Mom Is Teaching

This is probably more along the lines of something you would see discussed at Homeschooler Savvy, but it was so cool I could not resist sharing it myself.

One very artistic mom created a dollhouse for her daughter as an exact replica of Frida Kahlo’s Studio. The detail work is amazing! I have spent hours staring at her photos and trying to see all of the special touches that she did to create such an amazing dollhouse. It is a work of art in and of itself. And it’s a way for her to teach her daughter more about Frida’s life and art.

I made this miniature dollhouse for my daughter because I wanted her to learn about Frida Kahlo. This was such a fun project to make. It took me months to complete it but I am glad that I did it. Natalie loves it and once in a while we play with it on the kitchen table. She likes anything that is tiny just like her Mom. Next year I want to finish another dollhouse for her that I started last year but this one is bigger.

Suddenly I’m absolutely inspired, and wishing I had far more talent. Maybe I could glue some sticks together and call it Lincoln’s log cabin. Even if you can’t create beautiful dollhouses like Elsita does you can still use the idea as a great educational tool. You could try to create the homes of people in various time periods or create famous places. Depending on the ages of your children you could easily turn it into a family project, completing a little more each night and learning about the place and time you are building.

You can combine history, social studies and art all in one. Even a little math if you try to work everything to scale or just try to build the house yourself. eHow has an article on how to make dollhouses you can check out. For those a little more frugal or environmentally friendly FamilyFun has one for using household items in your dollhouse. You can create everything from a soap box toilet to a tea box fridge. Here is another simple one for using household trash recycled into dollhouse furniture. If you’re not sure where to begin you can download house plans for only $8 from Dollhouse Designs.

Have fun creating and learning!

doll house, dollhouse, crafts, creative, education, lesson plans, unit study

I have to thank Rebecca for this, she pointed out a fun challenge that I had not yet heard of but would love to join in. The Green Hour Challenge!

The Green Hour Challenge is a weekly challenge to get kids outside and interacting with nature. Every week a new challenge is issued with activities and reading for parents to do to get their kids outside and excited about nature. You can read the official explanation of it here along with the first week’s challenge. Every Friday the new challenge will be up along with a Mr. Linky at the bottom for you to share your posts. The challenge is already at week 5 but you are more than welcome to jump in now and join the fun, or go back to the beginning and take it one week at a time on your own schedule.

The only thing you will really need for this is a copy of Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock, which you can find in most libraries or online for fairly cheap. You can also access a PDF version for free. This book is a classic, one that every homeschooling family should have just for the fun of it.

I’ll be joining in and starting from the first challenge, so anyone keeping up will be ahead of me. But the most important part is getting outside and sharing nature with our kids. Every Friday I’ll share what we did here. Is anyone else joining in?

nature, outside, education, children

With St. Patrick’s day coming up the world has turned Irish it seems. Everything green and leafy has taken over and leprechauns are found dancing in most stores, their smiling faces shining like the mythical pot of gold they are said to guard. But what you we really know about leprechauns?

I found this great Hidden Guide to Irish Fairies the other day and loved it. The information there on not just leprechauns but also other types of Irish fairies is great. It shares their habits, tricks, and even the origins of their name.

The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma’n (Irish for pygmy).

Leprechauns are such a part of what we know of Irish culture they hold a special place for many of us. Though the typical image we have now for leprechauns is a purely American invention. According to The History Channel

Leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick or the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a Catholic holy day. In 1959, Walt Disney released a film called Darby O’Gill & the Little People, which introduced America to a very different sort of leprechaun than the cantankerous little man of Irish folklore. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is a purely American invention, but has quickly evolved into an easily recognizable symbol of both St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

Leprechauns are thought to have come from the Celtic God Lugh, a sun god worshiped in Ireland as leader of the Tuatha De Danaan.

For more leprechaun facts here are a few good books you can look for.

• Castles, Keeps, and Leprechauns Tales, Myths, and Legends of Historic Sites in Great Britain and Ireland - Phyllis Meras
• 101 Things You Didn’t Know About Irish History - Ryan Hackney, Amy Hackney Blackwell
• A History of Irish Fairies - Carolyn White
• Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia - Carol Rose
• A Field Guide to Irish Fairies - Bob Curran
• Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry - William Butler Yeats

If you are looking for some fun St. Patrick’s day ideas I will be sharing craft and project ideas all week over at Creative Mom Cafe. Just head over all this week to find a few fun things for you to do. In case you hadn’t heard yet for 2008 St. Patrick’s day has been moved from March 17th to March 15th. Though, I suppose you don’t have to follow this change if you’re not Catholic.

