The War On Christmas, The Alphabet In Sign Language

Are you tired of turkey yet? I am. I am looking for opinions today, because I am a curious kind of girl. I am looking for opinions on this whole War on Christmas deal. If you don't know what that is, it is something the media came up with to call when people don't say Merry Christmas, but instead Happy Holidays, or Seasons Greetings. Seems the media, and other groups are boycotting stores, and making a fuss, about not saying Merry Christmas. They claim it takes Christ out of Christmas. Hmm, I believe in God, and I do not find this to be true at all. How can saying Seasons Greetings, take Christ out of Christmas? If someone says Happy Holidays I just say, thank you and the same to you. The anger, and outrage it has brought about, surprises me to say the least. So I am wondering how many of you are really offended by this whole thing, and why? Don't worry I won't hold it against you, as long as you do the same for me. This is a free country, with free speech, and freedom of religion, that is why the Pilgrims came here.

We got our sign language book, and of course the alphabet is where you begin. I actually learned sign language many years ago, and find I have picked it up pretty quick. I will try to find videos to go with each section, so those of you who wish to learn, may as well.


Lesson Plans For 12/01/09:

DJ:
Science: Pollination, and Photosynthesis there is a video in the archives for Photosynthesis
Math: Multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division
Sign Language: The alphabet
Language Arts: Prefixes, suffixes, and sensory words
Spelling/Vocab: Use each word in a sentence
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Sequencing: Worksheet
Reading: HOP Pop Fox
Rhymes
Printing Practice
Alphabet Book: Letter I
Math: Bigger vs smaller
Site Words

Calling Walmart, Target, Ebay Sellers, and Toys R US

OK I am getting creative now, in my desire to obtain one Zhu Zhu hamster, before Christmas at the asking price of 8 dollars. I am willing to offer anyone who can get me one, of the said hamsters, free advertising on all three of my blogs for infinity. I do not want to spend more than 8 dollars, I will pay with Paypal, I must have it before Christmas, and the advertising will start when the hamster arrives at my home. This blog is a page rank 3, my jewelry blog is a page rank 2, and my sons writing blog is a page rank 1. It can be banner, or text link, whichever you prefer. I will even post specials, or promos if you would like. I am getting desperate here. I am sure someone has an extra one of these hamsters lying around. If you are interested in this please contact me at darien04@gmail.com for more info.

Lesson Plans For 11/30/09:

DJ and Caitlin advent calendar craft, get it here.

DJ:
Reading: Read chapters 14, and 15 of Little House on the Prairie, with summaries
Arts and crafts: Advent calendar, see above
Writing: Write about your Thanksgiving
Spelling/Vocab: Look up the definition for each word
Language Arts: Suffixes, Prefixes
Math: Problem solving, subtracting zeros
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Pop Fox
Beginning Sounds: Worksheet
Alphabet Book: Letter H finish
Printing Practice
Math: Large and small numbers worksheet
Site Words
Arts and Crafts: Advent calendar, see above for the link

Top Entrecard Droppers For November

Please take a couple of minutes, and check out each of these awesome blogs. These are the top ten viewers of my blog, through Entrecard. Thank you to all of you who visit, and read my blog on a regular basis.

http://businessphereconsulting.com
http://akilakalum.blogspot.com/
http://bigdaddyrichard-swirlingthoughts.blogspot.com
http://all2read.blogspot.com
http://www.smalltownmommy.com
http://www.oneworld-realty.com
http://www.throughtheeyesofdj.blogspot.com
http://melissasjewelryandgems.blogspot.com/
http://www.buckrobin.com


For the second month in a row, http://www.smalltownmommy.com got me the best advertising clicks from her blog to mine, with 73 clicks.

