justpitchingmytent

Gearing up for Colossal Coaster World VBS!

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:53:00 +0000

Our church's Vacation Bible School is 8 short weeks away! A lot has been happening lately at our church in preparation for the big (or should I say "colossal") week!

T-shirts have been designed and are we are taking orders.

Kids are beginning to practice the VBS theme song on Wednesday nights at church so they can perform it the Sunday morning of VBS. (And help lead it during the worship rally!)

Today is VBS National Day of Prayer. Our church took time in our service to pray for VBS. We also passed out prayer reminders...each family taking one name of a VBS volunteer to pray for.

Registration has begun.

Here are a few snapshots of our VBS meeting room where we have had our meetings for teachers and helpers. I just love all the bright colors this year!

TOS Review: High School Prep Genius

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:31:00 +0000

In just a few short months we will have a high schooler in the house. As a homeschool mom, I am trying to learn all I can to make sure we use these next 4 years wisely as we prepare our son for college, life and manhood. My son and I have been reading through the book, High School Prep Genius, which is put out by College Prep Genius. We have found it most helpful and insightful.

We chose to read High School Prep Genius, An Academic Guide to Excellence at the perfect time, since the book is written to begin reading at the start of the high school freshman year. The introduction of the book includes a very useful "9th-12th Grade Timeline." It guides you month-to-month the things you should be doing or preparing for.

The heart of the book is divided up into 3 sections which address foundations for personal, academic and future success. My son and I focused primarily on the academic section. (That's what is so great about this book...you can pick and choose the sections/chapters that will benefit you the most.) In these 3 main sections there are 6 chapters per section. In each chapter, there is a section of information to read, questions for the student to answer, a page or two for parents to read, and then "Parents' Homework." The way these sections are set up worked easily for our use. I liked that my son had to think out and write down his thoughts concerning study habits, etc. The parent homework was simple to understand, and reminded me of things I can do to encourage, challenge and prepare my son for academic excellence.

A bonus of High School Prep Genius is that is contains more information than is printed on the page. They give lots of other websites and books for additional resources. For example, I was MOST excited to learn about the SAT question of the Day. There are appendices at the end of the book. I've already highlighted Appendix A...How to Build a Homeschool Transcript.

The bulk of this book is written for high school students who are in school. Homeschoolers are mentioned throughout the book, but are not the primary focus. This book is also primarily written for high school students who are preparing for college. There is a small section that talks about the fact that college is not for everyone, but the focus is definitely to prepare for college and life beyond.

Preparing your homeschooler for high school can be a bit daunting. (Take it from me...I'm feeling daunted!) Homeschool moms (and dads) are no longer just "teachers," but are "guidance counselors" as well! This is scarier to me than being my son's teacher. High School Prep Genius will remain on our shelf for the next 6 years...until both of my boys are away at college. I will think of it as my "guidance counselor." She will need to be consulted often, no doubt.

A few words from my son on "High School Prep Genius"......

This book was very encouraging. It tells you to make the most of the time you have now. It convinced me that the information it gives is for my best. The questions at the end of the chapter really made me think.

High School Prep Genius can be purchased for $29.95

CLICK to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew!

Chemistry in my Kitchen: Reaction Table #1

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Science has taken over the buffet in my kitchen!

Table drawn out in the Science Notebook...ready to test out the reactions.

Where our pop bottle caps come into play...

The thing I love about chemistry is that usually everything turns out exactly like the book says it should. Not so with life science. This experiment was lots of fun...we have few more to go using the bottle caps.

Free May Issue: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Go HERE to find great articles in the May 2013 issue. There are several articles about gifted and/or special needs kids. You will also find a couple of articles highlighting "spring cleaning." I was especially excited to see the article about the Impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt, since we just acquired a great card game based on Impressionist artists. There's always something for everyone...even if you're not a homeschooler!

Today: Our (Long-awaited) Birding Field Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 03 May 2013 01:08:00 +0000

We had a great family field trip today! We took a 2 hour trip to Whele Nature Center where a wildlife biologist/ornithologst spent 3 hours with our family. This is a trip that has been planned for months. We had been in contact with the ornithologists at the nature center, and they had invited my oldest son (and us) out for a visit. It is peak migration time...so today was the day! My oldest was thrilled to add 9 new birds to his life list!

Dad trying to show little brother where the King Bird is.

Big brother is not the only one who likes birding!

It was a great day..... I loved being surrounded by peaceful nature, eating our picnic and being with my family!

