homeschooling, Stay at home mom

Home, There is No Place Like It

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Happy Stay-Home-Mom Anniversary to me! Today marks four years since I made the commitment to stay home and be the primary caretaker of my five little blessings.



As a person who had the degrees and dream job which fullfilled my ego to the max and helped me feel fulfilled, I can honestly tell you that all of that glory would crash when I came home to find out that my baby had walked for the first time or said his first word – minus the person who brought him into this world, me. Then I felt like a failure and all of the fame and glory of my multiple degrees and fabulous job meant nothing. 


It wasn’t until I realized that my fertility and the childhood of my children was only for a specific and short period of my life that I truly understood why our grandmothers kept to the home and devoted their lives to creating great human beings. I have been home for four years now and at the end of the day, when all the floors are clean, my children are sleeping safely in bed tired from a fun day with mom and I’m sipping a glass of wine do I truly know that I am fulfilled. This baby making machine is happy that I am female and that I can have children…I have way too many friends who will never know the joy of hearing a little voice call them “mommy” For those women that are physically able to and that would listen to their inner gift of nurturing and loving and bearing and raising children, they will truly feel fulfilled. 

Furthermore, women would not need to fill their lives with shallow items: clothing, make up and the attention of the opposite sex for the wrong reasons..feeling fulfilled has to do with doing that which you are called to do/be. 

Blessed Mother Teresa was one of the most fulfilled women I have ever known. She gave her entire life for others. This kind of sacrifice is what this world is lacking…giving up something for others is the most satisfying act a human can do.

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Body and Blood of Christ, Fraternity of Saint Peter, Homilies, precious blood of Jesus, Sacrifice of the Mass, Sermons

His Most Precious Blood: the Most Beautiful Essence and Odor of Sanctity

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Credit: Support the Priests and the Catholic Church FB page.

Fr. Poissons, FSSP, gave an amazing sermon today, and I thought I would share the overview here. On this sixth Sunday after Pentecost, the Epistle for today speaks of being dead in Christ by Baptism, yet alive in Christ Jesus by His Resurrection, and the Gospel is Mark’s relating of our Lord’s feeding of the four thousand.

Father used these readings to give an utterly perfect explication of the Precious Blood of Jesus, and reality of the Sacrifice of the Mass. It was the most perfect sermon on the Precious Blood I have ever heard, and given I have read some of the works of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, Founder of the Society of the Precious Blood, this was edifying and impressive. Father’s main thrust:

Jesus very specifically chose to make present His Body and His Blood in two distinct forms. He could have chosen to make His Body and Blood present solely in the bread at the Last Supper, and could have easily made the wine His Body and Blood, but chosen specifically to use, and change, the offering of the priest Melchizedek – bread and wine – in a perfect way, so as to represent the Sacrifice of His Body, and the shedding of His Precious Blood, which are two aspects of His Sacrifice.

Father went into the punishments of Christ’s Body, and the shedding of His Blood during this Passion, leading to the final shedding of His Blood upon the Cross. In this way the two forms, or species, so more perfectly reflect the reality of His Sacrifice upon the Cross – the punishment and beating of His Body, and the shedding of His Most Precious Blood.

We have always believed, in thought and word, in transubstantiation by annihilation, that is the utter and complete destruction of the substances of bread and wine, leaving only the substance of His glorified Body, Blood, soul and Divinity in species in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in this our Lord gives to us the most glorious aspect of reality now, the presence of God, physically, here and now upon our altars and in the tabernacles of the Most High.

Christ perpetuates His being slain upon the Cross in the Mass, and we must reflect always on the infinite gift, and infinite sadness, that we witness and participate in the re-presentation of our Lord’s Sacrifice for us. 

Father then spoke of our Lord’s Most Precious Blood being the sprinkling upon the lintel’s of our souls, the Blood of our Passover Lamb, and even though in the natural plane we are often repulsed by the sight or smell of blood, which has almost a stench to it, by our Lord’s Crucifixion and emptying of Himself of His Blood upon the Cross, His shed Blood has the most beautiful essence and odor of Sanctity. It’s sweetness is beyond measure, and we must always praise Him with gracious hearts for having sprinkled our souls with the sweetness and sanctity of His Most Precious Blood.

The sermon was perfection in clarity, given with great force and love. The rest of the Mass, as even a low Mass, was permeated by the reality of our Lord’s Body and Blood being made present again.

