4 Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent with Children

Here are four SIMPLE and yet fun ideas I found on pinterest that might be fun for you celebrate with your children this Advent season.  Follow me on pinterest if you are interested in more ideas.

1.  Make an Advent Coloring Book

This website has free coloring pages for each week of Advent!  Your children can color 1 page a week and by the end of Advent have a beautiful keepsake for future Advent seasons to come.  

Picture courtesy of:  http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/advent-coloring-pages/

2.  Handprint Stable

Crafty Morning has a super cute and very simple handprint stable activity for your children.  What a simple way to remind our children this season is about Jesus's birth!

3.  Toilet Paper Roll Advent Wreath

The Advent season we were moving and our lives were anything BUT structured, my oldest son and I made this portable, burn-free Advent wreath and it was so much fun for him to "light" it each night. Even though our real Advent wreath was packed up, we could still celebrate the season waiting in anticipation for the coming of Christ.  If you have a few pieces of construction paper and a few TP rolls lying around the house, then you can make one too! Who needs something fancy when you can make a kid friendly Advent wreath?  Am I right?  Learn more specifics here.  

P.S. I will say that since we didn't have any Popsicle sticks at the time, I just make the flames wider than the size of the opening of the TP roll, when cut a small vertical slit on each side so the flame could slide onto the top of the roll.  A very easy adaptation if you don't have Popsicle sticks.

Picture courtesy of: http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/ChristmasToiletPaperAdventWreath.htm

4.  Manger Fingerprint Scene

Crafty Morning has another cute and very simple craft activity, a fingerprint manger scene complete with Baby Jesus.  Just think of the memories you'll have of those little fingerprints years from now when you put this out of your Advent decorations bin!  What a sweet, sweet memory.

So there you have it, a few simple but fun crafts to do with the kids this Advent season.  Have any family traditions you do for Advent season?  Please feel free to share!

Many blessings to you and yours,

Homeschooling: Art Appreciation!

If you are like me, then you know NOTHING about art or art appreciation. This can be a problem when you want to present a well rounded curriculum for your homeschool child(ren). Luckily for me, I came across, or rather was divinely guided to, this beautiful new book by titled, Jesus Christ & The Virgin Mary in Art.  This book has everything a beginner might need to introduce some artistic concepts to your child(ren) while focusing on appreciating beautiful religious masterpieces of the past.

So, why do I love this book so much? Well partly because it is perfect for a beginner such as myself, and partly because it is a book that teaches one how to pray using religious art as inspiration!

What specifically do I love about this book?  Well here's my top 5 list:

1.  The Variety of Artists:  This book presents works from 36 artist of varying notoriety.  Both well known and lesser known (to those of us who have no art background at least) artists of various periods in history are included in this large compilation resulting in a large accumulation of various types and styles of art to observe, learn from and appreciate. 

2.  The Low Down on the Artists:  This book is divided into chapters by artist and each chapter provides an introduction to the artist, a little bit about their background and the basics of what we would need to know to appreciate their art. This includes the style of art they use, the period in which they created their masterpieces, the use of colors or various shapes for which each artist was known, etc.  I like that this information is fairly short and sweet (typically only a page or two) and it leaves one feeling as if they understand what they should be making note of when looking at each artist's work.

3.  The Art:  You can get a sense of the beauty of this book by looking at the above picture. There are 280 oil paintings included in this anthology!  You can easily get lost in some of these remarkable works of art and being that it is in one book, you can always return to a favorite any time you wish.

4.  The Scriptural Connection:  Below each masterpiece is a scriptural reference you can read and on which you can meditate if you so choose.  It's a beautiful way to make the pages of the bible come to life right in front of your eyes!  Below each scripture verse, there is a written prayer for you to pray if you wish.  I love this way of using art to pray!  I've never done this before so to me this is all new and quite beautiful.  I find myself creating my own personal prayers after meditating on a piece of artwork, something that was WAY out of my comfort zone, prior to using this book!

5.  The Glossary:  Oh for the art novice, the glossary in this book is a life-saver!  It provides one with the basic definitions for some well used and some unknown art terminology which aids in one's understanding of information presented in the information portions of this book.

How do I use this book while homeschooling?

I use this book with my son in a very simple way. First I explain the very basics of what makes the artist we are targeting, famous. I share a few points explained in the introduction about the artist's work and what we will be looking for in each of the artists' paintings. Then we spend some time just looking at one painting. We talk about it, the shapes, lines and colors we see, as well as the  emotions we feel when looking at each painting.  We talk about the characters we see in the paintings and their possible feelings at those moments as well.  I read the scripture verse followed by the prayer. Then I give us some time for our own thoughts and meditation on the picture. Usually only a minute or two, because a five year old boy can only "meditate" so long. Then we share our own spontaneous prayers this painting has inspired in us. It's very basic, but I feel it's a great way to introduce the concept of art appreciation and how it can inspire our own prayer. 

