tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87821594933353330662024-03-05T20:20:00.388-08:00Nirvana HomeschoolingCreating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-72844249267838821282013-03-12T12:25:00.000-07:002013-03-12T12:25:06.137-07:00Easy Easter Paper Collage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr6f31gLFJmHnSAyIydqAGbRuT4dxfNEfHutz4KmJnyJu6aJIoYF940SVsLmAhU67NcOMaT1Gh6RXygHw0soO23ItoJvMrvWeXN_TSmEdvb5cIMIhbdEyLNBk6aUjDcwCjkEwfLXVld7f/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr6f31gLFJmHnSAyIydqAGbRuT4dxfNEfHutz4KmJnyJu6aJIoYF940SVsLmAhU67NcOMaT1Gh6RXygHw0soO23ItoJvMrvWeXN_TSmEdvb5cIMIhbdEyLNBk6aUjDcwCjkEwfLXVld7f/s320/IMG_1832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I saw a really cute Easter craft on <a href="http://pinterest.com/missnirvana/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> from <a href="http://www.minted.com/julep/2013/02/26/paper-strip-easter-egg-art/" target="_blank">Julep</a> that used strips of pretty paper glued on a white sheet of paper. Then, another white sheet of paper was glued on top with an egg shape cut out. It was a simple project that produce nice results, but Miss Bubbles is not ready to cut in straight lines yet. She is still learning how to properly hold scissors and cut, so I decided to simplify the project to accommodate her current level of development. <br />
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I simply let Miss Bubbles cut and sometimes tear shapes out of paper and glue them to a white sheet of paper using basic school glue. She spent an hour meticulously cutting and glueing little bits of colored paper to the white sheet of paper. I took another sheet of white paper and cut out a hole in the shape of an egg. When Miss Bubbles was done with her collage, I glue the second sheet of paper on top of the first sheet of paper. <br />
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Miss Bubbles is very proud of her egg. The egg came out bring and colorful, and Miss Bubbles got to practice scissor cutting skills.<br />
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<b>Materials</b><br />
<br />
construction paper or other colored paper<br />
scissors<br />
school glue<br />
2 sheets of white paper<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
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1. Cut or tear bits of colored paper.<br />
2. Paste the colored paper on the first sheet of white paper.<br />
3. Cut out a hole in the second sheet of paper in the shape of an egg.<br />
4. Past the egg hole paper on top of the collage paper.<br />
5. Allow the egg to dry and enjoy!Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-59363843847572098642013-02-20T10:40:00.000-08:002013-02-20T11:21:37.420-08:00Peru Nazca Lines Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKDwxAG-drp1NZJnaPXWo37bZtN1ukhSbYXUYogfsfw3bltdkPkaLU2TX4vzgG8jQ8N_TM5DJhz5tnh2m7H6huXn1mg5Bom03l9Lb60WP5-L4NQ9OczIxOA5uYv6_fxwM_Ya5xSXVY8Tx/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKDwxAG-drp1NZJnaPXWo37bZtN1ukhSbYXUYogfsfw3bltdkPkaLU2TX4vzgG8jQ8N_TM5DJhz5tnh2m7H6huXn1mg5Bom03l9Lb60WP5-L4NQ9OczIxOA5uYv6_fxwM_Ya5xSXVY8Tx/s320/IMG_1771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a data-pin-config="above" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We came across Nazca lines in our reading book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Gifted-Student-Grade-For/dp/1411434277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361384526&sr=8-1&keywords=reading+for+the+gifted+student" target="_blank">Reading forGifted Children Grade 1</a>, so we decided to dive in deeper and learn more about
these fascination lines found in Peru, South America. Nazca lines were made by
ancient people in the Nazca desert. The Nazca people lived from 400 to 650 AD.
They made these lines removing the thin top layer of red brown pebbles to
reveal a grayish tan colored dirt underneath. The lines form large complex
figures such as monkeys, hummingbirds, and lizards that are best viewed from
the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the series, Solving History with Olly Steeds, Olly sets
out to find out why the Nazca lines were made. In the show, he quickly debunks 3
hypotheses about the lines: the lines correspond to constellations, aliens made
the lines, and the lines correspond to water. After interviewing a series of archeologists,
locals, grave robbers, and after attempting to obtain the knowledge himself by visiting
a shaman to go on a vision quest with the aid of the hallucinogenic cactus, San
Pedro, comes to the hypothesis that the lines were formed by processionals
during religious ceremonies. Along the lines anthropologists have found smashed
pottery that reveals patterns of being smashed and not accidentally dropped. Additionally,
shells from the Pacific Ocean were found along the lines. Furthermore, the
lines reveal that the soil underneath is very compact meaning that people have
been walking over and over along the same path. Taken together researchers
hypothesize that these lines were simply processional paths used during religious
ceremonies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since it is winter time outside and our ground is frozen,
Little BBQ and I decided to do an indoor craft about Nazca lines. This is a
very simple project used to represent Nazca lines on a very small scale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Materials</strong></span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sheet of sand paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Crayon (preferably lighter in color than the sand paper)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictures of Nazca lines (see links below)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Directions<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Draw a Nazca lines on the sand paper keeping in
mind that most Nazca lines were of animals found in Peru or complex geometric patterns. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Sources<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Gifted-Student-Grade-For/dp/1411434277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361384526&sr=8-1&keywords=reading+for+the+gifted+student" target="_blank">Reading for the Gifted Student Grade 1<o:p></o:p></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/solving-history/solving-history.html" target="_blank">Solving History with Olly Steeds</a> season 1 episode 2 (available on Netflix)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Photos of Nazca Lines<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<a href="http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/nazca/nazca-lines.htm" target="_blank">Spider, Hummingbird, and Spirals</a><br />
<a href="http://www.go2peru.com/peru_guide/nazca/map_nazca_lines.htm" target="_blank">Map of Nazca Line Locations</a><br />
<a href="http://www.december2012endofworld.com/nazca-lines" target="_blank">Monkey and Short Video on Nazca Lines</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-7296772752862132312012-10-09T09:35:00.001-07:002012-10-09T09:35:28.446-07:00Science Resources and Competitions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBh_4x5zoiemGB7OrsFpSKSigNGNhDHUp91TRIXXi3KvjhrNU2fXp9ePX9A7YgwZMr6VuAlzrEsZnRCpVtVoJEArWXJ_0hcqxKocqkJValeeGlPE1Ms-IDTpdf51urm7fLs7-PIchQx7-/s1600/science.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBh_4x5zoiemGB7OrsFpSKSigNGNhDHUp91TRIXXi3KvjhrNU2fXp9ePX9A7YgwZMr6VuAlzrEsZnRCpVtVoJEArWXJ_0hcqxKocqkJValeeGlPE1Ms-IDTpdf51urm7fLs7-PIchQx7-/s320/science.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Our family attended Science in Indiana last weekend and picked up lots of great information on science resources available to anyone. I thought I would pass this information along to my readers.<br />
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<b>Resources</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/entm/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Entomology at Purdue:</a> tons of resources including forensic entomology<br />
<a href="http://www3.ag.purdue.edu/extension/nature/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Purdue University The Nature of Teaching:</a> lessons plans, printables, photos, and workshops<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sciencenews.org/" target="_blank">Science News:</a> concise, credible science news<br />
<a href="http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/" target="_blank">Science News for Kids:</a> for kids ages 9-14<br />
<br />
You Be the Chemist: <a href="http://www.chemed.org/ybtc/guides/" target="_blank">Activity Guides for K-4 and 5-8</a> (cost is $10)<br />
<br />
<b>Competitions</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.societyforscience.org/MASTERS" target="_blank">Broadcom MASTERS</a> (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars): for 6-8th grades<br />
<a href="http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/" target="_blank">Intel International Science and Engineering Fair</a>: for grades 9-12<br />
<a href="https://www.societyforscience.org/STS" target="_blank">Intel Science Talent Search</a>: for high school seniors top prize is $100,000<br />
<a href="http://www.chemed.org/ybtc/challenge/" target="_blank">You Be the Chemist Challenge</a> for 5-8 grade studentsCreating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-75146314812613945762012-08-23T12:45:00.001-07:002012-08-23T13:06:53.132-07:00Our Homeschool Plan for Kindergarten<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OUUPSbV4gdYshPqSr24ssclFy3h6DwGRnOv3iS7T2MY7s5ApX4fxOuU5KiEr-FvM3b5PtNBq4apH8x6m5Af9htmmik-gvYEfYF3V_isIBtSZ0EWe8MJ8ReAS_mwi77Ci9psJGO6UyWu/s1600/notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OUUPSbV4gdYshPqSr24ssclFy3h6DwGRnOv3iS7T2MY7s5ApX4fxOuU5KiEr-FvM3b5PtNBq4apH8x6m5Af9htmmik-gvYEfYF3V_isIBtSZ0EWe8MJ8ReAS_mwi77Ci9psJGO6UyWu/s1600/notebook.jpg" /></a></div>
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As the local public school students are getting ready to go
back to classes this summer, we are already busy racking up days in our school
year, but I thought I would take some time on here and our plan for the school year.
Little BBQ is reading on about a 2<sup>nd</sup> grade reading level and he is
very advanced with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division.) However, socially Little BBQ is energetic five year that knows no
social boundaries. He has some trouble with not looking at people when talking
and fidgeting. He is always moving. We also have an energetic two year old, Miss Bubbles, running around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To accommodate his unique set of needs, I pulled resources
from all over the place. Some of the texts that I chose are for much older
children, but we will be working with him at his own pace. If we do not finish
the advanced texts this year, then that is fine with me. We are also working on
some character training. I want him to be aware of more than just himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>English</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Language-Lessons-Well-Trained-Mind/dp/1933339446/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345751004&sr=1-1&keywords=first+language+lessons" target="_blank">First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Writer-Writing-Ease/dp/193333925X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345751043&sr=1-1&keywords=writing+with+ease" target="_blank">The Complete Writer: Writing with Ease</a> by Susan Wise
Bauer: I have heard wonderful things about both of these texts from other
homeschooling families, so I am going to be trying them out on Little BBQ this
year. I chose not to get the work book for Writing with Ease, so I will just
pick out my own copy work from other things that we are studying this year. I
will also be supplementing Little BBQ’s creating writing desires with some
journaling. Little BBQ loves writing stories, so I want to encourage this
behavior as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Handwriting</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are not doing a formal handwriting program. I make my own
<a href="http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/" target="_blank">handwriting sheets</a>, and our English curriculum offers copy work, so we will
continue to practice handwriting skills with other curriculum. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Math</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I will be making my own drill sheets for Little BBQ to work
on increasing him math facts speed. I also do play based learning with him to
teach him about money and real world problem solving. We play restaurant or
grocery store to learn counting money and budgeting. I purchased a set of
<a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/017270/f8f9a9a65887ccb208557439" target="_blank">pattern blocks</a> that I am waiting to come in the mail along with a <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/013718/f8f9a9a65887ccb208557439" target="_blank">Pattern Block Book</a> for Little BBQ. We will also be working through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Math-Gifted-Student-Challenging-Activities/dp/1411434331/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345750796&sr=1-1&keywords=math+for+gifted+students+grade+1" target="_blank">Math for Gifted Childrengrade 1</a> and <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/045147/f8f9a9a65887ccb208557439" target="_blank">math analogies for K-2 students</a>. As a real challenge we will also
be using <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/020844/f8f9a9a65887ccb208557439" target="_blank">Calculus for Young People</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Patty-Paper-Geometry-Michael-Serra/dp/1559530723/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345750764&sr=1-1&keywords=patty+paper+geometry" target="_blank">Patty Paper Geometry</a>. I do not
anticipate finishing Calculus for Young People or Patty Paper Geometry since
these are advanced texts. We will work through them over a few years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Nature Study</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is has been one our favorite activities that I plan to
continue. We keep nature journals, find plants that are in our regional field
guides, and check out books from the library about nature topics that interest
us. The best part about nature study is that Miss Bubbles can be involved as
well. She has her own<a href="http://nirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com/2012/03/toddler-nature-journal.html" target="_blank"> nature journal </a>and <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/018080/f8f9a9a65887ccb208557439" target="_blank">flower press</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Music</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Aaron Copeland wrote a wonderful book entitled, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Listen-Music-Signet-Classics/dp/0451531760/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749786&sr=1-1&keywords=what+to+listen+for+in+music+by+aaron+copland" target="_blank">What toListen for in Music</a>, which is not geared towards homeschoolers, but I find that
it is a wonderful basis for a music appreciation. I will be using the Aaron
Copeland book as my guide for a music appreciation class for Little BBQ. We
will also continue practicing the organ. We are currently using P<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Organ-Method-Young-Beginners/dp/0947183310/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749822&sr=1-2&keywords=the+progressive+organ+method+for+young+beginners" target="_blank">rogressiveOrgan Method for Young Beginners</a> which we love. The book is written for someone
with no music background. The book is brightly colored, and very simple for
even a young child to pick up. We will also be working on the recorder using
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-Recorder-Classroom-Method/dp/1423481275/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749861&sr=1-1&keywords=essential+elements+recorder" target="_blank">Essential Elements for the Recorder</a>. This text was recommended to me by a musician
friend of mine who teaches private lessons. The book is also designed for
someone with no music background, and it is very easy to follow. As an added
bonus, this was a very economical book. I will also be taking Little BBQ and
Miss Bubbles to free classes offered through our local symphony. They cover
topics like rhythm and how to bow after playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Science</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the best parts about being in a homeschooling group
is that other parents allow me to review their homeschooling curriculum before
I buy it. One of my friends recommended <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Building-Foundations-Scientific-Understanding-Curriculum/dp/1432706101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749744&sr=1-1&keywords=building+foundations+of+scientific+understanding" target="_blank">Building Foundations of ScientificUnderstanding: A Science Curriculum for K-2</a>. I have a very strong science
background, so I was not looking a program that holds my hand through every
step of the process. I love coming up with my own experiments, but I wanted a
guide or a checklist to make sure that I am covering all the necessary topics.
