facebook feed has been flooded with articles regarding the eclipse and they all are extremely confusing.

On one hand, you see articles saying that it’s safe to watch with approved glasses.  On another hand, you see articles from eye doctors saying that you should only watch it on tv.

And then there is the chaos of having so many glasses out there that may not be approved for eclipse viewing!

We were planning to go to the mountains, but now I’m so torn about what to do!  I have one child that no matter what we tell her, she has to learn for herself.  I’m concerned she will try to look at the sun anyway and damage her eyes.  I’ve already decided our toddler will stay inside completely, but now what about the rest of us?  I’m honestly not sure.  We may just watch it on the computer, but I’ve also found a wonderful compilation of teacher approved videos about the eclipse that I plan on utilizing in our homeschool.

What are you planning to do?

Our Homeschool Plans 2017-2018

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Wow.  I totally feel like I was just making last year’s homeschool plans.  This year has flown by incredibly fast.  It’s time to start planning for the upcoming homeschool year, where I will be homeschooling a 9th grader, 5th grader, 2nd grader, 1st grader, and of course, the ever-busy preschooler.

We are mixing things up a bit and my big 2 kids are going to do the majority of their social studies, science, and language arts with a tutor one day a week and I’ll be reinforcing their learning throughout the week.  That’s definitely different for us and I am hoping it goes well.  Sometimes you get to a point where you need to outsource a few things, and that’s okay!

If you care to look back, you can see what we used in the 2015-2016 year here or in the 2016-2017 school year here.  Some of it is the same and some has changed.

Also, be sure to read my article- Homeschooling a Preschooler – See What Works for Us!.

Here’s what we are doing this year:

Math:

Math, we are once again using Horizons Math, but only for my middle 3 children. We use the math books plus we supplement with the extra worksheets for more practice. For my oldest, we will continue with Math-U-See.  We are also continuing with XtraMath.org.  I can’t say enough great things about this website!  It’s a completely free way to make sure your kids understand all of their math facts.  As a mom, I can login and see how they are doing as well and what needs improvement.

Language Arts:

We will be using  Wordly Wise 3000 for my 5th grader to cover vocabulary and reading comprehension.  We will be continuing Easy Grammar with the older 3 children.  It only takes a couple minutes a day.

My 5th grader will continue with  A Reason For Handwriting, however the 1st and 2nd grader will be working on Horizons Penmanship since I think they need a little more writing practice before moving on to cursive.

All 4 of my school age children will also be working through Q&A For Kids: A 3 Year Journal.  I’m pretty excited about this and that it will only take a few moments to work on.

We are continuing Building Spelling Skills for the middle 3 to work on spelling.

My 1st and 2nd graders will also continue working on Explode the Code.  This is a very simple program, but can help with the fundamentals for the little kids.  Takes just a couple minutes each day and they are fun!

Little 2 girls are going to continue with ReadingEggs since it’s a fun program and helps greatly with reading and phonics.  This is one of those things that is worth outsourcing to me, even though it’s an online program, so it frees me up to help someone else with something.

Bible:

This past year we greatly slacked on our Bible lessons.  For Bible this year we are continuing to use Catechism for Kids, which I just love and the kids enjoy, too.  I also plan to introduce more scripture writing for handwriting practice.  I’ve been writing scripture to help get myself more in the Word and I think that the kids would enjoy this, too, especially with fancy journals and colored pens.

All the kids will also continue with VeritasBible.com.

Social Studies:

History we will continue to pull from Allinonehomeschool.com for the little girls and of course the vast variety of books at the library.

Science:

My littles will be continuing through Apologia’s Zoology.  We really enjoyed their Astronomy set last year and are eager to learn more with their Zoology program.

 

I think that’s it!  Seems like a nice rounded program this year, however I’m not super eager to start.  I’m enjoying having a break right now from teaching, but planning is still in order!  What are your homeschool plans for the year?

Painting with Toddlers WITHOUT the Mess!

