My Top Entrecard Droppers

I am bored with the same old thing, so this month I am posting my top Entrecard advertisers. These are the sites I purchased advertising on, and got the best results. I have been using Entrecard, since I started this blog. It is a great, free way to get traffic to your blog. You visit a blog, and in return you get credits. You can then use your credits to purchase ads on other blogs in the system, and there are thousands to choose from. If you don't have Entrecard, you might want to try it.

http://connectwithyourteens.blogspot.com/ 26 visits
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles 24 visits
http://cornys-moneypage.blogspot.com 23 visits
http://www.mykidsaremyworld.com 16 visits
http://www.laaneworld.com 12 visits
http://www.dougsmissoulablog.com 11 visits
http://www.tipsandexperience.com/ 8 visits
http://life-accordingtochristopher.dlpeters.com/ 6 visits
http://melissasjewelryandgems.blogspot.com/ 6 visits
http://justonlinereviewer.blogspot.com/ 6 visits

More Phonics Fun. Itsy Bitsy Spider

More phonics fun, for your little ones to enjoy.

Fun Friday The Letter O: Orion

It is Fun Friday again, at our Blogging For Fun group. We are up to the letter O, in our A-Z meme. Every week I can not decide what I want to do, sometimes right up to the day it is due. Unfortunately this is an old habit from my school days. Essays, and reports were very often done at the last minute, because I could never decide what I wanted to do. I don't do well with too many options LOL. At any rate, I have blogged before how I have already started looking for the books I want for next year homeschooling. One of the books I got is a constellation book. We have been doing space, but in a hit or miss kind of fashion. Fifth grade we go into a lot more detail. Any way this book is cool, because it shows the constellations, but they glow in the dark. So when you take it outside to look in the sky, you can see them glowing in the book. Orion, The Hunter, is one of the constellations you can only see in the winter months, because it is blocked by the glare of the sun, in the summer. The video below is really, really cool, and short which always works for me LOL. You can see it best in the early evening, like when it is first getting dark, in the southern sky. I think Orion is the easiest constellation to find, though some people say the Big Dipper is. I personally love to learn about Space, it is so fascinating. No I didn't take the picture, but isn't it lovely? I hope everyone has a great Fun Friday! Thank you to all of you who participate each week.

Barefoot Books For Your Children Or Grandchildren

I do not normally endorse a product, or even sell a product. Sales is not really my thing. However, working from home is something I am always looking to do. Not all things can fit my needed schedule, or are products/services I would offer to anyone I know, or love. I am very picky about what I would recommend to others. I found a website called Barefoot Books, and it allows me to sell these award winning childrens books, from my home. Now I do not actually own any, yet, but I did just buy my own first set for my own kids. I hope they will be as wonderful as they look, and sound. They are based on family values, morals, and good teaching concepts. The video below, is a video that explains the Barefoot Story. I think you will find it interesting. They offer music CD's, DVD's, gift sets, and of course books. They are currently having a sale, but it does end soon, so be sure to check them out, and don't miss the great deals. Don't worry I will post again about them, in case you miss this one. Click the sale banner below, to be taken to the store and shop. The other banner, is if you are interested in selling Barefoot Books too. Oh, and by the way, in case you are wondering yes it does appear that they ship international, not just the US. Matter of fact their home company is in England. Thank you so much, to any of you who decide to give these books a try. I think you, and your kids, will be very happy.

Build A Bear, Strangers, Dictionaries

Since I have been up since 4 AM, and I am very irritable when I don't get enough sleep, my post might sound irritable to some of you. First why 4 AM, it wasn't on purpose I assure you. My husband's job called to say they were out of juice. Despite the fact that I sleep with ear plugs so I don't hear annoying noises, like the phone, my mixed up ears hear the phone anyway. I can not figure out why I was blessed with super human hearing, but I wish I was not. My husband says I am just crazy. I am sure it is way more complicated than that. So then I can not fall back to sleep of course.

Irritation number two: why should a five year old be able to beat me at a game as dumb as Build A Bear Workshop? This seems entirely unfair, since it really is quite simple. And no I do not let her win on purpose. Then I get you know what you say mom, practice makes perfect, and you don't practice enough. That is alright I will just ground you from it for two months, and then we will be on the same level Ha!

Irritation number three: A California school has removed all dictionaries from their school due to them being too dirty. OK now I will admit I am very conservative when it comes to teaching sex ed to kids that are too young to need to know, or understand. However, a child was not caught looking up dirty words, a mother was looking up dirty words, and in fact found said words, and then pitched a fit. First of all what schools even use dictionaries anymore? In this age of technology, I didn't even know anyone had one anywhere. Second of all kids are curious about sex, and just about anything else. Would you rather they look it up and find the answer or ask their friends, experiment with others, watch porn, or maybe read it? Third and this is my main point, it is my understanding that most kids have access to internet, cell phones, chat lines, social networks, should I go on? If you do not know what goes on relating to sex, on all of these things I just listed, then you have no right complaining about a dictionary. Please wake up, and know what your kids really do, and do not have access to. If you really do not want them to know dirty words, or about sex, then you might wish to put them in a closet until they are 18. If my kids ask me a question about sex, I tell them in an age appropriate answer. You see I wrote age appropriate. You can educate your kids about love, sex, protection, pregnancy, diseases, and all the others, and then they might not turn to all these other resources to find out. Oh, and don't let me forget the school bus. There is a plethora of info to be obtained from there. The dictionary would be the least of my worries. Oh, and by the way I have no idea what dictionary this school was using, but we have a Webster dictionary, and I could find none of these words they listed, accept for sex. Try going in a chat room, or check their texting history, you might get a whole new education yourself.