Trans Siberian Orchestra My Favorite Christmas Music

First of all let me say, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did. The one thing I am truly thankful for, is that it is only once a year. That is a lot of cooking, cleaning, and work for a few minutes of eating with family, and friends. I would think takeout would work just as well. The weather was marvelous, and we spent a lot of the day outside, sitting in the sun. Except for the men, who of course watched football. Now we move into my favorite time of the year, Christmas. I love all parts of Christmas. The hustle and bustle, the shopping, the religious meaning, as well as the secular meaning. I love the feeling Christmas gives me, and so many others as well. This year so many people are out of work, and will not be able to afford Christmas. Now I know Christmas is not really about Santa, and gifts, but the three Wise Men, did bring gifts to the baby Jesus. If you can give even a few dollars to your local charity to help a child get a gift, that would be awesome. There is also Shaq gives back for Toys for Tots, sponsored at Toys R Us, and in most retail stores. Every year we do the program for the Guardian Ad Lidem program here in Florida, for kids in the foster care system. I also donate to the food pantry, and Another Way, which is a program for battered women, and children. I am a huge Shaq fan. If you don't know who Shaq is, he is a basketball superstar, but he also is supportive of charities, and those in need. Many of you probably heard the awful story of the mother in NC who sold her five year old daughter into prostitution, and the man killed her. Shaq heard the story on the news, and has paid for the complete funeral for this poor child, that even her own mother would not protect. Thanks Shaq for helping this poor child, to rest in peace. I got a little off track there, sorry. I was supposed to be telling you about my all time favorite Christmas song band. The Trans Siberian Orchestra is amazing. If you have never heard their music, watch the video below. I think you will love it as much as I do. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Thanksgiving Comments - Myspace Comments

How To Cook The Perfect Turkey, My Favorite Thanksgiving Special

How To Set A Formal Dinner Table

Now, I am not this fancy, but my mother used to always follow these rules for setting a dinner table. My husband, and I are way less formal than any of this, but it is nice to know how to do it, should the President ever come visit. If you would like to learn how to set a formal dinner table, for your Thanksgiving meal, watch the video, and learn.

Some Of Natures Finest

Since I have no lesson plans to share this week, we are doing review, I want to share some of my favorite nature videos that have been saved to my Youtube account, for some time. I hope you enjoy them, as much as my kids, and I do.

Easy Thanksgiving Treats, 100 Books Every High School Child Should Read

Since we only have two days of school this week, we will be doing all review, of information already learned. We also have the History of Thanksgiving, from the History channel set to record tonight at 7. Be sure to Tivo it, if you want to use it for school. This link was sent to me by Amber. It is 100 books every high schooled child should read, and you can view it here. Thank you, Amber for the list. Below is three recipes for cute, yet simple Thanksgiving treats. Click the image to enlarge, and print the directions. I have been saving these to share, since last year. Let me know if you try any of them, and how simple they are. The little hats look simple enough, for even me. I can not do complicated baking so well.

Simple Saturday Maple Butter For Your Thanksgiving Turkey

This is probably the fastest, and shortest post I have ever done LOL. Please remember to enter the contest for a free Sylvan First Grade workbook. See the top of the blog for details. You do not have to homeschool to enter.

Last year I had a lot of people ask how we made the maple butter, that we put on our turkey. I do not think I ever posted it. It is so simple, and the flavor goes all the way through your turkey. You will love it.

You will need 4 sticks of butter, no margarine, it has to be butter. One bottle of pure maple syrup, about 7 dollars per bottle. Melt the butter, add the syrup, then bring it to a boil. Let it boil gently, until it reduces down 1/3 of what you began with. This takes approximately 45 minutes, to one hour. Be sure to watch it, and stir occasionally. Then remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, put in a container, and refrigerate until needed. Let me know if you try it, and if you loved it.

Fun Friday The Letter H: The Heart

Yes, it is Fun Friday again, and we are up to the letter H, in our A-Z meme. Being someone who homeschools, and a nurse, I thought a post on the heart would be fitting. The two videos below are great, so be sure to check them out. If you have a microscope, prick your finger, and put a drop on a bandaide, let it dry, and then place it under the microscope. It is amazing what you will see.

Your heart is about the size, of a closed fist. It has thick muscular walls, and is divided in two by the septum. There are four chambers, of the heart, two on each side. The upper chambers, called the atrium, receives blood coming in from the veins, or returning to the heart. While the lower chambers, called ventricles, push the blood out to the rest of the body through the Aorta. There are valves in the heart, to be sure your blood always travels in one direction, with no backwards flow. You can feel the blood pumping through your body, by feeling your pulse. The most popular pulse point, is located at the wrist. Place two, or three fingers, lightly on the thumb side of your hand, with your palm up, and you will feel your pulse. It feels like a tiny impulse on your finger tips.

Of course this is a very simplified version of the heart. It is actually a very complex, yet wonderful system, that keeps us all alive. Take care of your heart, and avoid stress, exercise if you can, watch cholesterol, and fat intake, and your heart will keep you healthy for a long time. If you have heart disease already, or someone in your family does, I highly recommend CPR for you and family members. CPR is simple to learn, and it can save the life of someone you love.

