tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71168444767657610212012-02-19T15:34:03.190+11:00Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.comBlogger1521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-15616376726943990332012-02-12T16:34:00.263+11:002012-02-13T22:48:25.666+11:00

WEEK 2Not Back To School Blog HopOur Learning Philosophy We happen to think that we, especially children are learning all the time. I am being home educated along with the children so as I talk about our resources you'll notice I will often use 'we'. We try to do as many all inclusive things as we can so that we are all exposed to different age topics and books. Most book lovers regardless of age

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-60909943066578951142012-02-06T10:52:00.002+11:002012-02-13T11:36:45.914+11:00

WEEK1Aussie Not Back To School Blog Hop We are into our 3rd year of Home Educating in 2012 and the time has flown. I am truly amazed at how much I have learnt in that time and I know my children have learnt so much, our lifestyle of learning feels very normal. I must admit I felt quite delighted when we didn't have all the preparations, nerves and struggles of going back to school, no wrestling

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-79574963703342470312012-02-05T14:13:00.001+11:002012-02-10T08:00:46.543+11:00

Warning: This may not sit comfortably with traditional educators! Remember I'm talking from the point of view of a mother of a 10yo and 4 yo but I think these are important lasting ideas that we will review as needed. I write things like this because I am still learning. Does it bother anyone else about their children's handwriting? Is it just another hoop I and they have to jump through to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-57342983541035472302012-01-30T22:33:00.003+11:002012-01-30T22:39:23.458+11:00

Faith loved this little book. How To Make Apple Pie and See The World by Marjorie Priceman. Our little baker travels the globe to obtain the finest ingredients for her apple pie when the local market is closed. She mills her flour, grinds kurundu bark to cinnamon, evaporates the sea water from the salt, boils the sugar cane, persuades the chicken to lay an egg, milks the cow, churns the milk to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-51025494404319404722012-01-30T17:39:00.001+11:002012-01-30T18:33:48.286+11:00

Our 2012 year begun with the Beyond Five in A Row unit on Thomas Alva Edison. In the past I have been a bit intimidated by looking at the units wondering if it could ever be done with ease. There is so much information in them and the choices are many, but I decided it was time to see how we could naturally go with the flow, choosing the activities that Carter (10) was interested in doing.Any

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-72719988284162711252012-01-21T14:04:00.004+11:002012-01-27T09:54:37.002+11:00

The phrase is oxymoronic.Because....Unschooling is a complete departure from anything school-like. It's living and learning without the limitations of school. That's the most basic literal meaning. But it really is so much more. It does conveys a sense of people leading their own educations which is something we value around here, but seems to imply a certain lack of structure. We have a definite

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-20570949354490942492012-01-14T18:16:00.001+11:002012-01-14T18:20:58.236+11:00

Let me start by saying......... WE LOVE STORY STARTERS! My opinion is that if you purchase this resource it is money well spent. Charlotte Mason: "If we would believe it, composition is as natural as jumping and running to children who have been allowed due use of books." One of the best things we learnt to do from Charlotte Mason was to learn about narration. Children can learn from authors

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-80834376933045296852012-01-14T17:09:00.004+11:002012-01-21T10:26:36.681+11:00

PLANNER Keeping things simple for me means things actually get done. So this year I am being organised but also keeping it simple. My options were to buy a simple spiral A4 notebook and write in plans for the week or print one out myself. Because we already bought a digital planner in the past I used a few sheets that were appropriate for us and comb bound it myself. These pages are from the

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-34021023176294113922012-01-14T10:12:00.032+11:002012-02-15T09:36:06.104+11:00

I am really excited about a fresh start to the New year. I feel like we have a new, fresh, peaceful outlook on how our homeschool year should flow. Our aim is peaceful, joyful and natural. What we all learn should flow from what we are exposed to, take interest in and take joy in. We bought some really lovely Waldorf art supplies and pencils for the children this year and will be ditching all

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-45685117647662207172011-12-20T11:12:00.002+11:002011-12-20T11:31:25.897+11:00

Christmas is literally around the corner and I'm still thinking all things homeschool...WHY oh why?  I pick up an Unschooling book and become overwhelmed with guilt that I might be "coercing" my children into learning something they probably don't need to know. I will read Charlotte Mason and think I should be spending 'hours in the out-of-doors' every day (at least 6), regardless of the horrible

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-11987711459680449512011-11-22T23:18:00.002+11:002011-11-23T08:34:22.577+11:00

This week is National Home Education Week 2011 and The Australian Homeschool Networks  Conference. This FREE online conference is a joint collaboration between Jenni Domansky, owner of the Australian Homeschool Network, and Beverley Paine, a renowned Homeschooling author and owner of Homeschool Australia. Everyone is welcome. Here is the link http://www.australianhomeschoolnetwork.c....