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2012 Catholic HOmeschooling Conferences, catholic, Catholic Homeschooling 101, IHM Conference, printables

Homeschool Conference Survival Kit {Printables}

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Are you going to a homeschool conference?  I FINALLY am going to the National Catholic Conference in Virginia and I’m so excited!  

So I organized my conference weekend and created this little survival kit for myself and, of course, I’m sharing it with my friends.  I created three important pages:

1.  Conference Survival Checklist

ITEMS NEEDED:

  • notebook—to take notes or jot things down, one with pockets or staple your print outs within the notebook 
  • Pens/pencils 
  • Highlighters 
  • Print out of Conference schedule 
  • Print outs of this kit especially the Curriculum Research & Notes 
  • A bag to carry items. 
  • Rolling tote in case you plan on buying books 
  • Clothing– dress nice but comfy (especially shoes), don’t forget a sweater just in case the conference rooms are cold 
  • Mommy First Aide Kit: band aides, chap stick, lotion, hand sanitizer, eye-drops, pain reliever & mints. Also a bottle of water, dried fruits/nuts, and a protein bar (most placed don’t allow outside food) 
  • Budget: if you plan on buying, have a budget in mind to avoid overspending. (Use the Curriculum Research sheet).

      
    2. Curriculum Research Sheet (so you can check if the vendors have good deals)
    3.  Speaker Notes Sheet (with space for questions, Bible passages, and Encyclicals/Catechism references)


    Suggestions:
    1. Print and preview talks so that you can circle or highlight those that you would love to attend ahead of time.  If you are going with friends, share each other’s lists so you can either go together or separate and then share notes.  If there is a *special* speaker at the Conference, find him/her first and work around that time.

    2. Look at the list of vendors (these are usually mailed to you if you’ve signed up ahead of time or available on Conference’s website.  Circle (if you have a map) booth locations to make sure you don’t miss those.
    3. Print the schedule so you know what to expect.
    4. Print Curriculum Research sheets and write out all books ahead of time.  Take sometime to look up online how much the retail price of the book is.  This way you know when you spot a good deal or not.  (one per child or as needed).
    5. Print the Speaker Notes sheet (one per talk).



    Enjoy!

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    father's day, Holidays, prayers

    Father’s Day 2012

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    Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day.  Ours was great and very quiet.  We woke up had breakfast then went to Mass.  I can’t get enough of our new parish, it’s a Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) church.  Yesterday they had Confessions during Mass, so I got a chance to right before Communion!  🙂  Then we came home had a great lunch and Dada wanted to nap, so he took a long nice nap.  Once he awoke, we took off to the park and played for about an hour.  We got back home, had supper.  It was quiet but perfect!
    This year I created a new one:
    What did you do for Father’s Day for your dads?
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    Holidays, Memorial Day, World War II

    War is an Awful Thing: Honor, Justice, and Peace

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    I saw this picture posted today on Facebook, and I searched for the name on the marker so I knew who this man was. James John Regan gave his life for God and country in 2007. I believe the girl lying prostrate at his grave was his fiancee. I hope she found some peace and perhaps a man that could be with her understanding the love she had for John. From his obituary:

    “James J. Regan, in his brief life, did not choose the predictable, cushy jobs his background and ability afforded him. Regan, at 26, last week gave his life for his country, a United States Army Ranger killed in Northern Iraq, having already served four tours of duty – two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. A fellow Army Ranger recalled, “James Regan was the guy you want next to you at all times.”

    —————————-

    As for my life, I never knew my mother’s father. Ennis Ray Hite died in early 1947, but he really died in World War II. He was injured while under MacArthur, and the plate put in his skull was ill fitting. It shifted one time too many, and caused him to black out while driving, causing a fatal accident. People who knew him said the war, and his injury, changed him. It usually does, even if you come home “uninjured.”

    I guess you could say his death had a profound impact on my life, because it had a profound impact on my mother’s life, and my grandmother’s life.

    My wife’s father suffered death in war as well, though he died a tortured death at the hands of Communists. I wonder sometimes if we would have met had he not died, given Erika grew up in Nicaragua, but she didn’t stay there, and thus we ultimately ended up together, five children later. 🙂

    I pray for either the conversion, or the death of every communist in the world, to those to murder and oppress and rape their way to power, and pray for those that war in Islam in the supposed name of God, but more I pray for the souls of the men and women who fought, suffered, and died for our country, and in all countries throughout history in the search for justice, truth, and peace.