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My youngest is now 20 months old and he always wants to keep up with the big kids.  When they are painting, he wants to jump in as well, however I’m not quite fond of the huge mess that a toddler and paint can bring!  I remembered a trick that I learned when I was teaching preschool before kids on how to paint with a toddler without the mess.  Painting with toddlers doesn’t have to be a disaster!  If you don’t mind a little water, they can have fun, too.

First you need a piece of colored construction paper.  Pretty much any color will do and the brand doesn’t matter.  The darker the color, the more your toddler may enjoy watching the transformation.

After you have your construction paper, also gather a paintbrush and a shallow container with just a little bit of water in it.  Know that the water will likely get spilled, so I recommend keeping the water to the bare minimum.  For my son, I used about 1/4 inch or so.

Next, let them have at it!  When the water hits the construction paper, it makes the paper a little darker!  This gives your toddler the illusion that they are “painting” without actually using paints!  It’s a win for the toddler and a win for easy cleanup!

Afterward, you can even give your toddler a rag and encourage him to cleanup any spills.  Easy Peasy!  I’ve done this trick will all 5 of my kids and numerous kids that have been in our kid and they all love it!  You can set the paper outside to dry and then even reuse it a time or two.

This is how our family conquers painting with toddlers.  Do you have any other tips to add?  Leave me a comment and let me know

Talking to Kids about Sex

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It’s never easy to have “The Talk”.  You know, the “Sex Talk”.  And puberty.  Let’s not forget that thing that causes our sweet children to turn grumpy and hormonal.  Talking to kids about sex doesn’t have to be hard or incredibly uncomfortable, especially since there are some great resources available to help parents like me along.

I’m all about having books and resources to help me through these tough topics.  Throughout the years of educating our children, we have found some really great books to read with our kids to teach about sex, personal safety, and puberty.  I’m not talking about tossing a book in our children’s rooms and hoping they read and understand.  I’m more about finding resources that we can work through together that will help facilitate some wonderful conversations.  Below, I’ll outline the ones that have helped us out the most and share which age group they are most appropriate.

Books Recommendations

First off, I really like the 3 books by Luke and Trisha Wilkerson.  They are made for the different stages from child to teen and they easily walk parents through what to do and say.  They are Biblically based and offer scripture readings to go along with the studies.  We have used and/or are currently using them with our children.  You’ll notice that these also have excellent reviews on Amazon.  I strongly recommend getting all 3 and using them as your children age.  My husband has used them in talks with our son and even though they were difficult topics, he found that getting through them was much easier with the books to guide.

The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality is geared toward children ages 6-10.  Although I think some 6 year olds can handle it, we tend to wait until they are on the higher end of the age group for this one as it’s pretty detailed.  I think it depends on your parenting style and your child’s maturity on when you want to start this one.

Changes: 7 Biblical Lessons to Make Sense of Puberty was written for parents to read with children ages 8 to 12 years old.  The book also turns to scripture to help explain how God made everything wonderful, including our bodies.  This one has been very helpful in explaining body changes to our kids.

Relationships: 11 Lessons to Give Kids a Greater Understanding of Biblical Sexuality is geared toward 11-14 year olds and consists of 11 studies.  It covers many things that a teen may be wondering and helps bring them to light and keep the communication lines open.

Another one that I think is a must for any home is Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, which discusses pornography and what to do if you come across it.  We did this as a study with all of our children.  They actually were really interested in hearing about this and hopefully it preps them for when/if they come across anything by accident.  The statistics regarding kids coming across porn by accident are quite shocking!

Other books worth mentioning to check out for the younger ones are these, which we also own and read from time to time:

I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private


God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies

I’m sure there are many more great resources as well for talking to kids about sex.  We have found these ones to be particularly helpful for our family and it has turned into a not-so-taboo subject.  Feel free to leave a comment and tell me about some of your favorites or ways that you have found to bring about discussion with your kids about sex.

Homeschool Testing in Georgia

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Homeschool Testing in Georgia

This time of year, the local homeschool groups are all abuzz about testing.  It’s always the same questions – What are my options for Homeschool Testing in Georgia?

 What is Required?

Where can I test?

When should I test?

Can I administer it myself?

Who do I need to pay?

