tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81084481132181722912024-03-14T00:56:17.030-06:00Delightful Learning"whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecc 9:10aMichelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.comBlogger1298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-329438072439893842022-07-06T19:30:00.013-06:002023-11-06T11:57:30.223-07:00A Decade of Delightful Learning <div>Delightful Learning spans ten years of our homeschool and family life while living in Sheridan, Wyoming. We have moved and changed, so I feel inclined to close this blogging chapter and move on. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a quote from today's reading in Ourselves, by Charlotte Mason–this is the direction I want to move in:</div><div><br /></div>
The Way of Humility.–In the first place, we must not <i>try</i> to be humble. That is all make-believe, and a bad sort of pride... <u>The thing is to not think of ourselves at all</u><i>.</i> . .<u>There are many ways to of getting away from the thought of ourselves; </u>the love and knowledge of birds and flowers, of clouds and stones, of all that nature has to show us; pictures, books, people, anything outside of us, will help us to escape from the tyrant who attacks our hearts. <u>One rather good plan is, when we are talking or writing to our friends, not to talk or write about 'thou and I." There are so many interesting things in the world to discuss that it is a waste of time to talk about ourselves. </u>All the same, it is well to be up to the ways of those tiresome selves, and that is why are are invited to read these chapters. It is very well, too, to know that Humility, who takes no thought of himself, is really at home in each of us:– <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"If that in sight of God is great </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> </span>Which counts itself for small, </div><div style="text-align: center;">We by the law humility </div><div style="text-align: center;">The chiefest grace must call; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Which being such, not knows itself </div><div style="text-align: center;"> To be a grace at all. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> TRENCH</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP1PXmlp__91WzgK2Cc9EAhoMe1uYN6Penqn9ZgMVrIkYp5T-1C9vtw-PoZZVIcUlBTM1dLRdEo7wzyA0cibY1tNu1nRJRYJA_Wq9TZTeM4zVzrMs8tDhPt46o1YsNTFHCGbsc8CVSUzE6eKwoQZcUOYzG-wURqRsLXCNH1G-R2CRlh6ctOBvu1eDZA/s4032/IMG_3847.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP1PXmlp__91WzgK2Cc9EAhoMe1uYN6Penqn9ZgMVrIkYp5T-1C9vtw-PoZZVIcUlBTM1dLRdEo7wzyA0cibY1tNu1nRJRYJA_Wq9TZTeM4zVzrMs8tDhPt46o1YsNTFHCGbsc8CVSUzE6eKwoQZcUOYzG-wURqRsLXCNH1G-R2CRlh6ctOBvu1eDZA/w640-h480/IMG_3847.heic" title="Photo by Elli; taken 06.16.22 9:15pm" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I posted <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2022/01/we-shell-sea.html" target="_blank">We Shell Sea</a>, I was (and am still) not sure what my fresh start will look like, but I know <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/try-little-harder-next-time.html" target="_blank">"Try a little harder next time</a>" is relevant to my story moving forward, so I hope to launch from there for a fresh start and talk about love and "birds and flowers, of clouds and stones, of all that nature has to show us." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">^-^</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to be a part of that journey, please check back. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Until the trumpet sounds. . . </div>Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-47403511365624703472022-01-06T19:02:00.001-07:002022-01-06T19:04:00.643-07:00We Shell Sea <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3FeCE5u1Gwy62OygxL137CA-cdnQgWBO8uRv59UFbZV4970fzPixWNsOWA2y-eT-mHDnDjFPA7qNCPBeweSbr9Rz8PtbBAIIUTwOGGAOUpgnoxukC_Wl-hdXBk7nh2NAyZqlouAP2kn4UoPwhlboJUL4yTA6BQxSoAgeKMaXeizC3mWqFUfqABQy19A=s2976" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2976" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3FeCE5u1Gwy62OygxL137CA-cdnQgWBO8uRv59UFbZV4970fzPixWNsOWA2y-eT-mHDnDjFPA7qNCPBeweSbr9Rz8PtbBAIIUTwOGGAOUpgnoxukC_Wl-hdXBk7nh2NAyZqlouAP2kn4UoPwhlboJUL4yTA6BQxSoAgeKMaXeizC3mWqFUfqABQy19A=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I do not hope to abandon this blog, but I am looking forward to a fresh start. I'm not really sure what that will look like, but we shell sea!</div>
</div>Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-23941515096339006922020-12-24T20:27:00.000-07:002023-11-16T14:40:35.738-07:00 Interview with Boaz {10 years}<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKgsdAIudVlL02aKEPA5iYfBxOi0Ri7tTmVWiKlyQ12PYfNuC8zo79sqcEqFr7_lJqTMt9Hhdcvs2VWXpqsUq69BlFWkYvpW8F61NgzrU7hpzOZuNoOPXmGxRRwo_1a9vKp3MmpJKGWrQdK6IGxxhpxbXzjum3fGHBP0pSEX0zlgMN6ShAMgv5xmnoA/s2976/IMG_0231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2976" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKgsdAIudVlL02aKEPA5iYfBxOi0Ri7tTmVWiKlyQ12PYfNuC8zo79sqcEqFr7_lJqTMt9Hhdcvs2VWXpqsUq69BlFWkYvpW8F61NgzrU7hpzOZuNoOPXmGxRRwo_1a9vKp3MmpJKGWrQdK6IGxxhpxbXzjum3fGHBP0pSEX0zlgMN6ShAMgv5xmnoA/w400-h266/IMG_0231.