I loved the map that Dr. Nebel provides in his book to show exactly how things
in science are layered and build on top of one another. I also love this plan
allowed a lot of flexibility, so we can cover flowers during spring time or
magnetism in winter time when going outside for a long period of time is not
realistic. I will be supplementing our science with texts that we already own
and library books. We will be doing lots of experiments as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Art</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We will be working on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Children-Creative-Method-Beginners/dp/0874778271/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749670&sr=1-1&keywords=drawing+with+children" target="_blank">Drawing with Children</a> by Mona Brookes, and we will be
studying a new artist from each of the fifty different states since we are studying
the fifty states this year. The projects range from oil pastel clouds to
printmaking to fabric dyeing. I am really looking forward to our art projects
this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sign Language</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We watch<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Signing-Time-10-My-Day/dp/B000FEUTCA/ref=sr_1_23?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749624&sr=1-23&keywords=signing+time" target="_blank"> Signing Time</a> about once a week to review and learn
new signs. I want to further introduce Miss Bubbles to sign language and keep
Little BBQ’s sign language skills up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Spanish</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I am teaching Little BBQ Spanish words, greetings, and conjugations
this year. I am not using a set curriculum for this task.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Geography and History</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are studying the fifty states this year, so I am using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slightly-Odd-United-States-America/dp/B006J3VFVU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749494&sr=1-1&keywords=the+slightly+odd+united+states+of+america" target="_blank">TheSlightly Odd United States of America by the editors of Klutz</a> as spine text
along with library books related to each state. As a review Little BBQ will be
getting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TaliCor-4100186-Snapshots-Across-America/dp/B000078VHP/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749557&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=snap+shots+accrross+america" target="_blank">Snapshots Across America Game</a> for Christmas. We plan to make a three
dimensional map of each state this year to help us visualize mountains, rivers,
and towns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Practical Life</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As part of our state study Little BBQ will be making one
recipe from each of the fifty states. This will teach him cooking skills. We
will also be working on our conversation skills with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-of-Childrens-Conversation/dp/0980345537/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1345749444&sr=1-1&keywords=The+art+of+childrens+conversations" target="_blank">The Art of Children’s Conversation</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Character Training</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I want Little BBQ to become more away of other around him,
so I am loosely following <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Your-Children-Sensitivity-Linda/dp/0671517139/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345749352&sr=8-4&keywords=teaching+children+sensitivity" target="_blank">Teaching Your Children Sensitivity</a> by Lindia Eyre and Richard Eyre. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Physical Education</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little BBBQ will continue with diving team. He practices two
times a week and competes in meets as they arise. We also go bowling every
other week with our homeschooling group. Little BBQ is really improving his
bowling skills by practicing every other week. During winter Little BBQ will
work on ice skating again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Socialization</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For socialization we belong to a homeschooling group. We are
very active in the group, so Little BBQ gets plenty of exposure other kids with
our group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Chinese</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Our Chinese class did not happen this fall, so we are working
on putting together a Chinese class for English speaking students starting in
January.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spelling and Reading</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are not doing a formal reading or spelling program. From
time to time we get new vocabulary works for our other texts and focus on
learning how to properly spell and use those words. We read a lot at our house,
so Little BBQ has plenty of time to improve his reading skills.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted on <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2012/08/23/simple-lives-thursday-110/#" target="_blank">Simple Lives Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-with-rebecca-cooper-plus-a-giveaway/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a>, <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/2012/08/catch-glimpse-party-94.html" target="_blank">Catch a Glimpse</a></span></i></div>
Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-5449623594061047252012-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:002012-08-09T07:26:58.472-07:00Exploring Music and Science with a Wind Organ<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwWihiTkduhrmIdISi-xn0CpVT7Efkw__1jCleC9FE_j4Gnerv-Exm_Go5Ae2Y5RvuYHVTWgWLXmmuzz53Up1OHkyyDmYbxnmgp8Hmq7gNcbtCxuAn98Uv4gtYOlPBQJkhJjjfEMxv3U6/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwWihiTkduhrmIdISi-xn0CpVT7Efkw__1jCleC9FE_j4Gnerv-Exm_Go5Ae2Y5RvuYHVTWgWLXmmuzz53Up1OHkyyDmYbxnmgp8Hmq7gNcbtCxuAn98Uv4gtYOlPBQJkhJjjfEMxv3U6/s320/IMG_9988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I love recycled crafts especially those that cover multiple
areas of study. These recycled wind organs cover music, art, and science. It
took us a while to collect up enough plastic bottles because we are not big
plastic users, but we finally gathered enough plastic to make this cool wind
organ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A wind organ will make music when the wind blows. Our wind
organ did not make a loud sound, but you could hear it if you were standing
about 1-2 feet away from the organ which was a nice treat when we were working
in the garden.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We used alcohol based markers (Sharpie®)
to decorate the bottles. The marker seems to be holding up well even after
getting wet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You can use these wind organs for some science exploration
for your children. Some questions to ask them as they blow into individual
bottles:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Which bottles make a high pitch sound?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Which bottles make a low pitch sound?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>What do you notice about the holes of the
bottles with a low pitch sound?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>What do you notice about the holes of the
bottles with a high pitch sound?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We ended up with a nice discussion on how our simple wind
organ works vs a pipe organ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For more information on a how a pipe organ works, please
visit <a href="http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/articles/how_a_pipe_organ_works/howapipeorganworks.shtml" target="_blank">Pipedreams® website</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For more information on wind organs including sound files
from different wind organs please visit <a href="http://w1.neuronnexion.com/~dferment/ukplasto.htm" target="_blank">Pastorgan</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Materials </b>inspired by <a href="http://w1.neuronnexion.com/~dferment/ukplasto.htm" target="_blank">Plastorgan</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Assorted plastic bottles<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knife<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scissors<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sharpie® markers<o:p></o:p></div>
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Twine or string<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Directions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Have an adult cut a skinny rectangle up the side
of a bottle. I did this by inserting the knife in the bottle, then using
scissors to cut the rest of the rectangle. You can cut different sized
rectangles with varying heights but keep the width at the top and bottom the
same to make the science questions are easier to understand for little children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOO39ua2h-Nyk6ldMmM0WruzPXaGB2lvFxCZdIc0h5SBItCDQcwvrbO-f3sTyeNqI6rvHxHA-k96inwVUDjYpMyVG8sym6rSJtYSYwTIb2pATLQlbvZe-52lufdkEKYku3p837ZT1R7h0/s1600/single+wind+organ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOO39ua2h-Nyk6ldMmM0WruzPXaGB2lvFxCZdIc0h5SBItCDQcwvrbO-f3sTyeNqI6rvHxHA-k96inwVUDjYpMyVG8sym6rSJtYSYwTIb2pATLQlbvZe-52lufdkEKYku3p837ZT1R7h0/s320/single+wind+organ.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Color designs on the bottles with the markers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Tie the bottles to a pole using twine. I found the
easiest way to tie the bottles is to tie a loop around the neck of the bottle
then tie another loop around the pole that you are attaching the wind organ to.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted on <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2012/08/09/simple-lives-thursday-108/#" target="_blank">Simple Lives Thursday</a></span></i></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-29528840029504644222012-06-14T20:01:00.001-07:002012-06-14T20:22:23.761-07:00Designing Olympic Uniforms and the Olympic Village<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrHhe4NwLxTnwVEnlkeqGX0rbwvdoGjxSECxE2IN1UNX3A9pK-6NBvD1xzoFblIwneAPySmfMFhUNWqPZlGPP_wucOXEkcbsr6J_7uF2bnIEWWTGMGuhJiXxM8oSXx-QAltG3ygXmHDPC/s1600/IMG_9322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrHhe4NwLxTnwVEnlkeqGX0rbwvdoGjxSECxE2IN1UNX3A9pK-6NBvD1xzoFblIwneAPySmfMFhUNWqPZlGPP_wucOXEkcbsr6J_7uF2bnIEWWTGMGuhJiXxM8oSXx-QAltG3ygXmHDPC/s320/IMG_9322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have been studying the upcoming Olympics here at our
house. One of the things we discussed a lot was what being on a team meant
since this year was the first time that Little BBQ played on a team with other
kids. We discussed both the obvious things like uniforms and the more
interpersonal stuff that team members do for each other. To celebrate team work
we designed our own Olympic uniforms for team USA. This was also a nice
introduction to fashion design. We discussed the different types of neck lines
in a shirt. Little BBQ informs me that he likes V-neck shirts the most. We made
a liquid water color background in sunset colors. </div>
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Then, we cut out uniforms from
scrap fabric. Next, Little BBQ drew a female and male for each of the uniforms.
We pasted construction paper grass on the sunset back ground along with the athletes.
Little BBQ added some details with tempura paints like the Olympic rings at the
upper left hand corner of the page.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutqSncvMxabEvQI3A5eQUkje-eFf0Um4iMw8YXSTQL0In99ztY9D7z89H0rQmbwU8ZA5rsNXK1lkOOnPAEHfm-jT5Bu60fN8xF86Nl2rwMXE0QMoLQ5z9e8ipAVMtYhJw-mwJC71OkcFf/s1600/IMG_9195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutqSncvMxabEvQI3A5eQUkje-eFf0Um4iMw8YXSTQL0In99ztY9D7z89H0rQmbwU8ZA5rsNXK1lkOOnPAEHfm-jT5Bu60fN8xF86Nl2rwMXE0QMoLQ5z9e8ipAVMtYhJw-mwJC71OkcFf/s320/IMG_9195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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We also designed out own Olympic village out of a shallow
card board box. The houses for athletes are represented by Legos®.
Little BBQ got really into this project. He made a track, a pool, food carts,
buses to transport the athletes, a river, and a soccer field. We discussed
where different Olympic events would be held at his Olympic village. He also
told me that there would be lots of carrots served at his Olympic village so
the athletes can grow up big and strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Materials for Olympic Uniforms</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2 sheets sketch paper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liquid water colors<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oil pastels<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ball point pen<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scrap fabric<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scissors<o:p></o:p></div>
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Glue<o:p></o:p></div>
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Green construction paper<o:p></o:p></div>
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Buttons and other accessories<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tempera paints<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Using the liquid water colors, paint a
background on one of the sketch papers. Allow the back ground to dry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Draw two athletes on the second piece of sketch
paper with oil pastels. Set the athletes aside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Using a ball point pen, draw the Olympic uniform
on the reverse side of the fabric.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Cut out the Olympic uniform and glue it on the
oil pastel athlete.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Cut around the two athletes. Set the athletes
aside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Cut grass out of the green construction paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Glue the grass on the back ground. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Glue the athletes on the grass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Glue accessories to the Olympic uniforms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Using tempera paints, add extra details.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials for Box Assemblage Olympic Village<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shallow box without a lid<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pencil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Legos®<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crayons, oil pastel, tempura paints <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>In pencil, lightly sketch the layout of the
Olympic village.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Place the Legos® to represent buildings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Decorate the Olympic village with crayons, oil
pastels, and paint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-40881466534875323372012-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:002012-06-01T12:12:39.455-07:00Craft: Olympic Medals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxaK6VHfHZLXpRBlFlsmnswevHXomXy7k9mb1xZ0POy9GeRcCCqTzS-KVDA9y5bCNWEbuU2BsMhzJ3y3t9lZkOpJhKCAjICF1C04StkG_pSxMyCgcKhUCuFhpUyizv12oI7L2rVuhjo-c/s1600/medals" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxaK6VHfHZLXpRBlFlsmnswevHXomXy7k9mb1xZ0POy9GeRcCCqTzS-KVDA9y5bCNWEbuU2BsMhzJ3y3t9lZkOpJhKCAjICF1C04StkG_pSxMyCgcKhUCuFhpUyizv12oI7L2rVuhjo-c/s320/medals" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been doing a unit study in order to prepare for the
London 2012 games. I am so excited to watch diving, swimming, and gymnastics
again this summer, so I wanted to transfer some of my excitement on to Little
BBQ. We have been reading a lot about the history of the modern Olympics and
famous athletes. We even read about this year’s venue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the hands on projects about the Olympics we did this
week was to make our own Olympic medals. Little BBQ loved this project. The best
part of the project was after the medals were finished when Little BBQ decided
to award each of us in the family with a medal. I think these medals will be
around for a long time as part of our dress up collection. Little BBQ has been
walking around telling everyone that he is an Olympic medalist. I love it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a simple multi day project. On day one glue is
applies to wooden disks and allowed to dry to give the medals a three
dimensional look. On day 2, the medals are painted gold, silver, and bronze. On
day 3, a marker is used to add more patterns on the medals. Finally, an adult
hot glues a ribbon the back of the medals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Materials</b> (for pre-school – 5th grade)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3, 4 inch wood circles (we got ours at Hobby Lobby for
$0.79)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elmer’s School Glue®<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gold, Silver, and Bronze paint<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paint brush<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alcohol based markers such as Sharpie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 strips 7/8” blue ribbon cut to 24-30 inches depending the
size of your child<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hot glue gun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Apply glue designs on the wood circles. Allow to