There I am done for now, maybe tomorrow I will be irritated again. Lets hope not, I have to go out in public. Speaking of public tomorrow we are studying stranger danger. I can not stress enough how important this topic is. Of course people in your own family, or friends can be a danger to children as well, so be sure to include safe guards for that too, such as good touch bad touch, always tell mommy, or daddy, etc. Just one more quick note. We are finishing sign language colors, and this was by far the easiest yet. If you are considering starting to learn signing you might want to start with that. Of course the alphabet is good to learn too, to start.

Lesson Plans For 01/28/10:

DJ:
Playdate at the park 12-2
Health: Stranger Danger
Math: Fractions, division
Language Arts: Syllables, root words, question busters
Cursive Writing
Sign Language: Colors
Vocabulary

Caitlin:
Playdate at the park 12-2
Your Senses: Worksheet
Reading: HOp Dog Bug week two
Site Words: Sets one and two
Printing Practice
Math: Addition
Flash Cards: Number to word identification

US Symbols, States And Capitals

Tomorrow we are continuing with our States and Capitals theme. Plus we are adding US Symbols. You can get a free video, with printable test at Brain Pop Jr for the US Symbols. Below is a video covering US Symbols, plus there is a video in the archives for States and Capitals.

Lesson Plans For 01/27/10:

DJ:
Sign Language: Colors
Cursive Writing
Social Studies: US Symbols, states and capitals
Math: Division, fractions
Vocabulary
Language Arts: Syllables, root words, question busters

Caitlin:
Sign Language: Colors
Printing Practice
Map Skills: Following directions
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Mammals/Reptiles: Worksheet
Site Words: Sets one and two
Reading: HOP Dog Bug week 2
Math: Addition
Heart and Arrow: Cutting skill craft

Magnets, Superbowls, Make Science Fun

I hate to be right, but I was right LOL. I predicted it would be the Colts, and Saints in the Superbowl, and yes it is true. I knew I should have bet money on that. Anyway it will be the Colts, and Saints in Superbowl 44, on February 7, 2010. Should be an awesome game! I do feel for the Vikings who fought to the bitter end, even with their quarterback hurt, and lost on a controversial call. It was a really good game. Tomorrow for Science we are studying magnets. Below is a short video explaining magnets, and how they work, then you can try this fun, and simple experiment to drive the point home.

Magnet Attractions Experiment:
Gather a range of different objects such as nails, keys, paperclips, staples, aluminum foil, metal scissors, plastic items, and paper items. Ask your children to sort the objects into two groups. Those that will magnets attract, and those that do not. Explain that magnets attract only metal things, and see if they want to regroup their items. Then give them a magnet and let them try to pick up the objects in their piles. Have them take notes. When done observe what they wrote down. Then explain that magnets will only pick up metal objects made of iron, but not metal objects without iron. There is a note that says magnets will also pick up cobalt, and nickel, but that it is very uncommon.

Lesson Plans For 01/26/2010:

DJ:
Science: Magnets
Sign Language: Colors
Math: Division, fractions
Vocabulary
Cursive Writing
Language Arts: Root words, suffixes, question busters

Caitlin:
Printing Practice
Sign Language: Colors
Reading: HOP Dog Bug week two
Math: Addition
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Site Words: Sets one, and two
Color/Word identification: Coloring worksheet
Following a sequence: Worksheet
Conversation Hearts: Valentines Day craft

Learn To Draw Cars, If You Were Invisible

For this year, I bought an instruction art book, for DJ. Both my kids love to draw, and I thought the book would be helpful. DJ however has found it more helpful to watch, and follow the art instructional videos. He has been practicing his drawing of his hotwheel cars, and is getting pretty darn good. He is starting to do different dimensions, of the cars. Below is a video to help your budding artist learn to draw cars. I will add the next step, next Monday. For tomorrow's writing prompt, DJ will write about being invisible. I usually tell him a day ahead, so he can begin to think about the assignment. We have started a new chore calendar, here at Melissa's Homeschool. This is mostly for Caitlin, as she seems to think she does not have to help out around the house, unless she sees fit to do see. This has been extremely disruptive, and I have to do something about it. We are finishing up our sign language for colors, and will be moving on next week.