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-58209552629916530852011-11-20T22:42:00.004+11:002011-11-21T13:41:41.781+11:00

I have been unable to fit what we do as a home ed family into any style or category and I love that.  We are definitely inspired by many styles and people, among them Charlotte Mason, Heart of Wisdom (Robyn Sampson), Diana Waring, Sally Clarkson, Ruth Beechick, Unschooling, Literature Based, Discipleship, many blogs, many of my local peeps but most of all by our family and God leading and

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-42770923872570529232011-11-20T17:25:00.000+11:002011-11-20T17:25:21.813+11:00

Yes, this may be a very boring post but just in case you were considering Maths curriculum for next year I thought you might like to know how our resources worked for us. We have used Teaching Textbooks 4 for the whole year and have only a remaining few lessons before finishing. The fact that Carter has worked through 4 CD ROMs should tell you that it has been a success. Maths is the one subject

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-33040084697272771122011-11-02T23:34:00.000+11:002011-11-02T23:34:55.633+11:00

Nothing much to tell, just thought you'd like to see some of the little things we've been up to.Faith and I have been working on a quilt for her. It is made of left over scraps from other creations and donation fabrics from Aunty Katy. There is something wonderful to be said for using what you have and not buying anything to create a whole new thing, especially a quilt that will be loved for a

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-72843587912593526012011-11-02T12:14:00.000+11:002011-11-02T12:14:03.745+11:00

Here is a link to a recent post reviewing the last Hunter Mum's Encouragement Night. What are the fruits you would like to se in your children?

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-29059012759332791122011-09-29T10:04:00.002+10:002011-09-29T10:07:02.057+10:00

Our journey has brought us to a point in re-thinking how we do things, how we live, what are our priorities and what are our family goals. At the beginning of this year I said that this year was going to be a year of JOY. I had no idea how that would play out and had no idea how proactive and deliberate I would have to be to do this. I feel like I am gaining momentum and am thoroughly enjoying

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-17011223070373149852011-09-05T13:50:00.004+10:002011-09-05T14:52:37.990+10:00

It's taken me a while to get back to you Jeanne, but I will do my best to answer. In the midst of all the excitement of the new year beginning with our Northern neighbours Jeanne from Oh Peaceful Day has tagged me for this homeschool meme. Even though it is not the beginning of our year it will prove interesting to hear people's responses in the thick of the Southerners year. So here it goes...

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-60682017361177467072011-08-14T23:15:00.001+10:002011-08-14T23:17:58.807+10:00

When it comes to experiments, science, creating, constructing, building and inventing Carter is very self-motivated. He enjoys it for fun and learns in the process. He will often pull out his experiment books or hear of an idea on television or radio and off he goes. It happens so often that I forget to take photos or note many of them so this weekend I caught him in a couple of scientific

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-21539146938479037042011-08-13T09:44:00.000+10:002011-08-13T09:44:21.178+10:00

This is a continuation of my attempts to follow through with the 31 Days to Clean: How to Have a Martha Home The Mary Way by Sarah Mae. I have to say I love the book and the concept. I'd just thought I'd let you know some of my thoughts with the following days. The great thing with the Martha challenges is that it only works on one room at a time and when I first started I thought when it said

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-43191939974609606032011-08-08T22:59:00.000+10:002011-08-08T22:59:40.012+10:00

Come and visit one of my funny little sisters...what would I do without her...she always makes me laugh. The Flower Boat: Oh my!: "This post goes out to all the little children out there that I have had the pleasure of knowing and teaching. This is a response to your qu..."

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-56957937961802379002011-08-06T22:56:00.000+10:002011-08-06T22:56:10.020+10:00

31 Days To Clean: How to Have A Martha House The Mary Way. The title alone makes me feel happy. This is not about cleaning, it's about giving life to your home. I know that the influence I have in my home is substantial, my mood can make or break our day. Don't get me wrong, I am not a moody person at all but somedays I am more relaxed and joyful in myself than others and usually the better days

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-8954415610772159452011-08-06T16:10:00.002+10:002011-08-06T16:31:25.155+10:00

We have used Apologia Zoology 1 Flying Creatures of The Fifth Day this week. I really do like the living book style of learning with a little hands on and note booking. But mostly I love all the other books we find to 'go-along' with our 'curriculum'. Often times our go-along books become our main resource. I read 'Old Blue: The Rarest Bird In The World' by Mary Taylor to Carter which sparked a

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-29053570615012211932011-08-03T16:35:00.002+10:002011-08-03T16:39:04.742+10:00

Spring is definitely in the air. The weather has been beautiful. This is how warm our weather has been, a top of 24 degrees today. We may not have a lovely pristine pool but we have a fantastic muddy little dam to explore! When I found them they were fully clothed then I returned with the camera to find they had shed the inhibiting layers. Oh well, they were enjoying themselves.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-38488445473503005192011-08-03T14:49:00.001+10:002011-08-03T14:50:35.290+10:00

I have just purchased '31 Days to Clean - How to have a Martha House The Mary Way' by Sara Mae. I like that the author is not a cleaner by nature, that she admits it has been a struggle, that I can have a balanced idea of what Clean in my home is all about and that my friend Michelle over at Homeschooling Downunder Blog  has motivated me to spend 31 days on the challenge with her. If you head

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-39256987360817896512011-07-28T11:30:00.000+10:002011-07-28T11:30:40.789+10:00

