Thursday 31 January 2013

Connected or Disconnected ?

I've experienced a conversation like the one in the picture and sadly I need to confess I've been the one on the phone in a situation like this.

Since upgrading to my Samsung Galaxy SII I have become more and more plugged in.  I'm a memories/people person and love photography so I joined Instagram. I have lived in four countries and made friends there. Facebook means that I can connect easily and share. I enjoy great conversation so SMS'ing has broadened my circle and ability to chat.  I enjoy information and encouragement so the list of blogs to read grows daily.

Homeschooling means being home on my own often and blogs have become my new 'friends'. I love the digital age all it's gadgets that are available to allow us to be connected.

But ...

I have noticed it has become more and more a central focus of my universe.  My minds constantly yearns to know.
  • I wonder if anyone has commented on my blog ? (I love chatting to you here)
  • Why hasn't she answered my sms ?
  • What's new on my blog feed ?
  • I wonder who has found a good idea on Pinterest for me to Pin ?
  • Sigh what DVD are we going to watch tonight ?
  • Forget the dishes blogging is far more interesting ;-)
  • I  can't even enjoy dinner these days without wondering what's happening in "MY" digital world. 
    Tech-drenched has become my way of life. It amazes me how the Lord touches my life,and gently reminds me of Him.

    During one of my many internet surfing sessions I read about the National Day of Unplugging over at My Tropical Home .

    I would like to share a short YouTube clip with you as it resonates with something very deep within me.


    I've thinking about just how tech connected/addicted our whole family has become I feel this would be a good personal move for me.

    In the Word
    • There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1
    • Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
    • But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
    • Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

    It's time to guard my heart and make a time for things or else all that precious time I do have will not be redeemed.

    I'm inspired to make this a way of life and a tradition in our home.  Now to actually take action. This is where The Sabbath Manifesto comes into play for me.


    What is it ?
    The Sabbath Maifesto exists to encourage people to commit to unplugging once a week for 24 hours.  They have suggested the following ten principles for observing a weekly day of rest from technology
    1. Avoid Technology.
    2. Connect with your loved ones
    3. Nurture your health
    4. Get outside
    5. Avoid commerce
    6. Light candles
    7. Drink wine
    8. Eat bread
    9. Find silence
    10. Give back
    To find out more about each of these principles and how to implement them pop on over to My Jewish Learning and follow the links in The Ten Principles box..

    When is it ?
    You choose your day of rest to be disconnected.  The word Sabbath is an ancient Hebrew word meaning to cease.

    No you do NOT need to be Jewish to committing to becoming unplugged once a week.

    Can I join others in commiting?
    Elsewhere on the www
    What about you will you join Alicia and commit to Disconnect in order to Reconnect ?

    Blessings
    Chareen

    Wednesday 30 January 2013

    HHSC - Science in High School

    "Can I teach 
    high school science?
     NO
    As your student gets older, 
    your role changes from 
    teacher to fellow learner."

    I find that science is one of those subjects that people fear in the High School years and in some ways this has a valid cause but in others it need not be something to fear.

    When I first started homeschooling over 15 years ago there were very few curriculum's for the high school years and the Internet was something only geeks accessed and never mind owning a computer that was unheard of. The fear of what are we going to use was huge and made science a daunting thing to think about.

    We had no means of researching topics, curriculum or how do I ? We had to rely on what others were doing or what ever was recommended by the latest home school catalog or home school support group.

    Today we have a multitude of platforms at our disposal from satellite classrooms to university laboratories and somewhere in between all that we have Google (a quick search on Home school High School science revealed +/- 10,600,000 hits!) . In some ways we have far to much choice and that can be a paralyzing factor in itself.

    I would like to encourage you that it is not as huge a task as you envision.  There is plenty available to support you on your journey whether you choose to learn alongside your student or encourage their independent study.

    Things to consider
    • Research your options while they are in the primary school years so that you have a clear pathway before you.  
    • Be clear on your expectations.
    • Have an understanding of the level of maths required to tackle different areas in the high school sciences.
    • Research and save for more expensive items such as a microscope.  Do you have to have a microscope ?  No but it is a great hands on learning tool that makes the sciences come alive in your home.
    • Find out where to purchase the items you need to do the practical labs.
    • Consider the scope and sequence before changing curriculum or you might end up repeating what you have already done.
    • Get to know your student and what their long term study goals are and work towards those. Make it a priority to achieve what they need to accomplish their tertiary goals in the science arena.  
    What did my science program look like?
    What influenced my choices/selection?
    • I really like a Charlotte Mason approach of twaddle free literature and Sonlight has always ticked the boxes on this front.  
    • The subject matter was interesting and there were no textbooks until Science 250.  
    • The Sonlight® Ultra Microscope was value for money that I could not pass by. I have never been disappointed with their quality and in fact this microscope has surpassed my every expectation.
    What others are saying on the www
    Some Curriculum out there today
    I would like to encourage you not to fear but embrace the high school science years.  See it as an opportunity to learn and discover more thoroughly what you have always wanted to know.  Secondly remember you can not teach it all.  There is no A-Z list for you to tick off and say right now I have taught science and we are finished.  This is a subject that is exploding with information at an exponential rate and would be physically impossible for you to teach all there is to know.