Lesson Plans For 01/25/10:

DJ:
Sign Language: Colors
Math: Fractions, problem solving, mixed math review
Writing: If you could be completely invisible for a day, where would you go, and what would you do?
Art: Learn to draw cars
Cursive Writing
Language Arts: Root words, suffixes
Reading: Read chapters 1-3 of The Silver Skates, with summaries
Vocabulary: Worksheets

Caitlin:
Sign Language: Colors
Reading: HOP Dog Bug week two
Art: Family home
Alphabet connect the dots
Flash Cards: Addition, number to word identification, site words Set 1 and 2
Alphabet Book: Letter Z after we put it together we will be moving on to animal book
Printing Practice

Since Caitlin has completed her alphabet book, she will be starting an animal book, and moving on to blended phonics, or ending sounds. I have not completely decided yet.

Painting Candle Holders, Odds and Ends

I got this really cool book off of Paper Back Swap, thank you Ms Laura for telling me about this site. It gives all kinds of cool ideas to do with your kids, besides standard textbook learning. This next week we will be starting magnets. They have some very simple activities, and I will be sharing them throughout the week. Today, though, I am sharing one for ecosystems, and make your own dirt. But first, I want to share these cute candle holders the kids made for my mom for Christmas gifts. I would have had them make more for relatives out of state, but they are a pain to ship, and not break. My kids love to paint, and we always have paint on hand, for the school year. I just bought the two glass holders at the Dollar Store, and told them they could pain whatever they wanted. Then we added colored glass stones, and a tea light candle. When lit, they were really beautiful. Simple, fun, and affordable.

Make Your Own Dirt:

You will need sedimentary rocks like sandstone, or other ,layered rocks of sediment. Place the sandstone in a plastic container, with a harder rock such as granite. Then have your children take turns shaking it. The sandstone will begin to break down, and become grains of soil. Note all rocks exposed to the elements do eventually break down to soil, but sandstone is faster because it is so soft. Did you know that the brownstone homes, in NYS were made from sandstone?

Simple Project To Study Ecosystems:

We all have trees of some kind or another. Trees have many characteristics, but also have a whole ecosystem of their own. Follow these steps to see how, and write down your observations. After you pick your tree, study the area surrounding the tree. Are there any squirrels or bird's nests? Are there any woodpecker holes in the bark? Look closely at the leaves, bark, and base of the tree? Are there any insects, or spiders. Are there any fallen leaves on the ground? Dig around the ground, and see if you can find earthworms. Worms eat dead leaves, so they are very often a part of the tree ecosystem. All the answers to the above questions, make an ecosystem, or things that depend on each other to survive. Obviously this would be done better in warmer months, than cooler months.

Fun Friday The Letter N: Naughty Nurses, and The Nose Knows

No, there are no naughty nurse stories here, just trying to get your attention. Did it work? Today is Fun Friday at my Blogging for Fun group. We are working on an A-Z meme, and we are up to the letter N. Of course I have to pick, not literally, something medical related, the Nose. The nose is a very sensitive organ, and can detect smells that are lovely, and offensive. The video below is cool, and will show you the anatomy of your nose. Here are some interesting, and funny facts I found out about the nose.

1- Did you know that your nasal membranes, in your nose, produce anywhere from a pint to a quart of snot a day, which is usually swallowed and digested by acids in the stomach. Yummo!

2- 1/3 of adult Americans pick their nose. Gross I wonder how many kids do then?

3- When we smell the molecules carrying the odor arrive in the nose and bind to receptors on a dime-sized patch of tissue at the top of the nose called the olfactory epithelium. These receptors make connections with neurons in the olfactory bulbs, two cylinders located directly behind the gap between the eyebrows. From there, impulses are relayed to the brain's limbic system, as well as the hippocampus, which is thought to encode the information into memory.

4- Do you know how sinuses were discovered, I don't know if this is true, or an old wives tale, but a woman had a tooth removed, and stuck a pin in the hole. Why on earth would she do that. Anyway the pin disappeared, and she thought it went to her brain. However her doctor discovered it was just stuck, in grape like clusters of cavities, behind the face, aka the sinuses. This was in the 17th century.

Nifty Gadgets For Moms and Kids Toddler Bites

This first part is for my record keeping only, and is probably of no interest to anyone but me. I emailed the homeschool person, at Trenton Elementary School, on January 20, 2010 to verify she received my letter of intent for Caitlin. She sent a return email, stating yes she had, and the date received. This has now been printed, and added to a safe box, along with DJ's.


Now on to the fun stuff. I was contacted by a woman who created these nifty Toddler Bites, gadgets. Men love electronic gadgets, women love gadgets for the kitchen, or for kids. She has invented a nifty way to cut sandwiches, hot dogs, bananas, and probably pretty much anything else, into bite size pieces for your toddler, or young child. All kids love finger foods, or bite size foods. They are easy to hold, manipulate, and get right to the mouth. You could probably use these for cakes, jello, brownies, hamburgers, etc. The prices are very reasonable, and she offers other great items as well. It cleans easy, and does not appear to be very large, so you could easily take it with you, when you go out to eat.

Want your toddler to learn proper table etiquette? She has a lesson plan, that is for that. Plus she can offer tea party etiquette, ideas for tea parties, plus tons of other great ideas, just contact her for info. She is a homeschooling mom, who came up with a great idea to be able to stay home, and still support her family. Stop by her site, and check out all her great items. Her website is clean, easy to navigate, and set up for easy reading.