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>What is your favorite color? baby blue <div>What is your favorite food? pizza </div><div>What is your favorite treat? salt-water taffy </div><div>What is your favorite subject in school? math</div><div>What is your favorite sport? sword fighting </div><div>What is your favorite hobby? cutting wood</div><div>What is your favorite movie? The Biggest Little Farm </div><div>What is your favorite book? the Bible</div><div>What is your favorite animal? dog</div><div>What is your favorite song? I must tell Jesus </div><div>What is your favorite restaurant? Five Guys</div><div>What is your favorite vegetable? corn</div><div>What is your favorite fruit? cherry</div><div>What is your favorite place to visit? home</div><div>Where do you WANT to visit some day? Alaska</div><div>Who is your best friend? my family<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div>What’s your favorite thing to do with Eliana? Play with honeybun</div><div>What’s your favorite thing to do with Malachi? sword fight</div><div>What’s your favorite thing to do with dad? sword fight</div><div>What’s your favorite thing to do with me? hug</div><div>What’s your favorite thing to do with honeybun? cuddle</div><div>What do you want to be when you grow up? a country store clerk</div><div>What is one thing you want to learn how to do? survival skills</div><div>What is one of your greatest talents? (What are you good at?) playing in the woods</div><div>What are some of your other strengths? sword fighting </div><div>What is something you wonder about? vlogging </div><div>Who is someone that you miss? Nathan<span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div>What age do you look forward to - and why? 14 so i can go to work with the big boys</div>Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-5450619011781238352020-02-22T12:00:00.000-07:002023-11-16T14:40:35.805-07:00Malachi {15}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGC3hbggUnYSPo_tSZr5lheRbkw3-zaCtvREuQLbQfEiYz0P35Nmko-aKd3_LIqw9UIIyODRu83Y4z4ulplRdWNfHAh5ADp0l6jumIqEjGS6vqr9tfW4HsHHLp1LHOyOAo40iW6cvzqVb5bU2U4xin8N_kpq5FDpm8yKsGfG86rcGjjIKAGsZsSp6kQ/s3865/IMG_0400_Original.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="3865" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGC3hbggUnYSPo_tSZr5lheRbkw3-zaCtvREuQLbQfEiYz0P35Nmko-aKd3_LIqw9UIIyODRu83Y4z4ulplRdWNfHAh5ADp0l6jumIqEjGS6vqr9tfW4HsHHLp1LHOyOAo40iW6cvzqVb5bU2U4xin8N_kpq5FDpm8yKsGfG86rcGjjIKAGsZsSp6kQ/w640-h480/IMG_0400_Original.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>"My life at !5 (well, almost).<br /><br /><br />First, a quick history:<br />Last winter, we flipped my world upside down and moved to Baker City Oregon.<br /><br />In the summer, my team (France) won the first YMCA adult soccer tournament.<br /><br />From August through the beginning of October, my team won my last youth soccer league.<br /><br />In November, I wrote a novel about genetically modified humans on ywp.nanowrimo.org. Currently, I am having it edited.<br /><br />Now my interests:<br />For my current novel, I have been studying strange or exotic creatures. I am currently studying Civets, Genets, and Wolverines.<br /><br />I play chess every day, whether online or with Bo. Online, I am expanding my borders to four-player chess, and making up new variations for that.<br /><br />I have been trying to wake up early to write…<br /><br />Elli recently got a jaw harp and prompted the rest of us to find another pocket instrument to play (I’m going to buy a duck call.).<br /><br />I am interested in the creation of new languages.<br /><br />Animal and Human Psychology.<br /><br />Leadership and coaching.<br /><br />I am currently learning French.<br /><br />Anything where I can learn what I don’t already know." ~Malachi<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-11971842077763776552019-09-12T13:06:00.000-06:002019-11-06T07:49:09.130-07:00"Try a little harder next time."It was a simple message to encourage me, and it worked. It came while I was doing a French lesson on my phone, but I can't stop thinking about it.<br />
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<br /></div>
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"Try a little harder next time."</div>
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See, I wasn't really trying at all.<br />
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It's like the time in the 9th grade when I got 3 As and 3 Bs on my midterm report card. I was happy with my grades, but my friends had all As. I loved school and always had, but I never gave much thought to my grades before then nor applied myself. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I wondered if I could get all As, too — if I tried a little harder. </div>
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I don't even remember whether or not I paid more attention in class, took better notes, or studied harder for tests, but I do remember that I went to my Biology teacher and asked him how I could bring my grade up.<br />
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I did a science fair project that not only brought my grade up but also excused me from the final exam. And when my Enriched English I teacher told me I'd have to go back to regular 9th grade English if I didn't learn the grammar rules, I went to another student in class who I thought would help me. By the end of the semester, I was tied for #1 in my class with a 4.0 GPA — because I tried a little harder.<br />
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<h4>
Walking in relationship with my Savior</h4>
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I feel like I need to try a little harder in my walk with the Lord.<br />
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Following God's law comes easy to me because I sincerely desire to be pleasing to my Heavenly Father, and I love having an instruction manual that teaches me how to be Holy in His eyes. I can follow God's law to the letter, but I forget to follow in the newness of the Spirit. I forget that God's law is a law of LOVE and is therefore a heart condition.<br />