Which grades need testing?

Where do I send my results?

Per Georgia State requirements for 2016-2017:

Standardized Tests: Children must take a national standardized achievement test every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. “Test scores are not required to be submitted to public school authorities.” Ga. Code Ann. ? 20-2-690(c)(7). Parent must write an annual progress report and retain it for three years. Ga. Code Ann. ? 20-2-690(c)(8).

 

Now what?

How can you find a standardized test and which one is right for your family?

Here are a few options that we have found:

  • Hewitt Homeschooling PASS Test: This is a great test that can be administered by a parent and this is the testing that we use.  It is untimed so children do not have to stress on rushing.
  • CAT5: No college degree required to administer test, so this is great for parents as well.  This test is timed.  I have no experience with this test, but I know several that have and like it.
  • Check with your local homeschool co-ops.  Many will know a teacher willing to administer the standardized test to your child for a fee.

Once you have finished testing, the parent just needs to keep the results on record.

You should also check out the Georgia homeschool requirements to make sure that your are within all the laws and are fully aware of how to start homeschooling in Georgia.

Also make note of the homeschool expo, such as the GHEA Convention.  There are a ton of great tips and ideas that can be gleaned from those sources.

For more great homeschooling tips, visit our Homeschool tab.

If you have any other options you’d like to add, please leave a comment!

4 Ways to Encourage Summer Learning with Your Kids

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Many kids may benefit from summer learning.  I know here in Georgia, many summer days are far too hot to hang outside for long, but I don’t want my kids just watching tv.  Oftentimes, I purchase summer workbooks for kids or we go on adventures and explore the areas near where we live.  There are several summer learning activities for kids that are worth sharing.

Adventure:

Take your kids on an adventure to a state park or somewhere that they haven’t been.  Museums, zoos, and nature centers are all great ideas.  You could set up a scavenger hunt for the kids to find certain nature items.  Look up your local state park and mark your calendar for upcoming activities and then go!  Learning by going and doing is a great way to stay active and learn this summer.  Georgia residents, be sure to check your look library for the zoo pass.  That brings me to the next point.

Library:

The Library is always a wonderful place to be during the summer.  The books are endless, many have puzzles and games that can be borrowed, computer games, and of course – AIR CONDITIONING!  During the summer, some will have special reading programs where your child can win prizes as they read and learn.  Many may also have activities and special plays or other programs.  Be sure to stop by and get their latest calendar of events.

Workbooks:

The workbooks that I have had experience with during summer are the Summer Bridge workbooks.  These books are designed to “bridge” the gap between one grade to the next grade.  The activities are typically more fun than you’d find in a normal school book.

A program just released that we have not tried out yet is the new Summer Brain Quest.  As of this post, there aren’t any reviews on Amazon for them, however some should be up soon.  There is a huge preview you can see for examples of what is in this book.  I’m pretty impressed!

If you know your child needs a little help with a specific subject, you can also try the Kumon workbooks or Spectrum workbooks.

Websites:

There are many websites that offer fun activities for kids that are perfect for summertime. Some are free and some are paid.  We will start with the free ones first.

Free:

We love Xtramath.org.  This is a great way to help reinforce math facts during the summer.

My kids really like to play on Multiplication.com.  Don’t let the name fool you.  Addition, subtraction, and division are all covered on this website through fun interactive games.

ABCYa.com is also a favorite.  You can pick grade level and then venture on to math games, reading games, phonics, coloring, and more!

Paid:

ABCMouse.com is a good one that my kids enjoy.  It holds their progress so they don’t have to start over each time they visit the site.  That’s one benefit to this paid website.

ExplodeTheCode.com can help with phonics issues.  It is a little pricey.  We have the workbooks but haven’t tried the website yet.

Starfall.com offers a few free games and activities, but many are part of the subscription.

My kids have greatly benefited from ReadingEggs.com.  Definitely recommend checking out this program.

 

Do you have other ways that you use to encourage summer learning activities with your kids?  Please leave a comment and share!  

