Blue Track!

 

Around midnight, I was going through the ‘Thriving Family’ magazine by Focus on the Family (August/Sept. issue).  Usually this particular magazine has a few useful resources, interesting ideas, and other educational tips.  Like many other things that I randomly read I try to store them in my brain and so forth (I don’t know why…I usually forget about them).  Well, this very early morning was different.  I looked on the page, saw something very easy and “creative” to do for my son, and went on the search for blue painters’ tape.  I love the fact that this particular activity did not require a lot!  I took the tape, placed it on the floor in order to make roads and so forth.  I did however; expand the original idea from the magazine a bit further.  Meaning, I wanted my son to use his own personal imagination as to where things should be located, how wide the roads should be, and more.  Simple, fun, and very easy!! Just grab some blocks, cars, and various other toys that may be amusing to play with. 

Later on:

Around 8:40ish… I started to slowly wake up.  (I’m far from a morning mama!) It was quiet in the house until.... “Vroom, vroom, vrooooooom!”  I secretly smiled.  I waited to get up.  I was listening to a little five-year-old have fun with his blue track of fun on the floor.  Oh, the things that make my heart smile!!!  

Space Picture!

 

Puffy Moon!

Laura Strickland (c)

 

  

This particular craft was done at our local library.   It was both simple and sticky.

 

 

 

Common Core:  First Grade Science

Earth Science:  Earth in the Universe

1.E.1.1 - 1.E.1.2 :  Recognize the features and patterns of the earth/moon/sun system as observed from Earth. 

- The goal was to discuss, create, and recognize the differences between the earth, moon, and sun!!  This activity will mainly focus on the moon.

• Materials
• 1/2 cup of glue
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Glitter glue
• Shaving cream
• large popsicle stick
• Different color crayons (lighter the better)
• Template of a rocket ship (you can draw this part)
• A few sequences
• Glue stick
• Thick construction paper (You can glue two together)



Directions: 
Mix the above items in a small bowl. 
1/2 cup of glue
1/2 cup of shaving cream
2 Tablespoons of Glitter Glue 
*Mix until it feels and looks thick and puffy!

My little one enjoyed  coloring the rocket ship and drawing the stars.  He was very particular about the overall look of the picture.  Meaning, he wanted everything in a certain spot.

He didn’t really care for the white puffy moon part.


 

Add a small drop of the mixture on the paper then, attempt to smooth! 
Not very easy!  It's almost like melted cheese.  

 




(Which did not surprise me.)  My son is definitely a child that does not like his hands dirty.  Once the craft is completed ~ allow to dry and it should glow in the dark.   

Afterwards ~

We discussed the entire project!  My son absolutely loves talking about space ~ especially the sun, moon, and stars!   (Basically, he enjoys talking!)  In addition to the entire subject, we started viewing the moon every night for the purpose of noticing the differences and more!

Have fun!
Feel free to look and print off the Moon Worksheet!
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Graphics by: Laura Strickland

 



 

Homeschooling 101 <-- Joke

This brief input will basically tell what to and NOT to do - all while staying home and homeschooling your child. 

Who am I kidding!  I am the least person on the planet to advise anyone how to manage 'life' from the above.  The many hats one wears can and has been a semi functional juggling act.  That only a circus can manage well.   

My transparent realistic view from a few months ago ~

Know when it's Time to Stop!

I noticed that the day was a little different; due to the mood within the house.  The mom (surprise, that IS me!) woke up (once again) LATE.  This did not go very well with the rest of the family (it never does!).  Especially, when the little person needs to eat, learn, play outside....the list goes on. 

Like every other day, we still had to do our daily non-thematic lessons (reading, writing, math, etc.).  Reason being, we try to work around the dad's schedule, play dates, educational groups, church, and yes, life.  Which inevitably throws one up in the juggling world between teaching, being a wife, mother, attending functions, and trying to breath through it all.  Not-to-mention, if we go out, obviously, we are not going to do a 'full' lesson.  (Then, guilt bestows upon the mom.)  

Moving on! I proceeded to get a review book out for my son and I to start with ...That was when I realized, my son was tired (exhausted to say the least).  He sat back in his chair, started sucking his thumb, and closed his book.  This little four-year-old did not want to do anything.  I, of-course, said, "You can stand or sit to read.  This is what we are going to do today." His little blue eyes just looked at me.

So, instead of doing a stare down...  I got up, closed my book, told him in a soft tone to "stand up".  Which he did.  I took him by the hand and walked him to his room.  While doing so, I explained "We are tired today.  You need to get some rest."  Sure enough- he was. (He fell asleep...real fast!) 

The point of all of this was really a lesson of patience.  With that, I find both the positive and negative when homeschooling. 

In general, homeschooling, is and has been great.  Great, because you can stop.  One can get some time - often known as a 'break'(for both the teacher and student). 



 
Basically, 'breaks' I feel are a necessary attribute that absolutely assist within learning.  Using the appropriate typ of break either a restful one or what I like to call, a movement break greatly helps.  Depending on the situation- one allows you to sleep, quietly read, and/or look at a book while the other has you move around in order to release energy by incorporating fine and/or gross motor movements.  Both are important and both have been proven to work.  Once finished, one can always come back to the task. 