I feel like I need to explain myself. In my last post about Home Ed registering and forming a proposal I thought I sounded very structured and set in our ideas. The reality is that when registering the BOS (Board of Studies) requires you to list goals and resources for KLA's (Key Learning Areas), so for the purposes of registration these were prepared by stating a key resource. Now just because I

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-70045602965561303612011-07-24T01:20:00.013+10:002011-10-01T08:18:19.820+10:00

I thought I'd do a post about the process of registering by documentation in NSW and our accompanying Home Education Proposal for the next year. It's always helpful to me to read how others approach these requirements. The biggest part of the whole job is doing it the first time and then it is there to review as needed for all the years to follow.We started home educating two years ago and so the

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-89575298675002443162011-06-05T09:42:00.001+10:002011-06-07T12:23:08.277+10:00

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." - Albert Einstein

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-22172532275572768502011-05-26T00:18:00.007+10:002011-05-26T00:25:41.092+10:00

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Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-14319940750841679812011-05-24T14:03:00.000+10:002011-05-24T14:03:59.921+10:00

 And the winner of Arithmetic Village series is.....drum roll please.......................................................... April! From 'Educating April'Congratulations April, I will be in touch soon and you can expect this little package in the mail very soon.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-77044334277197350762011-05-21T22:27:00.001+10:002011-05-27T20:43:15.789+10:00

 I should have known better! But it was soooooo good.  Isn't this beautiful. Carter's birthday gift to me. Anyone know what it is? My wildflowers playing in the waves. We had the best fish and chips down on the beach. Here I stand on shark alert. It was quite safe, I think?They didn't go out too far. "Mummy, the waves ate my shovel." There were so many shells to discover. Happy in the great

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-85152948953024388162011-05-16T17:51:00.003+10:002011-05-16T18:35:21.218+10:00

 Here is our Arithmetic Village basket. When this basket comes out our home transforms into Arithmetic Village where there are sweet characters and only two rules: Always be kind and Always share.Arithmetic Village.My children loves this little series of books that gently introduce the basic operations. As the characters were introduced Carter picked up on the author's use of alliteration and

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-60552907114849743332011-05-15T22:40:00.000+10:002011-05-15T22:40:24.609+10:00

 Here you see an excited girl to be at the Australian Reptile Park seeing many of our native animals wandering the grounds only feet away. Here you see a annoyed girl whose long coveted donut was abruptly snatched from her little fingers leaving her half a donut. Here you see a girl stuffing the rest of the unaffected donit into her mouth before Edward (or Edwina) the Emu's partner tries this

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-20075053341113683132011-05-15T22:34:00.003+10:002011-05-16T18:38:39.431+10:00

Faith has done her first lapbook just like her big brother based on the Before Five In A Row (B4FIAR) book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Faith focused on the letter sound 'mmmm'We used a lapbook from Homeschool Share Here is what is included: Hey Diddle Diddle Coloring Page Hey Diddle Diddle Minit Book The Three Bears Cards After you cut out the cards, place Mama, Papa, and

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-62134443788531941722011-05-15T16:14:00.002+10:002011-05-15T20:17:46.782+10:00

We have come to the end of a 2 week literature unit study using The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold. The Pumpkin Runner is a tall story based on the run from Melbourne to Sydney by 61 year old farmer Cliff Young.  We made pumpkin soup,and some of our own home made Autumn pumpkins.  Here is just a few of our notebooking pages Carter did to go along with the unit study. This is the title page

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-53768009951482250992011-05-07T22:10:00.001+10:002011-05-07T22:11:19.680+10:00

The winner of the Book Blessings Giveaway is...............drum roll......... Melissa from Vintage Rose Happy Mother's Day Melissa.  I'll be in touch!

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-48252706600779858672011-04-30T19:20:00.002+10:002011-05-04T17:21:18.321+10:00

Here is my first giveaway and hopefully the first of many. The books will vary, but will always have been bought by me. The winner gets all 3 books. Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge Romancing Your Husband by Debra White Smith   from Organized Simplicity HERES HOW TO ENTER: (1) Just leave a comment on this post! Extra entries: (2) become a "Follower"

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-12216745826606102132011-04-29T18:48:00.005+10:002011-05-02T07:57:39.837+10:00

Well I have been drooling over Five In A Row for about a year and have always been drawn to great children's picture books and unit studies for a long time. I have finally got my hands on some FIAR resources and have been slowly obtaining or borrowing the wonderful literature that go along with all the studies. FIAR has been created to bring excitement and fun to learning, to enrich our

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-59991931766792677102011-04-28T09:33:00.000+10:002011-04-28T09:33:31.110+10:00

Over at 'A Homemakers Heart' Tamara is generously giving away curriculum. The giveaway is called 'Curriculum Blessing'. It is a wonderful idea where home educators give away quality unused or in good condition to those who simply enter a comment on the blog post, become a follower and even those who post about the blessing and write of how they will use it if they win it. Check this out for all

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-71003909974528637932011-04-19T15:02:00.000+10:002011-04-19T15:02:51.691+10:00