dry overnight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Paint one medal gold, another silver, and another
bronze. Allow to dry overnight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Apply more designs on the medals using an
alcohol based maker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Have an adult hot glue the two ends of the ribbon
to the back of the medals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-42204947270309823372012-05-22T06:09:00.000-07:002012-10-03T10:05:44.043-07:00Free Homeschooling Curriculum, Textbooks, and Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It seems like everyone these days is trying to save some money, so I have been working on compiling a list of free homeschooling curriculum, textbooks, and general resources. I hope you find this list as useful as I do. Please leave me a comment if you know of any other free homeschooling resources.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Charlotte Mason Style Curriculum</b>: these curriculums will require you to get books from the library and possibly buy a few texts (usually math)<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.milestonesacademy.com/Site/Curriculum.html" target="_blank">Milestone Academy</a><br />
2. <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/curriculum.shtml" target="_blank">Ambleside</a><br />
3. <a href="http://materamabilis.org/ma/the-curriculum/" target="_blank">Matter Amabilis for Catholics</a><br />
4. <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/scmguide/" target="_blank">Simply Charlotte Mason</a><br />
<br />
<b>Other Curriculum and General Textbooks</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/fullcurriculum.htm" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Education</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.coreknowledge.org/download-the-sequence" target="_blank">Core Knowledge</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/FreeEdMain01.asp" target="_blank">Free Ed</a><br />
4.<a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank"> Kahn Academy</a>*<br />
5. <a href="http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2010/10/20/100-incredibly-useful-youtube-channels-for-teachers/" target="_blank">YouTube Channels for Education</a>*<br />
6. <a href="http://powermylearning.com/" target="_blank">Power my learning</a><br />
7. <a href="http://creativity.denverartmuseum.org/lesson-plans/" target="_blank">Lesson Plans from Denver Museum</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/" target="_blank">Lesson Pathways</a><br />
9. <a href="http://academicearth.org/" target="_blank">Academic Earth</a>*<br />
10. <a href="http://www.apples4theteacher.com/" target="_blank">Apples 4 Teachers (K-6)</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/" target="_blank">SAS Curriculum Pathways</a>: Variety of topics covered (registration required)<br />
<br />
<b>Preschool</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.chubbiecubbie.com/" target="_blank">Chubby Cubbie Curriculum</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.starfall.com/" target="_blank">Starfall</a>*<br />
3. <a href="http://www.kinderprintables.com/" target="_blank">Kinder Printables</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/" target="_blank">First School</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/little_otters_science/little_otters_science.html" target="_blank">Little Little Otter Preschool Science: The Human Body</a><br />
<br />
<b>US Constitution</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.hillsdale.edu/constitution/" target="_blank">Hillsdale College</a><br />
<br />
<b>Language Arts</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.myaudioschool.com/?page_id=4571" target="_blank">My Audio School</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/" target="_blank">Parts of a Story</a>: early elementary<br />
3. <a href="http://www.tc.umn.edu/~jewel001/CollegeWriting/home.htm" target="_blank">Writing for College</a>: high school<br />
<br />
<b>American History</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1. <a href="http://www.earlyamerica.com/series.html" target="_blank">Early America</a><br />
2. <a href="http://docsteach.org/activities" target="_blank">National Archives</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/hyper_titles.cfm" target="_blank">Digital History</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/us/" target="_blank">U.S. History</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/historytln.pdf#popup" target="_blank">Outline of US History</a><br />
6. <a href="http://historymatters.gmu.edu/expansion.html" target="_blank">History Matters: The U.S. Survey Course on the Web</a>: high school level with lots of primary documents<br />
7.<a href="http://www.americanheritage.com/" target="_blank"> American Heritage</a>: Excellent on line magazine written by top historians on a wide range of topics; subscription required to view full website although there is a healthy amount of free resources on this site<br />
8.<a href="http://historicalthinkingmatters.org/" target="_blank"> Historical Thinking Matters:</a> 4 unit studies (Rosa Parks, Spanish American War, Scopes Trial, and Social Security) on thinking critically using primary historical documents<br />
9. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/exploring/" target="_blank">Exploring US History</a>: supplementary exercises on US History<br />
10. <a href="http://www.civilwar.org/education/teachers/curriculum/" target="_blank">Civil War Unit Study</a>: elementary, middle, high school, and gifted and talented<br />
11. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/history/americanpdf.html" target="_blank">Guest Hollow</a>: includes schedule, book list, and supplementary materials list; one curriculum for grades 2-6 and a second one for 2-8<br />
<br />
<b>Social Studies</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/oral/" target="_blank">Making Sense of Oral History</a>: high school level but mature middle year students could benefit from this resource<br />
<a href="http://www.gosocialstudiesgo.com/" target="_blank">Go Social Studies</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.studentsfriend.com/" target="_blank">World History</a><br />
3. <a href="http://playinghistory.org/" target="_blank">Historical Games</a><br />
4. <a href="http://langmedia.fivecolleges.edu/index.html" target="_blank">Lang Media</a><br />
5. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/European_History" target="_blank">A Survey of Modern European History</a><br />
6. <a href="http://britannia.com/history/euro/index2.html" target="_blank">Europe in Retrospect</a><br />
7. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikijunior:Kings_and_Queens_of_England" target="_blank">Kings and Queens of England</a>: late elementary level<br />
8.<a href="http://echo.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"> echo: exploring and collecting history online-science, technology, and industry</a>: large collection of articles on the history of science and technology<br />
9. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/digitalhistory/" target="_blank">Digital History: A Guide to Gathering, Preserving, and Presenting the Past on the Web</a>: excellent full length book written in plain language for the budding history enthusiast<br />
10. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/wwh/" target="_blank">Women in World History</a>: curriculum for high school students<br />
11. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/worldhistorysources/whmteaching.html" target="_blank">World History Sources</a>: Unit studies about world history topics using primary resources<br />
12. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/teaching-modules" target="_blank">Children and Youth in History</a>: Unit studies about children all over the world in different time periods<br />
13. <a href="http://chnm.gmu.edu/1989/casestudies" target="_blank">Making the History of 1989</a>: Unit studies to explore communism in Eastern Europe<br />
14. <a href="http://www.folklife.si.edu/resources/pdf/InterviewingGuide.pdf" target="_blank">Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide</a>: This resource is great for even younger students with parent's help<br />
15. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/history/ancient/books.html" target="_blank">Guest Hollow: Ancient History</a>: Supplementary literature based approach for grades 2-6<br />
<br />
<b>Current Events</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1. <a href="http://hnn.us/" target="_blank">History News Network:</a>* This website is not a curriculum or textbook instead it is a current events web site that puts current events into historical perspective for high school students<br />
<br />
<b>Music</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.makingmusicfun.net/" target="_blank">Making Music Fun</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.philtulga.com/resources.html" target="_blank">Music in Math, Science, and Literature</a><br />
3. <a href="http://thepianostudent.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/free-homeschool-music-curriculum-woo-hoo/" target="_blank">The Piano Student</a>: free music curriculum including recorder lessons<br />
4. <a href="http://rockhall.com/education/resources/lesson-plans/" target="_blank">Lesson Plans from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.vh1.com/partners/vh1_music_studio/lessons-main.jhtml" target="_blank">Vh1 Lesson Plans:</a> also includes past shows<br />
6. <a href="http://www.oercommons.org/courses/classical-music-and-the-music-of-the-classical-era" target="_blank">Classical Music and the Music of the Classical Era:</a> for primary and secondary students<br />
7. <a href="http://www.oercommons.org/courses/the-music-of-the-romantic-era" target="_blank">The Music of the Romantic Era</a>: for middle school students<br />
8. <a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/music-and-theater-arts/21m-361-composing-with-computers-i-electronic-music-composition-spring-2008/index.htm" target="_blank">Composing with Computers I</a>: for advanced music students<br />
9.<a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/music-and-theater-arts/21m-294-popular-musics-of-the-world-spring-2005/" target="_blank"> Popular Musics of the World: </a>for advanced students<br />
10. <a href="http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3524" target="_blank">Creating Musical Sounds:</a> how vibrations are harnessed to make sounds and music<br />
11. <a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/music-and-theater-arts/21m-051-fundamentals-of-music-spring-2007/" target="_blank">Fundamentals of Music:</a> from MIT<br />
12. <a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/music-and-theater-arts/21m-775-hip-hop-fall-2007/" target="_blank">Hip Hop</a>: from MIT<br />
13.<a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/activities-projects/music-movies-pick-soundtrack-30155.html" target="_blank"> Music in Movies</a>: for grades 7-12 from ReadWriteThink (takes about 2 hours to complete)<br />
14. <a href="http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/music-across-america" target="_blank">Music from Across America</a>: for grades 3-5<br />
15. <a href="http://www.emusictheory.com/practice.html" target="_blank">Free Music Drills</a>: from eMusicTheory<br />
16. <a href="https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/handle/1774.2/2085" target="_blank">Levy Sheet Music</a>: all sheet music from before 1923 are in public domain and free<br />
17. <a href="http://www.musictechteacher.com/music_quizzes/music_quizzes.htm" target="_blank">Free Music Quizzes, Games, and Worksheets</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.dsokids.com/listen/instrumentlist.aspx" target="_blank">Listen by Instrument:</a> for young children<br />
<br />
<b>Art</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2010/01/07/free-andrew-loomis-art-intstruction-downloads/" target="_blank">Drawing</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/classroom_resources/curricula/performing_arts/" target="_blank">Performing Arts in Art</a>: K-12 focusing on four themes: art and accessibility to music, art and ancient tradition of storytelling, art and depiction of dance, art and influence of theatre<br />
3. <a href="http://artinspired.pbworks.com/w/page/13819728/Units%20and%20Curriculum%20for%20Elementary" target="_blank">Art Unit Studies for Elementary Students</a>: covers a wide range of topics and mediums<br />
4. <a href="http://www.kinderart.com/" target="_blank">Kinder Art</a>: free art lesson plans for K-12<br />
5. <a href="http://www.artyfactory.com/" target="_blank">Artyfactory</a>: free art lessons for older students includes art lessons, design lessons, and art history<br />
6. <a href="http://www.cuchicago.edu/experience/arts/visual-arts/art-lessons/" target="_blank">Artists and Their Art</a>: Sharing Visual Stories: 10 free lessons for grades 1-7<br />
7. <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/en/learn/for-educators/lesson-plans-and-pre-visit-guides" target="_blank">Lesson Plans from The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>: grades K-12<br />
8. <a href="http://www.americanart.si.edu/education/resources/guides/index.cfm" target="_blank">Lesson Plans from Smithsonian American Art Museum</a><br />
9.<a href="http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/lessons.html" target="_blank"> Incredible Art Department</a>: lessons for preschool-12<br />
<br />
<b>Science</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/vijay_kumar_robots_that_fly_and_cooperate.html%202.%20Principles%20of%20Semiconductor%20Devices" target="_blank">TED Videos</a><br />
3. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikijunior:Biology" target="_blank">Biology</a>: late elementary to middle school level<br />
<a href="http://www.bartleby.com/107/" target="_blank">Gray's Anatomy</a>*<br />
4. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Human_Physiology" target="_blank">Human Physiology</a><br />
5. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_Animals" target="_blank">Anatomy and Physiology of Animals</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.telemedicine.org/stamford.htm" target="_blank">Electronic Book of Dermatology</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.html" target="_blank">On Line Biology Book</a><br />
6. <a href="http://savannah.spinellicreations.com/fhsst/Physics_Grade_10-12.pdf" target="_blank">Physics</a><br />
7. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Physics_Study_Guide" target="_blank">Physics Study Guide</a><br />
8. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Modern_Physics" target="_blank">Modern Physics</a><br />
9. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/This_Quantum_World" target="_blank">This Quantum World</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/origin.html" target="_blank">Origin of Species</a>: Classic text from Charles Darwin<br />
10. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/High_School_Earth_Science" target="_blank">High School Earth Science</a><br />
11. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Proteomics" target="_blank">Proteomics</a><br />
12.<a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Engineering_Acoustics" target="_blank"> Engineering Acoustics</a><br />
13. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Acoustics" target="_blank">Acoustics</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/otters_science/science_human_body.html" target="_blank">Otter Elementary Science: The Human Body</a>: Literature based approach for grades 2-6<br />
15. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/big_otters_science/big_otters_human_body.html" target="_blank">Big Otter Science: The Human Body</a>: Literature based approach for high school students<br />
16. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/otters_chemistry/chemistrybooks.html" target="_blank">Otter Science: Chemistry</a>: Literature based approach for grades 2-6<br />
17. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/curriculum.html" target="_blank">Otter Science: Physics:</a> Scroll down the page to download<br />
18. <a href="http://www.homeschoolviews.com/unit-studies/solarsystemunitstudy.html" target="_blank">Solar System Unit Study</a><br />
<br />
<b>Psychology</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://allpsych.com/psychology101/index.html" target="_blank">Psychology 101</a><br />
2. <a href="http://epsych.msstate.edu/index.html" target="_blank">ePsych</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.intropsych.com/" target="_blank">Psychology: An Introduction </a><br />
4. <a href="http://ufdcweb1.uflib.ufl.edu/ufdc/?b=UF00002278&v=00001" target="_blank">Laughing: A Psychology of Humor</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7conflict/" target="_blank">Party-Directed Mediation</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/contents.php" target="_blank">Research Methods Knowledge Base</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/collegeseminarsseries/oldagepsychiatry.aspx" target="_blank">Old Age Psychiatry</a><br />
8. <a href="http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/faces/index_faces.php" target="_blank">The Many Faces of Psychological Research in the 21st Century</a><br />
9. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cognitive_Psychology_and_Cognitive_Neuroscience" target="_blank">Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience</a><br />
10. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Lucid_Dreaming" target="_blank">Lucid Dreaming</a><br />
11. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Consciousness_Studies" target="_blank">Consciousness Studies</a><br />
<br />
<b>Math</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.geogebra.org/cms/" target="_blank">GeoGebra</a> (downloadable program for Algebra and Geometry)<br />
