Sunday 31 March 2013

Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me


Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

Video and Lyrics "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" 
From the album "Until the Whole World Hears" 
Download on itunes!

Saturday 30 March 2013

Astronomy and Space Unit Study {Review}

With our chronological approach to history this year we started with Creation and from here we progressed to space and the planets. Sir N is enjoying exploring the outer reaches of the universe.  We were delighted when A Journey Through Learning offered us the opportunity to use their Astronomy and Space Unit Study as our spine to guide us through our learning.

We downloaded the Unit Study There are sample pages for you to look at). The pack contained everything we needed. If we did not have a library or books close by we could have studied this topic independently with the information provided.  If you do a page a day the Unit should take approximately one month to complete.

We are digging deeper into each topic and it's taking us longer but we are enjoying the read aloud pages which have launched us into digging much deeper into each area. We are watching plenty of YouTube clips, reading books from the local library and filling in the Notebook Pages provided. Sir N's understanding is growing as we look up the new vocabulary introduced with each lesson.These words are underlined and introduced in context.


After downloading the unit I started printing off the notebook pages. The notebook pages are directly after each subject information is read. On one hand this part of the unit is good as you know which pages are to be filled in after reading the information pages. On the other hand if you want to only print the notebook pages it becomes a tedious effort as you can't just print pages 1-25. You need to print two pages then find the next note page and look for the number then print the next one. If I could change one part of the unit it would be this. For ease of Notebook page printing I would place all the notebook pages together as an appendix and have a line saying: Notebook pages X-Y at the point of the page so that I would know now it's time to fill in that particular notebook page.
I copied the PDF document to my Galaxy Tab and we would read the notes here together. I discovered that when looking for answers for the notebook pages we could underline the answers and enlarge the print on here for Sir N to use in filling in his notes.
I have a three ring binder in which the notes are added. I use a three ring binder as I find that two ring binders the pages tear out of easily.
We have also borrowed a stack of books from the library to read and supplement our reading from here and have made use of LEGO to be creative. We are just about to start exploring each of the planets in the study.
We have enjoyed our Journey Through Learning about Astronomy and Space and look forward to exploring The Earth Lapbook in the future.

Contents
  • 70 page Unit.
  • Information page (to read to the child)
  • Correlating activity pages (These are provided straight after the information read. Some of these were practical hands on activities others were notebook style pages to fill in or draw on.)
  • Vocabulary builder pages. As you read through the text you will notice words which are underlined. Once your child has heard the word in context it is time to look up the definition in your dictionary and fill in the vocabulary note page.
  • The Unit Study came with a comprehensive how to page with ideas for study choices.
  • Tips to go the extra mile
  • A comprehensive Table of Contents
  • Plenty of colour graphics. (photographs and clip art)
  • A good balance of writing and drawing on each notebook page.
  • Bibliography
  • Five Enrichment Pages
    Books I have Read
    Planet Book Report
    Narration form Young Children
    Narration from Older Children
    Organization Page
  • Suggested Additional Reading Material
  • A full index of other Products available from A Journey Through Learning.

Cost**
  • Instant Download $13.00
  • CD $14.00
  • Printed Version $21.00
** All prices quoted are correct at time of posting. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to check the cost before purchasing. Prices are subject to change without notice. All prices are in US $.

 Extra's
On The WWW
As you can see they have a fairly comprehensive range which is constantly growing. Pop on over to explore what they have to offer.

What unit studies have you done lately ?
Blessings
Chareen

Photobucket

Thursday 28 March 2013

The Art of Language in High School

The idea of teaching Language Arts at high school level can evoke many emotions in home school circles.  I think that too often as home school mom's we rely on our understanding of language arts through the memory of what we did at school and we waste many tedious hours comparing what we are doing or think we ought to be doing in comparison with what students are 'covering' at school. Two of the main factors that will influence your journey are: Your strengths and the strengths of your child/ren in the language arena.