On a more educational turn here are some links for sites full of lesson plans related to St. Patrick’s day. It is a fascinating holiday and worth looking at.

• St. Patrick’s day themed lesson plans
• Lesson Plans Page- St. Patrick’s day
• The history of St. Patrick’s day
• About Saint Patrick
• St. Patrick: No snakes. No shamrocks. Just the facts.
• Why Ireland Has No Snakes
• Urban Legends: St. Patrick’s day

St. Patrick’s day, St. Patrick, holidays, lesson plans

OK, so sometimes science is boring. Especially when reading from long books with lots of big words written in a dry, flat tone. The concepts themselves might be pretty cool, but they’re not often presented that way. I was lucky enough to have a couple science teachers in school who tried to make science fun and entertaining, though I also had my share of the monotone readers with a thousand and one worksheets and pop quizes.

My point is that when presented right science can be pretty fun. Most people already know about the mentos and soda trick, but here are a few more fun science experiments you can do with your kids. And they involve treats, which just makes them even more compelling. And scientific, it’s all in the name of science.

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Many homeschooling families say they choose to do so so that they can give their children a real world education. However, the real world comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Like politics, which can be all three.

Kim shared on her blog the Mock Primary that she held in her house. I think it is an incredibly great idea. Her kids got a chance to see the pros and cons of each canidate, learning more about the issues, and getting a taste of democracy. But I think what I loved the most was that she didn’t just give her kids her position in this. While it’s tempting to tell your kids not to vote for so-and-so because of this, that, and the other that doesn’t help them really learn about where their feelings are. As Kim said

“Its good you trust your parents choices because I know all of your parents and they’ve all made good choices for you. But you’re getting older too and although in the end you might agree with them, choosing to like a candidate because your mom does isn’t the same as understanding all of the candidates on your own. Ideally, you’ll research the candidates and learn what they hope to accomplish as President. You’ll be voting in a few years.”

PBS has a six part lesson called The Democracy Project that is a great way to introduce young kids to politics by letting them create their own political party. The Youth Leadership Initiative is another great site that offers free resources for teaching children about the political system in America. This site is based out of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, and has a wonderful array of resources for all ages. If you have kids that like online games like fantasy baseball or fantasy football, they might enjoy Real Clear Politics, which is a fantasy politics type game. It is interesting to say the least.

Don’t be afraid to let your cihldren learn about the politics you do not agree with. And, if you can, try to kep your own opinions out of it at first. Them them decide their own ideas on who is right. Compare how issues are discussed on both the Left and the Right. Let them read more about the current politics and see where they feel we are headed. You might be surprised what they choose on their own.

homeschooling, politics, lesson plans

So it was pointed out to me that in my list of holidays to learn more about for February I missed a big one.

Mardi Gras!

So, to make up for my oversight I’m going to dedicate this entire post to resources for learning about and celebrating Mardi Gras.

• History of Mardi Gras
• The Lesson Plans Page has several lesson plans listed for Mardi Gras.
• Education world has a Mardi Gras lesson for learning more about the region and culture.
• You can find lesson plans for grades K-3rd, 4th-8th, and 9th-12th at Mardi Gras Day.
• Create your own Mardi Gras shoebox float to celebrate at home.
• Lesson Planeyt also has several lessons tagged for Mardi Gras to use.

Of course while you are studying Mardi Gras you can Make it a well rounded lesson by looking at other topics related to Mardi Gras and New Orleans.

• THE GULF COAST REGION: GEOGRAPHY, DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
• Jazz Origins in New Orleans and A New Orleans Jazz History
• Vieux Carré: A Creole Neighborhood in New Orleans
• Development of Cajun Culture as a Result of Migration

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, lesson plans, homeschooling

It is cold and snowing outside. Which means we’re curled up eating warm pancakes covered in melted peanut butter, sliced bananas, and drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows. The perfect winter breakfast!

I cannot believe that today is the last day of January. The year has just begun and it is already flying by too fast. Groundhog day is coming up next. Homeschooling in the Ozarks has a ton of activities and coloring pages and more for Groundhog’s day.

February also includes Charles Dickens’ Day on the 7th, Thomas Edison’s birthday on the 11th, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on the 12th, Susan B. Anthony’s birthday on the 15th, and George Washington’s birthday on the 22nd. Clearly, February is a great month to be born in.