Internet Safety, States And Capitals

Last weeks video for states, and capitals only covered part of them. Since the person who posted that video, never put any more up, I am posting this video to cover them all. I liked the other format better, but not much I can do about it. Yesterday I accidentally posted two of the same video, and for some reason I can't get it to come off. Tomorrow for Health we are covering the topic of internet safety. As a parent there are things you can do to keep your kids safe, but I wanted something geared at teaching the kids about safety on the internet. Brainpop offers a video, and test to cover this subject, and of course one on one talking with your child can go a long way. I would like to see a program that would expand on this covering texting, sexting, and a variety of other subject that pertain to tweens, and teens. If I find them I will surely post them.

Lesson Plans For 01/21/10:

DJ:
Health: Internet Safety
Math: Fractions, division, multiplication
Language Arts: Spelling, roots, suffixes, question busters
Cursive Writing
Sign Language: Colors
Reading: Chapter 9 and 10 Sherlock Holmes with summaries

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Dog Bug
Math: Telling time, addition
Printing Practice
Site Words
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Matching: Worksheet
Alphabet Book: Letter Y

The Color Spectrum and Color Wheel

Today for Science, we are studying the color wheel, and color spectrum. The first two videos below, are geared at younger learners, and are interesting, and easy to understand. The third one is geared more towards teenage girls, and DJ had no interest in watching it at all. I did think it was interesting, so I posted it too. Check them out, they are fun. Don't forget you can enter to win a free necklace, over at my jewelry blog, Melissas Jewelry. I have finally defrosted, and we had to take down our ripped pool the other day. Yeah that was a lot of fun! My husband sliced it open, and the water just flooded out. Then we had to drag it to the road side, from the back yard, for removal. I don't even know if the garbage man will take it. This should be interesting.

Lesson Plans For 01/19/10:

DJ:
Science: Color spectrum, and color wheel
Art: Proportions
Vocabulary
Cursive Writing
Math: Fractions, problem solving, division
Language Arts: Suffixes, root words, spelling
Sign Language: Colors

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Dog Bug
Printing Practice
Math: Subtraction
Site Words
Alphabet Book: Letter W
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Hidden pictures: Worksheet
Arts and Crafts: Snowman and matching cut, and glue skills


Lesson Plans For 01/20/10:
DJ:
Reading: Read chapters 7, and 8 of Sherlock Holmes with summaries
Social Studies: Martin Luther King Jr lesson, and video, States and capitals
Math: Division, fractions, multiplication
Language Arts: Spelling, suffixes, roots, reading for answers
Vocabulary
Cursive Writing
Sign Language: Colors

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Dog Bug
Printing Practice
Math: Subtraction
Site Words
Alphabet Book: Letter X
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Silly Things: Worksheet

Martin Luther King Jr Day

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day. It is a national holiday, here in the states, to pay respect to the great civil rights activist. The History channel sends me emails, to tell me about cool programs they will be having on, and today at 4PM Eastern time, there is a documentary on the great Mr King. If you have a DVR record it, and use it in your lessons. I love the History channel because they have done all the research for me, and put it in a nice little documentary. You can also go to the History. com website, to see clips, lesson plans, etc. Instructor Web also has lesson plans on Martin Luther King Jr. These are not free lessons however. I paid 30 dollars for one year, but I get complete access to all their lessons. I think it is a good deal. Here is a whole page of resources for crafts, for kids to do, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Do you have a dream? Mr King had a dream, that all people, of all races could someday live together in harmony as equals. Do you feel his dream has been met? As a writing assignment, you could have your child, or students write a story about a dream they have, and how they think they can make that dream come true.




Martin Luther King Day Comments
Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Just Because I Like Them

I love nature, and all that goes with it. Even the creepy crawlies, that give me the creeps, fascinate me. Below are a couple of videos of various cute, and interesting animals.

Lets Hear It For The Saints!!

I am a huge football fan, as many of my readers already know. My Bills fell apart again this year, and I am praying for something of a miracle in the off season. The Saints just defeated the Cardinals, two high power offense teams. I love Kurt Warner, and he was injured in the game, which I think did not help the Cards situation, even though he returned to play. When it came down to it, the Saints defense played better, and the Cards just couldn't stop them. I look for the Saints and Colts in the Superbowl. Tonight the Colts take on the Ravens. I look for the Colts to win, but they should definitely not underestimate the Ravens. They have been on fire, the last few weeks. Tomorrow, is the Jets against the Chargers. I like both of these teams too, but I am rooting for the underdog Jets. Then the Cowboys take on the Vikings. No offense to all you Dallas fans, but I am afraid the Vikings are going to stomp them. I could be wrong, but it should be an awesome game.

Fun Friday The Letter M: Melissa, and Music For Homeschoolers

Today is Fun Friday, for our Blogging for Fun group, and our A-Z meme. We are up to the letter M, and I could not decide on just one thing so I am going to do my name Melissa, and some cool music sites for homeschoolers, or public school kids. A lot of public schools have either done away with music, or offer very little, to very basic music exposure. I know a music teacher, and she said that since they can not test for music, and therefore can not qualify for funding, that is one of the major reasons music is going by the wayside. By the way I have been thinking, and I have already decided what our next meme will be, after we finish the alphabet. I think you will like it.


