Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Is it really almost May?

Whoa! Where has this month gone! I can't believe it's almost May. The crab apple tree outside of my classroom is blooming and it's absolutely beautiful! That means it's time for me to get the annual Kid's Collection put together, so I am extending a last invitation for kids to submit writing or artwork to our publication. Deadline of next Tuesday, May 5. I have collected many neat things throughout the year and have started the process. I will try to have them ready to send home by the middle of May.
On another subject, I get regular emails from Parenting with Love and Logic. I don't know if any of you are familiar with Jim Fay or the Love and Logic Institute in Colorado. One of my sister-in-laws teaches Love and Logic classes. Anyway, I thought today's post was a good reminder. You probably have perfect children who never question what they need to learn :-) but for that occasional day where they do....well, enjoy!

Are you ever confronted with the following? If so, experiment with these responses.
Child: "WHY DO I HAVE TO LEARN THIS? I'M NEVER GOING TO NEED IT."
Possible Adult Response #1.
"Every time your brain is learning something new it starts running faster so you can learn the things you want to learn easier. Thanks for asking." Possible Adult Response #2.
"Learning things you don't want to learn grows the brain so that all other things are easier to learn. Thanks for asking." Possible Adult Response #3.
"If you don't figure out why by the time you master this, ask me that question again." Child: "IT'S TOO HARD, I CAN'T DO IT."
Possible Adult Response #1.
"Aren't you glad I don't believe that?" Possible Adult Response #2.
"Wouldn't it be sad if I believed that?" Possible Adult Response #3.
"Nice try. Let me know when you are finished."
One of the guiding concepts that has served as a pillar of the Love and Logic philosophy is, "I don't become what I think I can. I don't become what you think I can. I become what I think you think I can."

Thursday, April 9, 2009

New Resources to Check Out!

We have had some new materials added to the curriculum library in the HSAP room, as well as some new items in the "garage sale" area.

Shelli B. came in and donated many items to the library, especially in the areas of science and social studies. Laura O. has also donated some items both to the curriculum library and for give away.

I also have an area in the room where moms have brought in used items they would like to sell. Shelly S. brought in Saxon 87 math and has a bargain price of $20 on it. I still have many items from Galynn H. on the shelves.

Sue C. from Audubon, came in yesterday and brought many items that she would like to sell. They are in the room and have prices on them. She also has most of the Sonlight curriculum grades 1-9 or so, and some A Beka curriculum she would like to sell. If you are interested in any of her curriculum, send me an e-mail or give me a call and I will tell you how to get in touch with her.

It's a great time to be thinking about next year's curriculum. And with the economy the way it is, buying used and borrowing items are a great way to save money. Let me know, if there is enough interest, maybe we could have a "Swap Day". Another idea would be for moms to list items they would be willing to trade or sell and leaving those lists with me. We could also put out a "wish list" if there are specific things you are looking for. Remember that E-Bay is another good resource for home school items. If you have any other thrifty ideas, feel free to share them with me!

Speaking of being thrifty, on Thursday April 23, the local Evangelical Free Church will be hosting a live simulcast with Dave Ramsey. Dave is the host and author of Financial Peace University as well as a popular radio talk show host. He will be speaking with regards to living in our current economic situation and then answering people's questions. The event is free. It begins at 7:00pm with doors opening at 6:30. My husband and I took the Financial Peace class a year ago and I would highly recommend Dave's wisdom!

Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Great Fun!






Thanks to all of you who participated in last Thursday's special activities. I want to share some photos from the Mansion Mystery. We had a lot of fun. Some of the kids came in "costume" and really got into their parts. In the end, the mystery was solved. It was a little silly but that just added to the fun. Thanks for sharing your children with me. They bring me joy!