The Senses Song, Crocs, Hamsters, and A Turkey Craft, Multiplying Two Numbers

Tomorrow is test day, so I get to post whatever I want today, and this is what I want to post. Click the image of the turkey, and your little ones can make this cute Turkey craft. I still have no hamster, and quite frankly Walmart is irritating me, again. It has been two weeks, Saturday, since this all began. I somehow doubt it takes two weeks to transport hamsters, that were due two Tuesdays ago. I call them every day, and every day they assure me, I will get mine.

On a better note, if you love Crocs, you know those overly ugly shoes, that are oh so comfortable, they are having a huge sale this week. Mostly sports logos Crocs, are marked down to 9.99, kids, and adults. I bought four pairs, as Christmas gifts. If you love them, or have someone in your family who does, do not miss the awesome sale at Crocs website.

Today for Health class we are finishing up the senses. I found this cute song, for kids to learn the senses, and another informational video, to help kids remember. These are geared more towards young learners. We are also just starting to learn multiplying two numbers. The short video below will show your learners, an easy way to remember how to do it. They also have a website, which is all video related learning, and if your child needs extra help in math, check it out. I thought it was kind of expensive, but I probably would not if I needed the tutoring help.

Colonial America, 13 Colonies

We had a lovely day, at the park, this morning. So I only have time for a quick post. Check out the videos below, covering Colonial America the 13 colonies.

Lesson Plans For 11/19/09:

DJ:
Health: The senses, smell, and taste
Language Arts: Prefixes, suffixes, abbreviations
Math: Division, multiplication, problem solving
Cursive Writings
Spelling/Vocab: Write each definition two times each

Caitlin:
Health: The senses
Reading: HOP Rag Gets Wet
Alphabet Book: Letter H
Site words
Math: Adding
Picture Word Identification: Worksheet

Learn To Draw A Turkey, Kindergarten Turkey Craft

Tomorrow we have a playdate at the park from 10-12 AM. We are still concentrating on Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out the video on how to draw a turkey. The kid in the video makes it look easy. DJ will be giving it a try tomorrow. Caitlin will do the turkey craft. Just click on the images to print them. Color the feathers, and turkey, then cut and paste them on. Voila lovely free decor. Ever wondered about the history of Thanksgiving? The History Channel is having a special episode on November 22nd at 7/6 central. Be sure to Tivo it. Here is the full explanation, with links for curriculum.

The History of Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 22nd at 7/6c

Turkey dinners, footballs and parades--these are the modern-day trappings of the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. But Thanksgiving is more than just a day of food and festivity. This documentary traces the history of Thanksgiving, from early festivals and rituals of thanks, through the establishment of the Thanksgiving holiday, to the feasts Americans celebrate today. The History of Thanksgiving explores different tales of the Thanksgiving holiday, examining how and why the story of the Pilgrims sharing bounty with Native Americans became the symbol of Thanksgiving. Using primary sources, expert historians and authentic reenactments, this program untangles Thanksgiving myths and recounts the story of how it became recognized as a federal holiday. Students will gain new historical insights into this popular holiday, and will have an opportunity to discuss its meaning and significance in our society today.

Curriculum Links:
The History of Thanksgiving would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture and Native American History. It is appropriate for elementary school, middle school and high school. It fulfills the following standards as outlined by the National Council for History Education: 1) Civilization, cultural diffusion and innovation, and 2) Patterns of social and political interaction.

More from History.com:
Visit the Thanksgiving website

What was on the menu on the first Thanksgiving? Find out.

Videos:
History of Thanksgiving

Discover the origins of the Turducken

Plant Nutrition, Suffix and Prefix Song

Below are two cool, and easy to follow videos to help your kids learn about plant nutrition, and prefixes/suffixes. I think we can all say grammar is one of the hardest things to learn. There are so many rules, and variations, with so much to remember. I love these catchy tunes, they help kids to remember what they learn, just a little bit easier. No Zhu Zhu hamster yet, by the way, still in transit Grrr. By the way my plant nutrition lesson plan came from Instructor Web. For 30 dollars, you get full access to all their lesson plans.


Lesson Plans For 11/17/09:

DJ:
Science: Plant nutrition, digestion- see the video in my archives
Grossology: 30 minutes- Forest Rot
Language Arts: Prefixes, suffixes, sensory words
Math: Multiplication, addition, subtract zeros- see video in my archives
Spelling/Vocab: Write each word 3x each
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Science: Digestion
Grossology
Reading: HOP Hippo Gets A Pet
Alphabet Book: Letter G
Site Words
Math: Adding
Picture Word Identify: worksheet

Moon Sand Amusement Park

If you have a five year old child, like mine, that sees the commercials for Moon Sand, and says I want that. If you are anything like me, you think no, I am not spending 25 dollars, on a toy full of sand. But you can now get it for 12.50 at Target. Yes, I did buy one, it came the other day, and I hope I will not be kicking myself by New Years. Walmart still has these for 25 dollars, so you can get 50% off at Target.




