Freebie Fridays: Math

Today I am sharing the FREE math websites that I have found over the years.

http://www.donpotter.net/math.htm
Don Potter Math 

http://www.iknowthat.com/com/L3?Area=L2_Math&COOK=
Pre-K- elementary school helps

http://www.themathpage.com/ARITH/arithmetic.htm
Full elementary math course

http://www.scienceacademy.com/BI/index.html
Basketmath, interactive math.

http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/
To help children with number sense

http://math.free-ed.net/free-ed/math/
Free online math lessons. There are many levels of math represented!

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Virtual Math manipulatives-FREE!

Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP) - School curriculum materials

Downloadable workbooks (PDFs) for FREE for grades 1-10 for non-commercial purposes.

Math ABC
Free online math practice for all kinds of topics, grades 1-6.

Shmoop.com Prealgebra

Free learning guides (tutorials) for all prealgebra topics with interactive practice problems.

Math Tutor free algebra teacher

A series of interactive video lessons for algebra 1. The lessons follow the free algebra bookfrom CK12.org.

Totally Free Math

Elementary Algebra With Applications - a free math textbook to download or to view online (PDF form).

Exeter Math Course Materials
PDF files filled with problems for algebra, integrated high school math, calculus, discrete math, and multivariable calculus.

Calculus Made Easy

A free download of an old textbook, acclaimed to be a lively introduction to calculus, with clarity and simplicity.

Khan Academy

Awesome videos available for free. Covers math subjects from basic through advanced. As well as science and history. All for free.
www.khanacademy.org

HippoCampus

Online interactive lessons (free) covering high school algebra and calculus courses (including AP calculus).

BrightStorm Math
Over 2,000 free videos covering all high school math topics from algebra to calculus. Registration required (free).

MathVids.com
Free math videos grouped by math topic. Basic math, middle school, high school, and college levels. Also includes links to further resources.

Virtual Nerd
Video tutorials for prealgebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, and intro physics.

ZeGenie Free college Prep Mathematics course
Over 450 animated interactive, dynamic math lessons in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability. Free registration required.

HSTutorials.net

Free animated and narrated math tutorials - pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry.

LearnersTV.com
Free video lectures, audio lectures, notes, and ebooks etc. for college level math. Also has material for various sciences.

Geometry course from Learning Math
This online geometry course includes readings, problems, videos, interactive activities, homework problems and solutions. It is meant for K-8 teachers but will work well for middle school students as well.
www.learner.org/courses/learningmath/geometry

Algebra 2 Video Lessons
This site includes online video lessons and other support materials to accompany Holt Algebra 2 textbook. Click on the Homework help, choose a chapter, and then view the lessons.

Mathematics Illuminated
Mathematics Illuminated is a 13-part, integrated-media resource created for adult learners and high school teachers.

Creating Thirst Thursdays: Conflict

Do you have teenagers? Or have you already raised teenagers? Boy, raising teenagers is quite an adventure. One that isn't rivaled by anything that I have ever experienced.. not even being a teenager!   In our home, we have 4 teenagers.. and one pre-teenager.

How do you and your teenager handle conflict? Do you let those feelings go unresolved? Or do you take the time to handle them?  Unresolved conflict does not just 'go away'. If left alone, it will take root, a root of bitterness. In both you and your child.

One thing that we have put into practice since the children were small is, when we have conflict.. we talk about it!! Sometimes, much to my children's chagrin! It's not always easy, but it is necessary. Our children need to have the opportunity to express themselves, but even more than that, they need to have the experience of working through those tough feelings.  After all, the time that our children are spending in our home, is their training ground. They are learning how to handle conflict in their future relationships.

As you spend the time talking with your children, you will be knitting their heart to yours. They will be thankful that you have listened to them. When your children feel that they have the ability to talk to you, open and honestly, you are helping to create thirst. Thirst for safe, healthy, loving relationships. What a gift!

How will you know know that you have resolved the conflict? When you can pray together, hug each other, and laugh together. Take the opportunity to knit your hearts together with your children, through the conflict, and talk it through with your kids.