Language Arts generally covers three main areas of study: Composition, Literature/Comprehension (to be covered in October 2013),  Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar and Public speaking.


Over the years I have come to realize that Language Arts in high school starts with the art of Narration and an excellent foundation in spelling and twaddle free literature.
 
What does your language arts program look like?
When Mr T and Miss J were in high school we used the high school core's from Sonlight and worked through their language arts program's. Sonlight have aligned their approach with Ruth Beechick and Charlotte Mason. We read excellent twaddle free literature, did composition, worked our way through the entire set of Spelling Workout books and did copy work.

What influences your choices/selection?
At the time that T & J were in high school choice was limited in the home school environment. I trusted Sonlight implicitly that they were have it covered. I felt that with out a good grounding in spelling anything else was a waste of time and energy. An excellent grasp of self expression was important too because if your student can't speak it they can't write it either.  I armed myself by reading The 3 R's by Ruth Beechick and the The Art of Narration chapters in A Charlotte Mason Companion (CMC)

In the Future
Looking back I now realize that I need to start as I intend to finish it's too hard to change mid stroke and in the high school years depending on the students personality it can really become their undoing.

Mature self expression begins with the art of narration which in itself is the cornerstone of public self expression. Public expression does not only mean standing on a stage but encompasses speaking to any one any where. With this in mind we will be working on improving narration for the next few years. Narration Adheres Vocabulary to the Mind - CMC Page 167. There are many benefits to narration one being that narration strengthens and challenges all the powers of mind. Attending, remembering, visualizing, comprehending, synthesizing (seeing the whole from the parts), and articulating. - CMC Page 115

Spelling is the servant necessary to be successful in all the areas of written language arts. We will be using copy work and once we have completed Explode the Code book 3 we will be working our way through Spelling Workout. It is important to complete all the levels of which ever spelling curriculum you choose in order that your student is well equipped to express themselves with the pen.

Never underestimate the power of Copy Work.  I remember when one of my children was six years old and doing copy work they proudly came to me one day and exclaimed: "Mom I can spell circumcision now!" We have started copy work this year and will be building on this. Copying excellent literature helps a student to recognize and incorporate punctuation, reinforces correct spelling and enlarges vocabulary.

Some time later this year I am looking at joining up with some home school families once a fortnight to practice public speaking. We will be learning poems or something of interest and build from there.When we reach the beginning of the teen years we will be looking for a public speaking group and attending regularly.

Vocabulary is not synonymous with spelling and is often times missed in language arts programs and deserves equal mention and attention. Twaddle free literature introduces new words in context to the student. Do not make the mistake of only choosing literature that your child can read to themselves. This is where read alouds serve you well. In a read aloud your student figures out meaning via context. Actively choose words to enlarge their vocabulary. As a student gains ability create lists of words not to be used in written communication or composition (eg said, walk, talk,). Classical literature is a good friend to any home educating family, because the words used in them are not in use in today's society. Often times we have had to have a dictionary on hand to look up a word.  I remember when we read The Little Britches Series and had to look up the word victuals and from that day it became a family favorite.

Poetry enlarges a students language ability and teaches the clever use of words in self expression.  With this in mind we will be enjoying poetry together.  As Sir N gains confidence in public speaking we will add in poems to learn and present with expression. We will try different types of poetry until we find some that we like and then explore it further.  Poetry comments on all human experiences, it is comprised of everything  from war poems and epics, to psalms of worship, to love sonnets, to delightful nonsense verse that trips off the tongue, to nursery rhymes - CMC Page 220



Grammar Programs

Spelling Programs
Narration & Copy Work

On the www
Blessings
Chareen


This post is part of the Home school High School Carnival.  Don't forget to pop on over to Jimmie's Collage to read what others are saying about this topic. (Carnival will be live in April).