Lesson Plans For 11/16/09:

DJ:
Reading: Read chapters 9 and 10, of Little House on the Prairie, with summaries
Cursive Writing
Writing: See DJ's blog
Spelling/Vocab: Look up the definition for each word
Language Arts: Suffixes, prefixes
Math: Addition, subtraction, problem solving


Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Hippo Gets A Pet
Alphabet Book: Letter F
Math: Addition
Printing Practice
Cleaning Up: Recycling WS
Picture word identify: WS

Zhu Zhu Pets Update, Good Sales, Make A Balloon Cornucopia

If you like to be creative, and make interesting things, then you have to try the balloon cornucopia, in the video below. He shows you step by step how to do it. I thought it was cool, so I had to share it with all of you. I might give this a try, haven't decided yet.

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I decided every day to share a special deal, that I have found. Target has some awesome deals right now. Like this Kitty keyboard, with microphone. Originally 29.99, now 19.99, this is a big savings. If you live near a Target you could maybe get it there, and save on shipping. These are not paid posts, nor do I get any kind of commission, or kick back. Just me helping you all get some good deals. I spend a lot of time on these sites, mostly because I am always looking for those stupid Zhu Zhu hamsters.

That leads me to the next topic, the hamsters. I was at Toys R Us website, shopping the other day. They did not have any hamsters, but I did get some other great items. Anyway, we had friends in Toys R Us, in the mall today, and called me excited because they found the hamsters. Bummer, but no it was not true, just the house, and accessories. So they asked the manager, where were the hamsters. They said they would not be releasing them until Black Friday. Great another store, willing to let people fight, and possibly get injured, over these stupid hamsters, for a one day sale. Ugh I can't stand it. Anyway, if you need a Zhu Zhu pet hamster, Toys R Us said they will have them on Black Friday. So have your boxing gloves on, your cup, and retainer in place, and get there by 2 AM, good luck, it won't be me. My local Walmart still says my Zhu Zhu pet is in transit, it has been 7 days, really it takes that long. They swear they have my name, and number plastered all over the managers wall, and I will be called as soon as my hamster is there. Hmm will it be before Black Friday, I wonder. They also said they have 200 hamsters coming in, on the mystery transit delivery. We call every day, just to remind them, I am still lurking in the shadows. They pretty much know my husband's voice by now LOL. Hopefully this week.

Grossology All Things Gross

Welcome to Fun Friday, at Blogging For Fun. We are on the letter G, for Grossology. What is Grossology? Actually it is a TV show on Discovery Kids, featuring all things gross, and how they work. I did not know it was a TV show, and I must find it, to save episodes for my kids to watch. They recently had an exhibit, here in Florida. We didn't get to it, but I hope they will come again.

If you want to check out the show, they have puzzles, and games as well, go to Discovery Kids.
There is also a Grossology website, where you can find all kinds of gross facts. Like today's gross fact of the day: If you squeezed out all the bacteria from your intestines, you could almost fill up a coffee cup! Ugh, now that really is gross. If you love gross stuff, your kids love gross stuff, or you just want some cool Science ideas, then you must go there. Be sure to check out their recipe page. You can make fake blood, snot, farts, wounds, and blood soup. Yum I am starving now. Click the research gross button, to type in the keyword of the gross thing, you are just dying to know about. Below is a clip from the Discovery Kids Show, Grossology. If you have Discovery Kids, be sure to look for it.

Nothing Exciting Today!

I am sorry to say I have nothing exciting going on in my life today. Tomorrow is test day, read chapters 7 and 8, of Little House on the Prairie with summary, writing Letter G. That is pretty much it. So I guess you will have to look at this cute picture of my daughter riding a pony at the circus. I am now putting pictures on my blogs, because I had an awful virus that wiped out almost my whole hard drive. I lost all my pictures, I really should print them more than once a year. Anyway if I put them on my blogs, and my computer goes down, I still have access to my pictures. Clever, if you ask me, but maybe not. I am still waiting for my hamster. Assistant manager called me yesterday, to say they are still in transit, and he is off the next three days. He assured me that my name was everywhere, and everyone knew I was to get a hamster as soon as they came. So, I still wait. Well that is pretty much it for today, sorry it was so unexciting. Have a great day!

