Top Tips for Summer 2007

Topics for Summer 2007 Newsletter:

Top Three Tips

Time Out Corner

Children's Enrichment

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Moms' Section

Top Three Random Tips for Busy Homeschooling Moms:

1) Homeschooling:

The 365 Day Drawer (from Nancy MacArthur--homeschool Mom, author and lecturer)

Buy 365 manila folders. Garner the children's help to label each with one day of the year. (Jan. 1, Jan, 2, etc.) Then in each, stow away all those tidbits of interesting information about that day. Notes might cover:

--ideas of observing the day's historical significance (eg. beginning of the Civil War)
--saint of the day, biography, prayer, picture
--household reminders
--birthday and anniversary reminders
--suggestions for upcoming holy day/holiday projects, recipes, stories

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

2) Nature Appreciation:

This summer, when the children get restless, be prepared. The solution is right at hand= shoo them outside (using safety common sense, of course).

"Fresh air is good for you, and I know you will find something fun to do." They might moan and groan, but with practice, even teen-agers will find themselves enjoying time spent out-of-doors.

Plan A: Fill a convenient drawer or shelf with all the necessary items for outdoor activities: --bubble soap and blowers
--sidewalk chalk
--water guns
--clean squirt bottles to be filled with water for concrete drawing

In the garage or shed have outdoor game equipment easily accessible: --balls of various types
--badminton & croquet
--softball/baseball
--swimming pool and toys
--jump rope

Give them water bottles with icy cold water as they head out the door.

Plan B: Set up a cozy, shady little spot for reading. Send them out with a good book and a cool drink.

3) Household:

"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

During the hot weather, keep meals simple. Grill the meat. Then just add a salad (pre-cut), fruit or vegetable slices and a starch side (homemade bread, ready-to-cook mac and cheese, rice, stuffing, noodles)

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

Time Out Corner: Summer Entertainment

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

Go on a date. Find a sitter while you and your husband visit the theater, take in a free festival, art show or symphony. Homeschool Moms have the best scenario for great babysitters. Who could possibly be more responsible and experienced than an older homeschool girl? Check with members of your support group.

Another way to make a date possible is to trade-off with another couple.

Alternative: Buy/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.)

Book Recommendations:


• Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters--This is the first in the Amelia Peabody series of historical novels. The setting is Egypt/England in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Light and witty...
  
• Watership Down: A Novel--A classic

Movie Recommendations:


• Emma (1996)--Gwyneth Paltrow
  
• The Scarlet and the Black--Gregory Peck
  

Children's Section

Enrichment Idea: Outside Art Project--Toe Painting

• Place old newspapers on a flat surface in front of a chair.
• Pour finger paints onto paper plates, one color per plate.
• Put a sheet of white paper in front of the chair and secure with tape.
• The youngster can sit down and tap into his creativity. Toes only, please. This little activity is harder than it sounds and usually leads to lots of merriment..
• Be sure to take pictures!

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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