Free Download: Adventures in Odyssey

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:53:00 +0000

     One of my favorite magazines, Thriving Family, shared a link in their Aug/Sept 2011 issue where your child can listen to free downloads of the "Adventure in Odyssey" radio programs.  I wanted to share this great resource with you.
     These radio programs are designed for 8-12 year olds, but even older kids (or moms and dads) can get caught up in the stories. I remember several times listening to one of their radio programs on the way home from somewhere, then sitting in the garage listening to the radio until the story was over! We own several of the DVD's. They are great for road trips! Both "Thriving Family" and "Adventures in Odyssey" are part of the Focus on the Family Ministries.
     The current free downloads are: "The Last I Do," "Do, for a change," and "For Trying out Loud." Click for your free download. Enjoy these character building stories!

Field Trip: A Night at the Opera

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:41:00 +0000

Last night we enjoyed a fun family night out. We attended the "Albert Herring" (by Benjamin Britten) Opera at a local university. I think the boys enjoyed it even more than my husband and I. Two things helped: it was funny and it was in English! An added bonus was that my kids had the opportunity to see/hear a small orchestra.

In the words of my youngest: "I was not bored--not even for a moment!"

All in the Name of Science

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:14:00 +0000

Next week we are doing several chemistry experiments that require bottle caps. That meant I had to purchase these:

It is a hardship, but we are committed to drink all of them over the weekend.

Science is that important to us.

We are just that dedicated.

Blog Post Find of the Day: "Parents, Sports and Church"

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Check out this very well written and thought-out blog post from the Church and Culture Blog:

Parents, Sports and Church

Home Education: Year 7, Week 29 (a few snapshots)

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0000

Happy Friday...Hope you had a good week! Here's a glimpse at our week...

Making a pie chart based on percentages

Might as well take inventory of the candy bucket!

Chemistry: separating salt from sand (here's the salt)

Here's the salt-crusted sand. (We'll do step 2 next week.)

No electricity.....so the math review seems a lot more fun in a hideout!

Yes, I think my son is "just pitching his tent!"

TOS (Book) Review: Before the Dawn, A Tale of Wycliffe and Huss (Salem Ridge Press)

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:53:00 +0000

My sons devour books. (at about the same rate that they devour milk and cereal!) This is of course a wonderful thing...until we run out of books to read! Oh, sure there are lots of books to read--but I mean good books. And by good books I'm referring to ones that are quality literature and that teach (or at least encourage) good moral values. In our day and time, it is no small feat to find such a book. How thankful I am to have been introduced to Salem Ridge Press Publishing and their books.
Salem Ridge Press was established in 2005 to "bring back the very best children's books of the 1800's and early 1900's." There are 30 titles on their website you can choose from. More are on the way! (There are books on Church History, World History, American History, Allegory, Adventure and books for Young Readers.) The publisher says he sometimes jokes that their number one rule is "No Kissing!" They do edit some of the writing and illustrations as they see a need. Modesty and wholesomeness are very important to these publishers.

This is a review of a title from the Emma Leslie Church History Series: Before the Dawn, A Tale of Wycliffe and Huss. I choose to read the book first. I plan on assigning it as summer reading for my eldest in the next month or so. I think he will enjoy it as much or more as I have.
Before the Dawn is recommended for ages 12-adult. The cost is $14.95* for soft cover or $24.95* for hard cover. Before the Dawn can also be purchased as a 12-Book Christian History set.

My interest in reading, and having my children read this book was for many reasons. 1) We have recently studied this period in World History. 2) I want my children to read about real heros 3) I have found out over the years that Historical Fiction is one of the most effective ways to learn history 4) I wanted my children (and myself) to be challenged and inspired by the martyrs that went before us. 5) I thought it would be interesting and novel to read a book written so long ago. (Before the Dawn was originally published in 1880.) 6) I wanted my children (and myself) to learn more about church history.

