Archive for the ‘Homeschool’ Category

I am using this summer to plan for the next school year, as do most homeschool moms. and I am proud to say that I cleaned up my planning notebook that I’ve been using for years. It is nothing glamorous. No fancy cover or pretty handwriting. In fact its an annoying bright orange.

But it does contain my homeschool teacher brain! I am going to share with you my simple set-up in hopes it will help you simplify your homeschool year.

I start with a pencil pouch. Right now I only have a few markers and a pencil in it, but it is also a great place to store flash cards, index cards, paper clips, white-out, ruler, or any other little gadget you may need at the tips of your fingers.

I use dividers to . . . well . . . divide my stuff. I have a section for my master schedule, lesson plans, records (test results, grades, etc), master copies, forms (homeschool groups, cover schools, etc), and chores. You could make these to fit your needs, but this is what I needed. I have room to add more if the need arises.

I start my book (and the beginning of each year) with my goal sheet. It includes the name of our school, our motto or Bible verse, colors, song, purpose, philosophy and goals. I don’t fill them all out, but it is nice to have at the front of my book so that I can stay focused.

For lesson plans I made my own form to help me plan one month at a time. It gives me a great overview of what is ahead and I just mark things off as they get done. This has worked great with me since I use unit studies. It is my lesson plans and records all rolled into one. You may use my form if you like.

For the chores section I keep a list of chores and who is responsible for them. I also keep a baseball holder pages to slide in the chore cards. This keeps me a little more organized because they are all in one place.

Happy Mother’s Day! In honor of all the parents out there, I am giving away Vision Forum’s The State of Parental Rights in America DVD.

All Things Granola is all about the building stronger families. Families that will stand through tough times. All Things Granola wants to put the emphasis back on our roles within the family, specifically the mothers. Go back to the “granola” lifestyle and enjoy being a mother and wife. We are losing our parental rights quickly and quietly here in America, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight it!

So to win this DVD you need to leave a comment before May 12, midnight. Comment what you love about being a parent or what you cherish about your parents. You will get an extra entry for linking to this post. Just leave another comment letting me know where to find your link! Make sure you leave contact information.

Over the years, as we homeschool, we come across good resources and great resources for our families. One of those great resources I came across a few years ago was Vision Forum. This year I have partnered with Vision Forum to bring my customers great resources! Watch the side panel for current Specials and Offers.

My church was really pumped up and excited about the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival this year, especially with the release of Fireproof. Due to family changes, we were unable to attend, but we definately felt the excitement. And when all was over and members of our church reported what a great and uplifting time they had, I really felt like we missed out. But, lo and behold, Vision Forum is now offering the event on audio CD: History Has Been Made.

The 14-disc set has beautiful music, dynamic speakers, and exciting moments. The topics covered speak to the Christian family trying to raise their children in an ungodly world. The media is such a strong force in our lives, we need to be on guard and protect our children from its draw. Dr. Voddie Baucham, Kevin Swanson, George Sarris, and Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr. bring important issues to the surface. Charlie Zahm and the Von Trapp children offer beautiful music. And Doug Phillips gives detailed introductions and history throughout the whole event. And as an added bonus a panel discussion with the creators and actors of Fireproof, including Kirk Cameron.

And to really feel like I was there, I bought The Widow’s Might, winner of the 2009 San Antonio Christian Film Festival. This was a great movie, well done with a great meaning. My kids were especially excited to see friends from our church as actors! And I own Fireproof and highly recommend owning this film too! Just thought I would mention that.

History Has Been Made is a great set to listen to in the car or for family time. The speakers used examples and thought-provoking questions to encourage us to really evaluate what the television is bringing into our homes. And for the aspiring film entrepreneur, Ted Pittenger and Kevin Swanson touch on specific issues relating to that industry. End the event with the awards and more music!