Disclaimer & Disclosure: Opinions expressed by contributing authors, comment's and reviewers are solely the responsibility of the author of each blog/website. Every Bed of Roses assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the contributions, comments, and reviews. There are no affiliate links in this post. Links to external, or third party Web sites, are provided solely for visitors' convenience. Links taken to other sites are done so at your own risk and Every Bed of Roses accepts no liability for any linked sites or their content. When you access an external Web site, keep in mind that Every Bed of Roses has no control over its content.

HSMJ - End of term

In my life this week…

It's been a slow and emotional week in my world this week.  I think too much chocolate and not enough sleep are contributing factors.  Also being disorganized . . . More on this next week :)
In our home school this week…
    • We spent the week finishing off books and reading. As well as trying something new for art and we made compost in a bottle (Tutorial next week)
    • Booked for Kelly Sports
    • Registered for Hot Shots Tennis
    • Sir N completed level one of Children's Music Journey.
      Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
          I am inspired by…
          Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
          • .Kelly Sports it was the final one for the term.
          My favorite thing this week was…
          • Seeing Sir N receive his certificate.
          What’s working/not working for us…
          • Too many late nights
          Questions/thoughts I have…

          Things I’m working on…

          On My Bedside Table ...
          • The stack of books keeps growing and not diminishing . . .
          In Bloggy world I’m reading…
          I’m cooking…
          • Nothing new
          On Pinterest I found...
          I’m grateful for…
          • A husband who supports and encourages me
          A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

          Josh Groban picks a girl from the audience to sing a duet. She sings amazingly definitely worth a listen

          You are invited
          Yes you are.  I have started a new link up on Tuesdays.  We all have the most amazing books that we discover at the library, bookshop, curriculum fairs and op shops.  If you blog about them please come and link up on Tuesdays with Tuesday's Treasures so we can have a place to discover some new treasures for our families.

          Blessings



          Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

          Tuesday 26 March 2013

          Books to Support New Homeschool Mom's

          Thinking back over the years I started homeschooling at the best time. The internet was a thing that very few people had and so the only place you could access information was from your neighbor or the homeschool Mother up the road.
          If you wanted to home school you had to find the local support group. I miss the days of fellowship over a cup of tea while the children played outside.
          The highlight of our time together would be seeing a new book, new home school catalog or curriculum.  Today Mom's ask Google, if you do a search for home school help you will find ten million hits. It's over whelming where do you begin? Today I want to share my top four home school support books.

          In no particular order here are My Favorite Four

          A Charlotte Mason Companion is Karen Andreola's memoir of implementing A Charlotte Mason education. This beautifully illustrated book is full of encouragement and how to chapters. Karen covers practical topics like: The Art of Narration, Mother Culture, Shakespeare and Dickens. Topics of Art and Music appreciation along with Grammar, History, Nature Study and a few more kernels of wisdom.  A beautiful book full of gorgeous line illustrations.

          Purchase this book from Book Depository, Amazon

          For online encouragement meet Karen over at Moments with Mother Culture.

           ---ooOoo---

          Been on the journey for a few months and needing a little deeper understanding ? This is the book for you.
          Bill and Diana Waring have compiled this absolute gem of a little book which is a great reflection of their mission "To serve families by encouraging and  equipping". Things we wish we'd known (232 pages) is divided into five sections covering: The Concepts, The Basics, The Priorities, God's Involvement, Christian Character and The Blessings.
          In each section is a number of letters from veteran home school parents to you.  Each write up is started with a photograph and short biography followed by their kernel of wisdom. Each one is concise and well written. This little book is worth it's weight in gold and will answer most of your questions with wisdom and balance.

          Purchase this book from Diana Waring Presents, Book Depository, Amazon
          For online encouragement Facebook, Twitter, and Diana shares gems on her blog Diana Waring Presents!