2. <a href="http://www.homeschoolmath.net/" target="_blank">Homeschool Math</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.themathworld.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Math</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/~fv/books/mw/mwbook.pdf" target="_blank">Mathematical Writing</a>: advanced high school level textbook<br />
5. <a href="http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/curriculum.html" target="_blank">Otter Math: Pre Algebra:</a> Scroll down the page to download<br />
<br />
<b>Computer Science</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1. <a href="http://www.cs.brown.edu/~sk/Publications/Books/ProgLangs/2007-04-26/" target="_blank">Programming Languages: Application and Interpretation</a><br />
2. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/C_Sharp_Programming" target="_blank">C# </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Programming</u></span><br />
3. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Java_Programming" target="_blank">Java </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Programming</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span>
<br />
<b>Accounting</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1. <a href="http://www.principlesofaccounting.com/" target="_blank">Principles of Accounting</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.peoi.org/Courses/Coursesen/ac/AC101EN.html" target="_blank">Accounting I</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.peoi.org/Courses/Coursesen/acc/AC102EN.html" target="_blank">Accounting II</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.dwmbeancounter.com/moodle/" target="_blank">Bean Counter's Free Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutorial Site</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.introtocost.info/" target="_blank">Management Accounting Concepts and Techniques</a><br />
<br />
<b>Business</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1. <a href="http://www.capturedeliverexcel.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Business Writing</a><br />
2. <a href="http://book.ivo-welch.info/ed2/" target="_blank">Corporate Finance: 2nd Edition</a>: not compatible with Internet Explorer<br />
3. <a href="http://web.mit.edu/evhippel/www/democ1.htm" target="_blank">Democratizing Innovation</a><br />
4. <a href="http://nboccard.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Industrial Organization, a Contract Based Approach</a><br />
5.<a href="http://www.dreamsongs.com/IHE/" target="_blank"> Innovation Happens Elsewhere: Open Source as Business Strategy</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.jonathantscott.com/managing-the-new-frontiers.pdf" target="_blank">Managing the New Frontiers: An Introduction to the Fundamentals</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/6435/pg6435.html" target="_blank">The Principles of Scientific Management</a><br />
<br />
<b>Practical Life</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/First_Aid" target="_blank">First Aid</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/" target="_blank">Dance Mat Typing</a><br />
<br />
<b>Bible Study</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/210/" target="_blank">The Lives of Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saint</a>s<br />
<br />
<b>Grade Level Specific </b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.pcboe.net/les/elderweb/Second%20Grade.htm" target="_blank">Second Grade Curriculum</a>: need to register to get full access<br />
<br />
<b>Homeschool Management Software</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.learnboost.com/tour/#/home" target="_blank">LearnBoost</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.homeschoolskedtrack.com/HomeSchool/displayLogin.do" target="_blank">Homeschool Skedtrack</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.homeschooltracker.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Tracker</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Study Guides</b><br />
<br />
1.<a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/arthistory/samp.html?arthist" target="_blank"> Sample questions for AP exams</a><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo taken by <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/iprole" target="_blank">Ivan Prole</a>. Copyright free image. See <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/txt/license.html" target="_blank">here</a> for details.</span></i>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-83607692570136287172012-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T15:31:21.465-07:00Wild Forest PlantsYesterday we went on a nature hike with an awesome guide who knew all sorts of edible plants that are found wild in our local wood lands. Here are some of the plants that we identified on our hike:<br />
<br />
Snake root:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtDoHgeXgOySpqT1r7hR8hGRO4E-fnX8aUVW0iUNmuUlaqzv6Dz8ovF5sW_Yxd8RpOzkUpelXwAKFcf3FdNKJgQ8WXWi18vQP1_o7zLtTGDQoWBGWWBefvBJ11k6yiIHG_7Ybpn_CWqoF/s1600/IMG_8895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtDoHgeXgOySpqT1r7hR8hGRO4E-fnX8aUVW0iUNmuUlaqzv6Dz8ovF5sW_Yxd8RpOzkUpelXwAKFcf3FdNKJgQ8WXWi18vQP1_o7zLtTGDQoWBGWWBefvBJ11k6yiIHG_7Ybpn_CWqoF/s320/IMG_8895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Wild grapes that will grow up the tree (<a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-and-rice-stuffed-grape-leaves.html" target="_blank">leaves</a> and<a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/search/label/grape" target="_blank"> fruit </a>are edible):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpOFsX7TCO2qLtRu3dUapdNqKldFU-4fQpkCgZQJQ37f7YkzjM_jxYjfZDTwl2wmaoOnmR9gZJ5LcIeip2vKya2JHo7SDYeorqLaXZjnUGaw0YXyhNwznN6nnYIFaaGuQgrmIq0nWNqtd/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpOFsX7TCO2qLtRu3dUapdNqKldFU-4fQpkCgZQJQ37f7YkzjM_jxYjfZDTwl2wmaoOnmR9gZJ5LcIeip2vKya2JHo7SDYeorqLaXZjnUGaw0YXyhNwznN6nnYIFaaGuQgrmIq0nWNqtd/s320/IMG_8894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Flax:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QMyKkqvkG0sLX2g245XbUsAGfEe7qg1iT1HQIPaVL99-yqZsvzIOqh7seV6yHw_sfHDr2JH1kX0d75DdYlMIm0YCSuBLI93luE3bXZOayb3EzPSGGq3vlWMxcFvEhjGObVATmSu32DQ2/s1600/IMG_8893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QMyKkqvkG0sLX2g245XbUsAGfEe7qg1iT1HQIPaVL99-yqZsvzIOqh7seV6yHw_sfHDr2JH1kX0d75DdYlMIm0YCSuBLI93luE3bXZOayb3EzPSGGq3vlWMxcFvEhjGObVATmSu32DQ2/s320/IMG_8893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Germanium:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yh3zhsm4p5BR-MwX5ewekpXWKdZF9Lni8NTDzx0Dy5_AdCQreoSw6li5e2-k3AsNxEE45T2hgcBScaxwjijqU5FVxnJiyXmTd_XLwtIoQjYIfMafDizLk_Rw4ez6x72LUH7KoRuFhYL1/s1600/IMG_8892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yh3zhsm4p5BR-MwX5ewekpXWKdZF9Lni8NTDzx0Dy5_AdCQreoSw6li5e2-k3AsNxEE45T2hgcBScaxwjijqU5FVxnJiyXmTd_XLwtIoQjYIfMafDizLk_Rw4ez6x72LUH7KoRuFhYL1/s320/IMG_8892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Violet (state flower for Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Illinois):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiO5E1LU8iwkuarA8dsKvkrY6rqcrVDc2u3DKCJ63dDmjSYBDUox6C3Htpu4K8HqCobOHl7hTVR9OOxtwsn2-red8Hgct2MFoq4g8RCBXEPvFQWZbwxruajg3gcFI_Y88PIicGVcOUPs8/s1600/IMG_8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiO5E1LU8iwkuarA8dsKvkrY6rqcrVDc2u3DKCJ63dDmjSYBDUox6C3Htpu4K8HqCobOHl7hTVR9OOxtwsn2-red8Hgct2MFoq4g8RCBXEPvFQWZbwxruajg3gcFI_Y88PIicGVcOUPs8/s320/IMG_8866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Wild raspberries (<a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/search/label/raspberry" target="_blank">fruit is edible</a>):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgiiuYOX04wZkWHp3184oApFiD_I657T3C6dQdUPgXXdSjJoDs9uGz2owglLYirORSM4FQZ73fAoY5a0iR71FfzIgFu6u18200a2eW0YwuRhsOmphuCBUq3FUZst0B-8DVlii9L8liH16/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgiiuYOX04wZkWHp3184oApFiD_I657T3C6dQdUPgXXdSjJoDs9uGz2owglLYirORSM4FQZ73fAoY5a0iR71FfzIgFu6u18200a2eW0YwuRhsOmphuCBUq3FUZst0B-8DVlii9L8liH16/s320/IMG_8898.JPG" title="Wild raspberries" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
May apple (fruit is edible in June):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeDvnHmgscIxOQvWvUKJNMspd2hUorOKwiV4Z0OqO72IhxJc8KDBvMTCbIc-g9lmBvOI_pYlu0Z6ENOr96-N7eBPY2DCoGnSyrayjQLmbNN3AGkv0JVg7fxcFSAFTZl1yGLmyNvwkK280/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeDvnHmgscIxOQvWvUKJNMspd2hUorOKwiV4Z0OqO72IhxJc8KDBvMTCbIc-g9lmBvOI_pYlu0Z6ENOr96-N7eBPY2DCoGnSyrayjQLmbNN3AGkv0JVg7fxcFSAFTZl1yGLmyNvwkK280/s320/IMG_8903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Wild plum tree (fruit is edible):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm_4VWqPgJZQEFkcv_GZkpvktjsR4V4W549daS1nPEqXk43iY3kKO3NKf6W6g-k3dR5vf0Il9mGchsyaeTOCodSqTJPQJlc7RI9YUn5D3zRJLmwxlRbR9e0_clxSLMPw6Uw0pM-sisdpu/s1600/IMG_8907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwm_4VWqPgJZQEFkcv_GZkpvktjsR4V4W549daS1nPEqXk43iY3kKO3NKf6W6g-k3dR5vf0Il9mGchsyaeTOCodSqTJPQJlc7RI9YUn5D3zRJLmwxlRbR9e0_clxSLMPw6Uw0pM-sisdpu/s320/IMG_8907.JPG" title="Wild plum tree" width="320" /></a></div>
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Black locus tree flowers that have an amazing sweet scent:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_M9VJZHbUkHfj1TjVIFNTI2JhihuTLmuC1YjOOhX1r1OAiGq9fCsJnR-GJe8TzytLMKc_GhdPywBWfQjkHiUeV3hjubqAEeD2N8CydObiemUsJTLiiOq9_ELacN8HvtrU1Gh0nQQjhld/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_M9VJZHbUkHfj1TjVIFNTI2JhihuTLmuC1YjOOhX1r1OAiGq9fCsJnR-GJe8TzytLMKc_GhdPywBWfQjkHiUeV3hjubqAEeD2N8CydObiemUsJTLiiOq9_ELacN8HvtrU1Gh0nQQjhld/s320/IMG_8904.JPG" title="Black locus tree flowers" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-90361599786115943702012-04-17T10:29:00.001-07:002012-04-18T15:30:30.401-07:00Mushroom HuntingWe went on a super cool field trip this morning. We went mushroom hunting! We did not find a lot of mushrooms, but we had a blast. We had an excellent gui<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fmushroom-hunting.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zJFPFVuwGRQ%2FT42n0byaf5I%2FAAAAAAAABGE%2FsS1ghtQrgt8%2Fs320%2FIMG_8896.JPG&description=Mushroom%20hunting"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>de that knew every plant that we came across on our hike. Here is the fungus that we saw on our hike:<br />
<br />
Unidentifiable little brown mushroom:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiguxdQ2_PqphIJfd8WZnTi4LbAB_NzWNqIa3Fun27wUmKT8d-8BsEwiSuhxRVb4igbFk1NA4z4g0MELDRz_-Ln3YaA6f15ZnAqgRUkZaqofnJ5wmFMgpHj9auF7kfF5KO0m5smAHR01J9/s1600/little+brown+mushroom" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiguxdQ2_PqphIJfd8WZnTi4LbAB_NzWNqIa3Fun27wUmKT8d-8BsEwiSuhxRVb4igbFk1NA4z4g0MELDRz_-Ln3YaA6f15ZnAqgRUkZaqofnJ5wmFMgpHj9auF7kfF5KO0m5smAHR01J9/s320/little+brown+mushroom" title="Unidentified little brown mushroom" width="240" /></a></div>
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Rhizomorphs which kills trees, so this is bad news for our forest:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-S96S2EC4qSjPUN1O6715evZj98AFMlXN6ppY6gCvYTcZnXC1yc5MHgciVEYtyFpymUjj1Hip8KEMZzBlQlFpf8tJxGtlYu9T9DATxuM6TGJWqt4EP-EcAqRj1aYa6-Rdp7h_oRbUv2_/s1600/IMG_8897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fungus that kills trees" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-S96S2EC4qSjPUN1O6715evZj98AFMlXN6ppY6gCvYTcZnXC1yc5MHgciVEYtyFpymUjj1Hip8KEMZzBlQlFpf8tJxGtlYu9T9DATxuM6TGJWqt4EP-EcAqRj1aYa6-Rdp7h_oRbUv2_/s320/IMG_8897.JPG" title="Rhizomorphs" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Phellinus robiniae</i> growing on a black locus tree:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NfAuuby_LyT3CxMCOn8BNYRYeQrEk7nzcWmGE2Gq1rabOKs7y9Fn174X1un-8cRUJUCrIE0ephNPPNwoT0E38gK_3njDD17gNLNI0RYqIXxfbLDCRmG7DBQNa3Mz4ug-BicR_54NieV0/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shell mushroom growing on a tree" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NfAuuby_LyT3CxMCOn8BNYRYeQrEk7nzcWmGE2Gq1rabOKs7y9Fn174X1un-8cRUJUCrIE0ephNPPNwoT0E38gK_3njDD17gNLNI0RYqIXxfbLDCRmG7DBQNa3Mz4ug-BicR_54NieV0/s320/IMG_8896.JPG" title="Phellinus rimosus on a black locus tree" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-1384387316666152952012-04-10T07:42:00.001-07:002012-04-17T11:13:27.668-07:00Paper Mâché Bluebirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrx5VzJGPsR8JtX-mDUk1voIRnNiFOlk5C0wZfk17qCF3VBQrwOWaSlOPyjO-TlrVcnRk0WfgM1IWJONu6OKzVfYOJCjT5qPJURaJmWb_u_Glsy6nvRPWJmfXZgKYCxT4mOh7j1SuwXeA/s1600/IMG_8667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrx5VzJGPsR8JtX-mDUk1voIRnNiFOlk5C0wZfk17qCF3VBQrwOWaSlOPyjO-TlrVcnRk0WfgM1IWJONu6OKzVfYOJCjT5qPJURaJmWb_u_Glsy6nvRPWJmfXZgKYCxT4mOh7j1SuwXeA/s320/IMG_8667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fpaper-mache-bluebirds.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-oPEZwvfGLgs%2FT4RGsjSKuiI%2FAAAAAAAABFk%2FEN4mdcTon-s%2Fs320%2FIMG_8669.JPG&description=Paper%20Mache%20Bluebirds"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>
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We have been continuing to work on our <a href="http://www.nirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com/search/label/blue%20bird" target="_blank">bluebird</a> studies. I
decided to take a big leap and have us attempt paper mâché bluebirds. For me this is a big step in our homeschool
because I am not particularly artistic, and this is a very messy multi day
project. I was nervous to say the least, but how could I turn down trying the
beautiful paper mâché birds as seen on <a href="http://www.artforsmallhands.com/2010/04/papier-mache-birds.html" target="_blank">Art For Small Hands</a>? Little BBQ had been requesting more three dimensional
projects, so I thought this would be a nice creative project to attempt. Our
birds came out surprisingly cute even though we forgot to use card board for
the tail feathers.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxB7wYSgNV8tejFjeaikQ1eaSYt8PeIzirOQWT2KpbF6wv3Hg2sApl5Q37i7e2GkwA8JUzpRlDnSlrBw63IXYxnDRh_jgDDMPzNxu2hLDgKnqhfFN-Zeoxt_4oLrzwpIBqajX9uuzi1-6/s1600/IMG_8669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxB7wYSgNV8tejFjeaikQ1eaSYt8PeIzirOQWT2KpbF6wv3Hg2sApl5Q37i7e2GkwA8JUzpRlDnSlrBw63IXYxnDRh_jgDDMPzNxu2hLDgKnqhfFN-Zeoxt_4oLrzwpIBqajX9uuzi1-6/s320/IMG_8669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We used regular all purpose flour and water for our paper mâché,
and we attempted to fill in some of the holes left by the newspaper with dryer
lint pulp mixed with our mâché paste. The dryer lint pulp was also good for forming a
beak. We used Crayola washable tempura paints to paint the birds which did not completely
cover the newspaper which really bothered me at first, but then I realized that
seeing the newspaper under the paint gave the bluebirds a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jasper_Johns,_Flag_(detail).jpg" target="_blank">Jasper Johns </a>feel. We
did not put wire legs on birds because I did not feel that Little BBQ had the
coordination to bend wire right now without hurting himself. Instead we opted to put our bluebirds on
nests made from paper Easter grass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For bluebird inspiration we used the <a href="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/educational%20packet.pdf" target="_blank">kids book from the North American Bluebird Society</a>, a photo from the blog <a href="http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com/2010/03/bluebird-at-cottage.html" target="_blank">Content in a Cottage</a>, and a <a href="http://gallery.xemanhdep.com/2010/05/12-beautiful-bird-photos/" target="_blank">gallery on 12 beautiful bird photos</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Materials</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Newspaper, cut into strips and 1 whole piece for the body<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thin card board<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scissors<o:p></o:p></div>
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Half inch masking tape<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bowl<o:p></o:p></div>
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All purpose flour<o:p></o:p></div>
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Water<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dryer lint<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Crayola+washable+paint&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13295035943003293212&sa=X&ei=wEOET8OoL5PW9QS4tLHeCA&ved=0CIwBEPMCMAA#" target="_blank">Crayola washable tempura paint</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Paint brushes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rinsing bowls <o:p></o:p></div>
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Paper towels<o:p></o:p></div>
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Card board box large enough to fit the bluebirds<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goggles or safety glasses<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=cqn&cp=9&gs_id=x&xhr=t&q=spray+polyurethane&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=783&wrapid=tljp1334067630049016&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17059549348917622455&sa=X&ei=q0GET5PZMIm29QTM-anDCA&sqi=2&ved=0CHgQ8wIwAA#" target="_blank">Spray polyurethane</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Easter grass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Day 1:</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Wrinkle the whole sheet of newspaper into a ball
to form the body of the bird. You can shape the ball into more of a tear drop
shape which is close to a bird shape than a ball. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Cut the wings and tail feathers out of cardboard
using the scissors. Use your bluebird pictures for inspiration. We cut a
semicircle for the wings which was probably not the best shape to use. Next
time I think I would cut each wing individually. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Tape the wings and tail feathers to the
newspaper body of the bird with the masking tape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>In a bowl, make a paper mâché paste with flour and water.
