tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49021941036314951582024-03-05T15:46:04.951-08:00Me, Gabby, & Some Books......reading and learning everyday (and yes, we know that's improper English, but we're okay with that)...Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-15662090086213979862010-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:002010-07-02T10:00:04.230-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.coloring.ws/">http://www.coloring.ws/</a> <blockquote></blockquote>The names says it all. A website full of coloring pages for just about everything you can imagine.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-34194026009538916662010-06-25T10:00:00.000-07:002010-06-25T10:00:04.855-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's fun site... <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_splash/splash_cam.aspx">www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_splash/splash_cam.aspx</a> <blockquote></blockquote>The Monterey Bay Aquarium has the neatest web cams for several of their exhibits. The one of the bay is so relaxing to watch, but Gabby loves the penguins. It's not the same as actually visiting an aquarium, but still fun to watch.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-9557008219370089782010-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:002010-06-18T10:00:01.408-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site is... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/homemade.html">www.artistshelpingchildren.org/homemade.html</a> <blockquote></blockquote>This site has recipes for making a bunch of different craft supplies. I can't wait to make my own bubbles and sidewalk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chalk</span> for the summer.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-31866619070720726192010-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T10:00:01.374-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's fun site is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> on the fun side... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.a2zhomeschool.com/homeschoolmouse">www.a2zhomeschool.com/homeschoolmouse</a> <blockquote></blockquote>While not really all that useful unless planning a trip to Disney, this site is really fun to explore. It sure makes me want to move to Orlando and spend everyday "teaching" at Disney World. I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> use some of these ideas on our next vacation.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-63010708148264012612010-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:002010-06-04T10:00:04.813-07:00Fun Fridays...Since it is finally summer (according to me, summer starts the first day of June), I decided to share a site that is more fun than educational... <a href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/"><blockquote></a></blockquote><a href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/"></a><blockquote><a href="http://www.commonsensemedia.org/"></blockquote>www.commonsensemedia.org</a> <blockquote></blockquote>It's neat site that allows parents and kids to rate media. Everything from the latest TV shows and summer movies to music, games, and my favorite...books!!! I have to admit I am always reading children books. And teen/young adult novels have been keeping me entertained recently (I guess because I never have the time to finish an adult novel lately). Hopefully you can find some good entertainment to keep your kids busy this summer.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-62968815676919482962010-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-31T10:00:03.477-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrebzlVAJn3d7R9GIYS52B04hCIFq_uzZ9IbolP-8I6vy9JHJwQCfqE120ysLk3UdqRgjSJFxMOhbqEJDe62KTCa1cbC1ugSaKkXILwJASaY3faCj_lnRT-kkJAbNSkll23CuRM1UxrVs/s1600/riverboat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460115287566432290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrebzlVAJn3d7R9GIYS52B04hCIFq_uzZ9IbolP-8I6vy9JHJwQCfqE120ysLk3UdqRgjSJFxMOhbqEJDe62KTCa1cbC1ugSaKkXILwJASaY3faCj_lnRT-kkJAbNSkll23CuRM1UxrVs/s400/riverboat.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I am taking a break until the fall (actually 1st of August, when we start up school again) on my Monday thoughts/rants/tangents. I will keep adding fun websites on Fridays, and will have the occasional book recommendations on Wednesdays, but for a few months my Monday Matters will go away. Summers are busy with all those vacations (not that we are actually taking one), family visits, swimming, moving (Sevierville here we come), etc., so I'm sure you will find something to fill the time like us. Enjoy your summer.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-34787571593739914562010-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-28T10:00:03.292-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site is... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/">www.lessonpathways.com</a> <blockquote></blockquote>The site has complete curriculum plans for grades K-5 all for free. While I wouldn't recommend using just the materials online for your schooling, I think there are some cute lessons that could be used a supplement to another curriculum.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-19336846659115489232010-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-24T10:00:04.425-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvleAMY2bvEOQROqsqAm_eTto-BeYq4lE2sNmzwZnfU1xcz6geUBO4_RIWvI5U-TkxiPofQ4og0OiTiVAUu7-ly6CrKcdAtuv6LHFeFCcIOoxdFQMPE4vLZs13xpKMehgoEvfqAC3cW7-L/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454527852716220706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvleAMY2bvEOQROqsqAm_eTto-BeYq4lE2sNmzwZnfU1xcz6geUBO4_RIWvI5U-TkxiPofQ4og0OiTiVAUu7-ly6CrKcdAtuv6LHFeFCcIOoxdFQMPE4vLZs13xpKMehgoEvfqAC3cW7-L/s400/IMG_6866.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">... wreath making, and other things... </div><br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div>As I have stated previously, I don't do the complete curriculum thing. I like to find a few good books, then go from there. While this can be a lot more work, it's also a lot more fun. However, sometimes I have a brilliant idea, but I'm not quite sure how to implement it. I ran into this problem while planning Gabby's social studies curriculum for next year. We will be studying countries of the world, and I was wanting a fun way to teach about traditional clothing for various countries. Well inspiration struck at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Micheals</span> Craft store the other day. I was looking for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">scrapbooking</span> supplies when I noticed these 12 inch tall chipboard people. I could see how easy it would be to make clothing out of construction paper for them and we could even draw little faces on them. They were perfect! </div><br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div>Since deciding to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> I have had lots of these little moments were inspiration hits in the most unlikely places. And when they happen, it always reassures me that I made the right decision for our family.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-8044538935664321342010-05-21T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-21T10:00:00.993-07:00Fun Fridays...I have had a few people ask me about what scope & sequence I am using for Gabby, so I decided to just go ahead and add it to my list of recommended sites. <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.worldbook.com/typical_course_of_study.html">www.worldbook.com/typical_course_of_study.html</a> <blockquote></blockquote>I like this one because it's in plain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">English</span>, no legal jargon, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">superfluous</span> words, just simple and to the point. Pretty basic way to know if you child is on track, or if there is something you may need to work on or add.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-48031316465125383102010-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:00:05.396-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X2vXcDubhVuTqN-lhh4wVbxvgobzG4WfP7JzATdMaMjPj_GMK4vVfRYNSGjUIUmaA8K64mWgjz1LQrCCN8oa4aAebWM6tKVUK0_YPst-PylXOfEBO9AOqg6tCs4sj7aaepKhxIdFKLqQ/s1600/IMG_7173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460121911900118338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X2vXcDubhVuTqN-lhh4wVbxvgobzG4WfP7JzATdMaMjPj_GMK4vVfRYNSGjUIUmaA8K64mWgjz1LQrCCN8oa4aAebWM6tKVUK0_YPst-PylXOfEBO9AOqg6tCs4sj7aaepKhxIdFKLqQ/s400/IMG_7173.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">...dancing, and other things... </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>Sometimes I think homeschoolers get caught up in all the books, worksheets, & tests, and forget to schedule in some fun. I know my daughter retains a lot more when I present new ideas in a fun or unique way. Music is a great learning tool. You would be amazed how many things you can learn from a song. My husband can name all the U.S. presidents in order and I can name all the states in alphabetical order in under 20 seconds (I swear it's true) all because of songs we learned when we were little. I have seen songs to teach everything from history, science, math, & language. And if you feel like dancing to your music, I think that counts as P.E. too!