    I would love to read your thoughts on Science in high school please leave a link to your post in the comments.
    Blessings
    Chareen

    This post is part of the Home school High School Carnival.  Don't forget to pop on over to LaPaz Home Learning (post to go up in the first week of February) to read what others are saying about this topic.



    The Homeschool Village This post is linked to Ultimate Homeschool Link-up #5 over at The Homeschool Village and Featured at  Ultimate Homeschool Link-up #6

    Tuesday 29 January 2013

    TT - ♥ Valentines Day Resources ♥

    Valentines Day is a wonderful time of the year to help us remember those we love. Often times we seem to get in a rut and forget to say I love you.
    I love you should never just be mere words, love needs to be a VERB. I've been thinking about this over the last week and just how much my Saviour loved me. As He said: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:3 and He did so for me. As I page through the word I realize more and more just how much the Lord uses the word love in an active and action form. From this I have been inspired to find some resources to show love in a deep and meaningful way.

    All Our Days
    From the Word
    Homeschool Deals
    On line Downloads
    Further Reading
    On Pinterest

    Elsewhere on the net
    Valentine's Day Fun
    Tell Him you love Him
    May you be blessed and inspired to show love deeply to those in your sphere of influence.

    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 Learning All the Time Favourite Resource Link Up



    And the winner is ...

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Congratulations to Kristi K who is the winner of the Personalised Planner Giveaway.


    Monday 28 January 2013

    Winter Nature Study is it Possible ?

    Who are you kidding ? Taking the kids out in the blustery cold, rain or snow. Do I have to ? It's to cold to go outdoors. It's raining. Is it worth it or is there something else I could do ? .....

    These are just a few of the thoughts that fly through my mind when I consider doing Nature Study in Winter.

    Nature Journaling in winter is not impossible it requires some foresight and planning.

    Some options to consider
      • Rug up and go for short walks with your camera, take some photo's then come home and learn about what you found on your walk. Search for anything with colour in your environment and observe it for a while. 
      • Make a bird feeder to feed the winter birds near your home and hang it near a window so you can watch the birds from the safety of your home.
      • Pick an animal a week to study and borrow books from the library and search YouTube for good information.
      • Follow the Handbook of Nature Study Website .
      • Go to your local green grocer and buy a new fruit each week. Take time to study it in depth with suplemental materials from the library and internet.
      • Make use of your zoo membership and visit a Zoo near you and choose an animal to learn about. Take your drawing things with you and draw the animal you have chosen for that week.
      • Make animal foot casts
      • Explore your own garden and search for some winter colour. I did this a couple of years ago and was surprised at just how much colour there is when I was least expecting it.
      • Find something that your family can turn into a tradition. We go to Wild Nights Zoo after Dark in winter.
      • Grow a windowsill garden and if the sill is too cold bring it further indoors and put it on a table near the window. Document the process.
      • Read beautiful living books by authors such as: Holling Clancy Holling and Sterling North

        Else where on the www

          So whether you are in the throws of planning your year ahead or in the middle of a deep snowy winter take some time and consider your options for Nature Study, create regular opportunities so that you don't miss out.

          If Nature Journaling is a new concept to you then pop on over to TT - Nature Journaling for some resources on how to start and what to do.

          Remember: Knowledge in one "subject" helps us to understand another. All the information your children are gathering in their nature study lessons, and the habits of observation they are acquiring, will form an excellent foundation for their future education. (CMC Page 259 Karen Andreola)

          Blessings
          Chareen

          Photobucket
          This post is part of The Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog Cruise: Winter Nature Study. Take some time and pop on over and be encouraged to do Nature Study in Winter.

          This post is linking with Carnival of Homeschooling hosted over at Dave Out Loud.

          Saturday 26 January 2013

          HSMJ - Homeschool Around the World

          In my life this week…
          I enjoyed reading the Homeschooling around the World series over at Schoolhouse Review Crew.  It's been great getting to know homeschoolers all over the world. 
          In our homeschool this week…
          • We watched Joseph, Ruth and Psalms of David which are  stage productions by Sight & Sound productions.  
          • Started using an app for writing as this year I want to work on letter formation with Sir N.
          • Sir N completed his first write the word page with A Reason for Handwriting. 
          • Sir N and Paul did some repairs to the playhouse outside.
          • Played Squeeble math and spelling.

          Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
          I am inspired by…
          Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
            • We have had a quiet week at home.
            My favorite thing this week was…
            • Seeing Sir N delight in watching theater productions of biblical stories.

            What’s working/not working for us…
            • Not having a vehicle because it's in for repairs!

            Questions/thoughts I have…
            • What resources do you use for teaching Dickens to your primary aged students ?
            Things I’m working on…
            On My Bedside Table ...
            •  ....
            In Bloggy world I’m reading…
            I’m cooking…
            On Pinterest I found...
            • Lego Love.  I am astonished at what people are able to create with a lego brick!
            I’m grateful for…
            •  The love of my Saviour who blessed me with some christian friends who came over this weekend and prayed for me and with me and showered my spirit with scripture and practical encouragement.

            A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
            The essence of mathematics 
            is not to make simple things complicated, 
            but to make complicated things simple. 
            ~S. Gudder~
            Blessings


            This post is linking to:
            Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers - Weekly Wrap Up
            iHomeschool - Homeschool Mothers Journal
            Hammock Tracks - It's a Wrap
            Homegrown Learners - Collage Friday

            Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

            Friday 25 January 2013

            Homeschooling Around the World - Australia

            Would you like to know more about homeschooling in Australia ?  Pop on over the The Schoolhouse Review Crew blog and read more.

            Blessings
            Chareen

            Tuesday 22 January 2013

            TT - Meet the Squeebles

            This week ...
            I am excited to introduce you to

            My homeschool friend Jo recommended Squeebles Spelling Test when I asked about apps for my new Samsung Galaxy Tab2.

            The things which sold this app for me are:
            • The ability for me to make my own spelling lists (unlimited).
            • I am able to say the words and record them.
            • It is suitable for all ages.
            • I have the ability to customise all aspects of the game
            • The game reward system is well balanced.  Sir N needs to practice his spelling in order to earn the ability to play the game.  It's real life if you use game currency you need to earn more currency through practice.
            • Each child has their own portal.
            • No in-app purchasing , no adds and no web links It is safe for Sir N.
            • Stats and reporting for me to see how he is progressing.
            Watch a 3 min YouTube demo of Squeebles Spelling.

            It is available on the following platforms
            1. iPhone / iTouch
            2. iPad
            3. Android
            I have also purchased and installed the math apps by key stage fun and am impressed with them all. Click on a button to find out more

            They also have a few printable pages for kids who like to colour. As well as a blog (Meet The Squeebles) for your children to read about what the Squeebles get up to.

            What are some of your favourite apps for android ?

            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!





            Monday 21 January 2013

            Homeschooling Around the World

            Have you ever been curious about homeschooling in different parts of the world ?  I have.  I would love to homeschool overseas and explore new places.  This week the Schoolhouse Review Crew are showcasing homeschooling around the world.

            Read about these countries


            Blessings

            Saturday 19 January 2013

            Personalised Planner {Give Away}

            Are you frustrated with the general planners out there ?  Would you like to design your own, personalize the pages, add birth dates and not have to transfer them to another planner again ? Simply have it arrive in the mail ready for you to use ?

            Look no further I have found the planner for you it's called Personalised Planners! This planner was birthed out of one ladies frustration over not being able to find the right planner to suit her needs so her husband designed her one and as they say the rest is history...


            Features
            • Excellent quality paper
            • Designing and ordering your planner without creating an account.
            • Creating an account. This option allows you to add important dates to your calendar via personalized lists.  These lists are available to use and add to any future planner so if you make a planner as a gift it will not contain your birthday list unless you add it.
            • A planner or a Notebook
            • Your choice of size (Small, Medium, Large or A5)
            • Your choice of language inlay (Australian, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, British, German, Austrian)
            • Your choice of design for the front and back
            • Add friends and families birthdays to the inlay (personal dates)
            • You pick the start and end date of your planner.
            • Choose your own photo for the cover or choose a cover designed by a professional designer.  There are five years worth to choose from.
            • Chose your own inlay layout and design. (colour, writing space, daily details, theme) 
            • Personalize your writing space.
            • Choose your Daily Details.
            • Your choice of design theme for the top of the page
            • Choose your own modules for the base of each page. (3 modules with a choice of 13 options each)
            • Customize the back pages of your planner (Three sections to personalize)
            • Customize your owner information pages (three areas)
            • The option to save your work in progress and come back another day to complete it.
            • Your colour choice for the elastic closure and ruler 
            Would I change anything ?
            • There is only one thing I would add to this planner and that is the ability to chose the size of the font used in the personal dates section as these are printed in a size 6 which can be difficult to read on the page.
            Extra's**
            • Calf or Elk leather cover for your planner
            • Gift Cards
            •  Accessories (rulers, elastic closure, pen)
            ** NOT included in the prize.