     There were a few things I first noticed about the book before I even started reading it that were different from other historical fiction. There are a lot of "helps" in the book to give the reader a better grasp of what they they are reading. These "helps" include: 1) Definitions of difficult words are given at the bottom of many pages. This comes in very handy since many of the words used in the book are no longer used today. (My son looked at one of the pages as I was reading and thought this extra help was great!) 2) References from the Bible are also at the bottom of the page if there is a quote from the Bible on that page. 3) Maps in the front of the book 4) Important Historical Dates are given at the beginning of the book. 5) Historical Notes are given. This includes historical figures mentioned in the book. I found this to be most useful.
     I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to a well-read 12-year old or older.  It took a little effort to read in the "Old English" style of writing. (I mean, it was written in the 1800's after all!) This took me several chapters to get used to. I did get used to it, and I'm sure my kids will too. In fact, I think it is a benefit. It has to do the mind good to read a wide variety of literature. The language and words used can be very beautiful. Literature should not have to be overly-simplified for us or our children to enjoy it or learn from it!
     There are three levels on which I experienced this book: simply enjoying a good read, learning some very important church history and most important of all, a spiritual eye-opening one.
     The author, Emma Leslie, did a superb job in bringing together so many things that were taking place in history and the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. The title, Before the Dawn, represents the time in History before the Reformation. There were many people (with Wycliffe and Huss amoung their leaders) who wanted reform...they were waiting (and waiting) for that glorious day to "Dawn".
    Like most historical fiction, there is a fictional (yet believable) story woven throughout the historical events. Even though you know what will eventually happen to Huss, you get caught up in the fictional story of a young crippled boy named Conrad. This boy lives with his mother and grandmother, but with a father no longer present. No one seems to give him a straight answer about his father. His "grandam" particularly hates "Lollards" (those that are against the Catholic practices and beliefs of that day). His mother seems to be unsure of what she believes. Conrad has encounters with several (many of them famous) Lollards along the way. His beliefs are challenged and he eventually turns to "Lollardism", but will he turn to Christ? The reader follows Conrad on two journeys: to find his mysteriously missing father and most importantly, his spiritual journey.
     On a spiritual level, God has used this book to cause me to think about martyrdom and what I believe---and what I would stand up for. It has helped me to look at my life and ask the question, "What are the most important things?". When God is trying to get my attention about something, he usually has to repeat Himself---at least three times. During the few weeks it took me to read Before the Dawn, I attended a "Secret Church" Simulcast. We prayed for the persecuted church. I'll never forget when David Platt quoted Pascal, "'I believe those witnesses that get their throats cut.'" Also during the time period that I was reading this book, my family and I watched "The Bible" miniseries on TV. During the last episode it showed how so many were martyred for their belief in Christ. Since the time of Christ many have died for their belief in Him. We need to make sure to never forget those that have led the way...or the ones that still stand strong today, no matter the cost. (AND to pass this on to our children!) God has used a book, a sermon and a movie to light a fire under me. What faith, what deep conviction and what great resolve the Christian martyrs have---and still have today!

One of my favorite quotes from Before the Dawn:

"...these new doctrines taught by Dr. Wycliffe: they are old, old truths that were taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles and the early martyrs of the Church; but as the Church grew worldly, proud, and self-seeking, these truths became buried and forgotten, except as they lived in the hearts of a few of God's chosen people."

Check out what the rest of the "CREW" had to say HERE.
(Reviews on American, World and Church History!)

*All prices were correct at the time of this posting. Prices are subject to change.

Preschool Sunday School~Jesus Talks to the Woman at the Well

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:12:00 +0000

This past Sunday boys and girls learned about the Bible story: "Jesus Talks to a Woman". This was literally the title of our lesson. Jesus talking to a woman was a pretty big deal back during Bible times! (We did not go into all that, of course, with our preschoolers...but it was something I took note of as I studied my lesson~!)

Puzzle Center: We made our own puzzles with cardstock paper. While we were waiting for parents to arrive, boys and girls took turns sharing their puzzles with friends!

Our Bible Verse today was: "Jesus loves you." (John 15:12) This is what the woman at the well learned--and she shared it with her town!

Art Center: Color Run (Use washable markers)

As boys and girls used the water dropper (oh, so much fun!) I shared the teaching picture of the woman at the well and Jesus. We talked about how people got their water during Bible times.

I did not get a final picture of the "color run" art project, but let me tell you--they were beautiful! (I teach preschoolers---so I can't get a picture of everything, right?) :)

Weekend Project: 1 Corinthians 13:13 Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:36:00 +0000

Last weekend I had a fun time making this sign for our home. The lettering came from one of those rub-on kits you get a the craft store. I found this one on clearance months ago for just a few bucks. The letters are designed to go on the wall. I didn't think the letters would show up on mine, so I opted to make a sign instead

My sweet daddy cut the wood for me. I painted it with acylic white paint, waited 24 hrs. and then put on the lettering.

The fun (and kinda scary) part....pulling off the paper.

I just LOVE how it turned out!

Whatever Wednesday #8

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:13:00 +0000

Whatever Wednesday

What's new in our Homeschool...