So why do I have a picture of a bee, when we are doing the letter M? Well Melissa in Greek means bee. In Greek mythology Melissa was a nymph who cared for young Zeus. In English terms Melissa has been used since the 18th century.

I don't really teach music, because I have no clue how to do that. But, we do have a I can play piano, instrument, that helps them learn to play the piano. We honestly have not really had a lot of time for it this year, as I find other things are probably more important. Even Art, which I am a big promoter of, we don't always have time to fit in. I have found some cool websites, for homeschoolers, or public school children to use, to help in the art of music. I am sure there are tons more, but these are the top ones I have found.
http://funschool.kaboose.com/arcade/arts-music/index.html
http://www.homeschoolmusic.net/
http://www.danmansmusic.com/index.htm
http://www.musicards.net/
http://www.theviolincase.com/Flashcards/index.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/songs.html
http://www.pha.oeaw.ac.at/Mechanical_Music/
http://plus.maths.org/issue35/features/rosenthal/index.html
http://homeschoolmusiccurriculum.com/
http://www.pfeifferhousemusic.com/curriculum.html
http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/musicApprHSU.html

I must say I very much like the last link, and may try to incorporate this in at the end of the year, when we have completed most of our curriculum. We usually finish by April, even though we go to school until June. So this would be a great way, to fill in the excess time. My kids love School House Rock videos, too, most you can get online for free. They have helped especially with Language Arts topics. Hooked on Phonics also sets phonics to music, which has been exceptionally helpful in teaching phonics to my daughter.

Three Little Pigs Hooked On Phonics Song

I usually end up posting things geared more towards DJ's age group, so I am going to share some of my favorites from the 5-6 age range. I love Hooked on Phonics. I am not just saying that, either. Next to Starfall which I also love, Hooked on Phonics is fabulous. If you want an easy, non stressful way to get your kids to like phonics, and reading, you can't lose with HOP. The video below is the Three Little Pigs, childrens story set to a catchy song, and video. I love it! If you have not checked out my archives yet, be sure to do so. I am always adding websites, and thinks that I think are useful for both homeschoolers, and public school children. I am giving away a free necklace, over on my jewelry blog. Be sure to go to Melissas Jewelry, and get your entry in. It is free, and easy, and someone gets the beautiful necklace shown.

Tomorrow is test day, so I have no lesson plans to post, but DJ will be reading the next two chapters in his Sherlock Holmes book, with summaries. Tomorrow is also writing, so be sure to check out his blog, to see what he comes up with for the letter M.

Fire Safety, Fire Extinguishers, PASS, Tragedy in Haiti, Main Idea

Well it is fire safety week again, here at Melissas Homeschool. We do this at least three times a year, and we go over major points, and escape options. The link will take you to some cute kids videos on fire safety. http://melissashomeschool.blogspot.com/2009/11/fire-safety-and-prevention-for-kids.html
There are several points that I would like to make about fire safety. Be sure your children know what they should do every time the smoke detector goes off. My kids know if it goes off, even if I am burning something, to get to the front door. However, they also need to know, that in a real fire, the nearest exit should be used, that may be their window, or a back door. They need to know to stop drop and roll, if their clothes are on fire, or push down your sister, if her clothes are on fire. Do not take toys, or other inanimate objects, getting out alive is what matters. If you can grab the portable phone on the way by, do it, and call 911 as soon as you are out of the home. Scream loudly, to wake up very sound sleeping father. Have a safe area where everyone goes to meet up. This is the front corner of our yard. We are fortunate enough to have a fire hydrant there. Do not re enter the home, for any reason. We have a fire extinguisher in our kitchen, but have never instructed them on how to use it. That will come this time. The PASS system should be taught to anyone who needs to use a fire extinguisher. P is pull the pin, A is aim the nozzle at the base of the fire not the top of the flames, S is for squeeze the lever, and S is for spray in gliding fashion not just one area. There are obviously other things, such as types of extinguishers, how to put out a stove fire, but those things all come later on, once the basics have been learned. The videos in the link, cover general fire safety issues, and prevention of fires.

Unless you never turn on the news, you have heard there has been a very powerful earthquake in Haiti, that has devastated much of the country. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and obviously will need much assistance, and prayers. The video shows a lot of what has been seen so far.

Writing, and reading comprehension, can be a big problem for some children. The cute song, in the video below, may be able to help your child identify, and remember how to find the main idea in a writing item. Brain Pop, also offers a very nice video that is free, on the Main Idea.