Easter is such a beautiful time of year. It's not just the season but the spiritual meaning of this time of year, the most important on the Christian calendar. Here's some of our crafts from this week....  Faith & I made a little nest for our Blue Wren & her eggs.  It was simply made from strips of brown paper lunch bags, water & glue.  We covered a bowl in cling wrap. Cut strips of brown paper.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-16784783036832161132011-04-14T18:34:00.002+10:002011-04-15T08:03:17.933+10:00

In the US it is Spring, but in Australia it is my favourite season of the year, Autumn. When the heat of the Summer is pass and the cool evenings and warm sunlit days draw you to the outdoors.  It is time for Lent, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day, Easter Public Holiday. It is time for  homemade soups, jams, quilts & knitting for winter, making things new from something

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-35152518798395867562011-03-29T22:30:00.001+11:002011-03-29T22:38:20.632+11:00

 Here's our home made felt crafted autumn pumpkins. I did take photo's of each step, showing the children sewing but our camera died so now I am learning to use the ipod for our photos, and there's a lot of fine tuning to be done. Carter and Faith traced their own circles, cut them out, sewed a running stitch around the edge, filled it in with stuffing pulled it tight and tied it off. They then

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-57343707616038903862011-03-16T09:08:00.000+11:002011-03-16T09:08:24.333+11:00

Write them on the DOORPOSTS OF YOUR HOUSE is a brand new blog that is dedicated to weekly encouragement and ideas for applying scripture in your home.  http://www.doorposts.com/blog/ There are Ten Days of Biblical Parenting GiveawaysWelcome to “Doorposts of Your House,” a new blog dedicated to Biblical parenting, character training, and Bible study! Each day for the next ten days, we will be

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-85877628642656137212011-03-15T09:21:00.001+11:002011-03-15T09:23:52.267+11:00

I can't tell you how many times a day I make a cuppa and it goes cold before I get to it. aaarrrggghhhWell thanks to the generosity of sisters....... look what I got...A beautiful mug, saucer, spoon, strainer and lid.The lid is the exciting part, it will keep my cuppa hotter for longer and I still get to drink from a nice mug (forget the thermos mug).The Perfect Gift For A Tea Drinking Home

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-20756092081241981192011-03-14T20:27:00.001+11:002011-07-24T15:28:28.334+10:00

Stormy Autumn night from our verandah.C'mon Autumn don't be shy...please come and stay for a while. Our Autumn crafts have begun. I am really enjoying taking greater notice in the seasonal changes and Carter and Faith have always been naturally interested in their natural environment.Faith spent a whole afternoon gluing felt shapes to cardboard. What I really liked was that she tried to cover all

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-28622211954210127312011-03-13T15:53:00.000+11:002011-03-13T15:53:09.733+11:00

Autumn has brought with it, it's refreshing change of air...something in the air has made me feel like purging in all areas of home.  The goal...to make home a more restful, happy place to be. So to help reach part of that goal I am taking part in  Project Simplify  Hot Spot #1 this week was to go through your closet and be ruthless. Take out all the clothes etc that do not fit you, suit you, are

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-13846534489666202332011-03-08T19:05:00.002+11:002011-03-08T19:19:41.405+11:00

I just love books and now the nights are cooling it's even better for snuggling up and being swept away to another world of adventure and romance. What I'm reading....  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp  Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider  Steady Days by Jamie C Martin Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto  Unschooling Unmanual by Nanda

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-4724280262331167892011-03-08T09:32:00.001+11:002011-03-08T09:35:34.530+11:00

Celebrate the Power of Words and Stories and Take Action for Global Literacy!  A lofty goal but we only have to start with our own children!I love LitWorld's slogan "Words Changing Worlds" Activities to do on the day here Visit The Book Chook for more information for ideas and resources for children's learning, literacy and literature.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-71089093873027835982011-03-07T09:13:00.003+11:002011-03-07T09:16:45.412+11:00

My musings on being bold and living a life I care about. To live simply and joyfully. * Don't buy into the materialism trap. Avoid the moral and material bankruptcy because we trust self-indulgent, unsustainable promises that tell us living a good life requires the latest product in this year's  'must have" colour. * Our life should be about us, our family and the people we choose to include

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-1207785366721587292011-03-05T08:35:00.001+11:002011-07-24T15:29:24.523+10:00

Visit Linda Dobson at 'Parent at the Helm’s March Book Giveaway!'Carschooling®By Diane Flynn Keith 360 Pages Packed with Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities to Turn Travel Time into Learning TimeTake the whine out of drive time with this collection of innovative, fun, and educational car games! In the book Carschooling®, you’ll learn how to:Map your taste buds at your favorite

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-113257576782594832011-03-04T10:36:00.007+11:002011-03-04T10:57:39.648+11:00

I'm keen to switch to more natural and organic beauty products.Do you have any referrals for Australian products?Do you have a natural beauty secret?Here is something I've been meaning to try for a while now, an oil cleansing face wash! Yes that's right cleansing your face with oil . Apparently you may never need to use moisturiser again. So the challenge is on. Would you be able to give this a

