i am so blessed to announce that i will be doing another review for "We Choose Virtues"
This time i will be reviewing 2 of their posters. i am really excited about this!
Also, i will be having my first giveaway!
Mark your calendars to come back on June 8th to read the review and enter the giveaway!
Blessings!
Alycia
Friday, May 18, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Homeschool Conferences
i was recently asked to be a Partner Blogger with AHEAD, American Home Education and Discipleship. In exchange for my blog posts, i am now listed as a Partner Blogger on the AHEAD blog, and i received a complimentary admission to the AHEAD conference of my choice. :) There are thirty-nine AHEAD conferences in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Here’s a link to a map of AHEAD conferences http://americanhomeeducation.org/map.cfm
AHEAD is affiliated with The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders. www.achel.org
Last weekend, i attended an AHEAD conference. It was wonderful! i didn't get to go to many of the workshops as i was working a booth. That being said, i had a lot of opportunities to explore and shop. Which i did! i got all the remaining things that i need for the coming year. :)
Don't think you need to attend a convention or conference this year? Here is a great article about many reasons that you should consider it. It was written by Mbuyi and Mong-Tham Khuzadi.
Why Go to Convention
"I think each of us can come up with not just a few reasons to skip this year’s homeschool convention. In fact, some of you may already have your list in your head. Before succumbing to the “why nots,” consider some of the “whys.”
Renew your vision
Maybe you don't want to go to convention because you are burned out. What better way to get recharged than to renew your vision? Just being in the same building with hundreds other people who think the way you do is uplifting.
Hearing once again the encouraging words of a familiar speaker will remind you why you are teaching at home in the first place. The words of a speaker you've not heard before just may be the boost you need.
Make connections with others in your boat
If you are attending a workshop on a specific topic, say special needs, the other parents in that room have similar concerns. These are the very people who are going to understand your situation as well as your heart. This is the place to make those connections.
The workshop speakers aren't the only authority on the subject. The person next to you or in back of you may have just the answer or word of encouragement you need. Your seat neighbor may be shy about approaching the speaker after the session, but you have the same experiences to offer love and support as well.
Take some personal cards with your name and contact information so you can share with others and find someone to mentor you.
Encouraging others
One year I as I was wandering through the exhibit hall, a mom stopped me in the middle of the aisle. She told that me that since I was wearing a badge from the Leadership Conference I could answer her question. We stood there and talked for the entire next workshop session. We both went away encouraged.
You never know whom God is going to send your way. Be available to His work. It's possible that you can answer a curriculum question for a new mom while the exhibitor is busy. That just might be an appointment from God.
Go to a convention ready to give as well as receive.
Weekend get away
Two friends of mine consider the convention their much deserved get-away weekend. They save all year, book a suite, order room service, spend time in the spa, and, if available, get a massage. Oh yes, they do attend some workshop sessions but they don't spend much time in the exhibit all. They find it too hectic for their relaxation.
Whether it is with other moms or with your husband, just the weekend away and pampering yourself, can do more to encourage than a dozen workshop sessions. You don't have to buy your entire curriculum during that one weekend. Maybe sleeping in an extra hour and having one breakfast served to your room is just the luxury you need to be refreshed for the upcoming year.
I'm through home schooling. I don't need the convention.
Maybe you don't think that you need a convention because you are nearing the end of your homeschool season. The convention needs you. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a smooth running convention. Veterans who may not need to attend every workshop session or spend time in the exhibit hall are needed to fill one of the many volunteer slots. Not only does this serve your state organization and the convention, but also provides a valuable service to younger homeschool parents.
Not Just Any Convention
Don’t just attend just any convention; attend one sponsored by your state organization. State homeschool organizations plan their conventions based on the needs of homeschoolers in their area. These events are “local” rather than regional, you can often attend one day without incurring hotel expenses, and have lower travel expenses.
Your state organization will be around mid-school year when you need help. Your convention attendance helps support the work these groups do on your behalf twelve months out of the year.
With thirty-nine events in thirty-two states, provinces, and nations, you’re sure to find one close by. Don’t miss the chance to be encouraged and be an encourager."
Mbuyi and Mong-Tham founded Exploring HomeschoolingTM to help other Christian parents discover the joy of homeschooling their children in the admonition of the Lord. They want to encourage parents to continue in their journey of raising up wonderful, loving, and God-fearing children. They are currently homeschooling their four children.