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"Do to others as you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets... and this is Matthew 7:12" has been playing in our homeschool — it's one of Bo's memory verses for Sonlight A.<br />
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Do I treat others the way I want to be treated? </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...‘Teacher, which [is] the great command in the Law?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thine understanding — this is a first and great command; and the second [is] like to it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; <i>on these — the two commands — all the law and the prophets do hang</i>.’ Matthew 22:34-40."</blockquote>
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Do I keep the two greatest commands?<br />
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Mark is also a witness to Jesus' words in chapter 12:28-34 — except he is quoting from the Torah, which is the LAW that I follow, specifically Deuteronomy 6:1-19:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...‘Which is the first command of all?’ and Jesus answered him — ‘The first of all the commands [is], Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God out of all thy heart, and out of thy soul, and out of all thine understanding, and out of all thy strength — this [is] the first command; 1and the second [is] like [it], this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; — greater than these there is no other command.’ And the scribe said to him, ‘Well, Teacher, in truth thou hast spoken that there is one God, and there is none other but He; and to love Him out of all the heart, and out of all the understanding, and out of all the soul, and out of all the strength, <i>and to love one’s neighbor as one’s self, is more than all the whole burnt-offerings and the sacrifices.’ </i>And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him, ‘Thou art not far from the reign of God;’ and no one any more durst question him."</blockquote>
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<h4>
Bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God </h4>
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<div>
This has been on my heart, so I <i>initially</i> thought I would choose "love" for my word this year, but Galatians 5:22-23 came to mind.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"And the fruit of the Spirit is: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law;" —Young's Literal Translation</blockquote>
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There is no law against these things because <b>these things are the heart of His law, His Torah</b>.<br />
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God's law points me to my need for a Savior (without the law, I wouldn't know I was a sinner), and even though I have been released from the penalty for breaking the law, which is death, I follow God's law because I love Jesus (Y'shua) (John 14:15) and because God's law is holy, and His commandments are righteous and good (Romans 7), and they show me how to live. Because I'm not under [the penalty of] the law, I am free in that I'm no longer in bondage to sin and deserving of the death penalty. The debt has been paid and I'm free to walk in the newness of the Spirit and not by the oldness of the letter.<br />
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This is how we keep God's law — in the newness of the Spirit, which is no different today than 4,000 years ago —God wants our hearts! and He wants us to walk in Truth (keep the law of love inwardly).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwX3CCFqXxo/XXqScGbqGVI/AAAAAAAB0Vw/kgjiyi_SvqQU70HcAA0iNtj0MZaMv8C6QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwX3CCFqXxo/XXqScGbqGVI/AAAAAAAB0Vw/kgjiyi_SvqQU70HcAA0iNtj0MZaMv8C6QCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know I can do it if I try a little harder.<br />
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Written 01.08.18 during our "long winter." I am sorry I never published it, but it is relevant to my story moving forward. <span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">❤️ </span></div>
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</style>Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-20134500412228203862018-07-31T16:38:00.001-06:002019-09-11T21:18:36.282-06:00Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special<i>I wrote this post, Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special,</i> <i>for <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>While looking through a family photo album recently, Eliana, 11, said, "You've captured all the special moments. I wish you would have taken more photos of everyday life."<br />
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Surprised because I'm intentional about capturing day-to-day life, I looked through a few pages with her pointing out all the everyday things happening such as eating oatmeal at the breakfast table.<br />
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"OH! You make it all seem so special!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dy8MTtguUgA/W1YhsvLcGxI/AAAAAAABs_A/wCm_pVQG1Jk62qJ_eHbixj1-cnwEXgzWgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5036.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>By taking photos, you can make routine moments special. In the same way, you can make ordinary homeschool moments special, too. When you document your story, you naturally tend to focus on what kind of life you want to live, so it becomes about living a more purposeful, intentional life.<br />
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An intentional homeschool life will look different for each family, but it might mean:<br />