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-78686826378668178142011-03-03T22:46:00.000+11:002011-03-03T22:46:48.408+11:00

Faith has started ballet. She was so excited 'Something to do.' She really enjoys thumb print drawings, where she dips her fingers in ink pads and then creates little people, animals, suns all sorts of things. Carter started the ink thumb print idea. While I read a story he creates pictures to narrate a part of the story, like this one which was David and Goliath.Carter has also started cornet

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-31907997951442686562011-03-03T19:09:00.004+11:002011-03-03T22:49:56.461+11:00

God is a God of variety. He takes pleasure in us, our uniqueness, our hearts desires, our search to live life to the best of our ability.   I first heard this story when I attended The Diana Downunder Conference in the Hunter (Australia) in 2009. The story is told by a young man in junior high school from the US, the message is still the same. I'm not very good in school. This is my second year

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-74116726535672356992011-03-03T00:53:00.000+11:002011-03-03T00:53:56.684+11:00

Visit Educating Mother Contentedness has never been one of the defining character qualities of modern western society. In fact we are constantly deluged with messages that it is good to want more, more things, more experiences, more abilities and that will make you happier and more fulfilled. Contentedness is a spiritual issue not a physical one. As a stay at home educating mother I have had to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-76153453885227377792011-02-28T10:58:00.002+11:002011-02-28T11:46:52.388+11:00

What did you love to do before you were a mum? What brings you joy and peace? What do you love to learn about? What do you love to try? Who do you like to spend time with? Who brings the best out in you? Can you do any of these things with your children?  Can you show them what you love? Imagine the passionate facilitator you could be in your child's life, how you could help yourself and them

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-55120036371030252342011-02-27T13:42:00.007+11:002011-02-28T09:23:45.532+11:00

Simplify.  Do one thing useful a day. In the past I have been called a 'clean freak', before a mother a 'perfectionist'.  But with the addition of my two terrors delights I have had to change my priorities. My aim now is to work smarter not harder. Cleaning for order, peace and hygiene is my necessary. The Lord tells us in his word that when I wake in the morning it is a new day, a fresh start

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-42282116168339321292011-02-26T16:25:00.006+11:002011-02-26T20:50:13.043+11:00

JOY is my word for our home school life this year. I want to create more joy. The kind of joy that only God can bless us with and the type that our family will cherish. I want to say 'yes' more, I want to laugh more, I want to be content more, I want to be more spontaneous. When life unexpectedly offers up something more glorious than what I have planned, I do not want to miss out, I want to let

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-73031864403227442892011-02-16T00:29:00.003+11:002011-02-26T16:27:18.118+11:00

I have been learning a lot over the past few months and discovering more about what makes our homeschooling lifestyle work. As the past 18 months have passed since we brought Carter home from school we have grown together, learned many life lessons and continue to morph in our home educating lifestyle. We have gone from a 9am-3pm 'school at home' style (BLAK) to a gentler Charlotte Mason inspired

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-70465584245065768152011-01-19T21:28:00.000+11:002011-01-19T21:28:33.308+11:00

'May The words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer'. Psalm 19:14 I've gotta start somewhere right....so this is a good place to begin. I can open each day with this prayer. So what is a wise learner? To Learn you must WANT to be taught. Proverbs 12:1 We must GLADLY receive instruction.Proverbs 10:8, 23:12, 25:12 We must LISTEN to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-4837808384249842292011-01-19T20:44:00.001+11:002011-01-19T20:47:42.680+11:00

We haven't officially started the school year but my students are keen and there's no holding them back.....so this is what 'they', mean when they talk about a love of learning. Bible & Social:Last post I told of how we have been easing into our homeschool Term 1, this week has been a continuation of easing into the year. This week we are attending a holiday programme called Maitland Alive run by

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-18322896473554321772011-01-11T18:25:00.002+11:002011-01-11T18:32:53.815+11:00

We've started the year with our first attempt at Sketch Tuesday. Barb at Harmony Fine Arts is a wonderful teacher and host.Here's our attempt to sketch something (anything of our choice) starting with the terrific 'T'! This was fun for me because my sister joined us this week and a friend will be joining us next week, yey! It is just one way we ease back into the 1st Term of 2011.   If we can do

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-90478812872001022352011-01-06T00:29:00.012+11:002011-04-12T09:20:01.591+10:00

I will update any information as the year progresses. The following list looks quite official and very curriculum oriented but like I said, these are only guides. I choose these because there is a certain security I as mum get from following something already laid out for me. I am learning though that I can create our own learning and curriculum has helped to teach me what I can do. Everything

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-78488059793243408662010-12-20T12:08:00.001+11:002011-02-27T16:47:12.389+11:00

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-47129979849575988592010-12-18T17:42:00.000+11:002010-12-18T17:42:19.225+11:00

May this Christmas Bring you closer to our Saviour. I love this song. I hope you too feel blessed while listening & watching it.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-67054771374223631552010-12-08T08:14:00.001+11:002010-12-08T16:36:46.171+11:00

I have contributed my first post, 'Self Education' at 'EDUCATING MOTHER', please feel free to drop in and stay a while. Have a joyous day with your children!

