Fall Reading List

Here is a fun fall reading chart for readers K-6th!

You can download your copy HERE!

Blessings, 
Miss Mom

Bustin' the Books: Science Experiment

We're kicking off Day 3 of our "Bustin' the Books" week! This is a time where I still teach and the boys still learn, but we decide to do away with their organized curriculum for the week, except for Mondays & Fridays.
On Day 1 (Mondays) we typically make-up any work from the previous quarter, just in case we are behind, and on Fridays (Day 5) we head out for a day in the city!

Today, we begin with Peanut's favorite--science projects!

I compiled 6 experiments onto science cards to cut them in 6 individual squares for my son to read and follow (primarily) independently. The titles are hyperlinked in the event that you need to confer with the original posting. I have listed two of them below and you can download the cards HERE if you would like a copy!

HAVE FUN!

Blessings,
Miss Mom

Encouraging Reading

Oh, Reading! Many kids have the "all or n'all" syndrome with reading. They are either all in or kicking and screaming all the way to the books. Whether you have an avid reader or a reluctant one, these tips and incentives should be fruitful. Your book worm will appreciate you for giving him/her more to read and your less-than-motivated reader will find some confidence.

Here are some methods and incentives that I have used in my home to either prepare my children in reading, maintain their reading, and/or ensure they are reading everyday. I have a four year old who can read on his level. I also have a seven year old who can read well beyond his grade level and comprehends on the 3rd-4th grade level depending on the book. The list starts with the youngest ages and progress to older ages. (So if you have older children, keep scrolling.) :-)

1. Attach word cards on some popular places in your home. For example, we place the "sofa" card on the sofa, "microwave" card on the microwave and "toys" card on his/her toy bin. This helps your readers see the words they use everyday. Here is a SITE where you can print some cards for yourself. 

2. Place sight words magnets on your refrigerator. When your kids begin to show signs of reading readiness they will attempt to read the words. If they are already learning how to read, encourage them to read the words they know and recognize and take a chance on some! My boys can grab a snack from of frig if they read a sight word/vocab word on their level. (My oldest has mastered all of his sight words so he has his vocab/spelling words in its place right now.)

3. Leave notes! We own a whiteboard and I leave daily messages that they have to read. I can write a message consistent with their reading level. I also try to include a current sight word/spelling word or extra exposure and practice. I also type or hand write little notes for them through out the day. Sometimes it's a love note, other times it's directions, or a schedule, or a cool fact. (I also use Bible verses to inspire my cool facts.)

If you have boys, they will love you for writing down "cool facts!" I hang them on sticky notes anywhere I know they will find: bathroom mirror, frig, microwave, TV screen, etc. 

Listed below are some examples of how we do it:

Example: "Hey Peanut! Did you know that zebras are apart of the horse family?" I am not sure why, but they think info like that is soooooooo cool (Ok, I was  quoting my son there!)

Bible Verse Inspiration: "Hey! Did you know that King Solomon talked about lizards? Grab your Bible and read Proverbs 30:28 to find out what he said!"

By far, my kids are major fans of the love notes and cool facts notes. The schedule notes are popular if they have been awaiting a big day. For instance, on field trip days they tend to rush to the whiteboard to see what is all involved for the day! (This helps them count time too!)

4. Let them read the mail! Of course, I pre-read our mail, but if it is something that I deem not a big deal and I am sure it will not render more questions than I can answer; I let them go at it. They feel super important that they can read "adult mail" and they try REALLY hard to do a good job. After a few times, they look forward to it and they are hunting you down about when they can read the mail again. (Gotcha, Kid!) 

5. Pen Pals! This will encourage reading and writing! Both of my sons love to read mail that comes in from their pen pals. It is a sure way to get some concentrated writing time and get them excited about reading. A pen pal can be a cousin from our of town or a friend they had to leave due to a move. It can also be a child of your long-distance friend. Be creative!

6. Free Hawks Tickets! Say no more! Shoot, I will read for free basketball tickets! If your child can read 5 books, they can earn a free Hawks ticket. We took advantage of this last year and my son was all over it! The deadline may have passed now, but contact your local library for this amazing incentive. In the meantime, click the link HERE for more information. We cannot wait to attend our free game this year when the season returns. (See link below.)

7. Free Pizza! Do you have a pizza lover? My youngest is a bonafide pizza lover! Pizza Hut's Book It program offers free personal pans as your child reads. We enjoyed free personal pans just last week courtesy of their reading program. (See link below.)

8. Menu Reading! When we attend sit-down restaurants, my boys have to read their menus and tell me what they want to eat. This is another one that they are all over as well. They wait so patiently for the waiter to hand them their menus so they can dive into reading it. My rule is: "if you want to eat, you'll read!" Now of course, I am going to feed them regardless but I figure I will milk this as long as I can. :-)

When the waiter comes back, I allow them to order in there" best speaking voice" (may as well work on speaking skills too, all these things come together the older they become.