So, there you have it! Great reasons to attend a wonderful, and enriching homeschool conference this year. If you haven't given it much thought yet, i hope i helped you to decide to attend!
Blessings!
Alycia
AHEAD is affiliated with The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders. www.achel.org
Last weekend, i attended an AHEAD conference. It was wonderful! i didn't get to go to many of the workshops as i was working a booth. That being said, i had a lot of opportunities to explore and shop. Which i did! i got all the remaining things that i need for the coming year. :)
Don't think you need to attend a convention or conference this year? Here is a great article about many reasons that you should consider it. It was written by Mbuyi and Mong-Tham Khuzadi.
Why Go to Convention
"I think each of us can come up with not just a few reasons to skip this year’s homeschool convention. In fact, some of you may already have your list in your head. Before succumbing to the “why nots,” consider some of the “whys.”
Renew your vision
Maybe you don't want to go to convention because you are burned out. What better way to get recharged than to renew your vision? Just being in the same building with hundreds other people who think the way you do is uplifting.
Hearing once again the encouraging words of a familiar speaker will remind you why you are teaching at home in the first place. The words of a speaker you've not heard before just may be the boost you need.
Make connections with others in your boat
If you are attending a workshop on a specific topic, say special needs, the other parents in that room have similar concerns. These are the very people who are going to understand your situation as well as your heart. This is the place to make those connections.
The workshop speakers aren't the only authority on the subject. The person next to you or in back of you may have just the answer or word of encouragement you need. Your seat neighbor may be shy about approaching the speaker after the session, but you have the same experiences to offer love and support as well.
Take some personal cards with your name and contact information so you can share with others and find someone to mentor you.
Encouraging others
One year I as I was wandering through the exhibit hall, a mom stopped me in the middle of the aisle. She told that me that since I was wearing a badge from the Leadership Conference I could answer her question. We stood there and talked for the entire next workshop session. We both went away encouraged.
You never know whom God is going to send your way. Be available to His work. It's possible that you can answer a curriculum question for a new mom while the exhibitor is busy. That just might be an appointment from God.
Go to a convention ready to give as well as receive.
Weekend get away
Two friends of mine consider the convention their much deserved get-away weekend. They save all year, book a suite, order room service, spend time in the spa, and, if available, get a massage. Oh yes, they do attend some workshop sessions but they don't spend much time in the exhibit all. They find it too hectic for their relaxation.
Whether it is with other moms or with your husband, just the weekend away and pampering yourself, can do more to encourage than a dozen workshop sessions. You don't have to buy your entire curriculum during that one weekend. Maybe sleeping in an extra hour and having one breakfast served to your room is just the luxury you need to be refreshed for the upcoming year.
I'm through home schooling. I don't need the convention.
Maybe you don't think that you need a convention because you are nearing the end of your homeschool season. The convention needs you. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a smooth running convention. Veterans who may not need to attend every workshop session or spend time in the exhibit hall are needed to fill one of the many volunteer slots. Not only does this serve your state organization and the convention, but also provides a valuable service to younger homeschool parents.
Not Just Any Convention
Don’t just attend just any convention; attend one sponsored by your state organization. State homeschool organizations plan their conventions based on the needs of homeschoolers in their area. These events are “local” rather than regional, you can often attend one day without incurring hotel expenses, and have lower travel expenses.
Your state organization will be around mid-school year when you need help. Your convention attendance helps support the work these groups do on your behalf twelve months out of the year.
With thirty-nine events in thirty-two states, provinces, and nations, you’re sure to find one close by. Don’t miss the chance to be encouraged and be an encourager."
Mbuyi and Mong-Tham founded Exploring HomeschoolingTM to help other Christian parents discover the joy of homeschooling their children in the admonition of the Lord. They want to encourage parents to continue in their journey of raising up wonderful, loving, and God-fearing children. They are currently homeschooling their four children.
So, there you have it! Great reasons to attend a wonderful, and enriching homeschool conference this year. If you haven't given it much thought yet, i hope i helped you to decide to attend!
Blessings!