Oh I almost forgot I do have the third book of The Pilgrim Stories, go here to get yours http://homeschoolfreebies.s3.amazonaws.com/PilgrimStoriesIII-LittlePilgrimsAndTheRedMen.pdf

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter. I don't keep them all, but there is something for everyone.

School House Rock Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs

So what did you do this Veteran's Day? Me, not what I planned. I have not gotten hardly anything done. So far today I walked down to see the parade, only for it to rain, and then to find out public school kids had school today. What is up with that? So no little kids actually got to see the parade, collect the candy, or wave to Santa. What is up with that? So after walking back home, I promptly sent an email to the Chamber of Commerce telling them how dumb I thought that was, that public school kids did not even get to see the parade. It didn't actually have to be on Veteran's Day you know. Last time I checked Veteran's Day was a Federal Holiday. What is going on, anyway? The high school kids, and middle school kids, were allowed out to the street to see the parade, yeah they care about Santa, how dumb. I still have not gotten my promised hamster, from my local Walmart, though they do all know my name now, and even pronounce it right. The manager called me again today, while I was walking in the rain to the parade, to tell me they are still in transit, and my name is plastered all over the walls letting everyone know I am to get one as soon as they come in. Who knew one little letter to Walmart headquarters could get me so well known. Now my husband is trying not to fall off the ladder, it is raining after all, putting up Christmas lights. Please don't ask, the tree is going up today too. At least I got him to go past Columbus Day this year. For all of you whom your kids hate learning Language Arts, otherwise known as Grammar, here are some cool videos to help. For those of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's you know who School House Rock is, my kids love these, and if they listen to it enough, they actually remember what they hear. Your kids can watch them as many times as they want, and you will see improvement, I promise. I hope you are having a Veteran's Day, as interesting as mine. I didn't even mention the Confederate Flag, that was plastered all over. I guess I just won't go there. I did say I am not from the South, right?

Happy Veterans Day, Book Two Of Pilgrim Stories

If you got book one yesterday, be sure to go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day, to get book two of Pilgrim Stories http://www.wholesomechildhood.com/Nov09/11.html Yesterday I had said I was going to use these stories, next week added into our curriculum. I am not sure if that is possible, each is almost 100 pages long. That is difficult to squeeze in, to an already made curriculum. If not I will save them for next year, for sure. Take a quick minute today, and thank some Vets. Without them, we wouldn't have the freedoms we so enjoy, and fight for.



Veterans Day Comments
Myspace Comments

Eat Free At Applebees, Part One Pilgrim Story

I was just thinking too bad today is not Wednesday, so I could join Anne, at Small Town Mommy, for what the hell Wednesday. I have a lot I could gripe about. Oh well if they are still here tomorrow maybe I will join in. I am sure if anyone has read the past few days, my one gripe is the stupid hamster I have been promised. It is now 11:44 AM, and the nice Walmart manager that called me yesterday, and promised I would have a hamster today, has still not called me. Not happy, am I. He has til 4 PM, and my magical fingers, shall write another letter.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so be sure to thank the Vets. We will be going down to our small town parade. We have not gone in previous years, so I will let you know how that goes. Applebees is offering Vets, and active duty military, to eat free on Veteran's Day. I think this is so nice of them, that I even made a post about it.

We have no school tomorrow, but I would like to share this lovely pilgrim story. It is 3 parts, so I will be posting the other two parts, in the next few days. If you want to get all these freebies too, go to http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/ and sign up for the free newsletter, and they will send them to you automatically. We will be using the three part story, next week, in our lesson plans.

Update On Zhu Zhu Pets, and Walmart, Seed Dispersal, Tropical Storm Ida

If you read my post yesterday, then you know I am totally mad at Walmart. I spent a good part of the day yesterday calling other Walmarts to see why I was unable to buy the ones on the shelf. In the end I found out they were to be released for sale at midnight, of the day I was in the store, but some ninny put them on the shelf before hand. All five of them. So when I talked to the 1-800-Walmart person today, and asked them why the store either didn't know, or just didn't tell me to come back at midnight, and I could buy one? He did not have an answer, what a surprise. So I filed a complaint against the store, for having merchandise on the shelf, that was not available to purchase. I said I wanted to be contacted when it had been reviewed, and a solution reached. Then I called the local store back to see if they had in stock. The toy manager of course said no, and did not know when he would get them, been trying for months. I said hmm they just had them the other day, and I was told I could not purchase them, again big dead space with no explanations. So yet again, I wait. I bought the starter house, two months ago, and not been able to find one stupid hamster for the price of 8 dollars, the correct price, but I could pay 30 dollars, for one hamster, yeah right that might happen. I really would like to know why Walmart, and other stores allowed people to buy large quantities of these hamsters, only to price gouge those of us who want them on Ebay. So I went to Target, and though they do not have any in stock, they did have a email alert system, I signed up for. So when they are available to purchase on Target, online, I will hopefully get one. Why could Walmart not simply offer that? I am assuming, and accusing that their staff are being unprofessional and buying them up for themselves, and that is just not right. I will keep you posted on how this whole, crazy thing ends up. In the mean time if you have no idea what a Zhu Zhu pet is, you can watch the video. In my opinion it is by far the dumbest toy ever, though I suppose better than having a real hamster running around, oh yuck. Oh yeah just to make my week better Hurricane Ida, now Tropical Storm Ida, is making a beeline for the Florida Coast. If I lose power, I may not be online for a bit.