February is also Black History Month in the US. History.com has a great section on Black History Month to explore. I found a ton of great lesson plans and printables to use.

Of course there is also the big V day, Valentine’s Day. You can find a great history behind the holiday here. Be sure to turn your speakers on as there is a video that starts playing that talks about the history and modern traditions.

Now I’m going to make another cup of hot cocoa and curl up with my knitting on the couch. I still can’t believe January is practically over. The rest of the year better slow down!

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homeschooling, February, February holidays, holidays, lesson plans, Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, George Washington, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day

A few days ago we watched a movie where there was a small fire. My boys sat on the edge of their seats, wide eyes fixed on the big firetruck with the bright lights and loud noises. And of course the high powered water hoses were pretty cool too. Since then fires, and fire trucks, have been a big part of the convrsations going on around here.

Then came the recent tragety of Heath Ledger. It was a shocking death that happened so suddenly. Though he was alone I couldn’t hlp but wonder what if he had been watching his daughter that day. Maybe I’ve watched Steel Magnolias too many times, but the fear of something happening to me while I am home alone with my kids is a very real fear to me.

That is why yesterday we spent the day learning 911, talking about going next door to the neighbor’s house, and trying to explain (in a very non-scary way) what to do if something happens. We took a walk outside and stopped to smell the air where one house had a wood burning fireplace, talked about how that smell means fire and what the other clues for fire are.

Here are a few links I found online to help with teaching children about emergencies and calling 911. Many police stations and fire departments also have their own resources that they distribute to local schools. Check with them and see if they have any of those resources on hand and if they offer them to individual parents. If you let them know that you are a homeschooling parent they may offr you several copies to give to other local homeschooling families. You might even be able to talk them into a field trip if you can get enough families willing to join.

• 911 for Kids
• Escape Planning
• Learn Emergency 911
• Health Care Helpers - 911
• 911 Unit

911, emergencies, homeschooling, lesson plans

For Christmas one of the gift my oldest got was a “make your own drum kit”. once opened and explored I realized that the “kit” wasn’t anything that I could not put together myself. In fact with a little experimenting I have been able to duplicate it for half the cost of the packaged kit. So I thought I would share it for any DIY homeschoolers to enjoy and as part of the Winter Bazaar. It really is a fun and simple craft.

• One clean oatmeal container, cut in half
• Two rubber bands
• One large/jumbo balloon (needs to be big enough to stratch across opening)
• Double sided tape
• Paint, leather cord, anything decorative you might want.
• Drum sticks

Making the drum is pretty simple. First cut your oatmeal container in half. You will only need half of it, so if you have two balloons and four rubber bands you can make two small drums instead of one. Try to make sure it is a clean and straight cut around the center. Next decorate your oatmeal container. Paint it, glue paper to it, what ever looks fun. We just went crazy with the paints and had a blast. Be sure to lay down paper first! You don’t want to paint the table while you are at it.

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I have a post up here on making my own bean bag toys for my sons. They were super quick and simple to make, even a non-crafty person could do it. And since they were made from scrap material and a bag of lentils I found in the back of my cubbard the price was great too. Once I had them I did a few searches for some fun things to do with the beanbags. Besides, you know, throwing them at each other’s heads and giggling madly.

Somewhere along the way I found this site of teaching supplies that sells bean bags and games for them. The price was a bit much for me. While for some a set of 12 bean bags for $10.50 is not really that much, considering I had just made some for practically nothing it seems a bit steep. Just a great example of DIY rather than letting the professionals do it for you. With how simple they are to make, even for begginers, you could whip up a batch of shapes, colors, planets, or whatever else you needed over the weekend.

I also found this post and bookmarked it for some great reading. Stories, adventure, and math. With, what else, bean bags! A pretty simple strategy, tossing bean bags back and forth while singing to help learn counting. I have heard of others doing this to learn multiplication tables as well. And my favorite part is it involves movement while learning, something that I think kids need rather than sitting still at a desk.

You can use bean bags to teach music, get some hand-eye coordination, practise estimation and measuring, or just toss at the head of kids who are supposed to be working but instead are glued to the TV. Call it a lesson in reflexes.

bean bags, homeschooling, lesson plans, fun, children

Well it is the last day of 2007. Are you ready for the new year? Do you have your resolutions ready? Are you planning a party tonight? Or are you trying to figure out how this whole New Year thing began?