We used 1 part flour to 2 parts water for our paper mâché paste. You can make your
paste a little thinner or thicken depending upon your preferences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Dip the newspaper strips into the paste and wipe
off the excess paste. Drape the newspaper strip on the bluebird. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Continue with step 5 until the bluebird is
completely covered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Dip the dryer lint into the paper mâché paste
to form clay like substance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Use the dryer lint putty to fill in holes in the
paper mâché
and to form small details like the beak.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Allow the bluebird to dry. We dried our
bluebirds on a plate. We dried the bluebirds on their belly which was a mistake
because we ended up tearing a little bit of the paper mâché when lifted up the blue birds
after they dried. Net time I would have let them dry on the flat surface of
their wings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>Day 2:</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Paint the bluebirds. We made male Easter
bluebirds using photos for inspiration. In general, male Easter bluebirds have
a blue head and wings, a white stomach, an orange neck and a black beak.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>Day 3:</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
11.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Place the bluebirds in a cardboard box. Spray
the bluebirds with spray polyurethane while wearing goggles or safety glasses. Follow
the directions on the spray can for best results. I did this part for Little BBQ outside because
I was not comfortable with him using the polyurethane. Allow the bluebirds to
dry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i>Day 4:</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
12.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Display the bluebirds on a nest of Easter grass.<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Posted on <a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/04/link-learn-kids-crafts-play-ideas.html" target="_blank">Link and Learn</a>, <a href="http://adventuresofmommyness.blogspot.com/2012/04/science-sunday-mississippi-stetson-hats.html" target="_blank">Science Sunday</a>, </i></span></div>
<a title="Carnival of Homeschooling" href="http://whyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/04/carnival-of-homeschooling.html">
<img alt="Carnival of Homeschooling" width="80" height="15" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll227/hcate3/SmallA.jpg" /> </a>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-72584616488591260302012-03-29T07:38:00.000-07:002012-03-29T07:42:53.670-07:00Activities for The Secret Life of Walter Kitty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgQc8jQ00KPA1aU2jiAmhYC85ouuPqYuHTBNzp_uga6DEIboWFA72DmToLzs1FJpFXs8f5G0Fooif8r7reFmMCC54jc5dZW-dC85Xsvz9l4OCM3Tv9EcMenDQdi8vJatsPusyqWyZLbge/s1600/19741213575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toddler Cat Mast Activity for The Secret Life of Walter Kitty" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgQc8jQ00KPA1aU2jiAmhYC85ouuPqYuHTBNzp_uga6DEIboWFA72DmToLzs1FJpFXs8f5G0Fooif8r7reFmMCC54jc5dZW-dC85Xsvz9l4OCM3Tv9EcMenDQdi8vJatsPusyqWyZLbge/s320/19741213575.jpg" title="Toddler Cat Mask" width="295" /></a></div>
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<br />
Little BBQ has requested that Miss Bubbles participate more in our school which is a challenge since Miss Bubbles is only 2 years old. Miss Bubbles calls our school, "special school." I love that she is enthusiastic about school, and I love that Little BBQ wants her involved but making lessons that are challenging for Little BBQ and engaging for Miss Bubbles is not easy, but a common challenge for many homeschooling parents. She does not have the ability to sit through a book with too many words, so I read lots of picture books around her and have her make a craft based on the book. Little BBQ also has the option to make the craft as well on top of his writing assignment based on the book.
For the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Life-Walter-Kitty/dp/0375831967" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Walter Kitty by Barbara Jean Hicks</a>, Miss Bubbles made a kitty mask and Little BBQ wrote a story about the secret life of his kitty, Bullwinkle. <br />
<br />
The mask is made from a plate, cotton balls that Miss Bubbles pulled apart, and construction paper for the ears and nose. There was also a mouth drawn with a marker by Little BBQ, but Miss Bubbles decided to cover up the kitty's mouth with fur instead.<br />
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<br />
Little BBQ wrote a story about me catching Bullwinkle in the school room. Bullwinkle was not a happy kitty with me catching him. In the story I put the kitty in the guest bathroom. I asked Little BBQ why I put the kitty in the bathroom forever. He me told it was so he can play with the kitty forever. Bullwinkle is our new kitty that is still scared of humans. Apparently he was brought to the animal shelter at a very young age so this has made him very scared of everything. He has been coming around to me the best, but he is still scared of the kids. He lets the kids hold him, but he will not show them his wonderful kitty side. Hopefully over time he will warm up to the family.<br />
<br />
For more activities with The Secret Life of Walter Kitty please visit <a href="http://www.barbarajeanhicks.com/secretlife.htm" target="_blank">Barbara Jean Hicks's website.</a>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-76806813867080947332012-03-21T09:54:00.000-07:002012-03-21T17:28:24.399-07:00Melissa and Doug Pinterest Giveaway<a href="http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/2012/03/21/pinterest-contest-pin-your-sunny-patch-favorites-to-win/comment-page-1/#comment-35598">Melissa and Doug is doing a giveaway on Pinterest!</a> All you have to do is make a board called "Spring Wish List" and pin 10 Melissa and Doug items that you like. At least 5 of the items have to be in the new Sunny Patch Collection. On your board description explain why you like Melissa and Doug toys. Lastly, leave them a comment with your pinterest board.<br />
<br />
Our family really loves the wooden dish sets they sell. We have found that the wooden dishes hold up much better than the plastic dish sets of other companies. What are your favorite Melissa and Doug toys?Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-28048244285337487022012-03-20T14:39:00.001-07:002012-04-10T07:37:20.850-07:00Building Secondary Cavity Nesting Bird Nests: Bluebird, House Wren, Tree Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, House Sparrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We have been studying birds as part of our nature study in the past few weeks. In particular, we have been focusing on the Bluebird. Bluebirds are <b>secondary cavity nesters</b> meaning that they can not build their own nests. Instead they find homes that woodpeckers (<b>primary cavity nesters</b>) or humans leave behind for them. Bluebirds are part of the <i>Sialia</i> genus of the thrush family. Gardeners love Bluebirds because they are primarily <b>insectivores</b> (insect eaters) and dine on garden pests.<br />
<br />
The trouble is that many other birds will also reside inside of a Bluebird house, so it is important to be able to identify birds by their nests. Some other birds that can make their home in a Bluebird house are House Wren, Tree Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, or House Sparrow. For the Bluebird enthusiast, there is only one type of bird that really poses a threat and that is the House Sparrow. The House Sparrow is not native to the US and is very aggressive. <a href="http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/JFO/v055n03/p0378-p0380.pdf">The House Sparrow can and will kill a Bluebird</a>. The House Sparrow has been partially blamed for declining Bluebird numbers along with humans destroying their habitat.<br />
<br />
To help Little BBQ learn about potential birds that can make their home in small cavities we decided to do a hands on project where a built sample nests from secondary cavity nesters. Each type of bird has an unique nest. We built out nests in foam cups with one side cut open so you can see inside the "cavity."<br />
<br />
<b>Eastern Bluebird Nest</b><br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i></i><br />
<i style="text-align: left;"><i>Materials:</i></i><br />
<br />
dry grass<br />
pine needles<br />
<br />
<i>The details:</i><br />
One or both types of materials maybe used depending upon availability. The nests do not fill up the entire cavity, so there is plenty of head space in this cavity.<br />
<br />
<b>House Wren</b><br />
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<br />
<i>Materials:</i><br />
twigs<br />
finer plant material (we used crumbled leaves)<br />
feathers (we used paper feathers since we could not find any real ones outside)<br />
<br />
<i>The details:</i><br />
The bulk of the nest is composed of twigs with some feather and finer plant material lining the inside of the nest as well. The cavity is usually filled to the top.<br />
<br />
<b>Tree Swallow</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cw_i1gWVNNOpIfhIYYuxmiIvBcchkp8DxBZLQsZFunTD3K4fEQnkjfxR-CIZxbtrBA886ZwZw-EkKrNg-f_NuiS3RxH7MXcVXWbtpUaWxpM3pUsmK7dEvmiTaeafGQzIMfd2ipDrcfEC/s1600/Tree+Swallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cw_i1gWVNNOpIfhIYYuxmiIvBcchkp8DxBZLQsZFunTD3K4fEQnkjfxR-CIZxbtrBA886ZwZw-EkKrNg-f_NuiS3RxH7MXcVXWbtpUaWxpM3pUsmK7dEvmiTaeafGQzIMfd2ipDrcfEC/s200/Tree+Swallow.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUR3mt86-s_g8H69JGzTgO7QWXba2NYxrWGM8eW3LXzraDjXefZTI0JPTjrpNiITsPQq33x6Uv1fxONroWOIUFc1XhGiJ3xSCQXSssDU0Fl5C9tyvZR3_iL9AmHkWS-baK_os9rv0FF-w/s1600/19585527674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUR3mt86-s_g8H69JGzTgO7QWXba2NYxrWGM8eW3LXzraDjXefZTI0JPTjrpNiITsPQq33x6Uv1fxONroWOIUFc1XhGiJ3xSCQXSssDU0Fl5C9tyvZR3_iL9AmHkWS-baK_os9rv0FF-w/s200/19585527674.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Materials:</i><br />
grass<br />
feathers (we used paper feathers)<br />
<br />
<i>The details:</i><br />
The bulk of the nest is made out of grass with feathers lining the top. The nest has lots of head space and does not fill up the entire cavity.<br />
<br />
<b>Carolina Chickadees</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK5W8o7j_22zFJ9fvuZ4heIV4oAh9LLuS5LH5Ms4eYj-NfR9XbUPQv-ofD8ZHpFG_PpuzAtR6yoy2bZyr7FA8_FQ7zWGixTOR_i80ITgEgZDmG7lFcIyUUIzhbhtN6garstHbfAcaxTYq/s1600/Carolina+Chickadee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK5W8o7j_22zFJ9fvuZ4heIV4oAh9LLuS5LH5Ms4eYj-NfR9XbUPQv-ofD8ZHpFG_PpuzAtR6yoy2bZyr7FA8_FQ7zWGixTOR_i80ITgEgZDmG7lFcIyUUIzhbhtN6garstHbfAcaxTYq/s200/Carolina+Chickadee.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOLUS78Oif24e26NfeDKMz_A15KVU2Rnkgqua2G7puc-s9zGfXVmju1Uv4UgIinjXAGNaitpyPP_ShhyeQ8IKr02iyf3rR7iBR_6nTt43UvUUeoO2PYqT-BKyXVeDrqqAQol9VIl_YaHW/s1600/19585578173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOLUS78Oif24e26NfeDKMz_A15KVU2Rnkgqua2G7puc-s9zGfXVmju1Uv4UgIinjXAGNaitpyPP_ShhyeQ8IKr02iyf3rR7iBR_6nTt43UvUUeoO2PYqT-BKyXVeDrqqAQol9VIl_YaHW/s200/19585578173.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Materials:</i><br />
moss<br />
very fine plant fibers (we used crumbled leaves)<br />
animal hair<br />
dryer lint<br />
<br />
<i>The details:</i><br />
A Carolina Chickadee is flexible about what type of material the bird is willing to use to build its nest. We used animal hair, dryer lint, and crumbled leaves for our nest since we could not find any moss in the backyard. A Carolina Chickadee builds small soft nests that are meticulously built. A Carolina Chickadee is most likely to settle in a Bluebird house.<br />
<br />
<b>House Sparrow</b><br />
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<i>Materials:</i><br />
straw<br />
paper<br />
string<br />
cloth<br />
<br />
<i>The details:</i><br />
The House Sparrow will fill their cavity to the brim with a wide assortment of found materials.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">References</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"<a href="http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/JFO/v055n03/p0378-p0380.pdf">House Sparrow Kills Eastern Bluebirds</a>" Journal of Field Ornithology. Summer 1984. pp 378-380.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/educational%20packet.pdf">North American Bluebird Society Educational Packet</a>: information on nests found on pages 18-19</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credits</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All "nests" were taken by me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bluebird Photo: <a href="http://kenthomas.us/">Ken Thomas</a> released to public domain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">House Wren Photo: <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Calibas">Calibas</a> released under GNU Free Documentation License </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tree Swallow Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/13836948@N04">John Benson</a> released under Creative Commons</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Carolina Chickadee Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10017367@N03">Dan Pancamo</a> under Creative Commons</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">House Sparrow Photo: Photo by <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Diliff">DAVID ILIFF</a>. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0</span>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-8534407622984630582012-03-12T18:28:00.000-07:002012-03-22T19:26:21.726-07:00Toddler Nature Journal<br />
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It seems that everyone is talking about nature journals
these days. They are a very popular tool for teaching children drawing,
observation skills, and science. At our house, we use nature journals for even
the smallest hands. A lot of people ask me how I manage to teach Little BBQ
while having Miss Bubbles running around. Some things we do while Miss Bubbles
naps, but there are some things that she participates in. Nature journaling is
great for little hands. We use a combination of collected items, drawing, and
photos for Miss Bubbles’ nature journal. Most of the photographs are of Miss
Bubbles interacting with nature. I will also take photos or let her take photos
of things that interest her. In the sample page above Miss Bubbles sampled some
wild green onions, picked up lots of sticks, and hugged lots of trees. She glued a feather into her book that she
found while walking. We use basic white glue for her book. If you look closely