States and Capitals, Current Events

Well I am in one of those moods today. If you are a woman you know what kind of mood I am talking about. First I was woken up at 5 AM, by my husband's job, because they couldn't find jelly. Now I know he is the director, and it is his job to deal with such nonsense, but since he never hears the phone ring, I am the one who gets to suffer being awoken at such stupid times. Then my crazy dogs were extra crazy this morning, for which reason I have no idea. I think they just wanted to irritate me because I was already up before I wanted to be. I have probably said before I love politics. I really do. I love the hypocrisy of it all, and the way they twist everything to suit their needs. Take for example the very not so nice thing that Harry Reid said about Obama. When I first heard the comment I laughed. Yep laughed right out loud. If you don't know what Mr Reid said, it was a racial kind of comment, basically stating Obama could win because he was a light skinned African American (not the word he used) with the speaking skills of a white person. Lets be honest here, if Mr Obama, back when he was a candidate, talked, and acted like Kanye West, or Lil Wayne, he never would have had a chance. If while at the podium he referred to women, as B's, and Ho's he never would have made it. If he walked around with his pants around his knees, three sizes two big, and his undies hanging out, he never would have made it!! Mr Reid has apologized for the words, and President Obama has accepted it.

Next current event Sarah Palin will now be a Fox news contributor. Is this really news worthy? I like Fox news. Even when they are really pissing me off, I like them. I even like Mrs Palin, just not as a candidate. I don't think she was a good governor, and I do not think she would make a good president. I do however think she is an awesome woman, and a great role model for women everywhere. How will she be as a commentator, giving opinions, well I guess we will have to wait, and see. No, I have not read her book, but I do intend to, when it is in paperback, and much cheaper.

Next, and the biggest shocker of all Mark McGuire admitted yesterday he in fact did use steroids, the year he won the homerun marathon. Wow, really I would have never guessed there was one more lying, cheating, sports figure left in this country. I am stunned! If you really believed him when he said he did not use steroids, you really are living on a different planet than me.

I forgot one, Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol!!! Simon made 34 million dollars at Idol, ahem did you see that number 34 million to wear the same shirt for nine seasons, scowl at people, and give opinions on their ability to sing. I would really like to know how to get such a gig. I surely can scowl, make fun of people, and most definitely I could wear the same shirt, for the right price. Amazing!!!

Now I feel much better.


Lesson Plans For 01/13/10:

Playdate at the park from 12-2 thank goodness it will be warm. I don't even own a snowsuit anymore.

DJ:
Social Studies: States and Capitals- see video below
Math: Comparing fractions, problem solving
Language Arts: Compound words, suffixes, main idea
Spelling/Vocab: Write each word three times each
Cursive Writing
Sign Language: Colors

Caitlin:
Printing Practice
Math: Dot to dot to 30
Site Words
Reading: HOP Hip O Gets a Pet
Sign Language: Colors
Alphabet Book: Letter U
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Science/Health: Your senses

To win a free necklace, go here, and follow the directions.

Clouds, Clouds, and More Clouds

Tomorrow for Science, we are studying clouds. Types of clouds, what makes clouds, etc. The video below is cool, and describes the different types of clouds. In addition you can have your child draw some clouds, using the following descriptions for each type of cloud.

Cumulonimbus: Clouds have a flat bottom rising up into an anvil shaped top. These are class thunderheads.

Cirrus: The clouds mean fair weather, and are high wispy clouds, that look like swirls in the sky.

Nimbostriatus: These are dark clouds that are spread out like a blanket, layered, and bring light to moderate precipitation.

Cumulus: These are white, fluffy, cotton ball looking clouds. They very often have spaces of clear blue sky in between.

Altostratus: Middle height clouds that are grayish blue, and cover the whole sky. They mean widespread storms.

Altocumulus: These clouds look like fuzzy bubbles, that are connected in long rows. They may be white, or gray. They usually mean a cold front is coming.

Lesson Plans For 01/12/10:

DJ:
Science: Name that cloud
Math: Fractions, division, multiplication
Spelling/Vocab: Use each word in a sentence
Language Arts: Writing, suffix review
Sign Language: Colors
Cursive Writing
Art: Draw clouds, according to the descriptions given above

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Hip O Gets a Pet
Following a pattern: Worksheet
Math: Follow the dots through 30
Alphabet Book: Letter T
Site Words
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Printing Practice

Prefixes, Suffixes, and Reducing Fractions

Grr so today I woke up to a frozen pool. Yes, my pool was frozen. Obviously not completely, but at least the top one inch of water was frozen. I took pictures, as proof LOL. Probably my biggest nemesis in homeschooling is math. Not that I can not do math, I actually can, but teaching, and knowing math are two completely different things. Up until this point, I thought division was the most difficult to try and explain. Now that DJ has moved from the really easy fractions, into the more difficult fractions, I once again need to be creative for him to understand what I am trying to tell him. It took a bit, but he is getting the jist of what I mean when I say reduce the fraction, to its simplest form. The short video below, will give you an idea of how you could make it simpler to explain, should you need to. I added the prefix, and suffix video also, as it seems most kids find them confusing. I think adults find them confusing too. Tuesday for Science we are doing clouds, and I have some cool things to share with you to help with studying clouds.


Lesson Plans For 1/11/10:

DJ:
Language Arts: Suffixes, homophones
Reading: Read chapters 3, and 4 of Sherlock Holmes with summaries
Math: Problem solving, addition, and subtraction
Sign Language: Colors
Cursive Writing
Spelling/Vocab: Look up the definition for each word
Watch Science video on Oceans, in archives if anyone wants to use it.