We are starting some new books this week....

My oldest started on TOPS Analysis (chemistry experiments):

Their new reader...The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn:

For History....George Washington's World:

And my oldest cracked open this brand-spanking new curriculum...Winston Grammar Advanced:

What new (to me) product I'm using...

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner. (Lavender)

I really like that a little goes a long way and that it's all natural. I'm really trying to not use any chemicals to clean my house.

What new website I've discovered....

http://www.thatresourcesite.com/book_resources_blank_book_reports.htm

(I copied a free book report template from there today.)

What "Pinterests" me...

I'm watching out for all things "Colossal Coaster World". This is what I have pinned on my board so far.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory." 1 Corinthians 10:31

April Edition of "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" (Free Digital Version)

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Check out the most recent edidtion of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (April).

The first article I plan to read is: "Why Memorize Timelines?".

Happy Reading!

Preschool Sunday School~~Easter Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:16:00 +0000

Craft Center: The boys and girls enjoyed making "Jesus is Alive" plates. What a joy to share the true meaning of Easter with these children!

Block Center: The Empty Tomb!

We also enjoyed singing, working puzzles from Jesus' ministry (and one puzzle that depicted the resurrection) and hearing the Bible Story. Boys and Girls took turns praying to God and thanking him for rising from the dead!

Hot Cross Buns for Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:22:00 +0000

I tried something new today---making Hot Cross Buns. I tried an "easy" version I clipped out of a Home Life Magazine from April 2009. Hot Cross Buns have been traditionally eaten on Good Friday for several centuries. There are superstions tied to the buns, but today they served to remind us of what Christ did for us on the cross.

Waiting for the rolls to rise...

Those little specks are cinnamon. I left out the raisins and nuts. That is more of the traditional recipe--but I wanted my kids to eat them!

My family really enjoyed them--and I think I'll have enough for the whole weekend.

Have a Blessed "Good Friday"!

Creative Art: Faberge' Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:13:00 +0000

Last year my boys enjoyed making their own version of Faberge' eggs. We had been studying Russia, and this worked out perfectly to be done at Easter time.

We decided to make/shape our own eggs from Crayola puddy.

These are a few books I checked out from the library for inspiration.

Waiting for the eggs to dry and harden....

A gorgeous spring day for painiting eggs....

All done! The boys gave them away as gifts to family.

Palm Sunday~~Preschool Sunday School

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:12:00 +0000

Hosanna! This past week we celebrated Palm Sunday....

Block Center: Building a maze for the donkey to walk through. (See the donkey in the lower left by the picture?---He came from our Nativity set!)

Puzzle Center: Matching fabric squares
I shared from the Bible story how some people took off their cloaks and lay them on the road for Jesus.

Puzzle Center: Spelling "Hosanna"
This is what the people shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem. The children shouted it as well! It means, "God save us!"

Puzzle Center: Jesus with the children puzzles

Book Center: Books about Jesus and Easter
(And the Bible!!)

TOS Review~~~Essentials in Writing, 9th Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:04:00 +0000

Would you like to invite a professional teacher into your living room to teach your student writing? That can "virtually" happen with Matthew Stephens and Essentials in Writing! My family received the 9th Grade Essentials in Writing, which my upcoming 9th grader has used for several weeks. Essentials in Writing is a Language Arts/writing curriculum for grades 1st-12th. The teaching is done by Matthew Stephens by way of a DVD lesson. Worksheets via PDF download contain the lesson in written form, lesson examples, and assignments for the student to complete.

The Teacher:

The teacher can make a subject fun and engaging, or boring and laborious. Mr. Stephens does a great job in making writing an enjoyable task. My son has yet to complain about watching the DVD lessons. (In fact, he rarely watches his lessons alone. His little brother and I almost always watch too!) Matthew Stephens has a teaching degree with an emphasis in Elementary, Middle School and High School English. He is also a Christian and a homeschool dad. As Mr. Stephens teaches, I can tell my son feels right at ease. The teacher smiles a lot, and many times puts things in a "funny" way to make a point. He does a fabulous job in making things clear for the student. (My kids especially like it when Mr. Stephens has to write a lot on the board...the DVD automatically goes into fast motion so that we don't have to sit there forever waiting for him to write for several minutes! I thought this was a very clever idea they had.)