Alycia
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
REVIEW!!!! Time4Learning
About Time4Learning:
Time4Learning is an "automated online learning system" It has lessons for children in preschool through 8th grade. For most grade levels, Time4Learning covers Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. The lessons are student paced with a suggested sequence. There is a parent's forum that allows parents to discuss ideas and questions with other parents. Time4Learning has great customer support via telephone or email.
Now, onto our experience with Time4Learning!!! i signed up both of my "littles", Bitty and Baby. Because of our crazy year last year, with Lady's illness, my "littles" are a bit behind in math. Bitty, my 10 year old, did do some math on the Time4Learning website, however, the language arts were her favorite. In fact, she did all the LA lessons within her level! She enjoyed the games and the bright and cheery animation. Baby, my 6 year old, enjoyed everything she did on the site. She told me that "this was fun. i liked it because it was singing and made me laugh." She also enjoyed knowing that when she completed a lesson, a check mark would appear, and an arrow would point her to the next lesson.
Time4Learning is a wonderful resource for home educators, for after school learning, or for summer use. i like the fact that it provides a detailed "progress report" on what the children have been doing with their time on the site. Time4Learning provides scope and sequence, although the children can do their lessons in whatever order they desire.
My main dislike of the program was that i was unable to assign lessons to be completed on a certain day. As their primary educator, that would have been very helpful. Perhaps they do provide that option, i was just not able to find it. That being said, we enjoyed Time4Learning, and highly recommend it.
*i received a free month trial on Time4Learning in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.
Time4Learning is an "automated online learning system" It has lessons for children in preschool through 8th grade. For most grade levels, Time4Learning covers Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. The lessons are student paced with a suggested sequence. There is a parent's forum that allows parents to discuss ideas and questions with other parents. Time4Learning has great customer support via telephone or email.
Now, onto our experience with Time4Learning!!! i signed up both of my "littles", Bitty and Baby. Because of our crazy year last year, with Lady's illness, my "littles" are a bit behind in math. Bitty, my 10 year old, did do some math on the Time4Learning website, however, the language arts were her favorite. In fact, she did all the LA lessons within her level! She enjoyed the games and the bright and cheery animation. Baby, my 6 year old, enjoyed everything she did on the site. She told me that "this was fun. i liked it because it was singing and made me laugh." She also enjoyed knowing that when she completed a lesson, a check mark would appear, and an arrow would point her to the next lesson.
Time4Learning is a wonderful resource for home educators, for after school learning, or for summer use. i like the fact that it provides a detailed "progress report" on what the children have been doing with their time on the site. Time4Learning provides scope and sequence, although the children can do their lessons in whatever order they desire.
My main dislike of the program was that i was unable to assign lessons to be completed on a certain day. As their primary educator, that would have been very helpful. Perhaps they do provide that option, i was just not able to find it. That being said, we enjoyed Time4Learning, and highly recommend it.
*i received a free month trial on Time4Learning in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
New Giveaway at Homeschool Giveaways!
Hi all,
Please take a moment to check out one of my favorite websites: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies.
They are having an amazing giveaway that i would LOVE to win for our family.
A vacation in the Missouri Ozarks at a ranch owned by another homeschool family!
How cool is that?!?
Here is the link: http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2012/04/giveaway-family-vacation-1500-value/
Blessings!
Alycia
Please take a moment to check out one of my favorite websites: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies.
They are having an amazing giveaway that i would LOVE to win for our family.
A vacation in the Missouri Ozarks at a ranch owned by another homeschool family!
How cool is that?!?
Here is the link: http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2012/04/giveaway-family-vacation-1500-value/
Blessings!
Alycia
Saturday, April 14, 2012
a new discovery
i stumbled upon this video on Youtube. My little baby bug is the second child here, picking grapes. She is also shown later wearing a pink feather wig.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Upcoming Review!!!
I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come bachttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifk and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment ,and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.
Blessings!
Alycia
Blessings!
Alycia
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Review: Virtue Flash Cards
Hi all,
i have another review for you!
This one comes from We Choose Virtues! You can see their link on the right--------->
They have many wonderful products to help you instill character in your children.
The Virtue Flash Cards are great! There are twelve of them in the pack and they are made of heavy card stock. Each card has a saying on the front: "I am Honest", "I am Content", "I am Obedient" and a picture of a cartoon kid in the background. The pictures are precious! i love the illustrations! On the reverse side of the card, there is a more detailed description and a Bible verse. For example, on the card for honesty, it says "I am a truth teller". "I am NOT...a liar, a thief or a cheater, and I don't change the truth to get my way!" Great ways to think about honesty, right?!