Caitlin:
Reading: HOP Hip O Gets a Pet
Colors of the rainbow: Science coloring worksheet
Art: Winter hat cutting, and coloring activity
Math: Compare larger, and smaller numbers
Alphabet Book: Letter S
Site Words
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Printing Practice

I Told You It Was Cold In Florida!

We have been in a cold snap, here in Florida, going on the third week. The coldest was this past weekend, and beginning of the week. Here in North Florida it was all the way down to 12 degrees, three nights in a row. South Florida was in the twenties, almost unheard of for South Florida. It was so cold the iguanas, were just frozen, and falling out of the trees. It is true, watch the video and see. Iguanas are not native to Florida, but snakes, lizards, and frogs are. We have had frozen frogs in our yard, that we assumed were dead. Then later when the sun got warm enough, they defrosted and jumped away. Imagine your child thinks they are inspecting a dead, frozen frog, and it just up and jumps away. LOL it was pretty funny, poor Caitlin almost had a heart attack. All the critters come out when it is warm, and if they don't get back to wherever their warm hibernating spot is, they literally freeze. Lots of people, especially in South Florida don't even have heaters in their homes. I am so glad this will be over on Monday, and hopefully winter is over.

If you have not been over to my jewelry blog in a while, check out my new contest. I will be giving away a new piece of jewelry every month. It is super easy to enter, and the rules, and item are right at the top of the blog. Go to Melissas Jewelry, to check it out.

Fun Friday The Letter L: Living Life In 1909

This is pretty cool. I don't consider 100 hundred years to be an extremely long time, I mean my mom is 63, but check out this list of what living life in 1909 was like. It is amazing how much technology has changed all our lives, in just 100 years. In December 2008 we visited an old working farm, from the early 1900's, and my kids, and even myself were amazed at how different people lived back then. We have been studying colonial times for a couple of semesters now, so this is good stuff to share with DJ, and Caitlin. I mean just the car alone, makes me cold.


THE YEAR 1909

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1909.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1909 :
************ ********* *********
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone...

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles
Of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year ..

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..


Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health'
( Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A.!

Second Semester Report Card

I don't grade Caitlin's work, as she is only in kindergarten. However, I do check, and evaluate her work, for understanding. She has progressed nicely in her reading, and phonics. Math is much improved, but still needs work. Listening skills are her biggest need area.

DJ went up in some of his grades, and down a hair for some others. He was very upset about his science grade. I tried to explain to him that he has moved into some harder science, with bigger vocabulary words, that take a bit more to learn and retain. I don't want him to become discouraged, as he considers science his favorite subject. Also because he has moved into much harder math, that has taken over more of the focus for me as the teacher, than say science or social studies. I also told him he needs to be sure to complete his work, blank answers count as a wrong answer. Ask for help if you need it. Since he has now mastered multiplication by two digits, and division, we can concentrate on fractions which is basically new to him beyond the simple easy fractions. Even though his over all average only went down one point, from a 90 to 89, he is determined to get it back above 90.

DJ's Second Semester Report Card:

Reading: Excellent
Math: 86
Language Arts: 85
Spelling/Vocab: 85
Cursive Writing: Satisfactory
Writing: Very Good
Art: Satisfactory
Science: 80
Social Studies: 88
Health: 96
Reading Comprehension: Much Improved

Total Average: 89

Tomorrow is test day. DJ will be starting to read Sherlock Holmes.

Homeschool Book Sale, Sign Language, Brain Pop, Suicide Kits

I have tons of things to share with you today. Yesterday, I forgot to share the freebie of the day, but you can still go to Homeschool Radio Shows, to get the Laura Ingalls Wilder the Long Winter MP3 audio download. They have others available to for free, and they add new ones all the time, so sign up for their newsletter. We just read the Little House book, so I was excited to see this. I also got The Silver Skates, for free, another book we are reading later in the year. Check it out, and see if you can use it. Today's freebie is Fireside Cheer, and a great resource all about fireplaces, you can get it here. They only last for 24 hours, so don't delay.

I am one of those crazy women, who buy way ahead. I have already bought Halloween costumes, marked down to three dollars. I also went homeschool workbook shopping last night. I got all of DJ's books, with the exception of Art, and even some great Science readers, all for 65 bucks at Christian Book. I love this company. They offer great products at great prices, and they will tell you if a book is nonsecular or not. Because I supplement book work with online work, I don't like to spend a ton of money, to get what I need.

Tomorrow is Health class, and we have been doing Nutrition, for the past few years. I found a new resource called Brain Pop, and Brain Pop Jr. They offer short videos on different topics, and an online test, you can print once completed. You can join for free, and try it out. It is 99 dollars for a full membership, so I would like feedback from anyone that is a paying member, to let me know if that is a good value. The videos are short, so I am not really sure. Nutrition is one of the free ones offered, so we are doing it, and we already did wind, which we covered previously.

This next one is just a warning for all my mom, and dad readers. There is a new website that appears to be a forum based site talking about suicide kits, and takes recommendations on new ways to commit suicide, to make new kits. No matter how you feel about suicide, or what you think your kids may or may not ever do, please be aware it is there, and that people appear to be using it. I personally find it very disturbing. I have no idea if they actually make the kits or not, or make them available. I think this person needs help immediately. Do you know what your kids are doing?