Also check out our other summertime articles below:

Spring Diaper Bag: 10 Must Haves

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This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

 

The weather is warm and spring cleaning is in full swing around here.  With spring comes switching out all of the children’s clothing and making sure they have what they need for spring.  One thing that I often forget to switch out is the items in our toddler’s diaper bag.

In the winter, we keep warm clothing, mittens, and hats in the bag, but those items aren’t needed during spring here in Georgia.  Today I have put together a list to help you switch over from the winter diaper bag to a spring diaper bag.

10 Must Haves for a Spring Diaper Bag

Extra Clothing:

Extra clothing is always an essential.  Depending on your location, you might want to toss in a light jacket for chilly mornings or evenings.  Shorts and pants can be appropriate for spring and a short sleeve shirt.  Extra socks and shoes or sandals can be helpful for kids that love to splash in puddles from spring showers

Sunscreen:

SPF 30 or more is recommended.  Be sure to check expirations on your sunscreen and toss ones that have expired!

Sunglasses:

If your little one will wear sunglasses, that’s great!  Pack a pair for baby and for yourself!

Diapers, such as Luvs Ultra Leakguards with NightLock Plus™:

No diaper bag is complete without diapers of course!  You won’t want to get caught without a diaper during a time of need.  Softer and more absorbent than ever before, and a money-back guarantee, Luvs Ultra Leakguards with NightLock Plus™ provide the high-quality features babies and parents need for less than many other brands.

Wipes:

Wipes are perfect for diapering and for wiping down hands after an ice cream cone or popsicle.

Sunhat:

Keep your little one’s head covered and sun out of their face with a simple hat that can be thrown in the diaper bag.

First Aid Kit:

My littles play so hard outside in the spring and are always getting scrapes, bumps, and bruises.  Having a first aid kit handy with cream and bandaids is a must!  Toss in a bite stick as well just in case of sings or insect bites.

Bug Repellant:

Evening picnics and chasing fire flies also bring out the bugs!  Protect your littles by keeping this on hand and in the diaper bag.  Make sure to find one appropriate for children.

Snack:

Summer snack ideas are simple crackers or small bags of cheerios.  Be careful with any item that needs to be refrigerated.

Sippy Cup With Water:

Hydration is key to having a great outing in the spring!  Bring baby a cup and yourself as well.

More Information on Luvs:

If you want to stock up on diapers for spring, this week Luvs is offering up a $2 coupon to save on Luvs diapers.  You can rest assure with these diapers because of the Luvs Money Back Guarantee, where if you aren’t satisfied with the leakage protection of Luvs, Luvs will refund your money. See www.luvsdiapers.com for details.

Luvs are available in sizes newborn through size 6!

 

 Can you think of other Must-Haves?  What would you add to this list?

8 Instant Pot Accessories to Make Cooking Simpler!

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The other day, I finally bought an Instant Pot.  I had an electric pressure cooker with a different brand but I was very unhappy with it. The teflon pan was peeling, which is not good! Fortunately I was able to take it back and got the Instant Pot instead.  Once I got the pot, I have been wanting to snag Instant Pot accessories.  I’m truly amazed at all the Instant Pot accessories and add-on parts that you can get for it!  It almost reminds me of my Kitchen-Aid mixer and all the millions of add-on gadgets that are available.

I do like my Instant Pot and am thankful that it helps make this busy mom’s life simpler!  It’s so easy to make the kids a quick  Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese for when we are having a busy day.

8 Instant Pot Accessories to Make Cooking Simpler

 

I was browsing on Amazon and wanted to share with you guys all of these fun Instant Pot accessories that I found.  Now I have to decide which ones to get!  I’m definitely thinking about the cake pans and the lid!  And maybe an extra bowl!

 

Springform Cake Pan:

  • Instant Pot cake pan has an internal diameter of 6.5” and an internal depth of 2.5” and fits onto the Silicone trivet for easy removal from your Instant Pot
  • The springform silicone pan is perfect for cheesecake, regular cakes and delicate desserts.
  • Tempered glass bottom lets you bake, cut and serve on the same attractive platter

 


Stainless Steel Extra 6 Qt Pot:

  • Mirror-polished surface for easy cleaning and less sticky to food
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Perfect for an extra pot!

