How to get your children to keep reading and writing over the winter break.

I have fond memories as a child of winter break, from staying up to late to reading good books.  I even practiced writing my name.  I also watched way to much T.V.  but I also spent time with my family.  But I thought I would share some great ways to help your children to keep reading and writing over the break but to make them fun.

• Have you children make and write thank you cards.  I hate to say but this isn't something that I have done in the past and regret doing.  It wasn't something I was raised to do.  But this year we are starting it.  A few days after Christmas have your children start making thank you cards and help them write out a little note thanking the family member for their gift.  This lets them be creative by making the card, also thoughtful about the person that got them a gift, and it has them work on their writing skills.

•  Read holiday themed or any book aloud.   Reading out loud to your children is a great thing to do.  Even if you read just one short book to them it will help.  Did you know reading to children is something that less and less people are doing these days?  I don't like to read out loud but it's my goal to do it more.  Also have your child read to you as well.  This will help them with their reading skills and it will make them feel special.

• Write a winter break journal.  This is something great for those older children, just pick up a simple notebook or a nice special one and suggest that before bed they just write about their day, or their thoughts.  If they are really stuck (this is stolen from my step mom) have them write 5 things that they are grateful for that day.  These can be as big or as little as they want.  This could be fun and really get them thinking.

•  Have them help with the holiday menu.  My children love to help be it from reading a recipe to me to helping measure out ingredients for recipes.  This also helps with math skills.  Also having them follow the step in order teaches them following directions as well.  It's great how something so simple has baking cookies can be so educational.  You can also have them make menus for the holiday meal let them write out what your having and decorate them.  They can then put them on the holiday table.

• Have them help with the grocery list.  Before that last big shopping trip to the store for the holidays let your child help with the list.  Have them write out a part of the list for something that they want to make with you.  Like the items for making cookies.  And then make it their job to pick up those items at the store with your help.  This helps them with writing skills and their reading once they are the stop.  This would also be a great time to teach them about reading labels on products as well.

• Write their own holiday story.  Gather up some supplies to make your own book and have your child write their own holiday story.  This would be a great thing to do year have year and to save them.   And every year they can be one of the holiday stories that your read out loud during the holiday break.

•  Scrapbooking.  Now this isn't something that I have done in a long time but it is something I found fun.  You can have your children help you scrapbook your Christmas memories.  This lets them be creative and you can encourage them to write the captions on the pages which will work on their writing skill.

• Take a trip or two to the library.  I know everyone loves the feel a of new book.  I know that I do.  But there is something about a library and a child that is wonderful.  My children love love love the library.  To them it's like going to the store and really we sign out like every book we can and they read at least ten while we are there.  So take your child get them their own card if you can and teach them the love of the library.  Also find out about the library's story hours and holiday break programs.  They may have some that are fun and your child would like to try out.

• Don't be afraid of tech.  I know that there are children out there that think tech is the coolest thing in the world and the only thing that matters and that reading is boring.  I have a child like this.  I got him to love reading by putting his books on my ereader (I have a sony so pdf files work great for this).  I am also using it as a teaching tool.  There are many of the classics out there free like Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood, White Fang and many more.  Also many of the bi g stores and ereader companies have software you can download on to the computer to read ebooks. Here is Nook for the PC, Kindle for PC, and Sony.  Some free classics to get you going. Free from Kindle, Nook, and Sony.  Other than a quick glance I didn't see tons for kinds but you can also barrow ebooks from the library so please look into that but this is a great start with the classics and some books for those older children in your home.  And some fun for yourself as well.

Now I am sure there are other ideas out there that I forgot.   I hope that this is a great jumping off point for you.  Reading is such a great thing and books are a great adventure parents and children alike.  I hope you have a great holiday season and winter break.

Is Spongebob like Real ocean sponges?

This is a power point i am working on for my little man.  I thought I would share with everyone getting geared up to start school

click pic or click here to download

feedback welcomed

Get yours today free math program

Funnix.com

is giving away a free copy of there math program from June 1 thru June 26 so head on over to there site and get your copy today

from there site

Funnix Beginning Math is a 100-lesson computer program designed for children who have not learned beginning math operations.

Funnix Beginning Math will be available as a free download from June 1 through June 26. All components of Funnix Beginning Math are included in the download—100 animated computer-based lessons, workbook material, a teaching guide, and a placement test for assessing the child.

The program is unique in the sophistication of skills it teaches in only 100 lessons. Children learn different types of counting. They use counting by tens and counting by ones to solve addition problems that traditionally require carrying. For example: 45+35.

Be assured that this program is FREE. No hidden charges, gimmicks, or costs for handling and shipping. This giveaway is like the one conducted in January for Funnix Beginning Reading and resulted in over 41,000 free downloads.