           ---ooOoo---

          After years of feeling like she was barely hanging on Diana cried out to God and desperately asked to get Beyond Survival (288 pages) and walk in Abundant Life Homeschooling. In her well known conversational style Diana shares the keys that released the joy in her home school journey.
          This little gem answered so many of my why is this happening questions. It is full of insight and will broaden your understanding of the way your children learn and do life. Diana shares many funny happenings from her journey along with an honest look at things we struggle  with behind closed doors. I enjoy the honest transparency of this book.

          Purchase this book from Diana Waring Presents, Book Depository, Amazon
          For online encouragement Facebook, Twitter, and Diana shares gems on her blog Diana Waring Presents!

           ---ooOoo---

          Educating the Whole Hearted Child has seen a few revisions over the years and still contains a life time full of information to carry you through any season of homeschooling. Clay and Sally have graduated three students and are passionate homeschool encourager.
          This book (384 pages) is divided into four main sections: Home, Learning, Methods and Living.
          This book is full of words of encouragement and insight. Sally and Clay have filled this book with practical know how and insight. They use wonderful acronyms to help you implement and formulate your homeschool plan. I love how they give information and then share 'In Our Home'. They take each topic and break it down in to easy to understand bite size pieces backed up with research and scripture.
          Purchase this book from: Whole Heart Ministries, Book Depository, Amazon.
          For online encouragement Sally Blogs over at I Take Joy, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

           ---ooOoo---

          Encouragement and support on line
          Final Thoughts
          • Many are the things that will take from your energy levels and enthusiasm on the homeschool journey. It is incredibly important for you to invest in your selves or you will find yourselves burnt out and desperate. The art of Mother Culture is something sorely lacking in our sub culture of home education today.  I would encourage you to take some daily minutes for yourselves in order to be the very best you can be. Equip yourself well for the task at hand.
          • Charlotte Mason advised the teacher to replenish her soul with a continual supply of ideas. ...stimulates your educational thought in many directions and keeps you from drifting into mere routine... Do not think this is a selfish thing to do, because the advantage does not end with yourself.".  
          •  

          TT - A Journey Through Time

          This week ...
          Excavating Life on Earth


          • Format: Hardback
          • Number of Pages: 39
          • Vendor: DK Publishers
          • Publication Date: 2001
          • ISBN: 0-7513-6162-3
          • Author  Selina Wood
          • Illustrator: Richard Bonson 
          I have shared about a Port Through Time before and was surprised to find this book as I had not seen it before. These are some of my favorite books. This one lives up to my expectations.  I love the quality of the illustrations. This book combines history, archaeology and geology. Working it's way from present day working back in time to the beginning of time.

          Other books available in the series are: A Farm through Time, A City through Time and A Street through Time.
           
          Blessings

           Welcome to Tuesdays Treasures.  I started these posts as a way of sharing great books in honour of my friend in New Zealand who would arrive with the treasures she had unearthed at her weekly trip to the library!

          There are so many wonderful books out there hiding on shelves so I invite you to blog about a book on your shelf, one you're reading or one you found at the library and add your post to Tuesday's Treasures Resource Link Up below.
          Please link to this post. 

          A Button for you.
          Please copy and paste the code below
          Pop on over and see what others are sharing.
          Add you link below

          Every bed of Roses

          --oOo--

          Friday 22 March 2013

          HSMJ - An Elctrifying Week

          In my life this week…
          It's been a productive week and today (Thursday) I started seeing a twinkling of what excites Sir N in learning.  I am really keen to get some Delight Directed learning happening around here. I have also managed to go to be a little earlier than I was last week.  Last week I spent far too much time on here and not in my bed sleeping.

