Friday 8 February 2013

HSMJ - A Welcome to Australa

In my life this week…
It's been an amazing week!  On Monday my sister arrived from South Africa with her family to take up permanently living in Australia.  It's so good to reconnect with her and her precious family as they get to know our wide brown land!

In our home school this week…
  • It is week 5 and we are on a break!
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
I am inspired by…
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
    • This week we are still without a vehicle as it's in for repairs we did however go to Science Works and explore their Carnival Science exhibition.
    • We also went to Point Cook Homestead with our homeschool support group to start the year.
    My favorite thing this week was…
    • Watching Sir N play with his cousins all day!
    What’s working/not working for us…
    • Having a weeks holiday this week and reconnecting with family.

    Questions/thoughts I have…
    • What's your favourite time of day to be on Pinterest ?
    Things I’m working on…
    On My Bedside Table ...
    In Bloggy world I’m reading…
    I’m cooking…
    •  As simply as I can because it's our week of holidays :)
    On Pinterest I found...
    • Homeschool Science & Nature by Michele
    • Tabitha Philen (Meet Penny) who has an amazing collection of Pins!  I have spent a few days exploring and still have not gone through all her boards.  Tabitha has over 12,000 pins.  Happy pinning :)
    • Melissa Taylor from Imagination Soup who has nearly 7,000 pins for you with a following of 1,301,436 and counting (yes you read that number correctly she has over a million people following her boards!)

    I’m grateful for…
    •  the opportunities that are available to me living in this beautiful country.
    A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
    God Made a Mother and You - So Farmer On!

    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
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    Win Squeeble Fun for your iPad

    Two weeks ago I shared my latest app discovery with you: The Squeeble gang from Key Stage Fun.

    I have 5 sets of these three apps to giveaway.


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Meet the Squeeble Family

    Squeebles Maths


    Squeebles Spelling



    Giveaway Terms and Conditions:
    • This giveaway is offered worldwide, to anyone with Internet access.
    • The give away will commence at 12:01 AM EST / 2PM Australia NSW time on Friday 8 February and be open until midnight EST /  Tuesday 12 February, 2013. Winner will be announced by Wednesday 13 February, 2013
    • There are  FIVE prize packs consisting of 3 Apps each (Spelling, Times Tables and Maths Bingo).
    • A gift card will be emailed to you upon your acceptance of this gift.
    • These apps are for apple devices only. 
    • Prize can not be exchanged for money
    • 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. 
    • Please leave a way for me to contact you in your entry otherwise another winner will be chosen. 
    • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook. 
    • Odds of winning based on number of entries.
    • 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 
    • It is your responsibility to check the current price of any items before purchasing. 
    • Non of the links in this post are affiliate links.
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    Thursday 7 February 2013

    Homeschool Giveaway Share


    Do you like to enter giveaways ? Win free homeschooling products ? Would like to have them all in one place ? I have the solution for you it's called Homeschool Giveaway Share on Facebook.

    It's as easy as pressing "Like" on the Facebook page and you will start to receive notifications on the giveaways happening around the globe, or you can visit the page each week to see what's new.

    If you are not on Facebook and Twitter is your game you can find them tweeting about the giveaways.

    Pop on over to Ben and Me for more information on Homeschool Giveaway Share where you will find a button for your blog as an easy reminder of where to find this weeks featured giveaways.

    Last but not least if you have something to giveaway on your website / blog visit the Homeschool Giveaway Share page on Facebook click on the form to have your giveaway added.

    Blessings
    Chareen


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    Wednesday 6 February 2013

    My Passion: Chronological History

    Teaching history chronologically has become one of my favorite things to do.  When I was at school I loved history because of all the wonderful people I got to meet as I travelled through time. Their acts of bravery and heroism were inspirational. The villains being conquered were always met with applause in my heart.  The only problem was I could never connect the dots because every year we did isolated historical time periods and for some things I could not even begin to comprehend the cause and effect of these actions in time as we never continued to find out what happened.