Praying that God blesses you and your family!

 

What About Wednesday's??? Dyslexia

I apologize for the  late posting. The children are away at camp this week, and I have been taking this time to get the house reorganized. So time simply got away from me. However, better late than never right?  I hope you enjoy this weeks post!

This week's What About Wednesday is about Dyslexia. I am not going to spend a lot of time discussing what Dyslexia is, you can read more about it by clicking here..

There are a myriad of Dyslexia resources available, you can spend very little, or spend quite the bundle to find the right resource for your child.

However I want to focus on what Dyslexia resources have helped in our family. For us, AVKO was the beginning of the answer for us! It all started with the book To Teach a Dyslexic, by Don McCabe. Mr. McCabe is a dyslexic, and he explains what is like to grow up as a dyslexic, and then how to teach a dyslexic. This was the key.

We had tried several different popular methods of teaching dyslexics to read, with NO SUCCESS!  After reading To Teach a Dyslexic, I purchased all 7 levels of Sequential Spelling. And herein lies the key to my sons success, once we spent our first 2 weeks using Sequential Spelling, my son was reading with much more ease and understanding.

There are several reasons why Sequential Spelling was the key was for my son. First, one of the hurdles he had was the 'exception' to every rule. Each time an exception was presented, it was like he would completely blank. However, with Sequential Spelling, there is no 'exception'. The words are simply presented in 'clumps' (my word)  of words following like rules. This was huge. This was easier for my son to digest!

Now the interesting thing Sequential Spelling, is that it is not laid out like your typical spelling program. Most programs have your child study all week for the test which is given on Friday. However, with Sequential Spelling they take a test everyday.. and they never study for it.  You, the teacher, simply present the words. Word, then use it in a sentence, and then the word again.  The child then writes down how they think it is spelled. You then write the word correctly on the white board, breaking it up into chunks, each chunk written in different colors.. for instance..  spin win winning.   Notice the in is all in green. And that the ing was put in blue.  This helps the children see the word and understand how to break it up and put it together. And each day builds on the list from the day before.

Putting all of these components together has made all the difference for my son. We actually used this program with all of my children. Both children with dyslexia and without. We began used it before we discovered that my daughter was dyslexic. I believe that she has not been as signifcantly impacted by the dyslexia, because we were teaching her in this fashion.

If you have a dyslexic, or suspect you have a dyslexic, check out AVKO! They offer a one year membership for $25 a year that offers all kinds of resources, including a pdf of To Teach a Dyslexic. There is also a very large resource book, that will help you develop your own spelling program!

PS.. I don't make anything from this! This is an unsolicited endorsement!

Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays - Money Math

Hello everyone! Welcome to another edition of Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays. Once again, my goal today, is to show you simple projects that you can create using Graphic Toolbox to educate your children.

This week's project is about money! You can use Graphics Toolbox to teach your child all about money. Many children learn better when they use manipulatives. You can use Graphics Toolbox in that capacity as well.

I created a simple sheet and called it "Know Your Money", using images of US Dollars and Coins.  You can see the sheet here...

 



 

Now from here you can take this into a couple of different directions.  In the first example, I simply typed in dollar amounts... shown here...

 



 

You can now have your student use the framing tool, and frame out the appropriate currency and place it under the amount listed.



 

In this following example I used photos of items in our home...



 

First, I imported them into Graphics Toolbox, then I had some fun and created a cute frame, and then I created a price tag for each item. In just a few steps I was able to create the tag with the string. Now, depending on the age and skill level of your child, you the parent can create the pictures. However, Graphics Toolbox is very user friendly, and after a little bit of practice, your child will be able to create the photos themselves.

Here is what a completed sheet would look like..



 

 

This gives them the manipulation skills they need to help make their learning concrete, while also using this simple money lesson to teach them technology skills for their future. As you can see from these illustrations, you can adapt the projects to meet the needs and abilities of  your students.