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-21203746367118409092010-12-05T17:42:00.002+11:002010-12-05T17:46:59.362+11:00

A gentle river cruise at Tropical Fruit World where we were given feed for the birds.  Tropical Fruit World Flying Fox   The smile at the end of a long day tearing up and down the waterslides at White Water World. For all that sweetness she is our dare devil. We couldn't take any more photos as Mum & Dad were having too much fun! Yes, those are sharks! We are fortunate to have a

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-2102264527789130272010-12-05T13:40:00.001+11:002010-12-05T13:42:55.632+11:00

This is the perfect time for those of you who love a Charlotte Mason education to think about the idea of something to love, do & think about. As we rush about this December in preparation for the present buying & eating marathon I am trying to learn to prepare also for a more simple celebration with family of Jesus Christ coming to walk the earth with us. When it comes to our children every year

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-55105490064059445562010-11-24T01:05:00.003+11:002010-11-24T12:34:13.392+11:00

I was only wondering the other day ..'What am I good at?' I was trying to set some new goals towards a new plan for homeschool. I couldn't answer my question, so I asked my husband who said lots of nice things but nothing I could put down towards teaching. Then it hit me...I think I give everything a go and try to do everything as best I can, I just have a go, I try to be versatile! Two days

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-58971576024180249042010-11-20T20:58:00.000+11:002010-11-20T20:58:15.547+11:00

I love Christmas time. It is a time of year that is full of the sweetness of all that is important to me such as family! Unfortunately Christmas is also used to harry the consumer into spending lots of money and ultimately detracting from the real reason for the season. In today's society people can get caught up in the gift giving part of Christmas which seems to be all about 'us', taking the

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-75674368530418928452010-11-17T14:56:00.001+11:002010-11-17T23:06:55.450+11:00

 It has been a grand learning curve in realising what is important for a liberal education, rooted in God's word and his plan for our little family. As always I am interested to see how I should teach all the subjects. During this course there have been many bonus lessons and simple ideas for teaching the subjects. There are templates to create time lines and a Book of Centuries. The ultimate

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-2483477967864908402010-10-09T22:59:00.003+11:002010-10-09T23:15:46.845+11:00

Nature Study is a precursor for science. There is a frog right in the middle, making a bellow or croak that vibrated through the bush. Photo's, as lovely as they can be still do not capture the beauty of God's creation in real life. Nature shows and discovery channels are fantastic in their place but they do not replace experiencing the outdoors and adventure for yourself. There's something

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-67475653220830635072010-09-30T23:44:00.004+10:002010-10-05T18:07:18.334+11:00

 The Lion and The Unicorn by Shirley HughesA powerful story about a young child's wartime experiences told with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful children's author. (8yrs+)  Pearl In The Sand by Tessa Afshar This book was brought to my attention by my friend  Richele at Barefoot Voyage , visit Barefoot Voyage for Richele's review. Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-34786522938355227512010-09-30T15:42:00.002+10:002010-10-01T09:54:19.117+10:00

Lesson 6 - An Outdoor Education When I thought about reading about children in the outdoors, I really didn't think I'd learn anything new. HA, how I was wrong. My learning on children in the out doors started with this quote from Charlotte Mason's Homeschooling Series Volume 1 pg 44-45: “I make a point, says a judicious mother, of sending my children out, weather permitting, for an hour in the

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-87778573890906436242010-09-25T15:35:00.000+10:002010-09-25T15:35:20.069+10:00

Here's an idea that may prove helpful. It's and Activity Jar or what ever you want to call it. It is as simple as can be and the idea is that at the end of the 'school' day or end of workboxes, you can give your children a dip into the activity jar. The Activity Jar holds slips of paper with fun ideas for you to do with your children. The jar can be anything that holds your slips of paper. It is

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-42787849882201349822010-09-22T20:47:00.003+10:002011-02-28T09:22:58.317+11:00

We have started a simplified version of the Workbox System by Sue Patrick . Third term this year had a rocky start with us all having some sort of cold and flu, through all the mid year holidays and into the beginning of the term. We decided we needed to be more organised so as to help with our day running more smoothly and so Carter could see specifically what he had to do each day and how much

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-81392911250446518042010-09-20T23:47:00.000+10:002010-09-20T23:47:25.282+10:00

There were many aircraft there on the day, but I struggled to hold all our gear and my hat on in the strong wind and a camera and keep walking at the same time. It was truly a father-son day as they talked about engines and speed and which one was the favourite and what all the different shaped wings were meant to do. Faith and I were keen to find somewhere to sit down and picnic!There was some

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-80492209637425849592010-09-13T21:30:00.000+10:002010-09-13T21:30:19.111+10:00

We don't have an Art curriculum but we have lots of resources and some great artistic friends to give us lots of ideas, inspiration and even lessons. As with all aspects of our homeschool it is sure to constantly morph and grow into something new, the more we learn about our homeschool. Art and science are Carter's favourite traditional subjects followed by a growing love for history. Monet

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-35518489255505444372010-09-05T20:39:00.000+10:002010-09-05T20:39:39.343+10:00

