Let the record show.....

...... How cool it is to use old records for purposes other than listening!

If you're like my parents, you've got a ton of old records laying around. You can't stand the idea of getting rid of them, because there are fond memories from decades ago that you've associated with the sounds on that vinyl. 

Now you've got reason to pull out those old records, and put them to some good use. 

A few weeks ago my siblings and I threw a surprise birthday party for my mom. I wanted use old records for decorations for the party. A friend gave me a bunch of records she didn't want anymore.  If you don't have an old stash, or a kind friend willing to help you out, Goodwill has them all the time for $1 each.  I used gorilla glue and glasses I found at Goodwill to make these cupcake stands. I picked cute martini glasses that looked neat upside down and had a large enough surface to glue the records. I also used some candle holders I found a the dollar store. I made a few single layered cake stands, and a multiple layered one with a 45 record on top. They turned out great!

Side note: I tried to use hot glue, but it just didn't work well. Gorilla Glue worked great, but took a lot of time to dry. So you shouldn't do it the morning of the party like I did. Learn from my lesson on hot glue not working, so you're not scrambling at the last minute. Your Welcome. :) 

 

 

Another cool thing I did was melt the records into party bowls. I picked out all kinds of different shaped bowls and pans. I turned them upside down and put them on a baking pan, baking them at 350 degrees for about 2-3 minutes and they were done.

Another side note: do this on a nice day so you can open your window. After the first few records were complete, my kitchen took on the funky smell of melted vinyl. But the fire alarm never went off, and I just kept working.

The records were able to be slightly molded after they came out of the oven. I pinched the corners or smoothed out edges.  Each bowl looked different based on the size bowl I used for the mold, the larger the bowl, the flatter the record bowl became. 

You can use the bowls for candy, nuts, chips whatever, you want for a party. You could also use them for a decorations or just to through your keys in it. The possibilities are endless.

Sorry I don't have more pictures, I sent the bowls home with my brother for a 80's themed party they were going to attend. These did turn out great and added an extra little oomph to make the party fun.

Map time

One on the fun things about homeschooling is all of the neat stuff you get to learn. Geography has never been a strong suit of mine. So I've decided to introduce it to my kids at an early age in hope of instilling a  knowledge of different countries and cultures. As an added bonus, I'm hoping for an improvement in my since of direction in the process!

One of the best bargains I have found was this world map at Wal-Mart.  I purchased it a while back, but finally got around to hanging it up this fall. If  I remember correctly, is was less than $5. A great price considering it's size and up to date information.

Did you know that in 2000 scientist named a new ocean? It was always there, but a bunch of smart people got together and named it, and poof, we have a new ocean for my kids to learn. If you can name what and where it is, you'll be as smart as my first grader :) For the answer you can click here.  See you learn cool stuff in home school!

The first day I had the map up Josiah goes over to explore it and responds,

"Look mom, Madagascar!"

 I call map time and send the kids climbing on the couch to find a place we're studying.

Eden finds Egypt!

and North Carolina.

So far it's been a big hit. The kids have enjoyed finding places. Eden has learned all of her continents and oceans. My since of direction is no better, but it's still the beginning of the year. :)

Ancient Egypt

The first three weeks of our history curriculum focused on Ancient Egypt. I've been able to find lots of hands on projects to help the kids enjoy learning about this time frame. 

 

I let the kids wrap up each other like mummies

 We built pyramids with mini marshmallows and toothpicks.
 

 Josiah ate as much as he built.

 

Savannah joined us

 

Eden thinking about how to construct her pyramid

 

I just love the look on Josiah's face. 

I wonder what he's thinking???

 Still building

 Still eating :)

 

Titus wakes up from his nap ( that would explain his hair)

  and decides pyramids look yummy.

Out of focus, but oh so cute!



We made a salt dough maps of Egypt that I let the kids paint.

They love anything to do with paint.
The toothpicks hold the place for the cities to be mapped.

Eden also completed a lapbook on Egypt.
I'm sure there will be a blog post on those in the future as well.

2013-2014 Curriculum Choices

After months of research, reading books like A Well Trained Mind by Susan Bauer, and  looking over countless blogs and online articles, we decided to follow a classical model of education for our kids. Eden is a first grader, so this was the perfect time to start. As you can assume every year has math, and grammar that build with difficulty. In addition, this year we will study Ancient History and Biology. Eden will get an introduction to Biology through the lens of history, her grammar is also integrated into history lessons. Eden will attempt to memorize basic information that she will then repeat and study more in depth in 5th and 9th grades.