</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-8249263226977576402010-05-14T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-14T10:00:01.077-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.notebookingpages.com/">http://www.notebookingpages.com/</a> <blockquote></blockquote>While we don't actually do any of this yet (Gabby hasn't quite mastered reading), I have been looking into notebooking/lapbooking. I think it's a neat idea, and it's similar to the binders I already do for her. This site has some nice print-outs to use for notebooking/lapbooking. I really liked the templates, which I might even use for scrapbooking (but that's what my other blog is about).Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-65663159159038335132010-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:002010-05-12T22:00:02.021-07:00What We're Reading Wednesdays...<em>Inch by Inch</em> <blockquote></blockquote>I got this book and a set of plastic worms to help introduce the concepts of length and measurements. The worms are four different sizes (1, 2, 3, & 4 inches) and come with a guide that suggests different objects kids can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">measure</span> with them. Super cute idea for anyone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">teaching</span> early measuring skills.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-22206790040437653732010-05-10T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-10T10:00:05.000-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x_ROXyhkgL0AGAyTRSUgpfLcHABQdZcDUtwfQ-QFVkkE5aaB_57M4ourKUXhpIf7ETsD7nQRUdvk90nt44L2kzlbfSRZwl34AlS0EZbYiIF0md9QyynUp-Z850X2hQN3AVT9hYKAEJ8O/s1600/museum.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460116626659222130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x_ROXyhkgL0AGAyTRSUgpfLcHABQdZcDUtwfQ-QFVkkE5aaB_57M4ourKUXhpIf7ETsD7nQRUdvk90nt44L2kzlbfSRZwl34AlS0EZbYiIF0md9QyynUp-Z850X2hQN3AVT9hYKAEJ8O/s400/museum.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">... playing in water, and other things... </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>I would just like to say I love to visit children's museums. There are so many great one's all around the U.S. (and I'm sure all around the world, I just haven't visited any outside the U.S.). I love all the programs and hands-on activities they offer. We recently took a mini stay-cation to Chattanooga (just a couple hours away). While there we visited their children's museum which offered all kinds of classes. We took a cooking class in the morning, where we made a carrot salad. In the afternoon we attended an art class, where the kids learned about pastel colors and played with foam rollers. I was a little disappointed that they didn't offer a discount to homeschoolers (most other museums do), but it was still a great experience. So go out and discover museums in your area.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-83750107408494087942010-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-07T10:00:01.555-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.ymiclassroom.com/">www.ymiclassroom.com</a> <blockquote></blockquote>This site has some fun lesson plans that tie-in with companies or products. While most are of questionable educational value, there are some cute worksheets. The movie tie-in activities would be good to use after a family movie night or on a rainy day.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-55777909514468336352010-05-05T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:48:24.759-07:00What We're Reading Wednesdays...<em>The Red Pyramid <blockquote></blockquote></em>Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, has just come out with the first book in The Kane <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chronicles</span>. I loved the Percy Jackson series, it really made Greek mythology come alive. Now his new series will hopefully do the same thing for Egyptian mythology. I love it when you can find books that are both exciting and teach history. It's just a bummer my daughter isn't ready to read them yet, maybe in a couple of years.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-22618323940885317002010-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-03T10:00:03.391-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzeeyhyphenhyphenzt4hSQIKtpBaTubP03bkwqysq60Qrhs7rmuVHLO9ynypMUbnODtaZF8oJltF1dGDofXaGLh4qBSSMr48lI6jQ5Tk12XhBdLS5lyTMnGEg-SbYuoYIRF680_rLBahrvET_ygmm_/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460108789947891154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzeeyhyphenhyphenzt4hSQIKtpBaTubP03bkwqysq60Qrhs7rmuVHLO9ynypMUbnODtaZF8oJltF1dGDofXaGLh4qBSSMr48lI6jQ5Tk12XhBdLS5lyTMnGEg-SbYuoYIRF680_rLBahrvET_ygmm_/s400/IMG_6944.JPG" /></a><br /><div>...using a knife without cutting herself, and other things... <blockquote></blockquote>I don't know how many of you watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, this spring, but let me tell you, it's just another reason to homeschool. School cafeteria food is gross, but when I found out that elementary school kids are no longer allowed to have knives I couldn't believe it. Who ever came up with the idea of waiting till kids are in middle school to learn how to use a knife is a complete moron. I mean no wonder our kids weigh over 100 pounds in elementary school. Of course you are going to get fat if all you eat is finger foods!!! Now we are not talking about sharp knives, just butter knives, plastic butter knives. Seriously, if you kindergartner can't use a butter knife, same on you. My 4 year old not only uses them, she puts them up in the drawer after they are cleaned.