The Curriculum:

1. Sentences: 8 Lessons

2. Paragraphs: 10 Lessons

3. Essays: 30 Lessons.....

(2) Intro Lessons

(6) Personal Essay Lessons

(7) Persuasive Essay Lessons

(8) Expository Essay Lessons

(7) Compare and Contrast Essay Lessons

4. Research Paper: 15 Lessons

How it Worked for us:

For each lesson, my son (and I) watched the very short (no more than 5 minutes) writing lesson taught by Matthew Stephens. I encouraged my son to take notes as Mr. Stephens taught, pausing the DVD as necessary. (The "notes" are in print form on the PDF, but I just wanted my son to get in the habit since college is fast approaching!) I then printed out for him the lesson for that day and let him get to work on it. Most assignments took no longer than 30 minutes. (Sometimes there is an "A" lesson and a "B" lesson. For the "B" lessons, they can be done the next day, without having to watch the DVD.) My son worked all the way through the sentence lessons and has done most of the paragraph lessons and a few of the essay lessons. We have not yet tried the Research Paper lessons. (But I have looked ahead at them....and they look equally as thought-out and well done as the other lessons.)
The sequence makes a whole lot of sense. Sentences build paragraphs, paragraphs make up essays, etc. Mr. Stephens also follows a guideline for writing. He doesn't expect a student to "right off the bat" write an essay. He shows them step-by-step how to organize their thoughts. He makes graphic organizers available for those students for whom they would help. He even goes the extra mile of not just telling students how to write a paragraph, but showing them, step-by-step.

Mr. Stephens believes in repetition. He explains that this is what is going to make good writers. He talks about how there will be essays on the SAT and in college. This is why he uses writing prompts for the essays. In college or during a test of some sort...one may not have free choice of what to write. The student will be expected to write within the parameters given. This has been good practice for my son. Many of his past writing assignments were pretty open as far as "topic" was concerned. (For example,he has written many "persuasive essays", but almost always about whatever he wanted to persuade someone to think or do.) The other day, for example, he had to chose between 3 prompts for the persuasive essay. None of them really suited him. I told him to pick one and just make it work. I gave him just a little guidance, and after his second try, he had a great essay!
Matthew Stephens may be an excellent writing teacher...but guess who gets to grade the papers? That's right...mom! (or dad!) Mr. Stephens, unfortunately, cannot fit all of us into his schedule. (Ha!) He does give us a very good tool, thought. Within printable lessons, there are scoring guidelines or rubrics along the way to help in your grading. Just prior to the scoring guidelines are printable checklists for your child, so that they can do some final editing before handing over the final work to mom or dad.

Cost and Other Available Products:

*$40 for the 9th grade program, $20 for the optional workbook
(The $40 includes access to printable files.)

*Similar courses can be purchased for grades 1st-12th. Two High School electives are coming soon.

Check out what some of my fellow crew mates had to say about Essentials in Writing HERE!

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

A Good Book for St. Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:44:00 +0000

My family doesn't really do a lot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day...although today we all wore green to church. The day has reminded me, though, of a book we read a few months ago:

This historical fiction book contains the story of St. Patrick and his arrival to Ireland. Neither my boys nor I had never read a book about this part of his life before---we really enjoyed it!

TOS Review: Artistic Pursuits (Middle School, Book 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:47:00 +0000

Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." I have had this basic thought (though never as eloquently stated as Picasso) ever since my boys were in preschool. I would often gaze at their paintings, drawing and play-dough sculptures and say to myself, "Now that is ART!" I don't think they would have fetched a high price at an art auction....but it was art nonetheless. It was art because they didn't copy it or try to do it exactly like someone showed them. They were creative with the mediums they had to work with.

That's why I really appreciate they way ARTistic Pursuits teaches art. They give children the tools they need and then help to guide them on their journey of becoming an artist. I had been frustrated in the past with using art books to teach my children art. It seemed that they left little to the child's imagination, or way too much for mom to sort through. ARTistic Pursuits points the way, and the child then is free to use the basic parameters and tools to create. The curriculum could not be any easier for mom (or dad!). Just enough information is given to make sense of the assignment.

My boys are 6th and 8th grade, so the ARTistic Pursuits for Middle School (Book 1) was perfect for our homeschool. This curriculum focuses on the elements of art and composition. (Middle School Book 2 focuses on color and composition.)

The Supplies

Before I get to the ins an outs of this art curriculum, it's important to know the art materials you'll need. ARTistic Pursuits gives a LINK on their website so it's easy for you to purchase exactly what you'll need. (You can click HERE to find out the exact supplies needed for Middle School, Book 1.)We already had some of the supplies, but a few we still had to purchase. Of course it's always so much fun to get new art supplies! (A new one for us was the sandpaper block...something we'd never used or heard of before!)