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<ul><li><b>reading good books to your children</b><i> ~ </i><i>I can only remember one book from my childhood, so I want my children to have fond childhood memories of reading lots of books!</i></li>
</ul><ul><li><b>unplugging to plug into your children</b> ~ <i>I want to give my children my undivided attention. Since putting my phone on do not disturb during the day, I am not easily distracted by it. </i></li>
</ul><ul><li><b>tuning in to their individual learning styles to encourage positive growth</b> <i>~ What a blessing to teach our children the best way for them. </i></li>
</ul><ul><li><b>doing something special in your homeschool to create a memory</b> <i>~ If you make it special, you will have a fond memory to look back on. These memories instill a deep value in my children. </i></li>
</ul><ul><li><b>recording those memories to instill a sense of identity and self-worth in your child </b><i>~ Taking pictures and recording your child's life tells them they are special and helps create a healthy self-esteem which is vital to our relationship with others and with God. I know that my children feel a stronger sense of who they are and how valued they are as a part of our family with these recorded memories and visual reminders of our life together.</i></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>What does it look like for your family?</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/PMSP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dimyghGfyuk/W16Fts0b7yI/AAAAAAABtAw/4w5CEchnsUU6y33nwL96quC0oEYLXaltwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0533.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I love these photos of Bo working on Developing the Early Learner from <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/PMSP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Pre-K</a> because they capture a variety of facial expressions. </i></span></div><br />
<h4>Ideas to Make Ordinary Homeschool Moments Special:</h4><span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>take a photo of your child with their <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html" target="_blank">Sonlight stack</a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>wrap books, new school supplies, or a small gift to unwrap on the first day of school<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>create a back to school tradition<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>take a picture of your child on the first and last days of school<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>take a photo of your child with their favorite book (or stack of books) this year<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>celebrate accomplishments/milestones with a special family outing such as a picnic<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>make an <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/SMBP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">End of Year Memory Book</a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>read, recite, sing, or give a presentation at the family dinner table<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>have an "It's too nice outside to do school today" day or do school outside<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>establish patterns of <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/05/rhythm-ritual-and-rest-in-homeschool-day.html" target="_blank">rhythm, ritual, and rest in your homeschool day</a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>create a silly tradition such as ice cream for dinner<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>equip your children with sketch pads, pencils, and watercolors and start a nature study<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>learn a new skill or handicraft or do a hands-on project together <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>have a science experiment day just for fun<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>play a game, or better yet, turn a lesson into a game<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>have tea time during your read-aloud time<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>plant a garden or grow something together<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>challenge your kids to read in an unusual reading spot<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>have a special day ~ pajama day, crazy hair day, opposite day, or dress up day<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>be totally random and pick a national day to celebrate such as national hot dog day<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>make a bucket list each season<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>make a "what I love about you" list for each other<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>document a day in the life or make a family movie<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>make a “documentary” to share what you are learning<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>pop popcorn to eat during a video lesson or documentary<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>celebrate the 1st, 100th, and last day of school with a party<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>create new family traditions centered around your homeschool<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>school year round so you can take more breaks<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>be an encourager <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>help your children find a worthwhile project they want to do and invest in it<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>give them plenty of time in the day to pursue their own interests and capture it on film.