you can see her excessive use of glue that is the toddler trademark, but
luckily it dries clear so no harm to the notebook is done. I add the date and sometimes
the location to each page. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pictured below is Little BBQ’s nature journal page from the same
day. For Little BBQ’s nature journal, we use found items (although he did not
find anything that he felt was worth collecting on that day), photos of things
that he finds interesting, drawings, observations, and photos of him
interacting with nature. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-68388168316569266772012-02-09T07:17:00.000-08:002012-02-09T07:17:02.479-08:00Pinecone, Lard, and Bird Seed Winter Bird Feeders<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC39eqkEuRdHcRMT31s_GWoI38OfanpMwg-gj-fm60NQgCU21pAWdcIuvMnNpT90F46G-6euVRrI0GPYNQeMEprCGLcNXHEMZNyICAKsYpv01lNXsTD9-zWkQBlbB9RwNq9Eyro8H6_EgD/s1600/18849897887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC39eqkEuRdHcRMT31s_GWoI38OfanpMwg-gj-fm60NQgCU21pAWdcIuvMnNpT90F46G-6euVRrI0GPYNQeMEprCGLcNXHEMZNyICAKsYpv01lNXsTD9-zWkQBlbB9RwNq9Eyro8H6_EgD/s320/18849897887.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have been having an usually mild winter this year, but we decided to give the birds some good winter time bird food anyway. In general, birds need more fat during winter time, so we used lard in our winter bird seed this year instead of peanut butter because we got a half pig last year. Pigs have a lot of lard on them, and I have been struggling to figure out what to do with the all the lard. After a few batches of tamales and tortillas I still have lots of lard. I decided that the birds would probably enjoy some nice bird seed and lard since I was told by a local farmer that birds love lard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make these simple bird feeders, you just take some fallen pine cones and rub them in lard. Then, you can sprinkle some bird seed on top of the lard. We use a generic wild bird seed mix that attracts lots of different birds to our yard. Finally, hang up your easy bird feeders outside.</span></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-62777155793732596882012-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:05:11.048-08:00Weaving A Pot Holder With a Loop Loom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-ya5VHw629_eGYuj1r366rSCV-lwhHymeyNf7J0zfbXM2mtoS0t8IPmyM-swyTt4mbZXi6LOL_FHPTtSeYfrkgu9gNsOFqLeSNnXq5b-jaRJAgAqX4Vk73gwzG7A8BaR2ms4NQZMGUT/s1600/18503003686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="279px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-ya5VHw629_eGYuj1r366rSCV-lwhHymeyNf7J0zfbXM2mtoS0t8IPmyM-swyTt4mbZXi6LOL_FHPTtSeYfrkgu9gNsOFqLeSNnXq5b-jaRJAgAqX4Vk73gwzG7A8BaR2ms4NQZMGUT/s320/18503003686.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F01%2Fweaving-pot-holder-with-loop-loom.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_oA5Xf6lhq8%2FTx8gpv2gLpI%2FAAAAAAAABA8%2FSUo_4kgu5UQ%2Fs320%2F18503003686.jpg&description=Charlotte%20Mason%20Pratical%20Handy%20Craft%3A%20Weaving%20A%20Pot%20Holder">Pin It</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the best parts about homeschooling is that you can pick and choose different styles of education that you like and work well for your family. One of the things that I really liked about Charlotte Mason style of education is the incorporation of handy crafts that are practical. As Little BBQ’s first handy craft we decided to have him make a pot holder for his play kitchen using a loop weaving loom. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loop weaving looms are very inexpensive. I found one a few days before Christmas on clearance at Michaels that came with a weaving needle (you can use a crochet needle if your kit does not come with a needle) and cotton loops. I showed Little BBQ how to weave the first row. Then, he tried to weave by himself but he lacked the coordination to keep track of the over and under pattern and get the loop to where he wanted it, so I helped him with his first weaving project. Next time I will help him weave less until he can finally complete a pot holder on his own. Our kit came with enough loops to complete four pot holders. I predict that he will be able to weave by himself by the forth pot holder. This project took us 3 different sessions to complete. The first time that we weaved Little BBQ only had enough patience to weave for 4 rows. The second time that we weaved, he again lasted 4 rows. However, on the third session he was able to finish the rest of the pot holder. I finished off the sides for him since it was not clear even to me while reading the directions how to finish off the pot holder. Next time I will show Little BBQ how to finish off the sides. The only thing that surprised me about the weaving was how much the pot holder shrank when we took it off the loom. The pot holder really is only good for play dishes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A loop weaving loom is great for early elementary students. Concepts that can be explored by using a loop weaving loom include counting by twos and pattern making. Weaving is also good for fine motor skills that early writers need to develop in order to write clearly.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLaKHcmLxE7-WCAKZGECDjJ_MLfG7DO2Xazy1eLWRQfOeImGiIK1s2ghkIIQkInwHbyd_iSpREqYIV3t5CbGxErlIq9cKqYT68jxKX_c28Z0YKrXHU64QoBLTgS2pnPi2xafKOcFhc7sP/s1600/18503133282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="188px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLaKHcmLxE7-WCAKZGECDjJ_MLfG7DO2Xazy1eLWRQfOeImGiIK1s2ghkIIQkInwHbyd_iSpREqYIV3t5CbGxErlIq9cKqYT68jxKX_c28Z0YKrXHU64QoBLTgS2pnPi2xafKOcFhc7sP/s200/18503133282.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE5IhMynjwAw0RJyhlqw0Gz8bs0Bi5W1BgirxItXi1Dihphs12mUtkK0ESav2ur_fTiWIui-mShtj1psFb7_upso9b_IxFvW-cfTjECXByBBbY1R45QYZFFqB7L2IHCbl_uYcNotDKc3E/s1600/18503081972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="198px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE5IhMynjwAw0RJyhlqw0Gz8bs0Bi5W1BgirxItXi1Dihphs12mUtkK0ESav2ur_fTiWIui-mShtj1psFb7_upso9b_IxFvW-cfTjECXByBBbY1R45QYZFFqB7L2IHCbl_uYcNotDKc3E/s200/18503081972.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted on </span><a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2012/01/26/simple-lives-thursday-80/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Simple Lives Thursday</span></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://mcguffeysworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Homeschool%20Sanity%20Brag%20Thursday"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOE5ba3b3NhArAiK-pFtgCKdvyPyywi88yiVqhqiq_dpvNlcL4En-kXUyK2KGXu5H_gcpdJV2Np-dM2IJfZwPWXaJBVAiTNsz3Ueezuu9z5p_3CVL1cVApGJDxUpfnnF6QNqZoRJZTOw/s1600/jessie-willcox-smith-good-june-1925.jpg" /></a></center>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-13907654590443127322012-01-13T12:45:00.000-08:002012-01-30T14:47:47.347-08:00Freezing Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJnJjj3EUdxtAHSPxJMnyXVnxtH_y6MYigagJF5HKWKbMb_Wl9MzOkXKbyB0Zx0-3OQN5IF_6nwxIMGjzaxNyy-qmctPeZsCU9RdfOylE8b64JULP-AlkoP07e20wRVVbRwZFQ5q6skwW/s1600/18287371501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJnJjj3EUdxtAHSPxJMnyXVnxtH_y6MYigagJF5HKWKbMb_Wl9MzOkXKbyB0Zx0-3OQN5IF_6nwxIMGjzaxNyy-qmctPeZsCU9RdfOylE8b64JULP-AlkoP07e20wRVVbRwZFQ5q6skwW/s320/18287371501.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F01%2Ffreezing-art.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9XBpva2m6vc%2FTxCVqtpINHI%2FAAAAAAAABAE%2F2990mLmMj3g%2Fs320%2F18287371501.jpg&description=Science%20experiment%20on%20diffusion%2C%20states%20of%20matter%2C%20freezing%2C%20and%20thawing">Pin It</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For Christmas I got the kids some liquid water colors because I was tired of struggling to get the water color pellets to produce nice vibrant colors that I had seen on so many art teacher blogs. Our first project with the new liquid water colors was a science experiment on freezing. I got the idea from the book, <em>Science Arts</em> by MaryAnn Kohl and Jean Potter. The book is fantastic. The book uses art projects to explain science concepts. This book is great for a child who loves art or a child that is weary of science.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this experiment, the concept of <strong>diffusion </strong>is explored when children paint on a wet piece of paper with water color paints. <strong>Diffusion</strong> is when the paint molecules spread. Then, the concept of <strong>freezing</strong> is explored when you place the painted piece of paper is placed outside in freezing temperatures or in the freezer. When freezing occurs, the water molecules line up into organized structures to create sheets of ice. We took the experiment one step further and watched the paper thaw again in the house. In this case you can watch the paint become more <strong>diffuse</strong> again causing the intensity of the paints to diminish as the pigments in the paint spread out over the piece of paper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend taking pictures of your paints before freezing, after freezing, and after thawing to see how much the paint diffuses. The results with liquid water colors can be really stunning. This experiment is appropriate for <strong>preschool to early elementary aged children</strong>. My toddler also participated, but she does not have a concept of diffusion yet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Science concepts explored in this experiment: diffusion, freezing, states of matter (liquid and solid), thawing</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Materials</strong> modified from <em>Science Arts</em> p 101</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White paper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Liquid water colors</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cookie sheet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plastic wrap </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Freezer or freezing temperatures outside (we put out paintings outside)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Directions</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We the white piece of paper. You want the entire paper wet.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paint the wet piece of paper with liquid water colors. I recommend taking a picture of your work after this step. Observe how the paint diffuses outward as you paint.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the piece of paper on a cookie sheet and place a piece of plastic over the painting.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place the painting outside or in the freezer.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 12-24 hours, remove the plastic wrap from the painting and observe the ice crystals. I recommend taking a picture now.</span></div>Miss Bubbles': painting a wet piece of paper<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEIIhiu89rBC1cU6IN5X0vi5JY2Lu3CrsgLRpDSLl7KddeOKVDldLTrhNbtLHihFE_AvYtSOFzUEfHAnS3DWBh7lS2624AJcp7U-PoXK4A5FYTsz6DdJYeInhJl2hcjXO9cf-sqLxGohR/s1600/18287301080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEIIhiu89rBC1cU6IN5X0vi5JY2Lu3CrsgLRpDSLl7KddeOKVDldLTrhNbtLHihFE_AvYtSOFzUEfHAnS3DWBh7lS2624AJcp7U-PoXK4A5FYTsz6DdJYeInhJl2hcjXO9cf-sqLxGohR/s320/18287301080.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>After freezing:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pKdzpG-5Uvq_za0YFB56bMuukz1r_ZlhHbWBZh1hBDEInccPQK9YTbbMA3-v9buBuEd7JEzXGBsS_cwJ0Hk6WVXWi8qo83bu19p7vx1YRh_hQzv2RqwMQ31H8P-4vVk4NjdjKmjL1FNA/s1600/18287353923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pKdzpG-5Uvq_za0YFB56bMuukz1r_ZlhHbWBZh1hBDEInccPQK9YTbbMA3-v9buBuEd7JEzXGBsS_cwJ0Hk6WVXWi8qo83bu19p7vx1YRh_hQzv2RqwMQ31H8P-4vVk4NjdjKmjL1FNA/s320/18287353923.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>The ice up close:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJnJjj3EUdxtAHSPxJMnyXVnxtH_y6MYigagJF5HKWKbMb_Wl9MzOkXKbyB0Zx0-3OQN5IF_6nwxIMGjzaxNyy-qmctPeZsCU9RdfOylE8b64JULP-AlkoP07e20wRVVbRwZFQ5q6skwW/s1600/18287371501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJnJjj3EUdxtAHSPxJMnyXVnxtH_y6MYigagJF5HKWKbMb_Wl9MzOkXKbyB0Zx0-3OQN5IF_6nwxIMGjzaxNyy-qmctPeZsCU9RdfOylE8b64JULP-AlkoP07e20wRVVbRwZFQ5q6skwW/s320/18287371501.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>After thawing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIErltZUdsm4jYKSL5kN29mnByo_YQks9qdAfyR-44g_Of3_64Ln1dkcLio3s_qWonkGu5PQvpvpJl_ERfM4qoB2iOCXopoH51jjNXH2CyaZj207JJkRU3AcyhlinSX82MCRSqtECTwKL/s1600/18287398982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIErltZUdsm4jYKSL5kN29mnByo_YQks9qdAfyR-44g_Of3_64Ln1dkcLio3s_qWonkGu5PQvpvpJl_ERfM4qoB2iOCXopoH51jjNXH2CyaZj207JJkRU3AcyhlinSX82MCRSqtECTwKL/s320/18287398982.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Little BBQ's painting:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHaroTwmRRuS2V5T1bWV6Lz_sPa02CRjVhi-bGWs6SajyAY5lBRWPIW0PN9SnKL9oVR22TEA_LoQoIcJdlOhvcgm4I3f8dCTctXV_O_cyJJvBPhQHR2BSNg_uO4FR1iHjRYaPs7PIKsOe/s1600/18287439486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHaroTwmRRuS2V5T1bWV6Lz_sPa02CRjVhi-bGWs6SajyAY5lBRWPIW0PN9SnKL9oVR22TEA_LoQoIcJdlOhvcgm4I3f8dCTctXV_O_cyJJvBPhQHR2BSNg_uO4FR1iHjRYaPs7PIKsOe/s320/18287439486.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>After freezing:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg4sBx2cybrtl4pa-nRHwKlZ4BF5OmdSwrVCxiFZY7bUiyKR7ygE7yeKbMdvkkb3wB0-_Xs99nKymzhuxWg-Y-HmGNx8_ZGEviG98sOUx75YbzYg76Tj5PN0cq4PbBN2OccekpRMKJGdy/s1600/18287466962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg4sBx2cybrtl4pa-nRHwKlZ4BF5OmdSwrVCxiFZY7bUiyKR7ygE7yeKbMdvkkb3wB0-_Xs99nKymzhuxWg-Y-HmGNx8_ZGEviG98sOUx75YbzYg76Tj5PN0cq4PbBN2OccekpRMKJGdy/s320/18287466962.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>After thawing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUG74WVGRs5liAHigieW3GGVhC7ORJT0lmq0QJY0Y2XZ2gPaB2Xz1VDiqM_gkQw4edy_SBcHApUxEZWOS2OvyHJj2e97F7deZK8XjOwvkgdBLVto5cEH2NrSy44F7QEF1R6ZLJxhdIR7wS/s1600/18287488476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUG74WVGRs5liAHigieW3GGVhC7ORJT0lmq0QJY0Y2XZ2gPaB2Xz1VDiqM_gkQw4edy_SBcHApUxEZWOS2OvyHJj2e97F7deZK8XjOwvkgdBLVto5cEH2NrSy44F7QEF1R6ZLJxhdIR7wS/s320/18287488476.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://mcguffeysworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Homeschool%20Sanity%20Brag%20Thursday"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOE5ba3b3NhArAiK-pFtgCKdvyPyywi88yiVqhqiq_dpvNlcL4En-kXUyK2KGXu5H_gcpdJV2Np-dM2IJfZwPWXaJBVAiTNsz3Ueezuu9z5p_3CVL1cVApGJDxUpfnnF6QNqZoRJZTOw/s1600/jessie-willcox-smith-good-june-1925.jpg" /></a></center><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted on </span></em><a href="http://www.prekandksharing.blogspot.com/2012/01/we-love-paint.html"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">We Love to Paint</span></em></a>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-20589360584147579542011-12-06T21:16:00.000-08:002011-12-08T19:55:59.329-08:00Even Steven and Odd Todd Gingerbread Cut Outs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y8ex-hXzPMlrENJ2k_ghMl8PaK3hJjo72ZZx30uo_kbAaawrtnYhZPUMZwq29ghJYSaKWJT6dJ3ydh6mbcj_xbff10SVCI7K9cn66WARA5-RybWtTfUElNqCLvHkecBmTf3Ij1m8Kzmo/s1600/17675960017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y8ex-hXzPMlrENJ2k_ghMl8PaK3hJjo72ZZx30uo_kbAaawrtnYhZPUMZwq29ghJYSaKWJT6dJ3ydh6mbcj_xbff10SVCI7K9cn66WARA5-RybWtTfUElNqCLvHkecBmTf3Ij1m8Kzmo/s320/17675960017.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Feven-steven-and-odd-todd-gingerbread.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-XnEdiU0Lylg%2FTt70FhuVWcI%2FAAAAAAAAA9w%2FlJWHsQ33Jog%2Fs320%2F17675960017.jpg&description=Even%20Steven%20Odd%20Todd%20Christmas%20Project">Pin It</a><br />