I cannot express enough how much I LOVE using this book as a simple, fun and prayerful way to introduce art appreciation for some of the most beautiful religious art that we have available at our fingertips and for such a reasonable price.  I know it will take us a long time to get through all 280 paintings available to us in this book and I definitely feel that I received my money's worth based on what I can share and what we can do to create such a powerful prayerful experience in our homeschool.

If you are interested you can find it at this website or on Facebook.

Blessings to you and yours, 

Remembering Our Lady of Sorrows!

One thing I love about homeschooling is that I can focus our learning around feast days of our church!  Well September is a wonderful month to celebrate our Blessed Mother as her birthday and Our Lady of Sorrow's feast day occurs.

This September my son and I spent some time learning about Our Lady of Sorrows to honor our Blessed Mother on her feast day of September 15th!

This year was the first year I introduced my five year old to Our Lady of Sorrows for the first time.  As we have learned about our Lord's sacrifice over this past Lenten and Easter season, I felt my son was ready to begin understanding how our Blessed Mother had also suffered with her son!

I simply introduced my son to Mary's seven sorrows.  We talked about each one and then we made a heart shaped brownie and, using toothpicks and paper, we "pierced" the heart with our Lady's seven sorrows.

If you would like a copy of these swords with Mary's Seven Sorrows on them you can grab them here for free!

Remember there is a beautiful devotion to Mary's Seven Sorrows.  This link provides you with a beautiful prayer you can say with your family to honor our Blessed Mother every September!

Blessings to you and yours,

Homeschooling Update: Spring 2015

This Friday ends our first marking period of our homeschooling adventure!  I can't believe nine weeks have flown by so quickly.  So, do you want to know what our homeschooling looks like?  Allow me to describe it in one sentence: We love learning in our pjs. 

Well what do you think?  Take a peek and see for yourself.

Religion

If you missed my post on how I am supplementing religious education with something I like to call "Breakfast with the Bible" you can check it out here.  This picture above is an example of one of the extension activities we did to accompany the Cain and Able bible story.  This simple writing prompt works on language arts, spelling, handwriting as well as religion.  Four in one.  Not too shabby! :)

Math

Addition with manipulatives!

Another way to visually show addition!  Use a dry erase marker and no matter what it is, Pickle is ready to participate.

This was right after Easter.  We decided to work on graphing by using what we had, jelly beans. Yummy!  So we graphed the number of different colored jelly beans then we had a little snack (and had to re-graph what was left over. Ha!).

Adding coins!  Pickle LOVES adding real money.  With activities like this, he mastered counting by 5s and 10s so by the time we were ready to tell time (yes on a regular clock), he was a pro.  

Spelling:

Of course spelling goes hand in hand with our Phonics goals as well.  Here we are using stickers to spell out words with short vowels.  Below we are spelling with simple letter tiles.  

Science:

Nature walks!  They speak for themselves I'd say.

Experiments!

More experiments!

Geography and Social Studies:

We are slowing learning about the 50 states.  We have mapped the big road trips we have taken across country and labeled all the states we've lived in the past.

Since we are living in a state chock full of our country's history, we are taking advantage of it with lots and LOTS of field trips!

Handwriting:

Ok, I'll admit it. Handwriting is Pickle's least favorite activity.  He actually makes some very nice letter formations but he does NOT like to copy words or sentences.  Again, if I add dry erase markers to the activity, he is there!  Looks pretty good if you ask me.

So this is just a glimpse of some of the subjects Pickle is working on and what homeschool currently looks like in our house.  It has taken a bit of time, preparation and organization, but we are getting this "school" thing figured out and we are coming to learn what works for our clan.  Stay tuned and I'll share more updates over the summer. 

Blessings to you and yours,

Homeschooling: Supplementing Religious Ed with Bible Stories

Ok I know this should be obvious but I think, at least for myself, I know there is SO MUCH to learn about our AMAZING, rich, historic religion that I sometimes focus more on those things (Catechism, 7 sacraments, 10 Commandments, the rosary and other prayers, etc.) and less on the Bible itself.  However, I really wanted my religious education to be as complete as I can possibly make it.  Therefore, I decided to add "Breakfast with the Bible" to our daily lessons.  

As Pickle is still so young I began with what I had readily available to me, Little Golden Book: Bible Favorites.  This is a combination of three books in one:  Bible Heroes, Bible Stories for Boys and Girls, and Miracles of Jesus.

A word of caution when using non-Catholic approved Bible stories:  remember to read through them first prior to educating your children.  Be sure there is nothing contrary to Mother Church's teaching. If you find something contrary, you can make the decision to either present it with the Catholic teachings or choose not to present that story/book at all.  You'll know fairly quickly if you can use that resource or not so trust your gut!