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-71911285075874460652010-04-30T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-30T10:00:04.328-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site is... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.seaworld.org/just-for-teachers/guides/index.htm">www.seaworld.org/just-for-teachers/guides/index.htm</a> <blockquote></blockquote>Sea World & Busch Gardens have come up with some pretty neat eductaional workbooks for science/animal studies. Most of them are for sea life and inlcude lots of projects and hands-on activities. A great way to prepare to make the most of a trip to the zoo or aquarium.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-19977029711503783632010-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-28T10:00:03.455-07:00What We're Reading Wednesdays...This week we are reading... <blockquote></blockquote><em>Story Times To Go</em> <blockquote></blockquote>This isn't actually a book, but a kit from our local library (thanks Knox County Libraries). They were designed for schools & daycare facilities, but they allow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschoolers</span> to check them out. Each kit comes with several books, a flannel board, various games/puzzles, and a guide book all relating to a specific theme. The first one we checked out was the Community Helpers kit. It had the cutest puppets that came with it. We have only checked out a couple so far, but are eager to check them all out by the end of the summer.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-3423984691219000572010-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-26T10:00:04.210-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjSg-MIsZKRhWbnNtrenOMK79qbFloAsGjPl8eSuwmVNyeQsqYJ7uJNoiVuc27D0mea0s5Tog1xeaZNk_ou-7bBbnrkssSWe2feY-XRNgGaJLtk_j41wNOxR2iMnjhhuCRjg4MIRJBHz6/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454531070778261826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjSg-MIsZKRhWbnNtrenOMK79qbFloAsGjPl8eSuwmVNyeQsqYJ7uJNoiVuc27D0mea0s5Tog1xeaZNk_ou-7bBbnrkssSWe2feY-XRNgGaJLtk_j41wNOxR2iMnjhhuCRjg4MIRJBHz6/s400/IMG_6805.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">... collecting rocks, and other things... </div><br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div>Those of you who have been looking at our photos every Monday, may be wondering if we ever do anything other than eat and make crafts. I assure you we only do that 80% of the time. We use the other 20 % of our time to sleep, read, and watch Wow Wow Wubbzy. Of course I am joking, but I have noticed that lately I seem to only get the camera out when we are having fun. It is difficult to accurately document your life if you only try to remember the good times. I am going to try to do better at capturing the every day moments (like I did when Gabby was younger). So maybe someday soon, you just might see photos of us reading or studying (which I promise we actually do).</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-50196842684799816402010-04-23T22:00:00.000-07:002010-04-23T22:00:00.431-07:00Fun Fridays...This weeks's site is... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.sbees.blogspot.com/">www.sbees.blogspot.com</a> <blockquote></blockquote>This is a blog from a very entertaining homeschooling mom. On top of her regualr posts, she also has all her curriculum from past years listed, along with guidence on what has & hasn't worked for her family. The site is super cute and cheerful too.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-72594751455039834642010-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:00:01.826-07:00What We're Reading Wednesdays...This week's book... <blockquote></blockquote><em>Skippyjon Jones</em> <blockquote></blockquote>This book and it's sequels are hilarious if read with a Mexican accent (that's how it's supposed to be read, not just some random thing we came up with). Anyways, it's about a Siamese cat who thinks he is a chihuahua. Absolutely adorable.