 


Silicone Lid:

  • Specifically designed for many Instant Pot models, our lid creates an air-tight and water-tight seal on inner pots. Perfect for storing and reheating leftovers, keeping food fresh, maintaining food temperature and retaining steam while cooking
  • I think this would come in handy if you prep meals beforehand!

 


Springform Loaf Pan:

  • Instant Pot Loaf Pan has an internal length of 6.5”, width of 3.75” and depth of 2.5” and fits onto the silicone trivet for easy removal from your Instant Pot.
  • The silicone loaf pan is perfect for baking breads and cakes in your Instant Pot
  • Tempered glass bottom lets you bake, cut and serve on the same attractive platter

 

Ceramic Non Stick Inner Pot:

  • Instant Pot Ceramic non-stick interior coating, plastic PTFE and PFOA free
  • Genuine Instant Pot accessory. Dishwasher safe
  • Can be used in any of the 6 L Instant Pot electric pressure cookers

 

Instant Pot Silicone Mits:

  • A pair of Silicone Mini-Mitts to grip the Instant Pot inner pot whilst Sautéing or lifting out of the cooker
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Ridged gripping surface, non-stick
  • Comfortable and easy to put on

 

Instant Pot Glass Lid:

  • Professional Grade Tempered Glass with a Steam-Release Vent and Stainless Steel Rim
  • Colorless Transparent Glass for Clear Viewing

Steamer:

  • Removable handle extends and locks into position for filling and transporting and retracts to accommodate pot lids while steaming
  • Handle hole for fork keeps hands away from steam
  • Steamer fits pots 8” in diameter and up

What My Kids are Getting for Christmas 2016

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I know I usually make this post earlier in the year, but with a busy 1 year old destroying the house, it’s been hard to get things written up!  This year we have 5 kiddos – 13, 10, 7, 5, and 1!  That’s quite the difference in ages!  We base our kids gifts around this poem:

Christmas Gifting

It has worked well in the past years so we are using it as a guideline again this year.  Here’s the rundown of what the kids are asking for and receiving.  I have to say that I am so happy that they don’t follow the majority of the trends and are genuinely happy with receiving a few things from mom and dad.

13 year old girl:

10 year old boy:

7 year old girl:

  • Want: Doll Jeep
  • Need: ??
  • Wear: dress
  • Read: Activity Book

5 year old girl:

1 Year old boy:

I also got a combined gift of Ravensburger Labyrinth for the big kids to play.

For stocking stuffers, they are getting candy and Tsum Tsums.

We are all wrapped and ready!  Have you finished your shopping yet?

October is National RSV Awareness Month

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This post was sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Our family really enjoys visiting the mountains in October.  The cool, crisp air is wonderful for feeling refreshed and reenergized.  When we deeply breathe the fresh mountain air, it’s a time to be thankful for good health.

Health isn’t something to take for granted, especially with a baby in the house.  Baby lungs are so susceptible to contracting the virus RSV.  October is  National Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Awareness Month.  RSV is a common, seasonal virus that typically occurs between November and March in the United States and is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies in their first year of life.  Nearly all babies in the US will contract RSV in their first two years of life, however the severity of symptoms will vary.  Approximately 125,000 infant hospitalizations and 200 infant deaths occur each year in the US due to RSV.

Please read the info sheet below to find out more about RSV, the symptoms, and what you can do:

rsv-infographic-jpeg-1400w

 

Our oldest had RSV at Christmastime when she was only a year old!  I had never seen her become so sick so quickly.  We ended up rushing down to the children’s hospital in Atlanta where she was diagnosed and we received help for her symptoms.  It was a scary experience!  Friends of ours also had a little one year old contract RSV and end up in the hospital for a week.  It’s not something mess around with if you think they might have the virus.

To help prevent the spread, remind your children to wash their hands.  You can also sanitize belongings regularly to minimize the exposure to germs.  And lastly, please visit your child’s doctor to find out if your child is at risk for the virus.

For more information on how you can help protect against RSV, please visit the RSV Protection site.

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