    War is an awful thing. Sometimes though, it is a necessary thing. Pray for peace, but pray also for strength and determination when war comes to your door.

    See more pictures of Erika’s Dad in this post remembering his birthday

    Please pray for the soul of my grandfather, Ennis Hite, my other grandfather, who also served in World War II, Emory Drain, and that of my wife’s Father, Pablo Emilio Salazar, “El Commandante Bravo.” May their souls rest in peace and the mercy of Almighty God. And please spend some time, and perhaps a Rosary, praying for the souls of our war dead, and all who die in the service of country with honor, justice, and peace.

    ~ Todd

    Remember those that fought for the freedom we have today!

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    An Introduction to the Devout Life, Aquinas Books and More Product Review, Book Reviews, Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Tiber River Review

    An Introduction of to a Devout Life {Book Review for Tiber River}

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    St Francis de Sales presenting the 

    Philotea to Saint Jane Frances de Chantal,

    (Valentin Metzinger 1699 – 1759)

    Philothea or An Introduction to the Devout Life has become a book I turn to constantly for spiritual direction as mother and wife. Written by Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, for Saint Jane Frances de Chantal who was first a mother and later finished her life as a cloistered nun. I find the form of this book applies greatly in my life. You will find this book in my purse, in my diaper bag, next to me in the pew at Mass or with me at Adoration, and even when I curl up with it on my couch. I’ve read chapters repeatedly, not because the text is difficult but because each time I learn something new or capture a glimpse of something different I had not noticed when I first read it. It really is a classical work of literature that every Catholic family should own. This great book writing by a saint for a saint is a road map of sorts for leading a life devoutly as a Christian. Thought written some 400 years ago, this book is as applicable today as it was when it was first written as God transcends time and so do these “rules” we must live by to love, praise, and worship Him.

    Another aspect I also love about this book is that I can read sections of it to my own mother when confiding in me about her spiritual life and it applies to her as well. It is a book that transcends time and also stages of life. St. Francis de Sales’s advice is just as applicable today as it was when first written because of his insight on sin, how human beings respond to them (the human psyche), and the temptations we constantly face in our lives. The constant battle of wills and factors we face on a day to day basis, this saint is well aware of and gives you a guide as to how to avoid these near occasions of sin and also how to practically live a devout Christian live in a secular world; in essence he provides a road map to Heaven!

    Book Description from Aquinas and More, Catholic Books:Francis de Sales’s Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of society led him to compile these instructions on how to live in Christ. Francis’s compassionate Introduction leads the reader through practical ways of attaining a devout life without renouncing the world and offers prayers and meditations to strengthen devotion in the face of temptation and hardship.

    Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de SalesThis remarkable book, originally issued in 1609, has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the 17th century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of society led him to compile these instructions on how to live in Christ. Francis’s compassionate Introduction leads the reader through practical ways of attaining a devout life without renouncing the world and offers prayers and meditations to strengthen devotion in the face of temptation and hardship.

    All in all, this book is an excellent addition to the library of Catholic families, a great guide for mothers young and old and really anyone at any stage of life. He gives you practical and timeless advise for living life in line with Tradition, the Bible, and Church teaching. If you are seeking to live a devout life, and a guide to keep yourself in line while raising little ones, you will enjoy this book as much as I have and love having spiritual advise at your fingertips! I can definitely see myself coming back to this book throughout my journey here on Earth as a companion and guide to reach Heaven!

    Prayer to St. Francis De Sales:  “O Glorious St. Francis, model of the interior life, and full of zeal for the salvation of souls! Obtain for me the grace to employ all my faculties, not for my own sanctification alone, but for that of my neighbor also; that continually spreading abroad the sweet odor of Jesus Christ by my words and works, I may attain with thee the blessedness promised to the merciful: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;” and that I may one day have a share in the glory which thou dost enjoy in paradise with the angels and saints, where those who edify and instruct to justice shall shine as stars for all eternity (Dan. xii. 3).

    ***I wrote this review of Introduction to the Devout Life for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and First Communion Gifts. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.***


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    Life Lessons, motherhood, Patience, Virtues

    Respecting the Lives in Front of Us

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    We all know as Catholics we are called to respect life from the moment of conception to natural death. We use this phrase so often it tumbles off our tongues on instinct. Often we focus on those two moments when a human is most vulnerable: unborn or dying. But what about that long space between. As homeschoolers, we have the opportunities to really teach our children, in word and deed, how to truly respect all life.