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>host a book club<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>invite friends over to learn with you<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>celebrate growth and reflect on your year together<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>have a themed meal or party to celebrate something you learned this year<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>celebrate the completion of a year-long book<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>give out silly awards - perfect attendance, top of your class, book club member<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>make encouraging "report cards"<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>fill out the certificate at the end of your <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/ig/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">IG</a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>take photos of everyday life<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">❤️ </span>cuddle and hug your children, smile, and tell them you love them often<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/PMSP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GuqXH-YWx2Q/W16Fts6rgUI/AAAAAAABtAw/C74zOxNTyhcpU8AjcCxQPO3qYLsc7wZdQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0532.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/PMSP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><i>Exploring God's World</i> with Sonlight Pre-K</a></span></div><br />
<h4>Documenting Your Homeschool Moments</h4><br />
You start each new school year with a fresh, clean, organized house and by the end, you have piles here and there — evidence of a productive school year such as school work, pictures, artwork, journal entries, and memorabilia.<br />
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You may have field trips, community experiences, extra-curricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and more experiences you want to remember.<br />
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You also have <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/get-involved/moments/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Moments</a> and conversations about books you don't want to forget.<br />
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Where to start?<br />
<br />
Documenting your homeschool memories can be done ANY way you want. You invest many precious hours and days into homeschooling. Whether you are required to record keep in your state or not, it helps you and your children to see all you have accomplished!<br />
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When I first started homeschooling, I wrote notes right in my Sonlight IG and dated it. I slipped artwork, samples of their work, photos, and even newspaper clippings right into my IG and it became a scrapbook of our journey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hOvvMi-tBc/W19ljf26yMI/AAAAAAABtEw/Kcbbrtc5IUQnUGkhfW9JVic46TS49y4AACKgBGAs/s640/7516792736_IMG_4531.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BCC2R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History / Bible / Literature B+C</a> from our 1st year of homeschooling</span></i></div><br />
There’s no doubt my <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/ig/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight IG</a> is the <i>easiest</i> way for me to document my children’s learning throughout the year. From the schedule grid and book list to reading logs and the boxes we've checked off and filled in, I have everything I need to track and monitor what my children have learned throughout the school year.<br />
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Of course, a big bulky binder is a cumbersome scrapbook so much of it will have to go. </div><br />
What to keep?<br />
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Keep just a handful of things such as your child's best pieces of art, a few handwriting samples, and of course, the awards, certificates, and any other pieces of “evidence” from their school year that tell their story.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/language-arts/spelling/all-about-spelling/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdMyDZM385A/W1YdOZZchcI/AAAAAAABs-A/39T3qxwokpAeJ_mpN-Nuv7sZs3WdxQBswCKgBGAs/s640/7583883280_IMG_3850.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bo when he completed <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/language-arts/spelling/all-about-spelling/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">All About Spelling 1</a>. </span></i></div><br />
Some of my kids are more sentimental than others, but I may be the most sentimental of all. So I begin with the end in mind and keep the memories <i>I</i> will treasure when my children are grown, and let them keep the memories they will treasure.<br />
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What do you want to remember the most?<br />
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If you are feeling especially sentimental and can't part with something, you can scan and shrink flat items you want to keep.<br />
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You may want to consider saving:<br />
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<ul><li>a sample of their best handwriting (and maybe a sample of their everyday writing, too)</li>
<li>a favorite Bible verse your child copied, illustrated, and memorized this year</li>
<li>a favorite poem handwritten and illustrated </li>
<li>a math worksheet or page they are especially proud of or one with cute drawings and messages </li>