The pros using this book (Little Golden Book: Bible Favorites):  

• The stories are written in a kid friendly manner.
• The stories are a VERY simplified version of their bible counterparts and hit on the very basics children would need to know initially about these bible characters.
• These stories provide, what I think, is a nice, brief, first introduction to these bible characters.
• This book is found in large commercial stores easily available.

The cons using this book:

• It cannot possibly fit all bible characters we would want our children to know about.
• The simplified versions of these stories still are missing some very important pieces of the story.  I find myself simply adding in the extra information as I am talking about each character.

I knew I needed to find something more age-appropriate but also Catholic based for my children so I went searching online and found....

Since beginning "Breakfast with the Bible", I have discovered another FANTASTIC bible resource for children.  The New Catholic Picture Bible offered via Catholic Heritage Curriculum is an wonderful resource!  It provides 74 bible stories presented from a Catholic perspective for children sold for only (are you sitting down) $10!  AMAZING!  Each story has a beautiful illustration followed by a fairly concise synopsis of that particular bible story!

How we do "Breakfast with the Bible":

1.  Read bible story:  I spend one whole school week on each story.  So, the first day of the week, we spend time reading and discussing the bible story during breakfast.  

2.  Coloring Page(s):  The second day of the week, I print out a coloring page (or pages) from a simple search on the internet, representing the bible story.    While Pickle colors in the page(s) we discuss the story once again.  It's a nice way to recap the bible story in order to help commit it to memory. 

3.  Extension activites: (rest of the school week) 

      a.  Discuss the Lesson:  We spend time discussing one lesson (or several) we have learned from this bible story.

      b.  Lesson learning activity:  I will try to take one lesson the bible story teaches and create some very simple type of extension activity for it.  Below is an example of what I used for Cain and Able's story.  

We discussed how Cain was not being a good brother to Able and that there are many, many ways we can be good brothers/sisters to our siblings.  Then I had Pickle color this picture and complete this writing prompt.  How easy it was to target written language and handwriting in this simple activity!

I have to admit, I am liking Breakfast with the Bible and am praying we can make this a family tradition!

So this is what we are using to supplement religious education at this time.

In the future, I am planning on purchasing the below curriculum to expand upon our study of scripture:

 Simon Peter School Scripture Study: This is a VERY affordable scripture study program for 3rd-8th grade. I am hoping to use this as a supplement once Pickle gets to third grade!

Now we all know what God does when we plan but this is what I'm thinking right now.  We shall see over the years how this goes!  Do you use a scripture study program with your children?  Please share!  And remember, even if you are not homeschooling, you can always supplement your child's religious education with whatever resources you feel are appropriate!!!!  It's not an ALL or NOTHING thing! I think that's what I love the most about homeschooling.  It's all about what works for you and your family!

Blessings to you and yours,

Homeschooling: Here We Go!

I know this might be a strange time to share this post since it is the spring and not the fall but my husband and I have just begun our homeschooling journey.  We had decided long before this season to homeschool and you can read about that decision and why we chose this curriculum in these previous posts.  We recently decided that now was the time to begin our homeschooling journey.

My oldest son, Pickle, turned 5 last month and he has always been interested in learning so when I told him we were beginning Kindergarten he was very excited about it.  After researching a number of Catholic homeschool options, my husband and I decided upon enrolling Pickle into Seton Home Study.  

Here's what we have decided to do for our K curriculum with Pickle: 

Religion: Seton's Curriculum + Additional supplements (see next week's post)

Phonics/Reading: Seton's Curriculum + CHC's Little Stories for Little Folks

Math: Seton's curriculum

Handwriting: Seton's curriculum

Science: Seton's curriculum + CHC's Behold and See 1 + Non-fiction books 

Art: Seton's curriculum + art projects from Catholic Icing and Catholic Inspired

Music: Seton's curriculum + Piggyback Songs (Praise God and Praise Jesus)

So far it has only been a month but we are enjoying ourselves.  Pickle wakes up excited and ready to learn and I LOVE being here with him along the way!  How blessed I am that I get to be part of such an important time in my child's life!  It's not always easy but it is always worthwhile.

Homeschooling families reading this, what curriculum are you using?  Do you have any favorite supplements or subjects you purchased from other companies?  I'd love to hear your input as well!

Blessings to you and yours,

Homeschooling: Why Seton Home Study?

Last week I answered the first question most people will be asking themselves when they hear we are homeschooling.  This week we will answer the second.

The second question most people will most likely ask us about homeschooling is "What curriculum are you using and why?".  So let's tackle that question today!