Faith sharing a special breakfast with Daddy, literally, she eats the food off his plate.Our current egg supply.Our door to door service chook. She lays each day right outside our front door in the herb garden!The kids always make their own cards. Carter's white clay sculpture of our family, he had a little accident with Faith's head (and she was not at all happy about it!)We had a very windy day

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-62300640803429966692010-09-05T09:46:00.002+10:002010-09-05T17:16:39.119+10:00

These bite size lessons are perfect for the busy mum, to help to know how better to use Charlotte Mason methods in your own homeschool.What I have learned thus far: From Lesson 1. How to make a workable timetable with plenty of breathing space. Stephanie gives 10 easy steps to working it out. Charlotte Mason only scheduled between 9-11.30am for first graders. The timetable is more for the child

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-89988149942934173712010-09-04T20:00:00.000+10:002010-09-04T20:00:44.491+10:00

'Animal School' I thought this was a simple but powerful video. I found it as I was researching visual-spatial learners and right brain thinkers. It's worth waiting for it to load.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-55985378281606168112010-09-03T23:22:00.000+10:002010-09-03T23:22:45.009+10:00

We are nearly finished MEP Y2 Maths and now the question is do we pick up MEP Y3 or a new curriculum. We have hit a wall with MEP and I'm not sure So here is our plan, we will do our own thing for a little while focusing on any weak areas. I've looked at many programmes including Rightstart Mathematics, Hands On Equations, Horizons, Professor B Math, Math U See, Teaching Textbooks, Singapore Math

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-60001214029792836132010-09-02T22:46:00.000+10:002010-09-02T22:46:16.282+10:00

Here's another game that is completely FREE to help cement the 2 - 12 x tables.  It is very well done as it resembles many playstation games. It also gets children using the keyboard and mouse together which isn't as easy as it sounds. Many of you may already be using it but thought I'd put it out there anyway!

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-19452981700307015502010-09-01T08:55:00.001+10:002010-09-02T22:31:12.150+10:00

I've started a course called Charlotte Mason Made Easy. Just the title alone appealed to me but when I went to the introductory page, I was sold. I needed something simple to help me understand how to improve our homeschool. I have fallen in love with the Charlotte Mason philosophy and it's gentle and effective methods. I am one month into the course so far and am thoroughly enjoying it. I have

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-43866955725129657732010-08-31T08:14:00.000+10:002010-08-31T08:14:21.411+10:00

HOODA MATH This is our sons current favourite game, he and his sister get the giggles as the workmen fall from precariously built bridges. Hooda Math is a fantastic FREE online GAMES, TUTORIALS, WORKSHEETS, MOVIES & TESTS. There's also MEMORY, LOGIC, ARITHMETIC, GEOMETRY, WORD, TYPING & READING related GAMES. We have found it actually does help our 8 yr old maths phobic son, and we have also

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-91813407701247535752010-08-30T16:27:00.000+10:002010-08-30T16:27:57.030+10:00

So cute. Carter couldn't stop laughing while he was making it!

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-38753276334544114272010-08-24T17:06:00.001+10:002010-08-24T18:10:20.864+10:00

See what happens when you start learning about ancient history and the the Babylonians building the Tower of Babel. I only walked out of the room for a moment! The builder becomes a little cocky in his ability, and tries to build it greater than himself. Sounding familiar? (My precious books, aahhh) All sorts of materials became towers that day, including post-it notes. We look at how

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-82766587280628653772010-08-23T21:19:00.001+10:002010-08-23T21:59:36.687+10:00

Faith shares the limelight with Mystery the budgie. Here's my girl. 'The most beautiful girl in the world' I tell her. Not biased am I. Faith's 'shucks, don't I look pretty..' look. I love everything about her. She is bright, smart, resourceful, caring, sassy, she loves her family, she is shy (& I get all the cuddles or huggles as she calls them), compassionate, she is great company and so

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-14389960928155385742010-08-16T23:03:00.000+10:002010-08-16T23:03:15.803+10:00

Are you wondering why I'm showing you a picture of our cat Mae? Well, today's challenge for Carter was to build a bridge constructed entirely of rope, string or yarn, to span at least 12 inches and carry as much weight as possible. THINK is a programme designed to encourage kids to THINK outside the box. This is what Carter came up with and it held our Mae for quite a while until Faith tried

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-59108106802827742392010-08-16T20:11:00.002+10:002010-08-16T20:14:45.923+10:00

We spent one windy wintery day at the beach. Who says the beach isn't beautiful in the winter. As it is less frequented in the winter months we found a treasure trove of nature finds for our nature tray. All the live ones we had to leave behind, but the children were fascinated with everything to do with this day in nature.Carter and Faith were in their element as the beach is their favourite

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-54450673211140593432010-08-16T19:21:00.001+10:002010-08-16T19:27:51.661+10:00

We obtained this lapbook layout from Homeschool Share .Carter's favourite subjects are Art & Science, but I am exploring lots of things to help Maths & Writing to become one of them also! We read story and fact books on all sorts of cattle. Carter read to his little sister Belinda by Pamela Allen and Too Many Pears by Jackie French. With Granma & Dar living on a farm the interest level is high.