We have buds

We have buds on our tomater plants aren't they pretty

We also have sunflowers growing I am late getting things this year but hope to hit up some great deals and get more plants.

Mark those calendars free math program coming in June.

Are you a home school mom?  Do you like free things to try out for your children?  Well then mark those calendars for a free math program coming in June.  

Funnfix.com is launching a new math program in June and they are offering it free for a limited time.

They did this with there Reading program earlier this year and we really enjoyed the program.  For more information please visit there site here.

Summer reading programs 2011 and how your kids can get FREE books

My oldest will be out of public school in one months time and it's scary to think about but I need to get some things ready for the summer. And since we need to work on reading I started with summer reading programs.



And Barnes & Nobel have one. You child can earn a FREE book after they read 8 books (free book comes off a list)

To join this program is easy all you need to do is go here and find the pdf to download or download it here

To find a store near you go here

They have a parents kit and an educators kit and in the end they are very much the same but I like the educators kit which can be found here



Now Boards also has a summer reading program. They double dog dare you to read ten books to get one free (starts June 1). Here is the link to download and print the form needed.

And the Free books are also limited but there seems to be some on there that my children will love you can find them Here

You can go here to find the store nearest you.



Now Hastings also has a program.

Theirs is call the Summer Book Club and from what I understand on there website is first you can download their reading journal. Which has many books listed in it. Not sure they are the ones you have to read, but pretty sure they are after you read them you do the book report and then take your journal in and get a sticker for it. I do know they offer coupons to help you get the books.

They also have where you can write an essay and you child has a chance to win a computer for themselves and a school of there choice (I don't know if homeschools count I will have to look into it but it might take time) and you can find that info here.

You can go here to find the store nearest you.

Now there are lists and lists out there for summer reading but I am of the mind that you should have your child read what they love first, light that passion for reading under them before you move on to the required reading if you can. I know as you go through school be it public or homeschool there are times you have to read something you hate. But I don't think fun summer reading should be that.

Most of these programs allow you and your child the fun in choosing what to read. Remember to check your local library for other great programs in your local area and it's a great place to get your books to read. Enjoy this time this summer and happy reading. I recently read that reading for fun is on the down slid I find that sad.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

National Kite Month

Not only is it National Frog Month but it's also National Kite Month. My boys and husband just love flying kites we got the boys some kites for Ostara.  To be honest I am not sure who had more fun the boys or my husband.  They started out front and ended up going to the park.  We had gotten the kites from the dollar store because I was trying again to see if they would like them.  They are on the list for Easter now as they played with them till they fell apart. (Note: dollar store kites only have 50 of string on them and you might want to change it out for heavier string. )  So naturally after finding out what month it was I had looked for the school stuff behind the kites to turn a fun afternoon into a learning adventurer.

Ricky truly loved learning about Ben Franklin and his kite and string. He thinks it was crazy but thought it was cool.  We are still working on this lesson but I can see the joy in his face as he learns.  This is what I have wanted for him it's perfect for him.

 My boys Kites on Ostara it was cloudy and windy but it didn't stop them.

Kites are a perfect tool to get your child to engage in so many subjects like art, history, math, science and more.  But lets face it they are fun.  So again I spent some time searching for things for my child to do and I found this great site with tons of stuff on it.

They also have a pattern to make your own kit out of thread and simple printer paper and you can find that here and the pdf here.  There are other patterns as well and you can find the one for the bubble bee here. 20 kids, 20 kites, 20 minutes this one looks fun and I think a home-school group would do great with it.  Here is a pattern for a paper bag kite.  And the Boka Boka Kite.

This site is full of lessons and lessons plans.  And this is a pdf on kites in the class room.  I think it's a great read.

Mrs. Jackson's Class has a ton of links for kites.  I haven't checked them all out yet but thought I would share anyways.

This blog has listed some of the books you can look out for to add to your lessons.  You can never have to much reading right?

And for the preschooler in your life or the little one that may need their own work to make it easy all around.

This is a pdf of how to make a kite with bamboo skewers and construction paper and a few other house hold items.

So take a weekend and go fly a kite, have some good old fashioned fun.  and if you don't want to make a kite there are many stores online in which you can buy one.  or if you want a cheap one there is the dollar store and walmart.  Also check out your craft stores as well they sometimes have them.

National Frog Month

National Frog Month

 

Did you know there was such a month?  I didn't not as a child and not as an adult.  But now I do and all I can think about is the fun that I will have with it. So why is April Nation Frog Month, because it's mating season silly.