Lesson Plans For 11/10/09: Half Day

DJ:
Science: Seed dispersal, see video below, and Plant Process
Social Studies: Thanksgiving
Vocab/Spelling: Write each word three times each
Math: Multiplication, addition, subtraction
Language Arts: Suffixes, prefixes
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Social Studies: Thanksgiving
Reading: HOP review books read so far
Printing Practice
Good Eating: Worksheet
Site Words
Math: Adding to ten

Outraged At Walmart

Over two months ago I purchase a ZhuZhu pets hamster house, as a gift. I have been trying to get the hamsters ever since. You don't have them available online, and Ebay is selling them for almost four times as much. Yesterday, I was in my Chiefland, FL Walmart, and they had five in stock. I took two, and at cash out was told I could not purchase them because they had been recalled. I searched this, and not only is it untrue, but I found out Walmart put the hold on them for Black Friday. I am outraged by this. Not only do I not shop on Black Friday, I don't have any intentions of fighting with a bunch of crazy people over a toy hamster. I spend over 600 dollars a month at my local Walmart store. I need only one stupid hamster, I think you could be willing to help.

Not what I intended to post today, but I am completely p*****. They will not sell these stupid hamsters, waiting for Black Friday. I have contacted the store manager, and am now taking it all the way to the top of the Walmart command. This is the letter I sent to their complaint address, and I will be calling their main number, until I get a respectable answer.

Best Blog Award, Many Thanks To Wiggy

I was given an award from Wiggy, over at Wiggy's World. He has given me the Best Blog Award. I get to give this award to 15 of my favorite blogs. This is always hard for me, because there are so many that I love to read. Below are my 15 people nominated for this award. In order for them to accept, they must:

• Copy and save the award

• Make a post in your blog (like this one and write in your own words)

• In your post, mention the name of the blogger who awarded you and his/her blog link/URL

• Please do leave a comment in this post

http://cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.blogspot.com/
http://leomarsden.com/
http://www.themain-ingredient.info/
http://www.salitypesociety.com/
http://www.thecraftista.com/
http://www.smalltownmommy.com/
http://cornys-moneypage.blogspot.com/
http://www.theworkfromhomemother.com/
http://heathenhomeschoolers.com/
http://fine-phonics.blogspot.com/
http://homeschoolhangoutzone.blogspot.com/
http://www.dougsmissoulablog.com/
http://jmtcents.blogspot.com/
http://kitchenretro.blogspot.com/
http://selfesteemblogforwomen.blogspot.com/


Congrats to all these awesome blogs.

Fun Friday F Is For Fingers

Welcome to Fun Friday, with our Blogging For Fun Group. We are doing an A-Z challenge, and today is the letter F. Here at Melissa's Homeschool, we are studying the five senses. Of course one of the senses is touch. We all need touch to survive. Statistics have shown that very small babies, and the elderly who get no tactile stimulation, very often fail to thrive, and do very poorly in general.

So what can we do with our fingers, besides touch. Sign language, is one example of how people can use their fingers. Sign language is used for the hearing impaired, as well for children with learning disabilities, or speech problems. Basic sign language is not difficult to learn, and can be very useful in every day life. DJ, and Caitlin have decided they wish to give up Spanish, and learn Sign Language. If I had the time, I would do both, but there simply is not enough time. I used Paper Back Swap to get a free copy of American Sign Language instruction book. I hope to have it by next week.

Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Raikee, are all examples of how the fingers, hands, and sense of touch are used in helping the sick. Way back, when I lived in NY, and did not have kids, I took a class on Therapeutic Touch, and was able to use it in my field of work. It is amazing the charged energy you feel, when you both get, and give Therapeutic Touch. This is much different than massage, as you really do not touch the body, but use your hands to draw out the energy of a person. If you have never experienced it, you should find someone who can do it, it is pretty neat.

The blind have learned to use their hands, for thousands of years, to feel their surroundings. It is amazing what they can tell, just by touch, as to what we can see with our eyes. The use their fingers to learn Braille, for reading.

Those are just some amazing things about fingers, and the sense of touch. Happy blogging, everyone.

Contest Win A 1st Grade Sylvan Language Arts Workbook

First of all let me apologize to those of you who I told this would start a few days ago. My senility got the better of me this week. I had a guest blogger on Monday, and completely forgot to post the contest. This contest runs from 11/05/09 to 12/05/09, and is for a Sylvan 1st grade Language Arts workbook. This particular workbook retails for 18.99 on the Sylvan website, so it is a great offer. You get a three subject in one workbook. You get reading, vocabulary, and spelling, all in one book. So what do I think of this workbook? Well I will tell you. In the Spring, Sylvan contacted me for the first time, with a fourth grade set of workbooks to give to one of my readers, as well as a set for me. DJ is using the fourth grade set right now, and I love it. It is not a complete language arts curriculum, I do use supplemental material. However, the spelling, and vocabulary words have been a wonderful challenge for him. They are quite extensive for his age group. I also like the writing prompts at the back of the work book. So that gets me to the 1st grade book. Sylvan again contacted me, and asked me if I would be interested in sponsoring another give away. Of course I said yes. This time I picked the 1st grade Language Arts book, which Caitlin will use next year. Now this one I can say is 300 pages long, and appears to be a complete Language Arts curriculum, for first graders. It is also awesome for the child who may be behind a little bit, needs to catch up, or wants to get ahead of their class mates. There are various activities, that teach reading skills, spelling, and vocabulary.

Now how do you win this awesome workbook?
1- You must have a child that needs the workbook. It can be your own child, a grandchild, or niece, nephew. Please do not enter, if you do not personally have a child that needs it.

2- You must live in the US, with a US mailing address.

3- You must contact me via email, at darien04@gmail.com and tell me the child's name, mailing address, and what they will be using it for.

4- If you have a blog, I would much appreciate you posting the contest on your blog. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but if you do have a blog, this would be very much appreciated.

That is it, pretty easy, and self explanatory. This will be placed at the top of all my blogs until December 5th, at 8 AM. All names will be put in a hat, and one of my children will draw the winner out.

Fire Safety and Prevention For Kids

This whole week, is fire safety, and prevention here at Melissa's Homeschool. My kids got a kick out of Dan Doofus last year, so I am posting them again this year. We actually do fire week, a few times through the school year. Yes, we actually set off the alarm, block exits, and create various scenarios. Let your kids watch Dan Doofus, and learn about fire safey, and prevention. I think this year, I will teach DJ, towards the end of the year, how to use the fire extinguisher.

Lesson Plans For 11/05/09:

DJ:
Health: Fire Safety, the ear, if you want this lesson it is last Fridays post
Language Arts: Verbs, suffixes, prefixes, exact verbs
Math: Addition, multiplication, division
Spelling/Vocab: Write each word two times each
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Health: The Ear, Fire Safety
More or less: Worksheet
Math: Adding to ten worksheet
Alphabet book: Letter C
Printing Practice
Reading: HOP Tub Fun
Site Words

Parts Of A Plant

Yesterday I had a guest blogger, so I didn't get to post any lesson plans. If you home school, check out the post, it is very good.


Lesson Plans For 11/03/09:

DJ:
Science: Animal classifications review, Parts of a plant. Check out these two cool websites, to help your little one learn the parts of plants http://www.botanical-online.com/lasplantasangles.htm, http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/parts.html
Language Arts: Verbs, adverbs, prefixes
Cursive writing
Spelling/Vocab: Look up the definition for each word
Math: Subtract with zeros, addition, word problems

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Tub Fun
Math: Animal counting
Printing practice
Alphabet book: Letter A, see below
Site words
Spider web craft: Cutting and pasting exercise
Emotions: Worksheet

Lesson Plans for 11/04/09:

DJ:
Social Studies: Thanksgiving, pilgrims, the Mayflower see video below
Language Arts: Verbs, prefixes, exact nouns
Cursive writing
Spelling/Vocab: Write each spelling word two times each
Math: Multiplication, division, subtraction

Caitlin:
Social Studies: Thanksgiving, pilgrims, the Mayflower
Reading: HOP Tub Fun
Math: Adding to ten worksheet
Printing Practice
Alphabet Book: Letter B
Site words
Opposites: Worksheet

Caitlin has completed all the letter worksheets, and is now making the alphabet book. To do this take the worksheets, and glue them to a piece of construction paper, then find, and paste other things that start with the letter A. The child should do this with help from the teacher/parent. Once the book is completely assembled, you can use it for phonics, letter identification, word association, etc.

10 Things You Must Do to Prepare for College after Homeschool

This is a guest blogger post. Tomorrow will have the contest, and two days of lesson plans posted. Have a great Monday, everyone.

It’s a big step in your life; in fact, it’s a giant leap if you’ve never been away from home for a long period of time. But going to college is a momentous experience, one that will remain in your mind throughout your life. It’s not something that you can decide on the spur of the moment; rather, it is a decision that has to be thought about a few years before it’s time for you to actually choose a major. And when you’ve been homeschooled all your life, your preparations are going to be a little different.

No matter what people tell you, homeschoolers are accepted into good colleges and are able to cope just as well as, if not better, than other students who have taken the traditional schooling route. All you need to do is be prepared:

1. Ensure that your homeschool transcripts are accurate, organized and up to date.
2. Prepare to take the GED exams and the SAT or the ACT. While most colleges require homeschooled students to take the GED, you must prepare and sit for the SAT or ACT as well. If your scores are low, take the test again so that you have a decent chance of getting into the college of your choice.
3. Take great care in preparing your portfolio which should include copies of your high school grades, academic certificates, and any other achievements and awards that you think is relevant to the college admission process. Include your GED, SAT/ACT score sheets in this file as well. Make several copies of this dossier, one for each college you hope to apply to.
4. Start researching colleges early enough, preferably when you’re in your first year of high school. Check if they offer the programs and subjects that you wish to study and do some homework on the application process. Also find out the average GPA and test scores of people who are generally accepted into their programs so you can prepare accordingly. Some colleges require you to take SAT II papers, so check out the requirements well in advance.
5. If you want to qualify for federal assistance, fill out the FAFSA form at the earliest so that your chances of securing a loan are high. FAFSA filings are usually done between January and March every year.
6. Besides this, you need to check out other scholarships and grants that are available for college students and apply to those that you qualify for. Begin this search process as early as possible so that you don’t miss out on any opportunity. College is expensive, so the more free money you get, the less you have to depend on a loan.
7. If you need a loan for your tuition fees, ask around and apply for one that has a decent interest rate, one that you could preferably lock in to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.
8. Besides this administrative and academic preparation, you need to prepare yourself mentally for going away from home to a place where you hardly know anyone. It is going to be hard at first, but if you are prepared and focused on your education, if you are willing to open up to the possibility of making friends and a new life for yourself, you should be able to manage.
9. If accommodation is not available on campus, find a good place to stay before term starts.
10. Don’t pack all your belongings when going to college; create a checklist of what you may need by talking to other students in your locality and take only the absolute essentials. If you need anything else, you could take them back when you come home to visit.

College is a wonderful experience, so make sure you are prepared to face it head on.

By-line:

This post was written by Michelle Young, who regularly writes on the topic of online accredited degree . She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: michelle.young1@rediffmail.com

Lots Of Thank You's And A Winner

First I must thank everyone who donated to my Feed the Needy campaign. You can see all of them by checking my Kindness Hall of Fame, at the top of this blog. I am proud to announce the winner of the Pink Zircon ring, is Betchai. Betchai has entered several of my jewelry give aways, but never been lucky enough to win. This morning Caitlin drew her name from the pumpkin. Congrats betchai, please email me your mailing address at melissaruede@yahoo.com so I can mail your lovely ring to you. I raised 45 dollars for the hungry, and it will be donated to the local church, that runs the food program, for the hungry. I will post receipts as soon as I get it to them.

Now on to my top Entrecard droppers. Every month, I thank them, for visiting this blog. I would also like to thank the members of my Blogging For Fun group, and all others who visit, and read this blog.

http://junezach.khrye.com
http://akilakalum.blogspot.com/
http://businessphereconsulting.com
http://melissasjewelryandgems.blogspot.com/
http://www.oneworld-realty.com
http://bigdaddyrichard-swirlingthoughts.blogspot.com
http://www.throughtheeyesofdj.blogspot.com
http://www.motherbydesign.com/blog
http://tiaravanzach.blogspot.com
http://cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.blogspot.com


If you have a minute, please visit each of these great blogs. Tomorrow we have no school. We have a playdate at the park, from 10-12. Tomorrow will start a new contest, for 1st grade learners. Have a great Sunday, everyone.