9. Directions and Exits! My oldest son is quite the navigator. When we are going anywhere that I need the GPS for I will print the directions ahead of time for him. (He asks me for it now.) Once we get in the car, he reads the directions and leads the way. (Of course, I have already looked them over and my GPS is still there.) However he is anxious to read and he gains confidence (not to mention leadership skills) in getting us to our destination well. We make a game out of the exits and he reads as many as he can, especially the one we need to take. 

10. Movie/TV synopsis! I do not think there is a child alive who has not asked to see a particular movie or TV show. My sons know my "reading rule" to this. As  long as it is a picture we allow them to see, they can watch it once they have read the synopsis out loud to me. For TV, the TV guide offers the synopsis. For movies, we use the Internet to look it up.

In other words, I want to surround them with reading and show  them they must read to do anything they want to do.

If you have pre-readers or early readers, please visit my post titled "Phonics Snapshot."

Blessings, 
Miss Mom
"Training Up Men..."

My Homeschool Class 13-14

We started our school year the first week of September and I am excited to see it all unfold. I have prayed, planned, and prepped and I am ready to see the fruits of my labor and my sons' growth spiritually, academically, socially!

We began the 13-14 school year with my youngest as a Kindergartner and my oldest as a 3rd grader.This is our 2nd year homeschooling and our 2nd year with the back to school interviews.

I originally got the idea from Carisa over at 1+1+1=1 last year and I loved it so much that I had to adopt it in our homeschool. (Thanks, Carisa!)

Introducing.....Chipmunk

Introducing...Peanut

My Boys (A.K.A "My Class")

Would you like an interview for your child/class? 

Let me know in the "Comments" and I will reply!

Blessings, Miss Mom

Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman. He was born on September 26, 1774 in Boston, MA. He made a living planting apple seeds in the Midwest. Johnny Appleseed was a very caring man. He often helped people and never wanted to see anyone hungry. He gave apple seeds and books to others, wanting them fed and reading. He was kind to animals; searching for strays as he traveled to help them and take care of them. Johnny Appleseed was also known for his unique appearance. He wore a tin pot on his head, carried a Bible (among other books), and he was always barefoot!

Here are a list of free resources that you can use in your homeschool to remember and learn about a real man who demonstrated care and compassion to others:

Activities, Printables, & Packs
Johnny Appleseed Fall Packet (1-4)
Johnny Appleseed Free Printables (K-2)
Describing Johnny Appleseed (1-4) (great for teaching adjectives!)
Johnny Appleseed Lapbook
Apple Stamps
Johnny Appleseed Unit & Printable Pack (K-4)


Books/Videos (I found all of these at our local library, try yours too!)
Johnny Appleseed: A Tall Tale
Johnny Appleseed (G. Swain)
Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend (W. Moses)
John Chapman: The Man Who Was Johnny Appleseed (C. Greene)
Disney's American Legends (James Earl Jones)

Blessings, Miss Mom

Character Training

One of the main "subjects" I am very passionate about in our homeschool is CHARACTER! Not only do I teach and discuss character throughout the day, we have two concentrated times during our school time to learn more about how to be moral and upright. 

I found an excellent character graphic organizer over at Blessed Beyond a Doubt. I decide on a character trait for us to study for the week. We spend Monday through Thursday filling it in and discussing it. Since my boys are rather young, I find the information ahead of time and I have them copy what needs to go in each area.

This week was DILIGENCE! Here is what we found! Please feel free to print your chart out at Blessed Beyond a Doubt and then pull the information I have here for character training in your homeschool! (Join me next week for "Peacemaker" Character Training!) 
-Blessings, Miss Mom

Fall Into Reading!

Fall is approaching and it is MY favorite time of year! I love the just-perfect weather, the deep colors, apple-picking, corn mazes. bonfires, and sweet potato pie!

We love reading 'round here and today I am sharing a list of favorite FALL books and a few newbies that we picked up:

The Little Scarecrow Boy (Margaret Wise Brown)
Peepers (Eve Bunting)
Autumn Across America (Seymour Simon)
Why Do Leaves Change Color? (Betsey Maestro)
Leaf Man (Lois Elhert)
Lucky Leaf (Kevin O'Malley)
Scarecrow Pete (Mark Kimball Moulton)
In November (Cynthia Rylant)
Awesome Autumn (Bruce Goldstone)
Fall Mixed Up (Bob Raczka)
Leaf Trouble (Jonathan Emmett)
Let's Look at Fall (Sarah Schuette)
Apples (Gail Gibbons)
Fall Leaf Project (Margarent McNamara)
Mouse's First Fall (Lauren Thompson)
Ten Apples Up On Top
Apple Fractions (Jerry Pallotta)

List of Christian Books to celebrate the autumn! (Most found on www.ChristianBook.com)
Johnny Appleseed: John Chapman God's Faithful Planter
P is for Pumpkin: God's Harvest Alphabet
Let's Shine Jesus Light on Halloween
The Pumpkin Patch Parable
The Pumpkin Gospel
My Happy Pumpkin: God's Love Shining Through Me

We will also be learning from the Autumn Treasures Unit Study by Amanda Bennett!

What are YOUR favorites?