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-30524106069056828412010-04-19T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-19T10:00:02.047-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv8VjPkKQPoLR0lzVk0oL7kIy4QsDKatBINwa-CasAD7BJYov3J3W7vROSo7XMC4IqnRqpnFUyf9ULD_-kJFO2gt1TzVtxIU__36sMlzxq6ajbh_fv3iScuttSIM_dzj42RWWeMibPwOa/s1600/dandy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460095405246412994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv8VjPkKQPoLR0lzVk0oL7kIy4QsDKatBINwa-CasAD7BJYov3J3W7vROSo7XMC4IqnRqpnFUyf9ULD_-kJFO2gt1TzVtxIU__36sMlzxq6ajbh_fv3iScuttSIM_dzj42RWWeMibPwOa/s400/dandy.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">... changing the world, and other things... </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>So I was online this week looking for some fun educational resources when I stumbled upon this site from G.E. (you know the appliance, energy, etc company) and it had lesson plans on energy conservation. So I registered to get the lesson plan, and guess what? They sent me an e-mail this morning saying our school was chosen to receive 100 flower bulbs (daffodils & gladiolas). So now the Finstad Homeschool Coop is being sent a package of 100 bulbs for our school to plant to beautify our community. Funny, huh? So I called up some of my family members and we are going to split them between our houses. It's amazing the resources out there for educators, you just have to be willing to put a little work into finding them. And yes, i do know my picture is of a weed, but I haven't received my flowers yet, so that is all that is growing right now.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-73475796744149271872010-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:00:04.761-07:00Fun Fridays...This week's site is... <blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://www.poissonrouge.com/">www.poissonrouge.com/</a> <blockquote></blockquote>It's an international interactive educational site for kids. Gabby would play on this site for hours on end (if I would let her). She loves the music and the coloring activities. There are also math and foreign language activities on the siteGabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-48578916497190635902010-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-14T10:00:03.128-07:00What We're Reading Wednesdays...This week's book is...<br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><em>Hello Kitty Phonics</em> <blockquote></blockquote>Another adorable book set from our Scholastic Book Club. I wasn't actually sure if I would like these books, but when they arrived I fell in love. They are the most adorable first reader books for little girls. By the way, if you are homeschooling and don't know about the Scholastic Book Clubs, you are seriously missing out. Most books are under $5, and you can find books on every subject. Getting set up is a bit of a hassle (you will need to have your own homeschool group, or be a member of one), but once you get that done, you can order all sorts of books and other resources.Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902194103631495158.post-90277470087010807862010-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:002010-04-12T10:00:03.370-07:00Monday Matters...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CS1jX6d6Byva8Bq-c4anWNqYrHHIl3NJx4ePWBT6YHWBNVmdCxhtQS0XVtC1ZWU9NunXcqZDNVPATykybxT1jG4UuRXGLhybmeCpQsL7_1cmVR4zIcTT3FgyL1T7Vr7TAWkHgaNWe0K1/s1600/IMG_6861.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454527175077470098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CS1jX6d6Byva8Bq-c4anWNqYrHHIl3NJx4ePWBT6YHWBNVmdCxhtQS0XVtC1ZWU9NunXcqZDNVPATykybxT1jG4UuRXGLhybmeCpQsL7_1cmVR4zIcTT3FgyL1T7Vr7TAWkHgaNWe0K1/s400/IMG_6861.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">... becoming the next Picasso, and other things... </div><br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div>I have recently discovered my local library. Now I always knew it was there, but I never really knew everything they offered. A good friend, and fellow homeschooling mother, told me to make friends with the local librarians. And that might have been the best homeschooling advice I ever received. You would not believe the help and assistance I receive when I go in. I walk in and they help me gather every book they can find on whatever subject Gabby & I are interested in at the moment. They also make recommendations based on other things we have already checked out. Recently, I've been checking out all their classic movies (anything with Doris Day). And online book reservation is the best idea ever. I can reserve books for future pick-up dates too. In our area the library also offers a program for preschoolers to receive a book a month for free until they turn 5. Not all of them are great, but most of them are pretty cute. So if you haven't explored your library recently, you really should.</div>Gabby's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04276627655363196213noreply@blogger.com0