    A friend recently shared a story about her preschool aged son. They were out to eat one day and her son licked a woman at another table. Embarrassed and apologizing, my friend was caught in a moment I suspect many moms of kids with special needs have. But the woman smiled. Even when he licked her again, she remained nonplussed. Given an unusual situation, this stranger gave my friend a gift of understanding and respect. See, the boy who looks like every other kid his age does not process touch very well. His tongue is much more sensitive and useful for him.

    Again, we all know we are to care for the “Least Among My Brothers.” It’s easy to spot that when a man with Down’s Syndrome joins the ranks of the Knights of Columbus and serves up hotdogs at the parish picnic or when we give our time at Special Olympics or the Miracle League. Do we remember that, for many people, a special need isn’t always obvious? Or are we quick to bolster our own parenting egos with phrases like “my child would never …”? When teaching our children in public, are we leading them to do as St. Francis de Sales reminds us, to Live Jesus?

    The mother in the store with a screaming child- Do you avoid eye contact, tell your children that is an example of bad behavior, jump in and try to calm her child? Or do you smile reassuringly, pat her arm or even offer a hug? Surely you’ve had a moment when your own child was unruly in public. Would you want your whole life judged on how you handled it?

    Are you fumbling and awkward trying to find the right words, to be friendly without condescending? It’s okay. Admit it from the beginning. A parent is going to appreciate your honesty and effort. Be teachable.

    There are many opportunities to be patient and kind. Holiday celebrations can be particularly stressful and are an excellent chance to be respectful without judgement. One friend talks about Halloween and how brave a parent must be to take a child with special needs out. Her child looks like all the other costumed but may be non-verbal or have weak gross motor control. Surely your child has been less skilled than his peers at something. Would you want your whole life judged on that?

    Just try giving the benefit of the doubt. You don’t have to know what personal trials a person faces in order to be kind to them. Assume the boy playing with an iPad during Mass is communicating the only way he can. Assume the girl who doesn’t offer the sign of peace has autism that makes large groups terrifying to her. Assume the mom with the newborn does want you help keeping her preschooler out of the street but does not want your parenting advice. Whether your are wrong or right does not matter. What is important is that you choose to be patient, to be kind. Choose to be love.

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    classical liberal arts education, Cor Iesu Academy, curriculum, high school curriculum, PreSchool, preschool curriculum

    Our Homeschool Curriculum for 2012-2013 for Cor Iesu Academy

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    After much testing, trying, and searching for the right curriculum, we believe Todd and  I, have found the right one for us.  I am so excited!  We have selected the curriculum for next school year!  We first began by looking for something just for our rising high schooler but decided that all the kids needed to be on the same page.  We are going to follow the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy Classical Liberal Arts Curriculum.

    Why Classical Liberal Arts Education?  We really would love a program that would allow for at least some of our children to work together, in addition to allow a natural approach to learning (read not so much seat work).  From our experience thus far, with our children, they strive best when they are challenged and engaged in learning (maybe all children are like this?  I’m not sure.)  In addition, our homeschool has a strong devotion to the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and this program not only is named after the patron of our school but his works served as excellent model for the classical liberal arts approach!  The Classical Approach has an emphasis on what is known as the “trivium” – teaching in the sequence of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The classical method is decidedly better at training the mind to think, reason, and even to contend and argue one’s case against contrary ideas.  The way things are going in our world, we believe this is one of the best ways we can better prepare our children through home education.

    This statement, from their website, is what finally SOLD us on using this curriculum for our family:

    “Our program gently prepares the child to learn from the great books and understand the great ideas essential to that same work of integrating faith with reason. A classical presentation of English and Latin grammar and the arts and sciences equips the student with the tools of learning; a cyclical study of the grand eras of western civilization–Greek, Roman, Old World and New–guides the student (and the teaching parent!) through the historical and literary masterpieces that for centuries have inspired students to such noble academic effort.”