I appreciate this model for so many reasons. As the years progress in school, my children's education will build upon itself. It's logical, and repetitive so the kids can continue to built their knowledge through the years. Its also freeing for me, If they don't get a concept at this point, it will be repeated in more depth in the future. I know what I will be teaching all my children for the next 16 or so years. One of the other major benefits in choosing the curriculum I did is that Josiah and Titus will be able to join along when they enter school. We will be able to maintain the cycle patterns at a level that will include them. So I only have to teach one subject at a time, just at different levels to all of my children.

 This is an outline of our history and science from a Well Trained Mind:

 History                                                Science                                                  Grade
Ancients                                            Biology                                               1,5,9
Medieval  - Early Renaissance         Earth Science/ Astronomy                  2,6,10
Late Renaissance -  Early Modern   Chemistry                                           3,7,11
Modern                                             Physics                                               4,8,12


History
Tapestry of Grace is the foundation of our curriculum. It is our history, grammar, geography, and when our children are older, government, philosophy, and church history. It is Christian curriculum which was also a major component to why I choose Tapestry of Grace.

Tapestry is a huge program that can be quite intimidating to begin. One article I read said it's like going to an all you can eat buffet of curriculum. While the information is vast, you can do as little or as much as you would like. It is literature based, meaning you study your topics through different authors and perspectives from period pieces to fiction covering the topic at hand. It also has lots of hands on activities for the younger students.

So far we have completed 4 weeks. I have mixes feeling. I think the curriculum is great, however some of the material was a little to mature for Eden. But the benefit to this program is that I wan able to choose just what I would and wouldn't introduce to her and when I felt it was to much, I was able to back off.


Grammar and Reading
Before I purchased Tapestry, I purchased 1st Language Lesson and Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. I have continued to use both with success with Eden. I plan to continue with each as I feel they are giving a good foundation to reading and grammar. I like these much better than I did the previous curriculum we used.

Math
We are using Singapore Math. I am still undecided about it. There are things I like about it, and things that seem to be more complex than what I think a 1st grader should be able to accomplish.  However, Eden is strong in math and I have enjoyed watching her as she figures out problems in her head. We have almost completed the first workbook. At this pace she will complete both books in the early spring. At that point I will consider continuing with Singapore or moving to a different curriculum.

Science
Apologia is awesome! I can't say enough good about this curriculum. I love the textbook and the Jr. workbook. The textbook is written to kids from a Christian perspective. It weaves scripture and logic into scientific information that explains in our case, biology. There are lots of great experiments and hand-on activities that help make learning fun.

Bible
I have another blog post planned for our Bible Curriculum. I hope to post that soon. We have just started Long Story Short. So far, we like it.

The Well Planned Day
This is my sanity keeper. I love this planner. It has helped me stay organized and keep accurate records of Eden's schooling.

Eden 6th Birthday

 My sweet baby girl is celebrating her 6th birthday today. It's mind boggling how quickly time has passed and what a special blessing Eden has made to our lives. Her entrance into this world changed me and provided a knowledge of love I dared not dream possible. 
 
Eden is a child that constantly amazes me with her sweet spirit and love of all things girly. She is most comfortable in dresses and tiaras. She has countless baby dolls and stuffed animals that all have names an take turns sleeping in her bed. Eden thinks of her future with great anticipation and has spent countless hours planning her wedding. She is a great combination of sweet and strong. I love watching what God is teaching her and her ability to learn and apply truth to our lives. She is a classic firstborn with a strong desire for justice and has a competitive streak that I hope will motivate her to accomplish big dreams.

I started asking Eden annual questions last year so that I can track some of her favorite things as she grows. In comparing her list from last year I can see how she has grown and how some things will stay the same.


1. What is your favorite color? Pink.
2. What is your favorite toy? McKinley, (her stuffed puppy dog)
3. What is your favorite fruit? Bananas and Apples

4. What is your favorite movie? Everafter
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Hotdogs
6. What is your favorite thing to wear? Dresses
7. What is your favorite game? Cooties
8. What is your favorite snack? Oreos and milk ( we had that once to learn the phases of the moon)

9. What is your favorite animal? A puppy
10. What is your favorite song? The Princesses Book

12. Who is your best friend? Lydia
13. What is your favorite cereal? Trix ( that was a one time buy with coupons almost a year ago, but it's still her favorite)
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride my Bike

 15. What is your favorite drink? Juice

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? McKinley, her stuffed dog
18. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Cake and Ice Cream
19. What your favorite Bible Story? Queen Ester
20. What is your favorite thing to study in school? Everything, Studying about Jesus
21. What do you want to be when you grow up? A ballerina

Happy Birthday Princess

Which one do you like best?