          In our home school this week…

          1. Picnic at the park
          2. Science experiment with the sun.
          3. Playing with a Van De Graaff Generator
          4. Space Lego creation
          5. Rocket picture (ABeka Art)
          6. TouchMath
          7. Morning tea with Daddy in our new vegetable patch
          8. Practicing math facts with Math Rider.
          Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
            I am inspired by…
            Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
            My favorite thing this week was…
            What’s working/not working for us…
            • Getting up super early before the family :)

            Questions/thoughts I have…
            • What topics would you like to talk about on this blog ?
            Things I’m working on…
            On My Bedside Table ...
            • Nothings changed
            In Bloggy world I’m reading…
            I’m cooking…
            • Rice bubble slice
            • Corn Chowder
            On Pinterest I found...
            I’m grateful for…
            •  The cool weather that has come across our way.
            A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
            Don’t just teach kids how to count.
            Teach ‘em what counts most.

            You are invited
            Yes you are.  I have started a new link up on Tuesdays.  We all have the most amazing books that we discover at the library, bookshop, curriculum fairs and op shops.  If you blog about them please come and link up on Tuesdays with Tuesday's Treasures so we can have a place to discover some new treasures for our families.

            Blessings



            Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

            Thursday 21 March 2013

            Join us for a day homeschooling {A Photo Diary}

            Sometimes our days are slow (not very often may I add) and sometimes busy (more often than not!) but never is it twice the same. Today I would like to invite you to join us for a photo journey of a home school day at Every Bed of Roses. I do confess I am a shutter bug and love taking photo's and experimenting with the D-SLR I was given last year. In order to lower the number of images in this post I've created a few collages of our day.

            This year we are continuing with using our environment to encourage learning. A home school family on the other side of Melbourne invited home school families to come over and join them for a day of  Science for Home Educators: "A Shocking Experience"


            Our day of Science Adventure


            First things first.  I needed to find some clean clothes in Mount Ironmore to iron for the day (How do you super Mom's do it ? I always seem to have a Mount Washmore or Ironmore!). Followed by breakfast and picnic preparations. We are loving having a cooler on wheels it goes everywhere with us these days.


            Next it was time for my shower while Sir N practiced math facts on Math Rider and did lesson 19 with Children's Music Journey.  Before we left we had some quality time with Pugsley.



            My friend collected us and we drove 70 km to the other side of greater Melbourne. We saw the Southern Star which is nearing completion.  We hope to go for a ride on this one day. Admired the architecture and listened to The Song of the Unicorn. Once we arrived in the suburb of our desired destination we looked for a park to enjoy a picnic lunch together.


            Soon enough it was time to tackle the lab and learn about molecules, positive and negative charges.


            We used rods of perspex, glass, polythene and something else I can't remember the name of. We rubbed them with a piece of woolen cloth to charge them up and checked to see if we could move water and pick up small pieces of paper.


            We also used this little box (Gold Leaf Electroscope) with a gold leaf to see how static electricity moves through air and our own bodies.


            Let the static electricity fun begin. We got to play with a Van De Graaff generator.  It was so much fun watching all the children's hair stick up! Sir N was so highly charged after his time on the generator he could pick up the little bits of paper on the bench!


            All too soon it was time to leave the lab. We stopped at our park for another cup of tea and then it was time to pack up and drive home. We played with the DSLR in the tunnel, looked at the beautiful skyline of Melbourne and listened to Hallelujah Handle. Once home it was time to play a game or two on Mom's Galaxy Tab and touch base with cousins. Dinner was soon ready and then it was time for bed. Sir N slept very well after 140 km round trip !

            My favorite moment 

            This is my favourite moment of the day. We stopped for a cup of tea before traveling home and this is what we saw.



            I agree with my bloggy friend Susan who encouraged me this week with Don't miss the Little Moments. I encourage you to take out your camera and capture those moments with your children. I have two teens as well and one has moved out. I wish now I had taken more pictures and had more memories. That time passes in a twinkling of an eye. If you need inspiration I invite you next week to take a journey with other home school Mom's ? Have a look at what the Crew have been up to this week: Our Homeschool Day in Pictures. (Coming Next Tuesday 26 March)

            Blessings
            Chareen  

            Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor