Top Tips for March

Topics for March 2007 Newsletter:

Top Three Tips

Time Out Corner

Children's Enrichment Project

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Moms' Section

Top Three Random Tips for Busy Homeschooling Moms:

"If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet her with, 'Who could have done this? We have no enemies.'" Phyllis Diller

1) 1) Classroom Order: It's the middle of March. Time to begin thinking about the end-of-the-school year.

One simple trick for organization: The Big Tub.

Buy a large, plastic, stackable bin with a lid. If you have a large family, each child has his own bin. Two or more of his school years can be combined in one tub. If you are homeschooling one or two children, you can one tub per year for both.

Place the container(s) out of the way in your classroom or school area. As finished notebooks and workbooks begin to pile up, gather them and put them in the tub.

Compile completed papers in manila folders, label them with the child's name and the school year and put into them in, too. Anything that will not be needed for the following year eventually goes in.

Label the container with name and year (e.g. John, 5th grade, 2007-2008) Now all materials are saved and safe.

"The God of Music dwelleth out of doors." Edith Thomas

2) Nature Appreciation the Fast and Easy Way: Time for Birdhouses
--Buy pre-made or decorate one yourself. (available at craft stores-cheap!)
--Hang it close enough to watch the birds from a window but far enough so not to frighten them.

3) Quick Cleaning and Repairs: Vinyl Floor Scratches
Fill in minor scratches with clear nail polish.
Use several thin coats.
Let each dry before applying the next one
(Suggestions from Haley's Cleaning Hints)

"Simply Organize Your Home" is a helpful tool to tame your house. For more information Click Here!

Time Out Corner: March Movies

To be our best for our families, it's important that we Moms take time-out.

Go on a date. Find a sitter while you and your husband visit the theater. We homeschool Moms have the best scenario for great babysitters. Who could possibly be more responsible and experienced than an older homeschool girl? Check your support group.

Another way to make a date possible is to trade-off with another couple. Go to an early show while they watch your children, then reverse the following week or month.

Alternative: Rent a DVD, snuggle with your husband at home and just relax.

(Although most of these films are generally appropriate for all, they are suggested with us parents in mind. So please preview them.)

This March we are surprisingly blessed with three new releases which are wholesome and entertaining--and well-done to boot!

• Miss Potter
  
• Amazing Grace
  
• The Ultimate Gift
  
• Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (DVD-a Capra classic)

Children's Section

Enrichment Idea: Bird Food

(My two granddaughters (2 and 4 years)loved this project.)

To encourage appreciation of our feathered friends.

• Cut 1-2 yards of string or yarn.
• String lots of Cheerios on the yarn.
• Hang on shrubs, small trees, outdoor furniture, etc.
• Watch for the birds.
• If they don't seem to notice, tie a red piece of material on the yarn.
• The string can then be used for nesting.

We love and need your ideas and comments. Please send us 1) your suggestions for book/movie reviews, 2) any special tips or shortcuts that you would like to share with fellow homeschoolers, 3) any and all other comments/suggestions.

Let us hear from you! Your input is important.

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