Original

 Black & White

Gloss

 

Hint of Color

 

Now that we're slacking off for the summer, (ie we're finished homeschooling for the year.) I hope to devote a little time to taking and editing pictures. Here is a photo of Eden that I love! The look in her eyes, and the sweet mischievous smile; You know she was plotting or imagining something amazing! Which one do you like best?

My Father's World Kindergarten Review

I've been asked many times about the curriculum we've used for Kindergarten. So I decided to give an overview. We used a box curriculum called My Father's World  from A to Z  2nd Edition (MFW)  I also supplemented with other material over this past year.  I chose MFW because it  was a good middle ground between  Eden's and Josiah's needs.  Eden is 5 and Josiah is 4. 

One of the best things about MFW is the basic kit contains everything you need for the year. The Teacher's book is spiral bound and laid out in a weekly manner. All of the lessons are organized in sections which include Language Arts, Math, Activities, Read  Aloud, and Supplies.  You can see the whole weeks worth of lessons on two pages, with the directions for the activities on the following pages. There was not a lot of preparation needed for each days activities, and most supplies you have around the house. It was very easy to use. It also has a great book list to coincide with each letter/theme. 

The program starts in creation where you spend two weeks learning about the wonderful world God made. Then you have weekly letter studies that included a theme. The letter are not done in alphabetical order, so you are able to change weeks around to our fit your needs. For instance, we ended our year with B is for Butterfly and F is for Frog. I did that so we could try to watch the actual life cycles of each species during the spring. We hatched 5 butterfly cocoons and the children let them go. I loved that the curriculum was so kid friendly and helps them explore God through nature.

Another bonus for MFW is that it is Christian curriculum. MFW did a good job at using scripture within the lessons. Each theme had a matching biblical concept that was integrated into the lessons. There were weekly badges and memory verses to go along with each lesson as well. The curriculum spends the first two weeks introducing creation through the Biblical narrative.

The hands on activities, learning through play, and outdoor activities were a big bonus to this curriculum. Josiah is an active learner, so this was a good choice for a busy boy. The kids were interested in the topic through engaging experiments and field trips
.
While the curriculum was fun, I felt like it did not meet my expectations. It wasn't rigorous enough for Eden.  I supplemented with extra material to make up the gaps. There is only one math worksheet each week. I would have preferred math to be done 3 or 4 days a week. I need to put an insert in here. There is a daily activity putting a popsicle stick into a jar to keep up with 100 days, followed by adding a coin to a jar after reaching 100.  They also use a calendar to identify the date. I didn't feel that was enough of a "lesson" to consider that a daily math assignment. Plus, we always forget to keep up with the popsicle stick and it became a forgotten task about halfway through. We didn't even do the coin. I added a math workbook that I got from the public school.  I  also introduced the concept of time and money, neither were covered in the curriculum. We have a neat calendar from Kaplans that the kids keep track of our schedule and holidays. I also used a calendar activity pack from 1+1+1=1. I plan to do Singapore Math 1A and 1B over the summer just to make sure we've hit all of the basics.

While MFW is based in Phonics and has a weekly sounding exercise, I just feel like it didn't do enough to cover blending sounds. It did have exercises in where you blend sounds, but it didn't have enough real word examples. Again I would have like a few more worksheets that covered blending sounds. The weekly worksheets cover each letter sound. MFW doesn't address sight words at all.  In order to address this issue, I added Hooked on Phonics about halfway through the year. I also printed out extra worksheets I found online. I recently started The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. Ordinary Parent's Guide explains the blending sound rules then gives word examples and short stories to go along with it. My hope is that if Eden gets a better understand of phonics and sound blends, she will read better. My plan is to work through reading and math during the summer so that she will be ahead of the game this fall. 

One of the other issues I have with this curriculum is that it is not long enough. There are 166 days of lessons. There is a 10 day study on creation and 26 weeks of a letter/ theme They break down each letter of the week into a 6 day study. The sixth day included outside activities and a classical music section. There are no worksheets for day 6. Typically, I added the outside activities to another day of the week, or I didn't do the activity. While the 6th day provided for increased flexibility, I didn't consider it a teaching day. In actuality, there are only 140 days of curriculum. We added field trips and community service activities to make additional days. However, If your state requires 180 day f school, you'll need to find additional teaching material.