The Curriculum

This art curriculum is designed to be completed in one school year (32 weeks). Two classses are given each week, giving an hour to each lesson. There are 16 units in this art curriculum. The units range from Space, Line and Texture to Perspective and Proportion. Within each unit, there are 4 Lessons:

1st Lesson of Each Unit: Building a Visual Vocabulary
This is where you child will be asked to look for something particular in his/her environment. For example, in Unit 2, Lesson 1, the assignment was to: "Go outdoors and look for an object from nature that has something unique or interesting about it. Make a drawing of it...." Here's my 6th grader's drawing . He's adding some finishing touches. He really enjoyed being outside for this assignment!

2nd Lesson of Each Unit: Art Appreciation and Art History

This is something important to me when looking at either an art teacher or an art curriculum. Your child will see how the masters used the topic they are studying (space, for example). The student will then apply what s/he has learned to create a new work of art. The above picture is from Unit 1, Lesson 2. My sons did a lesson related to "The Portrait of an Elephant, Dal Badal, Chasing His Attendant".

3rd Lesson of Each Unit: Techniques

Students practice learning how to use materials and tools. For example, in the above 2 pictures my oldest child practiced using sharp, pointed pencils in the top picture and broad-tipped flat pencils in the bottom picture.

4th Lesson of Each Unit : Application

This is where your child does a final project incorporating the new techniques they learned. In Unit 1, Lesson 4 the assignment was to read the story of The Blind Men and the Elephant and to draw an illustration. In doing so, the student was applying their learning of "space", which is what Unit 1 is all about. The student had to be very mindful of where to place the elephant and six men in the drawing.

The Cost and Similar Products

ARTistic Pursuits for Middle School, Book 1 can be purchased for $47.95. If you are looking for an art book for younger children or highschoolers, those are also available. Go HERE to see all the options. You'll also want to read all the ARTistic Pursuits REVIEWS written by the rest of the TOS Review Crew.

What we Thought....

ARTistic Pursuits really works with my kids. They are learning new techniques and using materials/mediums that they've never used before. I was a little unsure of my children actually being able to learn art without an art teacher...but ARTistic Pursuits really does teach! As we have incorporated it into our weekly schedule, I have seen how art truly is an important part of the total education of a child. The only negative about this curriculum? I just wish we'd started using it earlier!

I remember back when my boys were "little", and they would be painting or drawing a picture. Someone would say to them, "You may grow up to be and artist one day,"

I'd then reply with, "Oh, he is an artist now!". I believe that ARTistic Pursuits will help you keep the artist in your child!

Preschool Sunday School~~God Made the Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:22:00 +0000

God Made the Animals (Genesis 1:25)

Today we learned about days 5 and 6 of creation. (We'll get to people next week!)

Puzzle Center: Matching animals to their habitat

Block Center: Building a zoo

Art Center: Playdough and animal cookie cutters

Book Center: sewing cards and animal magazines

We never got to the animal sewing cards. The boys and girls LOVED the "Your Big Backyard" magazines.

We had a fun time in group time:

Bible Story

Bible Verse

The Beetle Song

Identifying animal noises

Thank-you prayers for all the animals

I've never mentioned this before, but wanted to make sure and share with my readers that this is the curriculum we use for Sunday School: (We love it!)

Making Suet

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:35:00 +0000

My 12 year old is still enjoying his Apologia Science that I reviewed HERE. He is having such a great time learning all about birds. We recently made suet to help feed our feathered friends during these cold days of March.

Cooking up the suet on the stove...the first time I've ever purchased lard!! (The recipe came from the Apologia Book linked above.)

After it cooled a bit, we put it in freezer bags. We molded it so that it would fit into our suet "cage" and placed it in the freezer overnight.

The birds took a few days to get used to it. They are used to the store bought suet. Every morning we now see a cardinal getting his breakfast!

Preschool Sunday School~God Made a Beautiful World

noreply@blogger.com (Letha P) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:10:00 +0000

We learned about the first four days of creation this past Sunday.

Bible Truth: God made the sun, moon, stars, water, land and plants.

Bible Phrase: "Look at the wonderful things God made." Job 37:14

Nature Center: Leaf Rubbings...with foil and an eraser.

So neat!!

Art Center: Using chalk and stencils. Boys and girls made daytime pictures, too.

Building a park in the block center.