Blessings,
Miss Mom

Night Sky: Full Moon

The boys and I headed outside Tuesday night around 8:45p to view the full moon. It was so big, bright, and high in the sky! The boys marveled at its size calling out, “it’s huge, mama!” We stared in amazement for about 10 minutes noting all we could. It was so close to bedtime that I choose for us to sketch in the morning. My sons and I sat at the kitchen table to discuss and sketch our sights and thoughts of the full moon. 

We chose the famous scripture from David is Psalm 8; 3—“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place” for our copywork and completed our first night sky observation.

I was so blessed by this experience! It served as time spent with my sons, all three of us becoming exposed to new learning, and catching a glimpse of the creativity of God and confirming it in His Word.

Our Observations

Chipmunk: (4) “I looked at the moon. Mom, thank you!”

Peanut’: (7) “The moon looked like a white sun. God’s creation is good.”

Me: (?)    “I observed the night sky to view the full moon. It was the

brightest I have ever seen and it was set to perfect and high in the sky. God’s work is truly amazing. As David said, we have seen the fingers of His work!”

Blessings,
Joyice, The Writing Enhancer

Artist Appreciation

For artist appreciation month, I hopped on over to Homeschool Share and studied the five artists featured:

•          Andy Warhol (pop art)
•          Jackson Pollock (drip paintings)
•          Norman Rockwell (paintings)
•          Grandma Moses (folk art)
•          Georgia O’Keefe (nature paintings)

I was sad to see there weren’t any African American artist on the list, but hey, that gives me something to put together for later in the year. Since I am late in tackling this and I want to complete it before August is over, my sons and I are going to cover 1 artist each day. My only goal here is exposure and artist-inspired pieces we to create.

Here’s our format for each artist:

Learn: I will read a paragraph of information of each artist introducing them to my sons.

Read: We have checked out a few books that discuss each artist that they can explore through reading.

Examine: I looked up each artist’s work on the net that we will go through some famous pieces.

Inspire: We will become inspired by the artists’ pieces and re-create our own.

Notebook: Homeschool Share provided some notebooking pages that we downloaded to wrap up our studies of each artist.

You can find artist intros, book selections, inspiration pieces, and notebooking pages all on Homeschool Share’s blog.

I will post some pictures of our creations once we are all done.

Happy Artist Appreciation Month!

Blessings,
Joyice, The Writing Enhancer

Nature Studies

The final component (I think) I am adding to our homeschool are nature studies! There are a few reasons as to why I decided to include this and let me tell you, it was NOT because I enjoy being outside! In fact, quite the opposite is true. We are studying nature because my boys like to be outside, it is a wonderful way to study and witness science, we are modeling a more Charlotte Mason-esque homeschool this year, and finally (but certainly not least) I want my sons to see the creativity and likeness of God through nature.

I gathered many of my ideas from these two sites:

·       Handbook of Nature Study

·       Life on a Canadian Island

Without further ado, here are our goals for year concerning this area (and we already have one crossed off!)

Goals:

•        Introduce my sons to live nature
•         Expose my sons to nature to view the creativity/likeness of God
•        Start my own nature journal (modeling by example)
•          Make an on-the-go nature kit (sketchbook, pencils, watercolors and binoculars)
•      Observe birds, shrubs, and trees (@ least 5 each)
•       Observe the night sky and moon phases (8/21 is the next full moon)
•         Observe seasonal insects
•        Observe nature in bodies of water (ponds, lakes, rivers, waterfalls)
•        Follow nature trails/take nature walks
•       Take nature scavenger hunts
•         Visit nature reserves
•         Read The Study of Nature Handbook
•         Make caterpillar habitat (harvesting butterflies)
•       Make tadpole habitat (harvesting frogs/toads)

See the chart below to follow our plan for the year. Please feel free to grab it! I am always on the hunt for plans/charts where the organization and fluidity is already done for me! (Enjoy!)

2013-2014 Nature Study Plan

Month	Aspect of Nature	Note/Sites/Ideas
August	Summer Scavenger Hunt	Painted Egg Carton Butterfly Habitat
“	Night Sky	Moon Phases Full Moon, 8/21
September	Pond Study	Outdoor Hour Tadpole Habitat
October	Signs of Autumn/Scavenger Hunt	Nature trail (notebook page) First two weeks Press leaves/tile
“	Backyard	Notebook pages Acorn Collection
November	Rocks: Granite	1st two weeks
	Rocks: Quarts	Last two weeks
December	Trees	(different 1 each week) Tree Collection, Living World
“	December World	(last week of December/notebook page)
January	Birds/Owls	Notebook page Visit reserves with owls Birds Running List
“	Winter Scavenger Hunt	Pinecone collection Notebook Page
February	Rodents	(squirrels, chipmunks,
March	First Day of Spring	Nature Trail (notebook page)
	Signs of Spring	Nature Trail (notebook page) Spring Maple Tree
April	Living Things	Explore nature as living or non-living Living World
“	Spring Scavenger Hunt	Notebook Page
May	Amphibians & Reptiles	Canadian Island Outdoor Hour
June	Fish	Choose two native fish to our state/area
July	Insects	(different 1 each week)

Pictures coming soon!

Blessings,
Joyice, The Writing Enhancer