    There are Cycles to choose from, and after a thirty minute conversation with a representative of their’s I believe this is what we are going to set our goals towards (before you say it’s too expensive, please see my suggestions at the bottom of this post on ideas of saving on books):
    Our 2012-2013 Curriculum



    Grade 9: Greek Cycle:  Greek History & Astronomy
    1.  RELIGION:  Old Testament I & II:
    • Introduction to the Bible
    • Ignatius Bible

    2.  SOCIAL STUDIES / WORLD HISTORY:  Greek History I & II:

    • Christ the King: Lord of History
    • Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures: A Concise History: Volume I to 1740, 3rd Edition
    • Old World and America
    • Herodotus’ The Histories
    • Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War
    • Xenophon: The Expedition of Cyrus (Anabasis)
    • Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures: A Concise History: Volume I to 1740, 3rd Edition
    • Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 1 (Modern Library Classics)
    • Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 2 (Modern Library Classics)
    • Great Dialogues of Plato
    • Alexander the Great: Man of Action, Man of Spirit
    • Alexander of Macedon: Journey to World’s End

    3.  LITERATURE:  Greek Literature I & II:

    • Bulfinch’s Mythology: The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends of Charlemagne
    • Homer : The Iliad
    • Iliad, The (Cliffs Notes)
    • Herodotus’ The Histories
    • Homer: The Odyssey
    • Odyssey, The (Cliffs Notes)

    4.  FINE ARTS:  

    A)  Art Appreciation &; Analysis: 
    • Art And: Critical Thinking and Art Analysis
    B)  Greek Playrights:
    • Aeschylus : The Complete Greek Tragedies: Aeschylus II
    • Aeschylus : The Oresteia : Agamemnon; The Libation Bearers; The Eumenides
    • Sophocles : Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Electra (Oxford World’s Classics)
    • Euripides: Medea, Hippolytus, Heracles, Bacchae (Focus Classical Library)
    • Great Dialogues of Plato
    • Aristophanes: Four Plays by Aristophanes: The Clouds, The Birds, Lysistrata, The Frogs
      5.  SCIENCE:  Astronomy I & II:
      • Creator and Creation, 3rd Edition
      • Brother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist
      • Essential Cosmic Perspective, The (5th Edition)
      6.  LANGUAGE ARTS
      A)  Formal Composition II:
      • Format Writing
      • Great Writing: A Reader For Writers

      B)  Formal Grammar I:

      • Jensen’s Grammar 

      C)  Formal Logic:

      • Traditional Logic 1 : Intro. to Formal Logic 
      D)  Pennmanship:
      • Handwriting 5 for Young Catholics (to review the basics)
      E)  Punctuation:

      • Jensen’s Punctuation
      7.  FOREIGN LANGUAGES:  Classical Latin I
      • Wheelock’s Latin : 6th Edition, Revised
      • Wheelock’s Latin : Workbook for Wheelock’s Latin, 3rd Edition, Revised
      • Wheelock’s Latin : A Comprehensive Guide to Wheelock’s Latin: Newly Revised for Wheelock’s 6th Edition

      8.  MATHEMATICS:  Algebra II

      • Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2 Kit
      NOTE: I wish my kids would be ready for Cycle E:  Greek History & Astronomy so that they would be able to discuss things with our older son but that Cycle is labeled as appropriate for Grades 4 – 8, my two would be too little for their book selection.
      1.  RELIGION:  Religion 4
      • Faith and Life 4: Jesus Our Guide
      • Baltimore Catechism
      2.  SOCIAL STUDIES / WORLD HISTORY: Classical History
      • Story of the World : Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition
      • Story of the World Vol. 1 : Ancient Times, Activity Book
      3.  LITERATURE:  Literature
      • Landscape With Dragons, A : The Battle for Your Child’s Mind
      • Paideia Program
      • Let the Authors Speak : Guide to Worthy Books
      4.  FINE ARTS:  
           A)  Art Appreciation:
      • Faith and Life 1: Our Heavenly Father (Student Book)
      • Faith and Life 4: Jesus Our Guide (Student Book)
      • Art-with-an-Active-Eye Notebook
           B) Art Practice:
      • Art With a Purpose : Artpac 3
      • Art With a Purpose : Artpac 4
           C) Music Appreciation:
      • Classical Kids
      • Mozart’s Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through ’The Magic Flute’
      • Hallelujah Handel!
      • Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Audio CD)
      5.  SCIENCE:  Anatomy & Health
      • Body Book, The
      • Blood and Guts: A Working Guide to Your Own Insides
      6.  LANGUAGE ARTS:
           A)  Grammar/Composition 2:  
      • Voyages in English 2006 Grade 2, Student Edition
           B)  Pennmanship:
      • Handwriting 2 for Young Catholics
          C)  Reading Skills:
      • Catholic National Reader Volume 2
           D)  Spelling/Reading Skills:
      • Explode the Code Book 5
      • Explode the Code Book 6
      7.  FOREIGN LANGUAGES: Latin Chant
      • Minimum Repertoire of Plain Chant
      8.  MATHEMATICS:  Mathematics G
      • Math U See Gamma : Student Kit
      • Math U See Gamma : Teacher Pack
      • Starter Set 1 (Manipulatives)
      • Skip Count and Addition Facts CD and Book
      • Math in a Flash Multiplication flashcards

