Inchimals

Ok..we just got these today and I can not say enough about them already! They are a big hit! They are a great early math manipulative.

Inchimals Animal Blocks
A learning safari - more ways to explore with Inchimals... 

Practice counting

Sequence Inchimal blocks from the shortest to the longest

Introduce vocabulary - shorter, taller, longer, height, length, distance, perimeter

Explore individual segments, numbers & dots on each Inchimal block

Learn addition and subtraction concepts!

Master pre-algebra understandings and balance equations!

Stand Inchimals blocks side by side or stack neatly to promote fine motor control

Invite creative thinking, language & dialogue, and dramatic play

Write on-wipe off puzzle book features 100 puzzles

Included puzzle book includes write on-wipe off erasable pen

Designed to be used at home, in the classroom or on the go!

Inchimals adheres to all current safety requirements for the U.S. & Europe 

Check out Inchimals and see if it is tool that would be useful in your in your school.

FatBrain toys do not know that I exist and I am gettin' nothing in return. I share because I LOVE!

Homeschool Mom tells you off....

The choice to homeschool was an easy one for our family.

I have a degree in elementary education.

I taught school.

And....

I don't need your negative attitude about it.

I think that every family must make the choice to educate their children in the way that works best for their family. I don't care if you send your kids to public school, a private school or homeschool them. You have to do what works for you...not what your next door neighbor's sister's hairdresser thinks works for you and not what your mom's best friend's daughter's niece does...do what works for YOU and YOUR family.

That being said...please give me the same respect.

If you don't like the idea of homeschooling, don't show up on my blog or my facebook page, etc, cause I  am going to talk about it.

I am going to talk about what is going on, on the state and national level that could effect my rights as a homeschooling parent, my choices as a homeschool parent and my children's academic future. Please don't tell me that we don't do school. Yes, in fact, we do do school. Just because we do it differently than what you are used to or are familiar with...doesn't mean we don't do school.

I follow the rules that have been set forth by the state. I file my papers. I test using the state approved tests. I do everything that is required of me.  AND I pay my taxes. I pay for those extra curricular activities that your kids get to do. I pay for those field trips. I pay for those extras that your kid gets to use.

And you know what, I am fine with that. Why? Because I want your kids to get the best education that they can get! I want  your kids to be great at reading and math and science and all the other stuff, too! I really do. I want your kids to have a great education and get great jobs and be great citizens of their communities. I want them to change the world for the better and if you need my tax money to do it..take it. You can have it. It is worth it. For all of us.

But you know what...I don't get any kind of a tax break. I don't get any incentives. I pay for your kids education, as well as mine. I don't get anything. It all comes out of my husband's paycheck.

So, if you don't like it...you can go away.

I am not getting paid if you visit.
I am not getting paid if you click here or there.
So don't read what I have written if you feel that negative about homeschooling.

Please.

I think that we should remember, "If you don't have anything nice to say...don't say anything at all."

I PROMISE I will return the favor.

Here is where I try to come up with some good excuses

I know, I know, I know.

I said I would do better and I haven't. I am sure that I have disappointed you.

All....2 of you.

What can I say, I'm a slacker.

Today the boys started a homeschool PE class called Operation Recreation. And truly, I can't say enough about it. The 3 big kids have hour long classes and the little one has 30 minutes. The prices are incredible and well worth it. Plus they get to have that "socialization" that the rest of the world is so concerned they do not get. LOL

They loved it and are already counting down the days till next Monday at 1:15!!

SUBJECT CHANGE.......

We recently got this game.

It's a sight word game the 1st and 2nd grader love it and I, evidently am not very good at it.
I have reason to believe they cheat.
I can't prove it yet...but I am collecting evidence against them.

We also got this one and they all like it. They younger readers need a little help, but overall it is a favorite.

It is a reading comprehension and vocabulary game. I have yet to win at this one either.

I am beginning to see a pattern.

I may need intensive summer school.


Tomorrow we bowl.
Once a month we go to Fast Lanes with another homeschool family we love and rent a lane for an hour for $16 and we make all 8 kids throw large balls at odd shaped sticks and burn some energy! It's great fun!

Pictures to follow...maybe. Someday, if I get around to it.

Great quote

"If I had my child to raise over again....I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often" --Diane Loomans

Huh??

I am not sure what I was thinking last week when I said I would try to write something every day...this is our off week.

We aren't doing school this week.

We are playing and relaxing and cleaning and sleeping late and watching fun movies and going to the Zoo and that kind of stuff.

So maybe next week I'll have something life changing to write about.

As for now, I'm trying to get next week work cards done and plan a big get-together for the Arkansas vs. Alabama game this weekend!!

WWWOOOOOOO PIG SOOOIE!

Univ. of Arkansas Fight Song with Shirley Q

Scattered and random

School is under way -full force at our little homeschool. Matter of fact...we have been going 6 weeks strong and next week is our off week. Well, off, if you don't count the 2 belt-loops and and 2 academic pins for science and weather, and the WEBELOS Scientist and Traveler pins and zoo trip that we will be working on.

I am going to try to blog something each day for a while. Even if it is something short and sweet.

No promises...but from the looks of things...no one will know if I do or if I don't! LOL

This year we are schooling a Jr. K, 1st, 2nd and a 5th grader. And it is really working for us. I think that it is harder when the littles are really litte. Seems to be easier if I actually have all 4 schooling....go figure.

We took a trip to Washing ton DC this summer for the 2010 Nation Scout Jamboree. It was incredible!

On day 2 of our trip, my Daddy called around 10:30am to tell my my Granny had passed away. So we changed course and Scout and the boys dropped me off and started the trip without me. I joined them 3 days later to finish up.

The boys had such an amazing time. They loved everything about DC. We drug them out of museum every evening!

We attended the Jamboree at Fort AP Hill and is also was nothing short of amazing. We went as guests this time, since they boys are still Cub Scouts. Skipper will be old enough to attend as a Scout in 2013. He has decided to start saving his money so he can go.

Daily, I am amazed, watching the boys learn and grow and develop into wonderful young scholars and men.

I am grateful that I get the opportunity to be a part of the whole process of raising our boys.