~Thinking Outside the Box~

Thinking Outside the Box!

How often do we encourage our children to think outside the box? Encouraging them to think outside the box not only broadens their ability to think and solve problems but to do it at levels beyond their age and normal comprehension. Teaching children to think outside the box helps to devoid them of a “limited” mindset. As a reference, it is written - we can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

In addition to encouraging our kids to think outside the box, we as parents/ learning coaches must remember that we have the same ability especially when it comes to teaching. For example, our son who is in first grade would rather do any subject except Phonics. It is the one subject that challenges him the most. As a result, I continue to try many different things to help increase his enjoyment. Thankfully, one day he asked me to play one of his favorite songs “Well Done” by Deitrick Haddon, while he worked on his Phonics lesson. It worked!

Does Music help 100% of the time? No. But I’m not giving up. I will continue to use my ability to think outside the box and come up with other brain stimulants and ways to encourage our children and me to work at our best!

Until Next Time…….Happy Learning!

Have any ideas? Please feel free to comment

Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

DON'T FORGET TO MOVE!

Homeschooling -although it is an awesome opportunity- can be time consuming. Therefore, it is very easy to overlook one of the most vital components, exercising. In addition to kids having an adequate social life parents are also concerned about how to include P.E. or physical exercise into their daily routine. If your child is not involved in sports then it is our duty as a parent/teacher to make sure that he or she is getting the amount of exercise needed to maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body.

~How I Found My New Assistant Teacher~

For parents who have multiple children in different grades, home schooling can become very challenging. For instance, we have 2 children in high school, 1 child in sixth grade, 1 child in first grade and 1 in pre-school. In order to keep momentum I have to find ways to solicit help. I realize that I cannot do everything on my own; for anyone who does anything great in life has a team behind them for support.

For our youngest prince, I am constantly challenged with figuring out what activities will keep his attention long enough so that I can complete lessons with the older children. After DVD’s, computer games and pre-school workbooks did not  keep him occupied, I arrived at my wits end.

Until one day a friend suggested Leap-Frog. After trying it out I found this tool to be similar to having an assistant teacher. Our “pre-school prince” is not only learning but he also no longer feels left out when I’m working with the older children and cannot give him the attention that he wants.

If you have not tried Leap-Frog, it will probably make a fantastic Christmas gift for your child and YOU!

Another suggestion would be to team up with other parents who home school in your area to see if they would be willing to create a “community school”. One parent can assist the older children and another parent can assist the younger children and then each parent can take turns teaching each group. Depending on how many other families you can discover in your area, you may be able to cover each level of school (high school, middle school, elementary school and pre-school).

Do you have any other suggestions? Please feel free to comment!

Until Next Time…..Happy Learning!

Lessons Learned and Savings Gained!

Since I've become a mom/teacher as most mothers are, I'm always looking for ways to "kill two birds with one stone". For instance if we are riding in the car I may ask the kids "what type of clouds do you see in the sky, stratus clouds or cirrus clouds?" Or when shopping, we talk about comparing prices and how to get the best bang for our buck. Lately, I've notice that there has been a lot of strong attitudes "floating" around the house. And over the years I have learned that strife = stress, period. I immediately began to think about ways to attack this issue in a way that is beneficial for everyone. How did I do it?

Influencing Your Child's ABC's

The biggest part of home schooling is not teaching or creating a workable and effective schedule. The most valuable part of home school is creating an atmosphere that is less distracting (which is one of the top reasons I decided to home school) and more favorable for you and your child. And a child who creates challenges by way of bad behavior is definitely a big distraction, especially if you teach more than one child.

I am not a perfect parent or disciplinarian; therefore, keeping order can be very challenging at times. Even after many years of parenting I am sometimes caught off guard by my children’s Attitude, Behavior and Character. I figured if the Duggar parents can manage 19 kids, surely I can manage 5. Now I know that the Duggars have challenges too, I’m just really amazed at how they home school all those children.

A 10- Year- Old Commits Suicide to Avoid Bullying

Isaiah 24:13.14 and 17

All our children shall be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace, their health, safety,

protection and prosperity. In righteousness they will be established. Tyranny will be far from them;

they will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near them. No weapon

formed against them will prosper.

I am grateful that God has allowed me to home school our children; however I know that all parents are not in the position to home school or may not even want to. Home schooling is not for everyone but I do want to advise parents to at least stay up-to-date with what is going on with your child. Take the time to develop a healthy relationship with them so that they will come to you when something is going wrong. Furthermore, pay attention to ALL signs especially the ones that YOUR CHILD is giving you; take nothing lightly!

May God comfort this family as they mourn the lost of their loved one. Last but most importantly,PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN!

IL 10-year-old, Ashlynn Conner, commits suicide - 14News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

A Scientist In The Making

In School, Science was not my favorite subject and overall I my average was probably a C+. So of course when it comes to teaching Science, I am a little skeptical. But because K12 has created such and awesome and easy-to-learn curriculum for students and learning coaches (the parent or whomever teaches the child at home), I am pretty confident. My children are learning at and above the Science level according the School District's and State's standards!

Today, my little student and I conquered another Science lesson. He walked away more knowlegeable about Insects and I walked away a satisfied teacher and mom! (Whoo Hoo!)

Here are pictures from the lesson on insects!

**Note: I did not use the feathers in this picture. I used construction paper instead to make the wings and the glue was not very helpful either so I just used tape. Materials include: Construction paper, half dozen egg carton, glue, shimmering sticks or pipe cleaners, scissors (please monitor kids using scissors)

 This lesson taught the boys that insects have three main body parts: Head, Thorax and Abdomen
Attached to the head are the antennae. Attached to the thorax are the legs and wings.

 His expression: Hmmm, it doesn't really look like an insect but I guess it will do.......This is one funny looking insect!

 You can also use markers and paint to make the insect model look more like an insect! We were near the end of the school day and when I see that the children are tired after completing their assignments, I know exactly when to call it quits!