    Time lines and teaching history chronologically walk hand in hand. Dates help us to anchor our learning as we mark them off on a time line. I took this a step further and actually added our family to our time line.  This enhanced our families experience of history.  I remember so clearly when we first started using time lines we had been putting people and events onto our time line for around three months.  We happened to read a biography of Eric Liddell and discovered that he was still alive when Paul's parents were born. My son looked at me with wonder in his eyes and exclaimed: "So Mommy these are R*E*A*L people!" That ah ha moment had occurred.  He connected the dots and realized that he was a part of history.

    The second thing I have come to understand during my home school journey is that EVERY THING happens somewhere in history. As Diana Waring would say "It's OK to take the Scenic Route when teaching history" It does not matter what subject you pick there is a point in time that it happened. By using a timeline we are able to add in all manner of learning.

    "In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction,
    drawing the materials of future wisdom 
    from the past errors and infirmities of mankind.    "
    Edmund Burke


    I think that too often we see history as an isolated topic and that was a mistake I made for a long time.  I have found that the adventure of teaching history has become a rich tapestry of His hand working to bring us to Himself.  There is so much to learn from past errors to past triumphs. For me dates and history are confusing outside of the time line frame work. Personally I am not very good at remembering them. However the relationships in history are more my personal pleasure. I am not saying that there is no point in learning dates, what I am saying is that this is something you need to decide for yourself and act on it. For me it's the people, the relationships and the cause and effect and it's this that attracts me to learning history chronologically.

    Resources
    When I first started on this journey there were extremely limited resources available and most of us muddled along adding bits and pieces in as we came across them.  Today however there is a plethora of chronological points of view and methodology. Here is a list of a few to whet your appetite for what is out there.
    On Pinterest

    Further reading on the www
    Take some time to enjoy the learning experience of history.  You might be surprised at just how much history you already do in your day to day studying!

    "History is for human self-knowledge ... 
    the only clue to what man can do is what man has done. 
    The value of history, then, is that it teaches us 
    what man has done and thus what man is." R. G. Collingwood

    Blessings
    Chareen

    Photobucket The Homeschool Village
    This post is part of The Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog Cruise : The Subject I Enjoy Teaching Most. Take some time and pop on over and be encouraged.


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    Saturday 2 February 2013

    15 % Discount for you

    Two weeks ago I did a review / giveaway about Personalized Planners. The makers of this great planner are offering you my readers a 15 % discount on any planner and accessories ordered over the next two weeks using this coupon.


    Blessings

    Chareen
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    HSMJ - Not Back to School Party

    In my life this week…
      It's been a whirlwind of learning about social media, blogging and homeschooling.  My mind feels over fill and I need a holiday!
    I've had a really sore back for a month and just started at Kirokids.  I hope it gets sorted out soon as it's effecting my ability to run my home and homeschool. 
    In our homeschool this week…
    • Not Back to School Party
    • Our Song School Latin books arrived.
    • Continued with our three R's
    • Enjoyed The Borrowers BBC series. In fact we enjoyed it so much we watched two seasons worth in four days!
    Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
    I am inspired by…
    Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
      • wow it's been a busy week preparing for my sister who is immigrating from South Africa.
      • We went to Fun Fields for a Not Back to School Party
      • Babysat cousins
      My favorite thing this week was…

      What’s working/not working for us…
      • So many great things to do and not enough hours in our day!

      Questions/thoughts I have…
      • What's the best time of day to be on the web ...
      Things I’m working on…
      On My Bedside Table ...
      •  ....
      In Bloggy world I’m reading…
      I’m cooking…
      • nothing new
      On Pinterest I found...

      I’m grateful for…
      •  Kim who blogs over at Not Consumed for her inspirational blog and words of wisdom that have had me thinking outside of myself this wee.  I am inspired by

      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
      Homegrown Learners - Collage Friday

      Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor
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      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
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        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
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        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. 



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        And the winner is ...

        a Rafflecopter giveaway

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


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        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.
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              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
                Posted by at 6 comments:
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                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
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