As I stated before, I wanted an authentically Catholic program, one that was in tandem with what Mother Church teaches.  It was very important to me that this program is one that is affordable, and flexible enough that it can follow us if we move from state to state as needed.  Additionally, I was interested in finding a Catholic program that follows the child through HS if we so choose to homeschool all the way to graduation.  And finally, it was important for me to find a program that was challenging academically while also being accredited.  I found all of these prerequisites in Seton Home Study.

So what do I like about this program so far? Well it's only been about a month since I received our Kindergarten curriculum via the mail.  What I enjoy about this program so far:

• I love the beautiful pictures of the Blessed Mother and Infant Jesus on our text books. 
• I also love how simple prayers, religious art and religious symbols are woven into our daily school work.
• I very much enjoy that we can go at the pace of our child.  For example, when I spoke to one of the academic counselors via the phone they informed me that for children they can have up to two years to complete K as needed.  
• The other thing I love is that Seton gives a LOT of practice on each skill but also allows parents to determine how much practice each child requires.  I can see this repetitive daily practice could be very helpful for children who require much practice for learning to occur.   Blessedly for us, Pickle is well on his way into the K curriculum in just a few weeks because he knows so much already.  So due to the flexibility of this curriculum, we have been able to move along fairly quickly through many of the math and phonics lessons in order to meet Pickle where he is currently functioning.
• I like that the daily required practice is minimal (a worksheet or two a day per subject) so that leaves parents with much time to create extension activities.  We have a lot of fun with manipulatives (a.k.a. legos, blocks, matchbox cars, crayons, even candy) and a simple wipe board for math!
• I also love that we have a LOT of time for reading together, time for Pickle to practice reading and time for me to read chapter books to him.

Other things I enjoy about homeschooling in general:

• I enjoy that we can take breaks throughout the day as we need to.
• I love that I can change and manipulate activities in order to provide deeper learning opportunities for my son.
• I also love that I am a part of my son's incidental learning as he experiences it throughout the day.  For example, my son learned what fractions looked like on a measuring cup when we made his dad's birthday cake last week.  Simple, real-life, incidental learning.
• I VERY MUCH ENJOY snuggling up with my boys while reading chapter books each day.
• Who doesn't LOVE wearing PJs to school?
• I can't help but enjoy the fact that homeschool does not have to look like "school" at all.  We can be on the couch, at the kitchen table or even piled up in my queen sized bed reading and discussing various subjects.
• What I'm looking forward to are the field trips!  We are in a wonderful state full of so much history that I cannot WAIT to take my sons to some of these great museums, state parks and historic sites.

So this is why we have chosen Seton.  We are currently supplementing some of Pickle's curriculum with other materials and I'll share what we are doing and why on the next post!

Homeschooling families, what curriculum are you using?  Feel free to share!

Blessings to You and Yours,

Homeschooling: Why?

The first question I think most people ask themselves when they hear we are homeschooling (besides "Is she crazy?") is "Why?".  Why did we choose to homeschool?  Well this is a question with several answers.

Firstly let me say that my husband and I have been discussing this for several years prior to making our decision and do not make it lightly.  So hear are just a few of the reasons we decided to try homeschooling:

• I've always wanted my children to have a Catholic education, however the cost of a traditional Catholic school for all of our children for the next 12 years (per child) is NOT sustainable for us.
• I have been educating my oldest since he's popped out of the womb. I know him the best and I know how he learns best.  He is quite advanced for his age and is interested in learning. I needed a program that I could cater to his enjoyment of learning while adequately challenging him.
• I wanted flexibility so that we can work around my husbands works schedule as needed.
• I hated the idea that someone (teachers, principals, etc.), who has different ideals, morals, and beliefs, would have such a big influence over my child's thinking and learning.
• I really hated the idea of my son being away from me so many hours a day!  I can't help it!  I love being around my kids (not in a June Cleaver sort of way...I just love them)!  So sue me ;)
• Children are growing up so quickly these days and even if I do not allow my child to watch certain shows or play video games, he will most definitely learn about them from other children.  I understand I cannot (nor do I want to) shelter my children from the outside world, however, I do want to have the say, as my child's parent, as to what outside influences my child will encounter in his very formative years.
• I LOVE being a part of my child's learning process!  I love watching his wheels turn and I can't wait to see the sparkle in his eye when he wakes up in the morning and asks if its a school day.
• After so many years praying about this decision, I truly feel this is part of my personal vocation!  How BLESSED am I that I get to be part of my children's lives like this!

Don't worry! I'm under no illusion that this journey will be easy or always be enjoyable!  It is a very LONG process and one that I am very willing to tweak, change and adjust along the way as we need.  Will I always homeschool?  Who knows.  But for now this is what is working for our family.  

So come along for this wild ride and let's get started!

Have you decided to homeschool? If so, what were your primary reasons for doing so?

Blessings to you and yours,