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We have been enjoying the Christmas season here at our house. We have also been doing a lot of learning. We read the book, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/281545414174471673/"><em>Even Steven and Odd Todd</em> by Kathryn Cristaldi</a> which teaches children about odd and even numbers. We decided to make a Christmas themed craft about <em>Even Steven and Odd Todd</em> to reinforce the odd even pattern. We cut out a ginger bead chain out of paper. The original intent was to use brown paper, but we were out of brown construction paper and we did not have a paper bag so we improvised and used yellow paper instead. Even Steven all looks the same with a white button on his right arm, black button on his left arm, and a blue heart in the middle. Every Odd Todd looks different although Little BBQ did not want him to look too different because he wanted Odd Todd to have friends and dress nice. I think my little boy is already very socially conscious.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posted on </span></em><a href="http://glimpseofourlife.blogspot.com/2011/12/virtual-refrigerator_07.html"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">virtual refrigerator</span></em></a>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-75719581295045177602011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-06T21:20:28.373-08:00Marigold Necklaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikmvmTDBGYFjLTucrHX7uj6FqZe1fy1HFvOxA1-z8czTQkbkE5-HS6lb8BseBCNWDmqFnegMILS-l9w0Ewzu8EMPgVtZ7NqCAIgZGjhf5gJAqNqG5kCSj6RnC3ACQasMMS9qNCfTpMkQ/s1600/17137145615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikmvmTDBGYFjLTucrHX7uj6FqZe1fy1HFvOxA1-z8czTQkbkE5-HS6lb8BseBCNWDmqFnegMILS-l9w0Ewzu8EMPgVtZ7NqCAIgZGjhf5gJAqNqG5kCSj6RnC3ACQasMMS9qNCfTpMkQ/s320/17137145615.jpg" width="204px" /></a></div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fmarigold-necklaces.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4jIjc0Zz_Fs%2FTrHyNrvuO4I%2FAAAAAAAAA1s%2FIjYh3_-1iuY%2Fs320%2F17137145615.jpg&description=Fresh%20Marigold%20Necklaces%20as%20a%20Day%20of%20the%20Dead%20Craft" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br />
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El Dia De Los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico to honor the dead (for a more detailed description of this holiday click here). Marigold garland is traditionally made to decorate alters and homes because it grows wild in Mexico. The festive orange blossoms look great when strung together. For our El Dia De Los Muertos Party, we had the kids make marigold necklaces. Marigolds were one of the last things still growing in my garden, so I picked all the marigold flowers the morning of the party and put them in a bowl for the kids. We took yarn and taped a toothpick to the end to make a child friendly needle, then we had the kids string the flowers on the yarn. The girls at the party were very into this activity. The best part about the activity was that it was very frugal because I already had everything in my house.Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-19457819369592024352011-11-23T11:46:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:24:14.522-08:00How I Taught My Preschooler How to Multiply<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fhow-i-taught-my-preschooler-how-to.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-O80JlsxROAk%2FTs1NDYsf68I%2FAAAAAAAAA7Q%2FqrCIYU1awkM%2Fs320%2F17462357777.jpg&description=Teaching%20multiplication%20using%20a%20%22bucket%22%20system.%20Great%20for%20visual%20and%20hands%20on%20learners.">Pin It</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little BBQ has been asking to learn multiplication, so I decided to give it a shot. Little BBQ already has a good grasp of addition and subtraction so multiplication seemed like a logical next step for him. Little BBQ seems to have a way with numbers; he can quickly pick up a new concept if I teach it to him visually and hands on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little BBQ in some ways is your typical child. He wiggles all the time and his attention span is short, but when he focuses his attention he can learn a lot in a short period of time. I taught him to multiply by using what I call the bucket system. I told Little BBQ that he has a choice: (a) the first number can be a bucket and the second number can be the number of beans or (b) the first number can be the number of beans and the second number can be the number of buckets. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He told me that he preferred option ‘b,’ so from here my example <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will use the second number in a problem as a “bucket” and the first number represents the number of beans needed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this simple method a child sets up buckets that need to filled with a certain number of beans. For example, 4 x 5 would require 5 “buckets” filled with 4 beans.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK5kPR4cTt4xX-VOYlrFaTdhFnqgkrbTutJEQHFI5U_-AD7_0GXDe_vNZmBwrNX35WboxKTT-7dW666slxlyUcYLHTpVbv7UpB-jzRRpDEF5OF_EtZ2_R7B1Evwyds6glNpEVko2IC1Dn/s1600/17462357777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="85px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK5kPR4cTt4xX-VOYlrFaTdhFnqgkrbTutJEQHFI5U_-AD7_0GXDe_vNZmBwrNX35WboxKTT-7dW666slxlyUcYLHTpVbv7UpB-jzRRpDEF5OF_EtZ2_R7B1Evwyds6glNpEVko2IC1Dn/s320/17462357777.jpg" width="320px" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little BBQ used a tablespoon to fill up his buckets because he is a very hands on learner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After working several different problems he quickly began to pick up a pattern. Within 20 minutes he was able to deduce all of the twos times tables and recite them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have used this method with numbers up to 13 successfully.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-55741210488179821272011-11-04T14:48:00.000-07:002011-11-04T14:48:53.276-07:00Homeschool Mother's Journal 10/21/2011-11/4/2011<strong>In my life this week…</strong><br />
<br />
We have been doing lots of partying lately. I love this time of year with all the fun parties that the kids get to attend, and we even hosted a party ourselves! We very rarely host parties, so this was a fun treat. We hosted a <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegan-friendly-halloween-and-el-dia-de.html">Halloween/El Dia De Los Muertos party</a>. The kids had a blast. We did sugar skull decorating and made marigold necklaces from flowers from my garden. To prepare for the party I did a deep fall scrubbing on my house. I washed the floors, baseboards, walls, and cabinets. Even my oven is clean right now! I am loving having a super clean house. Now I just need to get a little more organized, and I will be a happy woman. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Mjzk4UVHdd2SovI1g1wsvGJWDo7YL12YRsqkGCTaBldyyhSPU_024baK9FO08oziiDNS2HDHiQXNRzfbWOVDYs-PAgVhvudnvmVZQmF-t-kUu0vC3Vv-u-CY4oFOtishm-XNvAEjRKM/s1600/17163104980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Mjzk4UVHdd2SovI1g1wsvGJWDo7YL12YRsqkGCTaBldyyhSPU_024baK9FO08oziiDNS2HDHiQXNRzfbWOVDYs-PAgVhvudnvmVZQmF-t-kUu0vC3Vv-u-CY4oFOtishm-XNvAEjRKM/s320/17163104980.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>In our homeschool this week…</strong><br />
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We have actually been picking up some history which is great. We got a cool nonfiction book from the library called,<em> Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions</em> by Don Wulffson. Little BBQ for once has not been fighting me on history. I am working on easing him into history lesson for awhile now, and he has resisted, so I decided to change strategies and teach history about things that he found interesting. I figure in our pre-k year we can splurge and spend time on odd and fun history.<br />
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<strong>I am inspired by…</strong><br />
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We went to our friend's El Dia De Los Muertos party, and I was really inspired by her cool decorations and pinata. I did not decorate much for our party, but it was neat to see her interpretation of the holiday especially since the holiday has so much meaning for her because her first daughter was still born on El Dia De Los Muertos. As she elegantly put things in her facebook status, her baby has her own special holiday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbGcEIQEGrFKz4D2rav3UbRggvony4jxK_mWfstTDJqpZFalqOuWc27RvcdxuJvMajBGsANdzUpucOMXT1uU1pQItejjSGWqsWQB0DHb6NpQUUmBXBQTpm_UNR8nbGONK-_TTXloHVUW3/s1600/17163030272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbGcEIQEGrFKz4D2rav3UbRggvony4jxK_mWfstTDJqpZFalqOuWc27RvcdxuJvMajBGsANdzUpucOMXT1uU1pQItejjSGWqsWQB0DHb6NpQUUmBXBQTpm_UNR8nbGONK-_TTXloHVUW3/s320/17163030272.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvZ25YVyOMJEDHTtTvht3_KDvkXGuRcFKnjHPtZxkjBcjD7Bpw47yaRRXj-zTd7YfCrCn9GTyU7rjWLJsOZOyN7iVoleKLczGRIu-eJkix9tYHl6UBn-5S4ywe16XvXDUW98dMD7TUXFo/s1600/17163066415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvZ25YVyOMJEDHTtTvht3_KDvkXGuRcFKnjHPtZxkjBcjD7Bpw47yaRRXj-zTd7YfCrCn9GTyU7rjWLJsOZOyN7iVoleKLczGRIu-eJkix9tYHl6UBn-5S4ywe16XvXDUW98dMD7TUXFo/s320/17163066415.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…</strong><br />
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We were suppose to be a field trip today, but Little BBQ is sick so we stayed home instead. We have, however, gotten out of the house a lot lately. We went on a nature hike a few weeks ago which was a lot of fun. We have also been bowling with our homeschooling group twice which is another fun every other week event. We also did our Halloween tradition with one our friends. We bring over a big turkey to their house and enjoy a big meal together after a full night of trick or treating. Little BBQ was a tree fairy. I made the costume myself. Miss Bubbles was a pink dinosaur. Both kids looked so cute. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVFDdtMOYFv_7vMhijBxvHYMJLyHl5Ebwnf3Hrj4dqA0AocW-BYu4CPgGX0YX71cFa4aHLKMj72JJ9Jbat0f1QfPTMF4vP7dMpdvz73ON5Hs4p3dgFtjzEahS2vPNLWL2hgutffHk3Z-3/s1600/17163138382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVFDdtMOYFv_7vMhijBxvHYMJLyHl5Ebwnf3Hrj4dqA0AocW-BYu4CPgGX0YX71cFa4aHLKMj72JJ9Jbat0f1QfPTMF4vP7dMpdvz73ON5Hs4p3dgFtjzEahS2vPNLWL2hgutffHk3Z-3/s320/17163138382.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<strong>My favorite thing this week was…</strong><br />
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My favorite thing this week was our <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegan-friendly-halloween-and-el-dia-de.html">Halloween/El Dia De Los Muertos party</a>. I made all the food vegan friendly since we have so many vegans in our homeschooling group. I loved seeing all the sugar skulls that the kids decorated. <br />
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<strong>Things I’m working on…</strong><br />
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I am working on a care package for two friends right now. One of my friends just got divorced, and the other found out that her baby has an enlarged heart. Both will be getting a care package soon.<br />
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<strong>I’m reading…</strong><br />
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<em>Einstein: His Life and Universe</em> by Walter Issacson. I am really enjoying the book. I never knew that Einstein had a daughter out of wed lock with his wife before they got married. I am surprised by the great length that the scientist went to keep this a secret.<br />
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<strong>I’m cooking…</strong><br />
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As usual I am cooking lots of things. I made four different types of<a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html"> Povitica</a>, which is a Eastern European bread. I made the traditional <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html">walnut filling, chocolate strawberry filling, pear apple butter filling, and raspberry filling</a>. I also made lots of vegan goodies that I am working on blogging about in my cooking blog as well. Currently, there is an excellent smelling roast in my crockpot which is perfect for a day with a sick kid.<br />
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<strong>I’m grateful for…</strong><br />
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I'm grateful for my healthy family.<br />
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<strong>I’m praying for…</strong><br />
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I am praying for my friend's sick baby. Her daughter has been transfered to a hospital in a larger city where I am hoping that the doctors can figure out what is going on with her daughter. I am praying for my mom to a new job as a public school teacher. She went on two interviews this week, so I am hopeful that she will get a new job.<br />
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<strong>A photo, video, link, or quote to share…</strong><br />