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-21587156334200038142010-08-06T00:21:00.001+10:002010-08-06T08:10:28.995+10:00

Carter has been enjoying The Boxcar Children. There is a whole lot of  'Stepping Stones' in Lesson Pathways Language Arts to make the most of this book for doing language arts. We also have '101Ways to Love A book'. This week we made a Book Worm, in which we used paper circles to add onto our bookworm. Each circle contains details from the book being read e.g. author, title, brief description,

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-5940067843390000192010-07-31T18:13:00.001+10:002010-07-31T18:55:16.805+10:00

If you visit Eight Acres of Eden you will have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for some sweet & lovely gifts, donated by generous Ann, mother of many! and who delights in all things family, domestic, creative and natural. Now you'll have to visit to see what I'm talking about.If you become a follower you'll get a 2nd chance to win.If you post a link on your blog then you'll get a 3rd chance

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-14644786345798642392010-07-29T02:43:00.002+10:002010-07-29T02:49:30.436+10:00

We've been trying out Lesson Pathways this week and thought I'd share what some of it was like. We are using the Year 3 Pathway: Language Arts - Carter has focused on The Boxcar Children. He has had to construct a boxcar, make a bed of pine needles (or similar, we used sawdust), ate blueberries, cream, bread, cheese & milk, wrote a Boxcar mini dictionary/spelling words, read & narrate the first

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-34811038801450228402010-07-27T00:39:00.001+10:002010-07-27T01:11:12.812+10:00

Carter started a timeline this term from Creation to Christ so far. We already had timeline figures Through The Ages from Homeschool In The Woods but he could use his own drawings, book covers of books read on a person or time in history, names or events, symbols anything that reminds your child of what that time in history was about. Over at Guest Hollow they offer a beautiful Timeline cover,

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-80885731023891922602010-07-15T11:10:00.018+10:002010-07-15T21:18:12.264+10:00

The rules state a recipient of the Beautiful Blogger award must:1) Add a link & a note of thanks to the person giving the award2) Pass the award on to the most Beautiful Blogs you love3) Share 7 things about yourself1) Thank you to Gae at Cherished Hearts At Home and Vanessa at Chrysallis Island for thinking of Dove's Rest as a Beautiful Blog. Gae awarded this to Dove's Rest back in May and I

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-49802314564244934152010-07-13T19:41:00.007+10:002010-07-13T21:31:28.931+10:00

Once upon a time, there was a boy who enjoyed food, but he always turned green when the Peas showed up for dinner.His mother and father tried all sorts of tricks to get the boy to eat his peas, but he could not do it. His eyes squinted, his lips pursed, his nostrils flared, his backed arched and finally he gagged, and gagged, and gagged. It was no good this will not do said his mother, so she

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-68962748208215139242010-07-10T00:18:00.008+10:002010-07-10T10:05:40.302+10:00

Whenever I read to Carter Faith is there listening and playing. I find that if I read to her first and then tell her '...ok I'm going to read a story to Carter now, it's his turn', then she is quite happy to let it happen. If I have something of interest (dolls and clothes, puzzels, playdough, stickers, clips for dolls hair, whatever takes her fancy that day) that is quiet to do, she will

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-20022876159699108622010-06-27T21:05:00.008+10:002010-06-28T01:42:20.776+10:00

For those of you who homeschool, did you ever feel like you needed a bigger house? Our home library has at least doubled over the last year. We've had stacks of books rising from the floor to hip height! My wonderful husband built us some bookcases. I now have 2 large bookcases in our family room to hold all our gear. Our previous bookshelf was a 3 shelf melamine kit that barely held anything so

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-29173132814615740372010-06-27T17:16:00.005+10:002010-06-27T17:53:49.855+10:00

Someone asked us how we have our MEP worksheets set out, so I'll do my best to explain. We used to have a lever arch file for all our Practice Book sheets and Copy masters but found it to be big and bulky, with us moving around the ring binders get bent and then they become difficult to use. We also used a smaller ring binder for the teacher Lesson Plans. Now we have use a comb binder to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-15018261600828874212010-06-27T12:53:00.010+10:002010-06-27T14:58:01.023+10:00

If you've read here before about our maths journey you will remember we decided to try something different so went from MEP to Math Mammoth, well we like them both, but have missed MEP too much to give it away! So the plan is to keep it going as this is where Carter seemed to improve in mathematical thinking and confidence. Math Mammoth is fantastic, very thorough and rigorous. It compares to

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116844476765761021.post-45738919282862313202010-06-26T15:32:00.003+10:002010-06-26T15:54:19.143+10:00

FBI - Fun Brain Institute. This is a homeschool group that we have been going to once a fortnight, it is only $3 per child for 3hrs. On our first visit Carter brought home a portfolio made up of families that attend FBI and each family does a 2 page spread of what their family does for homeschooling. Carter really enjoyed doing this and commented later...'...Mum, you should let me write things on

Renellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11886051375765858980noreply@blogger.com2