            Enjoy exploring the possibilities they are endless. I look forward to blessing one of you with a personalized planner courtesy of Personalized Planners

            Blessings

            Time to Enter

            a Rafflecopter giveaway


            Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
            • This giveaway is open worldwide.
            • The give away will commence at 12:01 AM EST / 2PM Australia NSW time on Saturday19th January and be open until midnight EST /  Monday  January 28th, 2012. Winner will be announced by Thursday January 31st, 2012.
            • There is ONE prize for a planner of your choice and size. This does not include any extra's. A gift card will be emailed to you upon your acceptance of this gift.
            • Prize can not be exchanged for money
            • Shipping is included in your prize. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery 
            • No purchase necessary to win.
            • Giveaways are held with Rafflecopter; commenting will not enter you.
            • Winners are chosen by Random.org through Rafflecopter
            • Must be 18 years of age or older at time of entry.
            • If prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded at my sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law. 
            • Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, winner will be chosen at random! 
            • Please leave a way for me to contact you in your entry otherwise another winner will be chosen
            •  NOTE: This giveaway is offered worldwide, to anyone with internet access. 
            • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. 
            • Odds of winning based on number of entries. In order to enter the contest you must leave a comment on THIS post. To leave a comment scroll to the bottom of the post and click “Post a comment” (Facebook comments will not count, if you are reading this via RSS, you will need to visit my actual blog to post a comment.) 
            • By entering this contest, you agree to release Every Bed of Roses and all associated parties/sponsors of any liability.
            • Winners will be announced in a Giveaway Post 
            • The cost of the  planner are correct at time of giveaway.  It is your responsibility to check the current price of any items before purchasing. 
            • Non of the links in this post are affiliate links.
            • Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of a Personalised Planner  from Personalised Planners.

            Friday 18 January 2013

            HSMJ I have a new ...

            In my life this week…
            What a day Friday was when my Toshiba AT 300 died :(  It was only six months old.  I was a little anxious as I have an upcoming app I have committed to review and now no tablet.
            I took it to the store and they had non in stock so they exchanged it for a Samsung Galaxy Tab2.


            In our home school this week…
            • We continued on our creation journey and watched two DVD's. In the Beginning by Sight & Sound and is a visual feast and a spiritual blessing to watch.  I would love to own a full set of these DVD's. We also watched The Bible ... In The Beginning this was produced in 1966.
            • We have continued our week of chronological history by studying biblical history.
            • Sir N has continued his spelling journey with Explode the Code Book 1.
            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…
              • Was hearing Sir N asking to watch the In the Beginning by Sight & Sound DVD again.

              What’s working/not working for us…
              • late nights.  I love summer but it's so hard to find a good bed time :)

              Questions/thoughts I have…
              • What's a normal healthy bed time for a seven year old ??
              Things I’m working on…
              • A Giveaway post for Personal Planner.  Pop on back tomorrow for your chance to enter and win a planner of your choice with a value between AU $35- $45.

              On My Bedside Table ...
              •  many books I have not read this week .....
              In Bloggy world I’m reading…
              I’m cooking…
              •  Nothing new this week.
              On Pinterest I found...
              I’m grateful for…
              •  Friends and family who are willing to loan us a vehicle should we need one while ours is in for repairs over the next four weeks.
              A photo, video, link, or quote to share…



              Blessings


              This post is linking to:
              Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers - Weekly Wrap Up
              iHomeschool - Homeschool Mothers Journal
              Hammock Tracks - It's a Wrap

              Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

              Thursday 17 January 2013

              Immigration Museum - Leaving Dublin

              On our way home from The Shrine of Remembrance we stopped in at the Immigration Museum.



              The Leaving Home gallery was rather moving for me as it brought back memories of our own initial immigration to New Zealand and then to here.





              We took some time to explore the Immigrant Stories and Timeline gallery. It was interesting reading about all the things immigrants did years ago. The time line covers pre 1830 to 2000s.


              The children enjoyed exploring Journey's of a Lifetime. My favourite display were meeting the rats who came over to Australia!



               We took some time to enjoy making Claddagh Crowns and an Illuminated Bookmark. This holiday program is running until January 29th.


              Upstairs the children partook in making a plane out of recycled materials and adding them to the In-Flight installation.

              We will definitely take the time to explore this museum in a little more detail.

              Blessings