You can learn more about Graphics Toolbox by visiting this page. And by visiting their website.  You can also watch a video about it here....[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B55CPCcumVM&feature=related[/youtube]

 

Freebie Fridays!!! Language Arts

Surely curriculum is on the mind of most homeschoolers. We are anticpating the needs of our students for the upcoming year, we are looking at our pocket book and figuring what we can afford. And for many of us, we are working on a limited budget.

Thankfully, there are amazing websites available that provide curriculum or activities that are free for your student to use and learn from!

Today we are gong to cover Language Arts. All ages are represented below, take a look and see what treasures you can find!  My prayer is that you will use this list to inspire you to search out free resources of your own. If you find something great, please come back and share it in the comments!

Happy Homeschooling!

 

Free Books

http://my.homewithgod.com/joyfullight/booklevel.htm

This is a booklist that was actually created for the Robinson Curriculum, however, it is a list that puts the books in "grade" levels. So it is helpful, if you are unsure of what age a book is for. Most of these books are classics.

http://henty.ae6gn.com/bookschron.php

Free downloadable G.A. Henty books

 

Free Grammar Lessons

http://englishgrammar101.com/

Free grammar program for Middle and High Schoolers

http://www.brainpop.com/english/

Short movies on various topics.. not limited to Language Arts!

http://www.dailygrammar.com/

Sent free to your email daily with quiz on Saturday, Daily Grammar is a fun supplement to learning parts of speech

http://www.mrdonn.org/languagearts.html

language arts lesson plans and activities. A very extensive list

 

Free Spelling and Handwriting

http://www.spellingcity.com/

Free online Spelling program!

http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghb.html

Online FREE Handwriting and Reading workbooks. Grades 1-6

 

Free Phonics Programs

http://www.starfall.com/

FREE Phonics program

http://www.progressivephonics.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=32

Progressive Phonics - Free phonics program. Also good for reading recovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating Thirst Thursdays

If you haven't been following Creating Thirst Thursdays, click here to read the inaugural post.  Here is a snippet of that post...

I recently heard a message that has profoundly changed my life!  We have all heard the saying  ” You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”     That is, unless you ” Salt the oats!”  What is it that you are doing to create thirst for your children?  Thirst for their Savior? Thirst for knowledge, Thirst for service?

That little quote has begun to reshape how I look at parenting.

 

Part of creating thirst in our children, include creating thirst for their family. In today's culture, many children grow up and want to high tail it out of their home, never looking back.

What are you doing to create thirst for family? Creating a desire to be around the family that the Lord has blessed them with?

When I first became a parent, I heard over and over, it's not the quantity of time you spend with your children, it is the quality of the time you spend with them.  Bah Humbug is what I say about that.

Don't our children deserve the best? They deserve our quantity and our quality time! What does that mean? How does that translate?

First, play with your children! You need to spend time with them. Not just simply exist with them! Take an evening, or an afternoon, every single week (or more) and just play... board games, sports, roller skating.... whatever it is your family enjoys together.

So many times we get so wrapped up in the busyness of our lives that we forget to actually take the time to enjoy each others company.. times where we can be silly, and tell stories, and make memories! Not expensive memories, but the most valuable memories!

The next thing you should do is serve with your children. Now, there should be an element of service to each other that happens within your own family, however, that is not what I am talking about. I mean to actually get out and serve others.  One way you can do that is by serving at your local church together as a family. Now, our family serves at our local church weekly. Several of our family members work in the children's ministries, while several also sing in the choir.

We also have opportunities at our church to serve together as a family. We serve together during several special events at the church that happen several times a year.  In addition, we as a family have had the opportunity to serve at a local Christian Camp that reaches out to children from the inner city. We worked for them during their winter camp. It was an amazing time. We have decided that this will be something that our family will be doing each year. We were able to serve side by side for a common purpose.

When we serve together as a family, as well as, consistently serve in our individual ministries we are working together for a common good. It helps to define what our family stands for, what we represent.

If you look at what we have covered so far, from last week and this week, we have learned that when creating thirst in your children, we need to bathe them in prayer, and pray with them, and we need to spend time with them, both working and playing!

Take some time this week and enjoy those children that God has blessed you with!

What About Wednesdays! Special Needs ~ Have you been to Holland?

Early in my journey with my children with Special Needs, I was given the essay by Emily Perl Kingsley  called "Welcome to Holland".  This little essay, helped me to realize that I am not to feel alone on this journey!  In the years since then, I have shared that essay with friends who have found them on a journey they did not expect.

The wonderful part of Holland, is that I have made some amazing friends! Thanks to the internet, I have met fellow travelers to Holland. I have learned from them, I have been inspired by them! I am so very thankful to the blogging world, thanks to fellow bloggers who share their experience, and what works with their kids, I have been inspired to try things, that I would have otherwise not even had access to.

What have you learned from fellow travelers to Holland? Have you paid it forward? Have you shared with new visitors, what they might expect along their journey?

Take a moment, and read Emily Perl Kingsely's essay. And then hug your special kid! They are God's gift and are truly a miracle!

 

Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays: Special Education

Today, I am hoping that what I share with you, will inspire you far beyond my examples!

When you have special needs children, often times you will have an older child who will need some extra help. However, the products on the market are geared for younger children. Here I would like to show you how you can create the support materials your student needs, while tailoring it to their unique likes and interests... and age!

First we are going to look at  " What's Wrong with this photo!"



Now, there are a couple of ways to do this. What I did was first I used google images, and found two images of sports players in action.

I then located several balls from different sports. I then framed out one of the balls, in this case first, the baseball and then the football, and placed them in the photo, over the original ball.

So you see the soccer player is kicking a baseball, and the baseball player is throwing a football. What you see here, is several balls, where the child can simply frame out the ball and place it in the correct place. However, if your child is capable, you can have them locate a picture on the internet, or from a family picture, that would be the correct ball for the photo, and then have them place it.

By doing this you are giving your child several skills. They are getting the support they need, however, they also are learning a technological skill, that would not be present if you simply used flash cards.

Now, here is one other example..



Now here they are trying to discern the photo that does not belong with the others. Again, I found these images on google images for free. Placed them in a row... Now the child will need to figure out which photo does not belong. In this instance, I gave the direction of going to find an appropriate photo to put in it's place, by using the internet, or family photo. You, however, can also decide to place several photos for them to choose from, right on the page, and have them place on of those correctly.

That is the beauty of Graphics Toolbox, you can tailor it to fit your children's needs and interests. For more educational ideas, please visit Great Software Tools today!

If you have any questions please email me at jennifer@ greatsoftwaretools.com.

Thank you for stopping by! Happy creating!

Freebie Fridays! Putting the Fun in Home Education with Terri Camp!

Happy Friday everyone!

I trust that you all had a wonderful week! Most of us are at least in the beginnings of our Summer Vacation. Or perhaps some of you are still doing school. ( we are!)

Either way, these FREE Mp3's will bless you and your family, no matter how old your children are!

If you have been following my blog over the past few weeks you have heard (seen) me talk about Terri Camp, author of Ignite the Fire!

I have been talking to you about her new program Homeschool Mom's Making Money at Home http://www.bityurl.com/HMMMAH-CL

However, today we are going to be looking at her homeschool website! 

When you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you will find a form you can fill out to receive 2 free audios for one of her popular workshops " Putting the Fun into Home Education!"

Also, on that same page, you can purchase an e-copy of Ignite the Fire for $10 and with it you will receive 3 bonus audios! You are not going to want to miss out on this. Ignite the Fire completely shaped my view on home education! I know that you will be blessed by Terri's insight in this amazing book!

Come back next week and each week there after. For the next several weeks I will be listing by subject freebies for your family!

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday!!!!

How to Create Thirst Thursdays!

I recently heard a message that has profoundly changed my life!  We have all heard the saying  " You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink."     That is, unless you " Salt the oats!"  What is it that you are doing to create thirst for your children?  Thirst for their Savior? Thirst for knowledge, Thirst for service?

That little quote has begun to reshape how I look at parenting.

 

As homeschool parents... moms, ( speaking for myself) we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. I know that I feel as though I am responsible for my children's academic well being, emotional well being, spiritual well being, and social well being..  and that carries  quite a lot of weight!  I feel the pressure to make every moment a teaching moment. Which can be a wonderful thing, however, the flip side of that is that I am not showing them much grace if I am always correcting them.

So how is it that we can create thirst in our children, while still directing their path, and growing them in the way they should go?

I think we first need to start with prayer! First, we need to be in prayer ourselves. We need to pray for our own heart, and then for the heart of our children. We need to bathe our relationship with our children in prayer. Seeking the Holy Spirit to help guide us as we seek to raise up children who will love, honor and serve Him!  We should also be praying with our children. This simple action will do more for knitting your hearts together! I have heard it said, so many times, " A family that prays together, stays together".  I will tell you, I have older children, we do not 'tuck' them in any longer. However, for the last several years, we pray together each night before bed, not in their bedroom, but in the living room. We affectionately call these, our prayer hugs. I have to tell you , we have done this with such consistency, that when I travel out of town we have our 'prayer hugs' over the phone.  I have even had them call me from sleep overs, so we can have our prayer hugs while they are away. I am so thankful to have this tradition with my children. It is something that they can count on. They know that I am praying for them, and exactly how I am praying for them. They will also pray for me. I love to hear my children pray for me. It does this momma's  heart good!

We also pray throughout our days.. we pray at meals, we pray during our devotional time.. and as needed throughout the day. And we take turns, everyone takes a turn, praying for the family. I must tell you, I can sense a sweeter spirit within my children when we are consistently living in a state of prayer.

In addition to this, while we are learning how to handle difficult situations that come our way, we go to the Lord in prayer together. When one of the children is having a specific struggle, we pray through it, and help them learn how to pray through it for themselves.

What I notice, is that not only do we see a softness in our children's spirit, but when you are faithful to pray, you will have a soft and tender spirit toward your children.. even on those days where nothing seems to be going how it should!

The by product of maintaining a consistent prayer life with your children, is that they will yearn to have that connection both with you, and with their Savior.

Life can be so very busy, and we can get caught up in all the to and fro with our families, but never let your family get too busy to pray! If you are too busy to pray then you are TOO BUSY!

Carve out time each day to pray with your children, let them pray for what is important to them. This, in turn, will give you a window into their heart that you otherwise would not see!

Each week, I hope to grow this topic. Looking at ways we can create thirst within our children. If you are doing something with your family to create thirst, and would like to write up a guest blog post, let me know in the comments, and we will feature your post in the upcoming weeks!

I am looking forward to learning with you and from you as we travel down this road together!

God Bless you and your family!!!

What About Wednesdays: How do I Homeschool a High Schooler?

In this inaugural edition of  What About Wednesday, we are going to tackle the topic of, "How do I homeschool my High Schooler?" I currently am homeschooling 4 high schoolers. And boy is it fun! (truth and tongue in cheek all in one!) For many homeschoolers, this is the time in their children's education that they approach with great trepidation. 

You really can homeschool your children all the way through high school. There are even ways to teach subjects you do not know!!!

I want to begin with, homeschooling your high schooler can be an exciting and fun experience! Yes, their education is paramount, you are indeed preparing them for life! And you do not want to short change them, you want them to have the ability pursue their God given talent! No matter where that leads them!

With that said, some of the best parts of homeschooling high schoolers, is allowing them to find their passions! My children love music and sports! So guess what we spend our time doing? Watching/playing sports and playing and singing and listening to music.... Teenagers by nature are social creatures! I think it is very important for them to have healthy peer relationships!  I have included a couple of photos of some of my teenagers, simply living their life!  I hope you enjoy a peek into our high school homeschool journey!

Another aspect that is true for homeschooling all ages, but it really does continue through high school, is field trips!  Many times as our children get older, field trips and other real life experiences are put to the wayside, and replaced for books! Our children, even more so our young adults need to see what the world has to offer them!  What better way to do that, but by giving them the rich exposure to all the world has to offer them!!

There are a myriad of resources available to you, that will help you with figuring out what to teach, when to teach it and how to document it!  I thought that I would put some of those resources listed here!  Now this is in addition to the major curriculum publishers that homeschoolers have available to them.

One of my favorite sources is Lee Binz the HomesScholar. She has some wonderful information that she shares both on her blog and in video. Check out her free resources page here. Just about any high school question you have, you will find the answer on the Home Scholar website! (hint: Look for her video on how to teach subjects you do not know!!!)

Another free resource for you is DonnaYoung.org, by clicking on this link you will be taken directly to her High School Resources page. You can find planning tools and Trancripts templates. This is actually the transcript template we are actually using in our homeschool.

Another resource that has become invaluable to our family is Khan Academy. This website has what seems to be thousands of videos that cover, math, history and science! Whether your children are in school or homeschooled they would benefit from the information on this site.. and it's FREE!

If I had to reccomend one book to purchase it would be the High School Handbook by Mary Schofield. This book will actually help you with both Junior High School and High School. However, if your children are already beyond Junior High School, it is not too late to purchase and use this book! It will teach you  how to plan your high school! A real must have!

Now with that said, you need to check what your state requirements are for homeschooling. Here is a great resource to find out yours! Once you know your documentation requirements, you can move onto your choice of home education.

In most locations, you can also enroll your high schooler at the local Junior College and your student can earn dual credits. Both credits for high school, and  for college!  The benefits of this is two fold! Your student will gain experience and exposure to college level courses. You can also use this option to have them take classes you feel ill equipped to teach, while giving your child the option of earning college credits!

There are also some colleges like Liberty that offer programs for high school students where they can take classes online.  You will also find some online schools that you can use as well. Like American School.  Many people choose these options if they are feeling overwhelmed and unable to teach high school.

And while I am thankful that parents have options, I would like to stress, that these options are costly and not necessary! You can homeschool on your own, all the way through high school. Visit the links listed above, connect with homeschoolers in your area, and enjoy your high schooler!

Now with all of that said, I would like to say, the most important part of homeschooling your high schooler, is keeping their heart! Continue to build that relationship, as you are laying those final foundations before they are off and on their own. Before you know it you will have a high school graduate, and your 'job' (the homeschooling part) will be done!  Take advantage of having them in your home, and having the time to spend with them. And purpose to make it a rich environment!

Happy Homeschooling my Friends!

 

 

 

 

Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays!

Today we are going to look at some fun things that can be done with Graphics Toolbox. From these projects I hope that you can see, that not only can Graphics Toolbox be used for education, but, also for family creative use!

This first project shows a photo of my daughter performing in a Fine Arts competition.



 

As you can see, not exactly an exciting or fun photo. What can we do to jazz it up a bit??



Now that is exciting! She is playing the piano in front of a massive crowd! How neat! How did we do this?

We used an irregular frame and pulled both my daughter and the piano out of the photo. We then laid it over a photo of a crowd that we found on google images.  We used the resizing tool to make both photos the correct size.

Once placed we framed out the photo by drawing a solid black frame, and then we chose the stitched line frame and matched the color of my daughters shirt for the stitched line. And Voila! A fun picture!

Here are the birthday cards I made for my kids last year!  They really enjoyed them, and I enjoyed making them!





 

In addition to these projects, we have created thank you notes... I have made them and the children have made them. I have used Graphics Toolbox to dress up the graphics that I use on my blog... I have created a homeschool schedule for a our homeschool, and mini posters that we post around our home.

 

Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at Special Needs Projects, and general homeschool projects and blog projects and much, much more!

For more information on Graphics Toolbox, please visit Great Software Tools today!!!  You can also click here to view a video that will show you even more wonderful projects that can be achieved with Graphics Toolbox!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B55CPCcumVM&feature=related[/youtube]

So, what is it worth, anyway?

Most of you know that I was recently interviewed by Terri Camp and 12 other amazing homeschool mom's who are making money at home!  I cannot stress enough how much I have learned, and have already benefited from since listening to these amazing interviews!

These women share what they do, and how they do it! Why? To help other Homeschool Mom's out there, Mom's just like you!

But, there is a problem a brewing! In the homeschool community, we are so accustomed to getting everything for FREE!  Or REALLY cheap, say for a buck or $2, that when we hear about something that is eegads, full price, we cannot fathom 'splurging' on such an item.

I am here to tell you that I believe we are doing ourselves a huge disservice! We are undercutting ourselves and each other. We are under valuing what we have to offer, and what others are rightfully worth!

This would never happen in the business world! I decided to search and see what it would cost to attend a business conference, where I could attend workshops, and hear speakers and find tools that would help my business. Oh my what the cost is!!!

I found a conference in Los Angeles were I live. Yes, this conference has a few high profile speakers.  However, none of these speakers speak to or for the Homeschool Mom with a business. Their tools would not fit our needs. And with Terri Camp's Homeschool Mom's Making Money at Home series, you have a who's who of Homeschoolers! Such as Sarah Cook and Heidi St. John and Mary Jo Tate, just to name a few!!!!  Back to the other conference... what would it cost to attend their conference?  $495!  They also have a women's conference with 3 women speakers, if you are a registered attendee, you may attend this event for $50, however, if you would like to simply attend the women's conference, it would cost $125.

After looking at their agenda, it appears that they have approximately the same number of speakers as Terri Camp had interviews! So if you attended the general conference and the women's conference it would cost you $545.

However, if you would like to download and listen to 13 interviews, with homeschool mom's just like you, who are balancing work and family and homeschool, you can do so for $77.  Did you hear that????  ONLY $77!!!!

That is less than $6 an interview!

 

Do you think it would be worth $6 to hear a speaker and learn tips and tools that will streamline your family and home, and give you tools to maximize output and even increase the bottomline of your business?

It's easy!!! When you buy the interview series, you will receive all the interviews, and a one month membership to Terri's site, Homeschool Mom's Making Money at Home! Where you will recieve on going support, a newsletter, and  a question and answer call with Terri Camp!

Is your business worth it? Are you worth investing in? The answer is YES!!! On both counts!

Take a moment today, and learn more about this innovative series, and then buy your copies today!

 

 

 




 

 

Announcing the NEW Line Up on Creative Learners!

I am very excited to announce the 'starting' line up for Creative Learners.  I have developed a schedule for Creative Learners, to help you find the posts you are looking for.  Now, in addition to the topics you find on our 'Starting Line- Up' there will also be periodic posts on miscellaneous topics!  I am serving on the TOS Crew for my 4th year. And those reviews will post on their pre- prescribed days, so keep your eyes out for those bonuses!

With out further adieu..

My Southern Young Living Mondays

On Monday's you will find posts that will teach you all about Young Living Essential Oils. You will learn things like, how to use specific oils, or why Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils work.. etc..  If you leave comments or questions in the comments sections on oils you would like to learn more about, I will do a post about it! So post your questions!

 

Graphics Toolbox Tuesdays

On Tuesdays you will find different project ideas for Graphics Toolbox. You will also learn how to enhance your child's education, helping them retain what you are already teaching, as well as, teaching them technology skills they will be able to take with them far into their adult life!

What About .......... Wednesdays?

My hope for Wednesdays are to answer questions that are either from readers, or some that I have run into through out my week. These questions really could be about anything.. homeschooling, cleaning, parenting, business... anything....

Are you Creating Thirst Thursdays?

At church I just heard a quote that has truly inspired me!  It is...

It is said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.....You can, if you salt the oats! ~ Dr. John Goetsch

Thursdays will be devoted to creating thirst in our children. How can we  create a thirst for God in our children? Or a thirst for doing what is right?   I am truly hoping that Thursday will be a give and take. I would love to glean from all of you awesome parents out there, and learn how you create thirst in your families!

Freebie Fridays!

Freebie Fridays will be FUN! Yes, this will be partially exactly what you think, I link of some sort to something FREE! However, it will also include FREE or almost FREE things to do with your family! This will be fun!

 

I hope that this new line up will be 'programming' that you can count on, and look forward to! I am also hoping that each of these days will be inner active. I want your ideas and input! I might even have guest bloggers from time to time! If you would like to be a guest blogger, let me know! Contact me if you are interested in being a guest blogger!

See you on Monday with our first My Southern Young Living Mondays!!

Family Movie Night : Field of Vision

It is increasingly difficult to find family entertainment that is indeed suitable for the entire family to watch. Many of the programs that are labeled for the family, will often contain undertones of  immorality that my family does not need to bare witness to. 

I was given the opportunity to view the film "Field of Vision"  starring Faith Ford, which will be airing Saturday, Jun 11th on NBC. My 11 year old daughter and I snuggled in and sat down to watch this 'family' movie!

Before I share my thoughts... here is what the creators of Field of Vision have to say about the movie...

Through mysterious footage captured on an old malfunctioning video camera, Sinclair High School's star quarterback, Tyler McFarland, learns that some of his teammates have been bullying Cory Kimble, a troubled new transfer student. Aware that sharing this information with the coach might get his friends kicked off the team and ultimately cost the school the state championship, Tyler must choose what's more important: winning or doing what's right.

As these events unfold, the camera also reveals more surprising footage to Tyler's kid sister Lucy. She learns that Cory has a secret past, unknown even to him. Now Lucy must convince her mom (Faith Ford, Murphy Brown) and family that the camera's revealing insight is not a product of her imagination as she enlists their help to find the answers Cory so desperately needs. It's a compelling and intriguing story that shows both the challenges and rewards of doing the right thing even when it's tough to do.

 

So what is my take? I loved it! My daughter and I really enjoyed the movie! Not once, did I need to shield my daughters eye, nor did I need to fast forward or mute! What a blessing!  As a parent, you will be thankful to find no sex, no nudity, no drugs, and no inappropriate language. You do find some mild violence with pushing and shoving during the bullying scenes. However, all in all, this movie fits the bill for family friendly!

Aside from the bullying, which was clear and plainly conveyed as to be unacceptable, the children in this movie were dressed appropriately, they spoke to the adults with respect and in general were well mannered and respectful. This is so far from what we normally see on programming aimed at children.

 

I also appreciated the fact that they showed the perspective of Tyler, who was struggling to do the right thing, even when it was difficult. This is such clear depiction on how we each struggle. As a Christian, this opened up a dialog with my daughter regarding living for Christ, even when it is not the popular choice. 

The creators of Field of Vision did a wonderful job with the characters. Each of the main characters were relate-able and we genuinely cared about what was happening to them. You will find yourself cheering for these awesome teenagers!

I would suggest visiting Mom's for Family TV and The Dove Foundation Review.  Be sure to check out Family Movie Night on Facebook.

And don't forget to tell you friends and family, and then gather round the tv on Saturday June 11th, at 8pm on NBC for a great evening of family entertainment!

 

 

 

 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

New and Used Curriculum Sale - June 8, 2011

Our homeschool group is hosting a LARGE New and Used Curriculum Sale!

This Wednesday, June 8th

Palmdale Hotel

300 West Palmdale Blvd,

Palmdale, CA 93551

Sale is from 10am - 4pm

This just in!!!

Growing Healthy Homes and Great Software Tools both will be at the sale!

Both have discounts!!!

What kind of stuff will be available?? Here is just some of the curriculum available on my table...

Apologia, McGuffey Readers Set, Rays Arithmetic Set, homeschool support books, by Cathy Duffy, Chris Klicka and more... Landmark History Books, Write Source books, science encyclopedias, readers... all levels... and ABEKA! Usborne Books... and the list goes on and on and on....

I have also unearthed Saxon Algebra 1/2 with Teaching tape videos... someone with a VHS can walk away with this set for about 1/3rd of the retail price... don't miss the sale!!! Includes 12 VHS teaching tapes and the Algebra 1/2 homeschool packet!

Creation Science DVD's... Sonlight Readers Christian Liberty Press readers, Math U See Algebra 2...

My dining room table is filled with books!  And I am just one of the sellers! You are not going to want to miss this opportunity to build your homeschool library and resources!

Hope to see you there!