<li>samples from the beginning of the year to compare to the end</li>
<li>creative expressions that reflect personal stories</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn4rnbXxKP0/W19-2RMankI/AAAAAAABtGg/rMCfuWGXE6wmODxzzQiMbdEylKfDMks4QCKgBGAs/s640/7516792736_IMG_4557.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This year, I had each child pick a writing assignment to polish up, illustrate, and save. While looking over their papers for the year, we were happy to see how much our writing had improved. Eliana chose a paper from the beginning of the year, and it was fun to see how much she delighted in her growth. It will be fun to compare their best writing this year to the work they do next year. It also gives them a little nudge to do their best!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdDU0tMzH0g/W1Yib1Ic1LI/AAAAAAABs_c/PO8KoTePsKQ3_EHowzEctvj0a_1xxSbVwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0531.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you reduce an 8.5x11 to fit in a 4x6 slot, you can place it right in your scrapbook or photo album!</span></i></div><br />
Scanning only works for flat items, so photograph the bulky stuff you want to remember and recycle what you can.<br />
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Here are a few <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/get-involved/moments/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight memories </a>we've made over the years:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BC1R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSRn4Tb7vhg/W16FthFVjuI/AAAAAAABtAw/au6CWcJpdpwkDcZzIJlHBXsaeobRkf0qgCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4513.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ancient Rome with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BC1R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History / Bible / Literature B</a></i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flOQFHDGwV4/W16FtiR9_VI/AAAAAAABtAw/xaZqSvkRNK0wECNHMJurB_30XOJ8uUHHQCKgBGAs/s1600/7516822496_IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flOQFHDGwV4/W16FtiR9_VI/AAAAAAABtAw/xaZqSvkRNK0wECNHMJurB_30XOJ8uUHHQCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4508.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This year we did History / Bible / Literature <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BC1R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">B</a> and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/GC5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">G</a> ~ Introduction to World History 1 with the little kids and World History 1 with the big kids.</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-noB6bjNMJNM/W16Ftu1eMDI/AAAAAAABtAw/IXZpo8jTbaQ81su2pndFezbPLg8V_Mf_wCKgBGAs/s1600/7516822496_IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-noB6bjNMJNM/W16Ftu1eMDI/AAAAAAABtAw/IXZpo8jTbaQ81su2pndFezbPLg8V_Mf_wCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4506.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Charlotte's Web with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BC1R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral">History / Bible / Literature B</a> ~ memory making fun.</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BA15.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ah4YcDRhrYI/W16FtvUBNfI/AAAAAAABtAw/0XCI6S7t53kVeIr9pxJOHEu2RV4-tgQ0ACKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4504.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Making Tanghulars for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BA15.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Little Pear</a> in <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/BC1R5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral">History / Bible / Literature B</a> ~ a memory making treat.</span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-SuNa7mBbI/W16Ftv_S5II/AAAAAAABtAw/0vIv8vjXlHo8OBoG1UXOtNjj9Rwf4GpDgCKgBGAs/s1600/7516822496_IMG_4499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-SuNa7mBbI/W16Ftv_S5II/AAAAAAABtAw/0vIv8vjXlHo8OBoG1UXOtNjj9Rwf4GpDgCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4499.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Everyday homeschool life with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/ACKR5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History / Bible / Literature A</a> ~ Introduction to the World: Cultures with Malachi and Eliana</span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/1LP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjfK9FvwUvI/W16FtpWsSTI/AAAAAAABtAw/ABlHzFWjS-s5euAEQShhud2orOaEzMp3ACKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4485.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">More everday life ~ <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/math/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Math</a>, <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/1LP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Language Arts 1</a>, and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/science/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Science A</a>.</span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/1LP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrdhS24JjeU/W16FtlDOkKI/AAAAAAABtAw/k1gRcPB-OcwUw-8jDZlwn8jJjosa86z5QCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4491.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is special to me because Eliana loved to make pancakes starting at the age of 6. I love looking back on their Sonlight Creative Expressions!</span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/AA09.