      1.  RELIGION:  Religion 1

      • Faith and Life 1: Our Heavenly Father

      2.  LANGUAGE ARTS:
           A)    Grammar/Composition 1

      • Voyages in English 2006 Grade 1, Student Edition

           B)  Pennmanship:

      • Handwriting Without Tears 2 : Printing Power
      • Handwriting Without Tears : 2nd Grade Printing Teacher Guide
      • Handwriting Without Tears : Slate Chalkboard

           C) Reading/Spelling Skills

      • Little Angel Readers Set A-D : Readers, Workbooks, and Teacher’s Manual
      3.  MATHEMATICS:  Mathematics B
      • Math U See Beta : Student Kit
      • Math U See Beta : Teacher Pack
      • Starter Set 1 (Manipulatives)
      • Skip Count and Addition Facts CD and Book
      • Math in a Flash Addition flashcards

      LITTLE ONES

      For the little ones ages two (2) and four (4), we are going to use a new curriculum (which I will also be reviewing):

      Preschool
      by Sarah V. Park (Hillside Education)

      In this creative curriculum, you’ll find easy-to-use activities to introduce your preschooler to the alphabet. For each letter, Sarah has provided:

      1) Saint of the Week suggestions
      2) Virtue and Scripture verse,
      3) Crafts & Activities,
      4) Collage ideas,
      5) Picture Book lists, and
      6) Recipes.
      Tot School

      For our two year old we will also use a little of the Preschool curriculum above but mostly Montessori Activities: Puzzles, board books, hands on activities!

      Three Simple Strategies on Funding this Approach:
      The Classical Liberal Arts approach *can* be pricey and when I posted our curriculum selection, that was one of my friends pointed out.  I will be taking advice from veteran homeschool moms whom have been using this approach in the past.  
      1)  Use your local public library:  You *can* buy all the books and build your library but if you don’t have the money to do that, you can always use your local library system and supplement your curriculum (this just requires more planning on your part ahead of time).  

      2)  Buy your curriculum by Semester:  Plan your lessons ahead of time by semesters and months.  Look up what you need and budget yourself so that you purchase it in two parts.  Semester One would be ordered in the Summer and Semester Two books would be ordered in the Winter (December)

      3)  When possible, buy used:  There are so many ways (when allowed by the publisher) to buy books and textbooks used.  You can do this by either asking locals in your area if anyone happens to either be selling a book or have one sitting on their shelf without being use (who knows maybe they might even loan it to you, if they know you and would like to do it?).  Another method is to look online.  Here are three places I search for used curriculum:
           A)  CathSwap (on Yahoo Groups)
           B)  Catholic Swap/Chat (on Facebook)


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      holy ghost, Holy Ghost Novena, holy spirit, novena, Novenas, Pentecost

      Prepare for Pentecost: Holy Ghost Novena

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      One of my all-time favorite novenas is the novena in honor of the Holy Spirit.  It is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.
      In preparation for Pentecost Sunday, here are the nine posts (I’ve posted them here at Raising Little Saints in the past) of this beautiful Novena.  Our eldest son just received Confirmation and he will be in charge of heading this prayer devotion for our family.

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      dolch, fry, reading games, sight words, teaching Reading, word families

      Teaching Reading: Working with Words {Shake It, Roll It, Write It Game}

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      Months ago, I wrote a post on essentials in teaching reading.  I would like to continue this series with focusing on working with words.  Like I said in my last post, the more interesting you make it for kids the more they will want to participate in the steps to learn how to read independently.  This next activity gives you an idea of a game you can use over and over again to make creating words and reading interesting for little ones.

      This next game I call: “Shake it, Roll it, and Write it!”  I’ve created a printable to share with you and here are some pictures with my kinder and first graders using this game to learn new words or practice old one
      Click here to access the PDF for this game
      With this printable you will be able to create seven blocks each unique to the other to create this game.

      This is the recording sheet I created to accompany the game.
      I inserted mine in sheet protectors and the kids used dry erase markers

      The final recording sheet.  This one was played as a team, so they both had the same words and score since it was one of the first times we played.  Once proficient, the kids will get to compete with one another.  This game could also be played solo or keep track of weekly scores.
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