Along with the cards, there are instructions for how to play games with them. There are three games listed, Flip, Charades, and The Race Against Time! The only thing extra needed for any of the games is a stopwatch. That's it!
The games are so fun and very easy to play! Even if you have a mixed age group, all of the kids will enjoy them. We played it with my two youngest daughters. Although Baby isn't at the reading level yet, she was able to play Charades with just a bit of instruction. Flip was easier as she just had to figure out the first letter for the virtue she was looking for. :)
At the We Choose Virtues website, you will find two very valuable freebies that will work wonderfully with your Virtue Flash Cards. One is the "Kid's Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths" sheet. The other is the "Family Character Assessment" sheet. The memory verse sheet has a Bible hero or heroine or a Biblical truth,for each virtue. It also has a Bible verse listed for each. This is great for a morning devotional to start the day. We can read the story about each hero as we are working on that week's memory verse. The character assessment sheet helps each child track where they are in their character. This helps Mom and Dad know what virtues need to be worked on. Baby has a bit of a problem with honesty. She doesn't like it when anyone gets upset with her, and is prone to tell them what they want to hear, rather than what is true. We are working on that with her. Bitty is working on her attitude. She can be a bit unkind and unforgiving at times with Baby. Kindness and forgiveness are the virtues we are working on with her.
Both of my girls have been enjoying the Virtue Flash Cards. Our plan is to work on one virtue a week until we are sure that it is instilled in their character. Both the assessment and the memory verses are helping with that.
Be sure to check out all the wonderful products at We Choose Virtue. They are wonderful for helping you instill character in your child that will last.
You can visit them by clicking on my link on the right, or by clicking here:
http://www.wechoosevirtues.com
Blessings!
Alycia
i have another review for you!
This one comes from We Choose Virtues! You can see their link on the right--------->
They have many wonderful products to help you instill character in your children.
The Virtue Flash Cards are great! There are twelve of them in the pack and they are made of heavy card stock. Each card has a saying on the front: "I am Honest", "I am Content", "I am Obedient" and a picture of a cartoon kid in the background. The pictures are precious! i love the illustrations! On the reverse side of the card, there is a more detailed description and a Bible verse. For example, on the card for honesty, it says "I am a truth teller". "I am NOT...a liar, a thief or a cheater, and I don't change the truth to get my way!" Great ways to think about honesty, right?!
Along with the cards, there are instructions for how to play games with them. There are three games listed, Flip, Charades, and The Race Against Time! The only thing extra needed for any of the games is a stopwatch. That's it!
The games are so fun and very easy to play! Even if you have a mixed age group, all of the kids will enjoy them. We played it with my two youngest daughters. Although Baby isn't at the reading level yet, she was able to play Charades with just a bit of instruction. Flip was easier as she just had to figure out the first letter for the virtue she was looking for. :)
At the We Choose Virtues website, you will find two very valuable freebies that will work wonderfully with your Virtue Flash Cards. One is the "Kid's Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths" sheet. The other is the "Family Character Assessment" sheet. The memory verse sheet has a Bible hero or heroine or a Biblical truth,for each virtue. It also has a Bible verse listed for each. This is great for a morning devotional to start the day. We can read the story about each hero as we are working on that week's memory verse. The character assessment sheet helps each child track where they are in their character. This helps Mom and Dad know what virtues need to be worked on. Baby has a bit of a problem with honesty. She doesn't like it when anyone gets upset with her, and is prone to tell them what they want to hear, rather than what is true. We are working on that with her. Bitty is working on her attitude. She can be a bit unkind and unforgiving at times with Baby. Kindness and forgiveness are the virtues we are working on with her.
Both of my girls have been enjoying the Virtue Flash Cards. Our plan is to work on one virtue a week until we are sure that it is instilled in their character. Both the assessment and the memory verses are helping with that.
Be sure to check out all the wonderful products at We Choose Virtue. They are wonderful for helping you instill character in your child that will last.
You can visit them by clicking on my link on the right, or by clicking here:
http://www.wechoosevirtues.com
Blessings!
Alycia
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