Lesson Plans For 01/07/10:

DJ:
Spelling: Write each word three times each
Language Arts: Main Ideas at Brain Pop, Writing
Math: Problem solving, fractions, multiplication, division
Health: Nutrition with test at Brainpop
Sign Language: Colors
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Alphabet Book: Letter R
Sign Language: Colors
Site Words
Flash Cards: Number to word identification
Math: Basic measuring
Reading: HOP Hip O Gets a Pet
Printing Practice

Lewis and Clark Video, Oceans

Tomorrow is our first day back to school. Below are three great videos. Lewis, and Clark, we are starting a series on explorers. We already did Davey Crockett. Then the longer video is on Oceanography. We probably will not get the whole video in, in one day, but in a couple of days. It will depend on how we progress through newer, harder math.

Lesson Plans For 01/06/10:

DJ:
Social Studies: Lewis and Clark videos
Science: The Vast Ocean
Math: Fractions, money problems
Spelling: Write each word three times each
Language Arts: Every picture tells a story, proofreading
Sign Language: Colors video will be posted later
Cursive Writing

Caitlin:
Alphabet Book: Letter Q
Sign Language: Colors
Math: Bigger and smaller numbers- worksheet
Reading: HOP Hip O Gets a Pet
Printing Practice
Site Words
Flash Cards: Numbers to words association
Tracing and coloring worksheet

Top 2 Posts For 2009, Snowman Cake

Well it is the end of our winter break, so I have to post a whole bunch of stuff today LOL. The picture is DJ with the snowman cake, I made for our play group Xmas party. Caitlin refused to have her picture with the snowman, much like she refused to take a picture with Santa. I am getting pretty good at this cake making thing now, and Caitlin has already said she wants Spongebob for her birthday in May. I can not bake cookies, however, for nothing. I don't know why that is, but it is true.


So what two posts in 2009, got the most comments for this blog. There were a whole bunch that had 11 comments, but the top two had 13, and 12 comments. They were Family Movie Day, Marley and Me, with 13 comments, and Say Hello to my Little Biscuit, with 12 comments. If you really want to read them again, just click the highlighted title.

Tomorrow I will begin posting our lesson plans for each day, again. Plus the homeschool of the day freebie. You do not have to homeschool for these to be helpful, and can be used by almost anyone. You do have to sign up at their blog, if you would like them sent to you, or you could just check here, and see if I remembered to post them. Today's topic is Supermom's Simple Guide to Healthier Eating for Beginners and Beyond. Click the highlighted link to get it for free. If you would like to sign up to get the freebies to your email inbox, go here.

Guy Teaches You How To Make Chimichangas

You can thank Anne, at Small Town Mommy, for this post. I was over there reading her blog, and she is losing Food Network, on her cable. It made me think how much I love Food Network, Guy, and Mexican food LOL. So for all your food making needs, watch the video below, and Guy will teach you how to make chimichangas. I love chimichangas.

My Top Entrecard Droppers

Before I get to my top droppers, I simply must thank Rush Limbaugh for another brilliant statement. As you may, or may not know, Mr Limbaugh was released from a Hawaiian hospital yesterday, after suffering chest pains. He had a press appearance, and let everyone know his heart is fine. Then he said, and I quote " I see nothing wrong with our healthcare system, I didn't get anything special, and got the best care." Are you kidding me Rush? You didn't get anything special? If anyone out there that lives in the real world, really believes that, then you must live on a different planet. First of all I am sure Mr Limbaugh, has one of those cadillac plans they talk about, and even if he only had the most basic of insurance, he certainly could afford to pay for any procedure he felt like having done. Not to mention the best doctors, medicine, and treatments. Try being uninsured, or poor, yes I am sure you probably would get the same treatment Mr Limbugh received, but at what cost to your credit, finances, and your sanity? Mr. Limbaugh obviously has no idea how people who have no insurance, or money, live, and deal with illness. Wow, another wealthy person who has no idea.


My monthly thank you to my top Entrecard droppers. Thank you!

http://www.laaneworld.com
http://spinpic.blogspot.com/
http://businessphereconsulting.com
http://www.buckrobin.com
http://www.smalltownmommy.com
http://greetjegreetsyou.blogspot.com
http://tipsforyourhome.blogspot.com
http://melissasjewelryandgems.blogspot.com/

http://www.laaneloves.com


A big thank you to http://www.louscircle.com. I placed my widget on that blog, and got 38 clicks back to my blog. She is my top advertiser for the month of December.

2010 Is Here!

Ha, Ha, I slept right through it! A glass of champagne, and I was in bed by 10. My husband, and son did get to see the ball drop. If you missed it, like me, then you can watch it on the video below. There are New Years from around the world as well, some of them are absolutely stunning. New Years is not a big deal to me, not as far as partying. When I was young, and hip, it mattered a lot. Happy New Year to everyone, may 2010 be a great year for all of you!





Happy New Year Comments
Myspace 2.0 Layouts