The downside for some people regarding all of this is that - it does take a lot of practice and patience.  More importantly, all need from time to time 'a break'.  I have often said that working with children in general requires a lot of patience, heart, and hard work.

In order to conclude- it must be noted that I did not put my son to bed because he was not doing the lesson it was because, I realized and acknowledged that he was tired.  Therefore, I stopped and allowed him to rest.  Afterwards he woke up refreshed and ready to begin.   

~ Merry Christmas ~

Christmas...
..... it's not all about 'us'
(A transparent reflection)

What can I possibly write, share, or even reflect upon that would bring the meaning towards this joyous holiday any more understanding than it already holds?

The short and simple answer would be... nothing!  I can not even begin to think of something intelligent to say about what hasn't already been reflected upon over the many years regarding such a day.

I could, however, say this, it all went incredibly fast.  Too Fast, if you ask me!  Here some people (yes, I was at the beginning one of those people) say to themselves.... "wait, hold on.  I'm not ready to celebrate."  When in reality all that I wasn't really "ready" for is to spend money.  In all honesty, that really wasn't the case at all.  This year my husband and I were a tad smart...saved a little bit of money just to buy gifts for our son...so, really, we were 'ready' for our special someone.  So, what wasn't I really "ready" for?  Truth be told. 

The Holiday in General!! Why, might you ask?!? 

Well, for starters.... watching people get together all for the purpose of celebrating such a joyous season with lots of loved ones.  So, knowing that, I would secretively sink into the Hallmark channel at night hoping that one day that my little family would one day grow into such a play.  No, I wasn't drowning myself into a pity party....I was simply praying that my personal family (sisters, parents, and so forth) would one day.... (one of these lovely years) learn to 'like' each other again, and with that.... come together for the time in order to enjoy each others company and soon display some sort of love towards one another.  

Easier said than done!! I of all people know that first hand. 

On Christmas day, it all became very very clear to me.  As my small family sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus", discussed the true meaning of Christmas, and finally, open gifts ~ I began to realize...  I was allowing others to blind my heart regarding the meaning of this special day (year rather).  Meaning, I was thinking over and over again the relationships that were broken and/or lost either with friends, loved ones, and/or those who have gone home...and knowing that, I was so eager to fix things.

Knowing and feeling that... made me think about how selfish I am! Selfish for thinking about myself on such a day!!  Here it was...the Lords Birthday and I was eagerly wanting a Christmas phone call from a someone from the past or, at least a little note.  I know, I know....people get busy!  (yes, yes....there is facebook)

It just puts everything into clear perspective!! Do we (Do I) have time for the Lord, Almighty?

Truth is ... yes, I do have the time!

I admit it! I have not used it well, at all!! Due to the situations and answers received from the Lord has made that clear.  The old saying the "Grass is not greener on the other side" is incredibly true.  I could not state that any better.  Truth is ... I was very happy with my weed infested back yard and half way finished fixer upper... it was ours.  The Lord, however, had other answers for our prayers at the time.  Still, yes, currently trying to figure out those answers.

Which brings me back to the "Reason for the Season"!!

The Lord is very special!! I can not say that big or even loud enough!! As a christian person I can not imagine my life without him.  He has always been in my life through the brief up moments and (what seems like an eternity) low down moments... he will always be with my family!  We, yes, speaking to everyone.... we should all celebrate him more!

Not, just on Christmas! 

He gave us all such a gift ~ the true gift of salvation ~ and we take that for granted!

"For God so Loved the World that he Gave his one and only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life"
John 3: 16

~ Truth ~ 

Finally, I pray that just one person will read this, reflect, and hopefully, learn from their own Christmas!!


God Bless!!!!! 
 
    

Christmas Eve Activities!! Day 24!

"And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of All Nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Haggai 2: 7

 

 

Christmas Eve!!!

 

Finally!! What a Special Day...well, besides Christmas Day ~ of-course!!

 

Day 24: Day filled with Activites, fun, laughter, family togetherness, and finally, allowing our little one to open a single special gift. 

 

 

Activity 1:  Christmas Tree Strips

 



 

 

This activity incorporates mathematics and train of thought.  In our case, we were reviewing the concept of 'longest to shortest' or visa-versa. 
After we did the strips several times, four to be exact, the little guy then, glued and finished the tree!
I like this particular activity because it functions both as an art and mathematical activity. 

Activity Two:  The Snowman!

Another Classic~ Making a Snowman!
All you need to do is allow the little one to cut out the circles and hat.
Glue or tape on the pipe-cleaners for the arms, eyes, and scarf.
Stick on the orange sticker nose. 
 

Project Three:  Rudolf

Very Cute and VERY VERY Simple Project to do!!
Rudolph. 
Who doesn't like that wonderful little red-nosed reindeer?

Trace your little ones hands (for the antlers)
Glue the large wiggly eyes, pom-poms and 'antlers' on the bag.
Make a collar by putting pony beans on a pipe cleaner (wrap around the neck area)
Draw a mouth.




All of the projects were made out of Love!!
Great for the Fridge!!