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<a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegan-friendly-halloween-and-el-dia-de.html">Our vegan Halloween party!</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc2eir4KaLg_aj0yCVkJMLZpakBzhxMzH70HenpkjaxTv8_PV8A31Ijonsla7T-d6DuiChjKm_uDLEANqRRfJCnB8KF2x0tpergYtZJ04sh1dXbUDe5_PFtCqMBz3tZWaV0-jgJhtyqg/s1600/17147168379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc2eir4KaLg_aj0yCVkJMLZpakBzhxMzH70HenpkjaxTv8_PV8A31Ijonsla7T-d6DuiChjKm_uDLEANqRRfJCnB8KF2x0tpergYtZJ04sh1dXbUDe5_PFtCqMBz3tZWaV0-jgJhtyqg/s320/17147168379.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<A HREF= "http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/about-the-homeschool-mothers-journal/" title="The Homeschool Mother's Journal"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/THSMJbutton.jpg" alt="The Homeschool Mother's Journal" /> </A>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-21652313468443175602011-11-03T14:47:00.000-07:002011-11-04T07:41:59.576-07:00El Dia De Los Muertos Toddler Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTjJetryuCSNvRv-JFj5UqTtqOL5YfYmSDHVKho6Eg4BWd_pQmdl-V6h9fhScVX9myE-MPOgblS1elwGQ1FjlsvDzYNxFyf5F7N3QFTVY55lXe4BAbIaR_S5QbKGzEmkRPX9ln6q8N0/s1600/17137253568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTjJetryuCSNvRv-JFj5UqTtqOL5YfYmSDHVKho6Eg4BWd_pQmdl-V6h9fhScVX9myE-MPOgblS1elwGQ1FjlsvDzYNxFyf5F7N3QFTVY55lXe4BAbIaR_S5QbKGzEmkRPX9ln6q8N0/s320/17137253568.jpg" width="246px" /></a></div>This year our family threw the annual homeschool Halloween party at our house. To add a twist to the party I also made the party an El Dia De Los Muertos party as well since there are always tons of Halloween events every year. For a very <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegan-friendly-halloween-and-el-dia-de.html">brief background on El Dia De Los Muertos please visit my other blog here. </a><br />
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Since the party had toddlers to high school students, I wanted to include some toddler crafts at the party as well. I decided to make Q-tip skeletons from the blog <a href="http://beeinourbonnet.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-classroom-entertainment.html">Bee in Our Bonnet</a> that I originally saw on Pinterest. No one at the party actually completed a Q-tip skeleton, but I did do the project later with Miss Bubbles. This was one of her first experiences with glue, so it turned into a messay affiar, but we had a lot of fun.<br />
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<a href="http://sunscholars.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="For the Kids Friday" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRTs42islCo/Tf10XoXDtEI/AAAAAAAABKY/YYDkjm6elOA/s1600/for+the+kids+apple+small.JPG"/></a>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-90137923024327027762011-10-18T09:57:00.000-07:002011-10-18T09:59:51.714-07:00Elephant study using Elephants Can Paint Too!<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnirvanahomeschooling.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Felephant-study-using-elephants-can.html%23!%2F2011%2F10%2Felephant-study-using-elephants-can.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-T6S9Lzl8jfI%2FTp2vjCShoTI%2FAAAAAAAAAzY%2F-w6DVHDT7JQ%2Fs320%2F16885852467.jpg&description=Unit%20Study%20for%20early%20elementary%20students%20using%20the%20book%20Elephants%20Can%20Paint%20Too!" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Little BBQ chose the book <em>Elephants can Paint Too!</em> by Katya Arnold at the library. I decided to turn this short and easy nonfiction book into a small unit study for him. <em>Elephants can Paint Too!</em> is appropriate for early elementary school students. The book will capture the imagination of young children as the elephants in the book learn how to paint just like humans. The book has lots of elephant facts spaced through out the book without reading like a dry textbook. For our small unit study I read the book to Little BBQ first just to enjoy the book. I did not stress the facts sprinkled in the book. I just let him enjoy the book. Then, we visited the web-site, <a href="http://www.elephantart.com/catalog/index.php/osCsid/d1e7a5d147b9d1243b8e72b36b51b1af">The Asian Elephant Art and Conservation Project,</a> that the book was benefiting. The conservation project helps rescue Asian elephants that are on the endangered species list. We read the profiles of various elephants in the project, and we admired their paintings. To teach Little BBQ computer skills we copied some of the pictures on our computer, and I taught him how to make layers on GIMP (a free version of photoshop.) I have chosen not to include this photo on this post because the elephant painting images are copyrighted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We also watched videos of the elephants painting. Next, Little BBQ mimicked elephant paintings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK4oo14vNbcKWPpA2-kxKDCdXVL5Q3yPX6gMplU9052BCIT5A9r3CaPbShmundf_BE21saOLpXvyqdG5bK8YWR4Hzbbug7jtFkc_D7qvY5mwkjwKIYc0GqE2K8kp2bc6O6XYqjo-yH5TC/s1600/16885788586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK4oo14vNbcKWPpA2-kxKDCdXVL5Q3yPX6gMplU9052BCIT5A9r3CaPbShmundf_BE21saOLpXvyqdG5bK8YWR4Hzbbug7jtFkc_D7qvY5mwkjwKIYc0GqE2K8kp2bc6O6XYqjo-yH5TC/s320/16885788586.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div>Then, Little BBQ reread the book to me and he dictated to me the facts in the book while I wrote them down on a piece of paper. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmqK1MaHan_ErhdF8pdo3ws6zZKEv-k-Hf_2KSAn-4WFHkEB10_tn92upc3V_Fe9qI32wfwiyqSSC42CpaRPT4GmNC12kVvz0yhB7tyPyYK2m4NHq_NL4DkrL45v_ZnxkBklQ4IzYazZB/s1600/16885814681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmqK1MaHan_ErhdF8pdo3ws6zZKEv-k-Hf_2KSAn-4WFHkEB10_tn92upc3V_Fe9qI32wfwiyqSSC42CpaRPT4GmNC12kVvz0yhB7tyPyYK2m4NHq_NL4DkrL45v_ZnxkBklQ4IzYazZB/s320/16885814681.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Finally, we found the locations of all of the Asian elephants on a globe and colored a map of Asia where the elephants were located.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07PYEmytWYc8_APQqKz_Mw-qX13O6vFzZdGorpzzH-fhUruVchpSTFg0qefrpUa0SZWRinyFPfOYf8rShFHRclzQ-ot16dPu3D8fhAID5rwt4ToDqs4Z2Ua_99R3Yvykq_-8lGiH7cuaT/s1600/16885852467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07PYEmytWYc8_APQqKz_Mw-qX13O6vFzZdGorpzzH-fhUruVchpSTFg0qefrpUa0SZWRinyFPfOYf8rShFHRclzQ-ot16dPu3D8fhAID5rwt4ToDqs4Z2Ua_99R3Yvykq_-8lGiH7cuaT/s320/16885852467.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Creating Nirvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13800766157662579060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782159493335333066.post-27172918278987052692011-10-14T15:33:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:33:43.439-07:00Mothers Homeschool Journal 10/30/11 - 10/14/11<strong>In my life this week…</strong><br />
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We have had a busy past two weeks. I have been working on canning apples and grapes. We are finished with the grapes now, but we will still have some more apples to can. I am looking forward to a break.<br />
<strong>In our homeschool this week…</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyDvDBDuFhgefa5qCjcpv3ETpWr1_WFwM8jEFU4yiN1hzHeg0jVOm22ViAvpVP-9HZSee6rl9X0UXhhLSeQA8rXECrNNJkYtT90-uV6gKBxZ-Gc5zR9Bz84ffzBmj4IbqbqcY6J3In8MZ/s1600/16823000797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyDvDBDuFhgefa5qCjcpv3ETpWr1_WFwM8jEFU4yiN1hzHeg0jVOm22ViAvpVP-9HZSee6rl9X0UXhhLSeQA8rXECrNNJkYtT90-uV6gKBxZ-Gc5zR9Bz84ffzBmj4IbqbqcY6J3In8MZ/s320/16823000797.jpg" width="203px" /></a></div><br />
We have had a busy two weeks. Last week we went to a corn maze and pumpkin patch with our homeschool group. The corn maze was huge with intricate patterns of a pumpkin, owl, witch, and other designs. The pumpkin patch was also very large. We were allowed to take home a medium sized pumpkin (I love living in area where pumpkins grow abundantly.) This week I organized an event in our homeschooling group to go on a hike along a river. I made a last minute decision to put together this event because we had an Indian summer at the beginning of the week which was fabulous. A lot more people showed up than I previously thought would show up.<br />
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<strong>Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…</strong><br />
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Go outside as often as you can. Good weather does not last forever, so you want to enjoy it while it is here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnPjxSkoh6-3p0q9oJekzWXZTRzeRNXG7o-36uOYlrmtmcBvR4eFxcCzJHPCNNstGZx7c1-wNF7Jo-U5SSndvz8LGcx3ftT_V5oJig4K6PYVOA4D9_ZgOQP3WlSJTQo5iXNzgMcUQnP9_/s1600/16823143970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnPjxSkoh6-3p0q9oJekzWXZTRzeRNXG7o-36uOYlrmtmcBvR4eFxcCzJHPCNNstGZx7c1-wNF7Jo-U5SSndvz8LGcx3ftT_V5oJig4K6PYVOA4D9_ZgOQP3WlSJTQo5iXNzgMcUQnP9_/s320/16823143970.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<strong>I am inspired by…</strong><br />
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I am inspired by the leaves changing color outside. I have finally got into the fall spirit. I finally stopped lusting after the summer that has passed, and I am now fully enjoying the fall that is here. I am a summer baby, and I have never lived somewhere summer is so short, so I find myself feeling like summer never go started around here. I am slowly learning to adapt to my environment. I am focused on schooling the kids, wrapping up canning, and throwing our homeschool Halloween party.<br />
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<strong>Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…</strong><br />
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We visited the corn maze and a park along the river. I think it has been for our kids to see some of the same kids over and over again. We were supposed to go to another pumpkin patch yesterday, but the event got cancelled due to rain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNyzY0-1E5RdYM6bkXuNnTVGaH3Rd3s1inX9rcA4elK52yuEFONLhtasSE8VMv8TYjTQmJf3ZBbCwVkUJ2BTch_Mu8imTOF-jvfAlu-VM-VorntsnmrsChkHKH-iWFGwQNuNAXKnisXKS/s1600/16822859266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNyzY0-1E5RdYM6bkXuNnTVGaH3Rd3s1inX9rcA4elK52yuEFONLhtasSE8VMv8TYjTQmJf3ZBbCwVkUJ2BTch_Mu8imTOF-jvfAlu-VM-VorntsnmrsChkHKH-iWFGwQNuNAXKnisXKS/s320/16822859266.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<strong>My favorite thing this week was…</strong><br />
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Dr. Lazy Palate and I were discussing what to get the kids for Christmas. I mentioned that I wanted to get Little BBQ a keyboard because he has been taking in interest in piano, but I did not think that we would be able to fit a piano into our budget. Coincidently, Dr. Lazy Palate and I were looking at dressers on Craigslist to try and modify for Miss Bubbles to turn into a doll house when we found a good condition organ on Craigslist for free. We contacted the gentleman, and he even delivered the organ to our house. The organ came with a bench, a light, and all the manuals. We plan to surprise Little BBQ with the organ for his birthday. It is amazing how life just works out sometimes.<br />
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<strong>What’s working/not working for us…</strong><br />
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Little BBQ finally seems to be enjoying reading. He used to fight me when I mentioned sitting down and reading. Today he sat down with me to read three books including one longer book. I am very happy with his progress. With nonfiction he seems to be coming around there as well. He fought me on doing some activities based on a very short nonfiction book that he picked from the library. I wanted him to practice picking out facts out of a nonfiction book. I do the writing for him since he is a slow and messy writer, so I did not bog him down with handwriting, and he fought me. We ended up putting the activity down for a day. After discussing why he did not want to finish his school work with Dr. Lazy Palate, he told Dr. Lazy Palate that he did not like the book. I do not know what changed Little BBQ’s mind because the next day he reread the nonfiction book and picked out the facts for me write down. Then, he was upset when we returned the library book to the library. Sometimes it just takes time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaooaXpFjR3R7jFuc1SlWL7mzwZdN8tyN9PzV9y0_tF6LiUgVHQ0O9l6e1J2iGaru10t_NuPUtyEE4FvKDPOW6WDl3LyOo6JS0aKD07n9mZoDxvUZeeZwfsVEnsKvbQgIj5tIBu5uR643/s1600/16823110868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaooaXpFjR3R7jFuc1SlWL7mzwZdN8tyN9PzV9y0_tF6LiUgVHQ0O9l6e1J2iGaru10t_NuPUtyEE4FvKDPOW6WDl3LyOo6JS0aKD07n9mZoDxvUZeeZwfsVEnsKvbQgIj5tIBu5uR643/s320/16823110868.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Questions/thoughts I have…</strong><br />
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Please show me your best Halloween crafts, food, games, and decoartions!<br />
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<strong>Things I’m working on…</strong><br />
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I finished canning grapes this week. We made Concord grape juice concentrate and grape jelly. Both are fantastic. I love grape juice. This just leaves apples to can for the season. I am switching my focus from canning to our homeschool Halloween party.<br />
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<strong>I’m reading…</strong><br />
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I am still reading<em> Chiles to Chocolate</em>. I am almost finished with the book. I have been focused on so many other things that I have not had much time to read lately.<br />
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<strong>I’m cooking…</strong><br />
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My cooking group this month made <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/mu-hsu-pork-chinese-pancakes-and-hoisin.html">mu-hsu pork, Chinese pancakes, and hoisin sauce</a> which came out amazing. The hoisin sauce was the best hoisin sauce that I have ever tasted. The sauce had the perfect sweet and spicy combination. Plus, the sauce was super simple to make. I can see myself making the hoisin sauce again with stir fry for a fast meal. I also made <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/canning-ground-cherry-pie-filling.html">ground cherry pie filling</a> from our ground cherries in the garden. The ground cherries taste like pineapple, and they are very easy to grow in the garden. They were Miss Bubble’s favorite thing that we grew in the garden this year. I also made a <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/fruit-kimchi.html">fruit kimchi</a> which was spicy and excellent. I like the spicy fruit kimchi for breakfast. Lastly, I made a <a href="http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/grilled-moussaka.html">moussaka or Greek lasagna</a> from garden produce for the freezer, so I can have some easy nights of cooking.<br />
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<strong>I’m grateful for…</strong><br />
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I am grateful that I live somewhere with fall foliage. <br />
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