MFW felt more like pre-school than what I anticipated for Kindergarten. I worked at a Preschool while I was in Seminary. Much of the material reminded me of the concepts we introduced to the three and four year-olds; Knowing letters' sounds and themes studies. MFW was more in-depth because of the worksheets, but not enough for my personal desire. My assumption is that the purpose of Kindergarten is to have all children on the same level. The problem is if child has already been introduced to these concepts, then they can be bored by this curriculum. That's what happened with my daughter. She was ready to move forward faster, so I had to supplement the material. 

It appears the creators of MFW have taken parents input and have revamped the whole curriculum. I am interested in looking it over at our Home School convention. They have a trade in program for the material I just completed. I would to use the material in the future with Titus, but I will use it for Pre-K, not Kindergarten. 

****** Update******

I attended the NCHE conference in Winston Salem this past week. I took my teacher's manual to compare it to the new material. They have a trade in program for old material. You can turn in your book in and pay an additional $49.00 for a new manual. What a waste! The material has not changed! The have change the title of the program from My Father's World From A to Z to  God's World from A to Z. So the cover has changed, but the material is all the same. I compared the intro and multiple weeks lesson they are word for word the same. I was not able to look at the worksheets, but was told it was all the same as the old version. Save your money, don't do the trade in.

1st year down, 16 years to go!

We finished Kindergarten! It's been an interesting year with lots of ups and downs, mostly ups :) I've learned a lot, not only in the subject matter I've taught the kids, but I've learned a lot about HOW to teach my children. It's been a lesson in parenting, organizing, patience and perseverance. This year has given me great insight into each of my children's strengths and weaknesses, learning styles and personalities. I've learned a lot about who I am and who I would like to be in this past year.  There have been lots of days where we had light bulb moments and  laughter. Learning has been a fun endeavor for which I hope a life long passion will emerge for each of our children. For these and so many other reasons, I'm glad we decided to pursue homeschooling.
 
Please don't hear me saying everyday was orderly, scholarly and done in a clean house by and with perfectly obedient children, that doesn't happen in our house! Far from it! There were days of tears, mine and the kids. There was lots of training dealing with bad attitudes and wrong heart motives, mine and the kids. Some days were just hard. Thankfully, those days  were a rare occurrence. 
  
One of the hardships with home schooling is that we are all constantly together. There are only about 4 hours a week that I am scheduled to be without the kids ( that's at church, where I teaching other people's children) Unless Larry and I make other plans I bear the majority responsibility of caring for them. I have chosen to do this. This is not a complaint :)  So that means I am constantly with my children and they are constantly with each other all day, everyday. Many days we all needed time outs from one another. I have just re-instituted a quite time for all of us during the afternoon. It's helped! I've learned that getting outside to play or leaving the house to go to run errands or grocery shop is a helpful diversion for the kids. Having things planned for them to do or giving them a choice between two activities helps too. It gives us something to look forward to so that we can complete our work. We've also developed some great friendships with other homeschooling families that helps tremendously!




Thinking over the past year, we've had so many neat experiences. We've made volcanoes, cheese, yogurt, slime, and done lots of art projects.  I feel like we could hands down win a cut and paste contest as long as cutting on the lines was not a major requirement.  Eden wrote her first book on creation. I was able to bind it at ChildLinks. We've gone on lots of field trips while we studied animals and gardening. We hatched butterflies and caught a turtle and kept a Ladybug Lore. We've visited the local nursing home multiple times so that we could love and serve their seniors.  We've gone to a bird park, pear picking, nature walks, scavenger hunts, and visited neighbors who have cool farm animals. We made trips to the grocery store, bank, Wal-mart and farmers market, not just as errands, but educational destinations. There are lots of other things that I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention. But you get the point :)

Looking back on this school year, I am proud of our accomplishments. I was able to teach Eden to read, which has opened up a wonderful world of literature for her. I've watched my kids encourage one another and grow in their friendship. I wouldn't have traded this year for anything. One of the motto we use is,  "We are Team Gilbreath!" This helps me and the kids understand we are doing this together. So if one child is sick or if something comes up with family or church, then we work around it. We attempt to keep a schedule, while keeping in mind we need to practice flexibility. We encouraged one another to accomplish our tasks and we had FUN learning.