So naturally I went on the look out for a way to make a fun quick unit for my son.  I mean it's frogs yeah they are slimy but I don't know any boy that doesn't like them.  I found a ton of stuff so the next few late nights will be getting a lesson plan together for next week.  But I thought I would share some of my finds.  Now you will have to check everything and see what fits your child and their learning style but I hope that it helps on planning something fun for National Frog month.

 Blue Poison Dart Frog

I have to say this link is kind of cool first you little one will love love hearing the different frogs they have one there and it also has some pre-made lesson plans.

This link is great for those preschoolers it has letter worksheets and crafts.  Oh love crafts and even some stories as well.

6 ways to tell if you are a frog  This is a cut thing to ask your children of all ages and teach them at the same time.

Wildlife coloring book has more than Frogs but it's pretty good.

About.com Nation Frog page more fun than anything.

Frog Fables and Parables

All about Frog

 Frog in Werlands

Life Cycle of a Frog

Now this can be such a fun think that you can take time to go over of make it into a whole unit study lesson. This first site I found is just full of info and I love they lay out.  It also has clip art you can use for lap books and worksheets as well as coloring pages. You really need to check it out for yourself.

This page is full of information and lesson plans for all ages I haven't looked at everything but what I have I enjoyed. 

Her is a simple craft for the life cycle of a frog great for the younger children. 

Life Cycle of a Frog Game Very simple and easy to use great for little ones. 

The life cycle in pictures pretty close to having your own frog.

If you like worksheets here are some for the life cycle of frogs.

 

Save the Frogs

Link to save the frogs site it has tons of info on it about save the frogs day and what you can do to help.

And of course check your local library for some great books on frogs.  Remember to have fun with it.  And since it's frogs don't be afraid to get a little dirty should you try to go out and find some.  Take pictures and make memories while learning.

Working on an Earth Day Lesson Plan

Earth Day

     With Earth Day around the corner I have been thinking about what I am going to do for it and how to make it fun for Ricky.  Then I remembered a fun little children's story that I am sure most of us have read The Lorax by no other than Dr. Seuss.  This is a great book for Earth Day and after a little time on Google I see that I am not alone in this thought.  There are many great jumping off places to use the Lorax in a lesson to teach about Earth Day and how to treat our home.

     A great place to start would be right in Dr. Seuss' back yard in Seussville.  This site is great they have video clips of some of the Cat in the Hat cartoons and some of Dr. Seuss' movies (previews).  They also have a Lorax lesson plan that can help get people started planning a lesson.  Ricky just loved the Lorax game that they had as well.  If your child likes printables and coloring they have that as well. 

     So this weekend we are heading to the library to borrow a copy of  The Lorax, and we are going to get the movie from Netflix.  While there we are going to see what other books they may have with an Earth day type theme. 

Smash! Smash! Truck Recycling As You've Never Heard It Before!  

Written by: Aidan Potts

We Planted A Tree

Written by:  Diane Muldrow

Baby Beluga

Written by:  Raffi

The Berenstain Bears Don't Pollute (Anymore)

Written by: Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

              

      

     We are also going to go on a nature hike this weekend to get things started and to look at the trees and show why they are important.  We may even hit up a local nursery and check out what they have.  I am also thinking it would be a great time to get some transplants in and start a garden out 

back.

For other ideas I am going to be checking these sites.  In the end I am going for educational fun and to teach my child what I think is important and also to have this lead into nature study and and study of animals.  Every link I am sharing will have free content on it.

EPA Environmental Kids Club
The menu to the different sections is on the bottom under all the widgets it look ok.  the teacher section has some pdfs that you can check out as well

The Lorax Free Lesson Plans

Some of these would work for a child older than mine but there is still some great info on this site.

Blue Print for a Green School Curriculum Guide
This is easy to use put in the subject you want, grade level and how long you want the lesson and it pulls up ideas with links and stuff.  I have only played with it for a few minutes but I have liked what I saw already.

Green Teachers Celebrating Earth Week: It's Elemental
I just love the ideas on this page and can see them being a great jumping off point for us and many lessons.

Planet Pals
To be honest this site is cute just not sure it will work for us but I know there are so many out there that are looking for things that this might help.  there is free stuff on here and they have a store as well.

Energy Kids from the EIA
This site has lesson plans, games, riddles and science projects you can do with your child and it's educational on energy as well.  I can see my 5y.o. enjoying this site as well as my oldest who is 10.  I am sure we will wrap something from here into our earth day lessons.

The Lorax Saves the Trees Game
Ok my son hasn't tried this one out yet but I did and it was cute and easy.  While not the must educational I believe it will help back up the theme of the book and or earth day and well hey every kid likes a little fun.

These are just some of the ideas and things I have found for Earth Day, I am sure I could find more but I have been given a ton of ideas for a great jumping off point and I hope that they help you the same way.