Wondering why the new year starts on January 1st? And what is the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars? How do people in other parts of the world celebrate? When do other cultures celebrate the New Year? Here are some New Year lesson plans, printables, and worksheets you can use to add a little more knowledge to the day. Now you can pretend to be the master of knowledge when it comes tyo useless New year’s eve trivia. You’re welcome.

Of course a lot of families are probably taking it easy today on the homeschool front. I know we aren’t planning anything. Tonight my boys will stay the night with cousins, giving mommy and daddy some much needed rest. I know, it seems too good to be true! Quiet time without kids? Can that happen? Hopefully so.

To end off the year here are of my favorite posts about homeschooling and the new year on the web right now. If you know of any other great posts leave me a comment and I’ll add the links. May 2008 bring you and your family happiness, love, and peace!

• The Wheel of Life Keeps Turning
• Radical Unschooling So Far
• My Educational Philosophy - Get a Life
• Organizing Your Homeschool for the New Year

homeschooling, lesson plans, New Year, 2008

Today is the first day of winter, or Winter Solstice. The winter solstice is when, because of the earth’s tilt, the northern hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun. This causes the shortest day and the longest night.

Aside from the scientific facts about it the solstice has many spiritual ties wrapped up around it. The celebrations surrounding this date have ancient origins and is marked in many different cultures and religions. You could almost say it is a universal, that this time feels like birth and rebirth to most people.

Today it might be fun to learn a little about winter solstice and enjoy some activities. There are tons of lesson plans and ideas to enjoy. You are certain to find something interesting to explore or study today. And might I suggest my favorite book for today: Wild Child. I’ve shared before how much I love this book, and as the story is about Autumn going to bed and Winter waking up it is a great book for today.

Does anyone have any plans for today? I mentioned on my personal blog that we’re staying simple this year. We have a small tree that we are hoping to transplant into our yard. But other than that we are not doing much this year. Christmas is Tuesday and many families are scrambling to put together their last minute plans, which can put a damper on any spare moments you might have.

Whether you are celebrating, learning about, or not doing anything today I hope you have a happy solstice!

winter, winter solstice

I briefly mentioned at the bottom of my glove post about making glove, hat, and scarf sets to give during this time of year. The more I thought about it the more I realized it was a great idea that deserved it’s own post. Even young children can work with fleece as it generally does not need to be hemmed for most things. And the sewing required to make a hat or scarf is very minimal. Making gloves might be the only tricky part, but you can also make mittens instead. Or knit matching gloves if you know how.

And as you are working together making the clothes you can take the time to discuss giving and charity, talk about people in need, explain poverty, or what ever else you feel is age appropriate. Trust me, those kinds of conversations can last for hours so that by time you are done talking about it you will have several sets done. You can donate the sets to a local church or shelter to help people who need to keep warm this winter. Even if you live in a warm area you can make some up and send them to other places where they will be needed. There is a great charity directory here that you can go through to choose from.

If you want to turn it into a full lesson plan I’d suggest making a stop at Learning To Give. This site is full of lesson plans, activities, and resources on helping children understand the power of giving to others. You should also stop by Random Acts of Kindness and see the lesson plans and tips they have to share. Of course the best lesson of all comes from watching you give to others, and not just once a year. Being your child’s biggest role model means you have to walk the walk rather than just talk the talk. It can be tough, but the rewards are so great.

giving, charity, hats, scarves, gloves, crafts, homeschooling, works for me wednesday

Did you know that today is National Cocoa day? I didn’t either! This may be my new favorite holiday from now on. I didn’t even realise it there was a day like this until I found this hot chocolate lesson plan. I also came across writing prompts for December with one for Cocoa Day.

You already know how much I love my hot chocolate. Especially with my favorite treats added to the cup. Now I get to love it a little more with it’s own holiday. There are always things to explore. Like a chart that shows the process of cocoa beans into yummy treats, learn a little more about the cacao beans, and do an experiment to see what makes the best cup of cocoa. It’s all in the name of science, I swear! And if you can find the book All About Chocolatehere’s a fun lesson plan to go with the book. Yummy!

Is anyone else celebating Hot Cocoa Day today? Or having a late celebation tomorrow? Or mayb you’ll be celebrating all week long, like me.

(photo credit: Mike Thorn)

homeschooling, hot cocoa, hot chocolate, chocolate, cocoa