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7q4dR5nEAU/W16FttniGCI/AAAAAAABtAw/_JjpMRuYouYKRuKR0g-Tywx7R9DL9VPzACKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4479.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/AA09.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">My Father's Dragon</a> memory making snack + <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/HC5?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">HBL H</a> + <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/HS0B.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Science H</a> </i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1NS7qXB004/W16FtoTYW4I/AAAAAAABtAw/zSVl1Zy9om8a48wM-ZRFXI8wUhOrvYxRwCKgBGAs/s1600/7516822496_IMG_4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1NS7qXB004/W16FtoTYW4I/AAAAAAABtAw/zSVl1Zy9om8a48wM-ZRFXI8wUhOrvYxRwCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4476.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our biggest <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/box-day.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Box Day</a> ever ~ as tall as Dylan at age 13!</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/TMSP?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vc6oL-VG_Eo/W16Ftu7QTMI/AAAAAAABtAw/7NPiCziz68giihrBqT7d72J3MEi-5yJKQCKgBGAs/s640/7516822496_IMG_4464.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hands-on activities with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/TMSP?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Preschool — Fiction, Fairy Tales and Fun</a></span></i></div><br />
Obviously, pictures are one of my favorite ways to document our homeschool memories! See more <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/p/our-sonlight-moments-through-years.html" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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To get good photos, use natural, indirect light from a window or open door. No flash. Place artwork or other items piece on a neutral floor or simple background. I like to use my wood coffee table, the kitchen table, a white foam board, or even a pine board. Stand directly above the item for a nice straight-on shot. Focus and hold the camera steady for a clear, crisp picture, then shoot.<br />
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One of my favorite ways to document a project is to take a photo of my child holding his/her artwork. It’s fun to see them at the age/time they did the work, so I like to immediately take a photo when a project is completed for a more personalized photo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/electives/art/artistic-pursuits/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjgly8ve4xI/W2DjliYLdpI/AAAAAAABtJM/c5xcCNRnrJw3g1eYoyql0h1VGuIk4KTJACLcBGAs/s640/Art%2Bwith%2BArtistic%2BPursuits%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Art with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/electives/art/artistic-pursuits/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Artisitic Pursuits</a> </i></span></div><br />
If you scan or photograph things, you don't have to feel bad about throwing stuff away, especially if you’re facing huge piles of stuff. So if you can't reuse or recycle it, throw it away. This is the hardest part for me because I'm sentimental, but it's worth it because it is freeing. I can focus less on stuff and focus more on making new memories.<br />
<br />
If you need an easy way to document your school year, grab the <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/SMBP.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral">End of Year Memory Book</a> and have your kids fill it out. Be sure to include a few photos!<br />
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Keep it simple, stress-free, enjoyable, and fun!<br />
<br />
<i>I wish you all the best as you make everyday homeschool moments special. Thank you for sharing this journey with me!</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLzC7w8s8AU/W1-HqWECnDI/AAAAAAABtHo/wwND28V2xX8U6EfTh0sNLHV3Kw2-WFpOwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0572.JPG" title="Making Everyday Homeschool Moments Special" width="425" /></a></div><br />
Homeschool memories are happy memories to make, keep, and share! Share yours on Instagram using the hashtag #sonlightstories!<br />
<br />
<div>Previously on Delightful Learning:<br />
<br />
</div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html">Being Content with Your Curriculum</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html">How I Set Up Our Sonlight Instructor Guides | No Flipping Required</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html">Itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere Education</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html">Travel to China from the Comfort of Your Couch</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/keeping-up-with-current-events-north.html">Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-through-russia-southeast-asia.html">Reading Through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/02/why-my-husband-loves-homeschooling-with.html">Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html">Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day</a> (Moving on to the Middle East, Israel, and Saudi Arabia)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/04/homeschooling-through-seasons.html">Homeschooling Through the Seasons</a> (Adventures in Africa)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/05/rhythm-ritual-and-rest-in-homeschool-day.html">Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day</a> (Paddle to the Pacific — the last leg of our Eastern Hemisphere journey!)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/06/the-blessings-of-homeschool-library.html">The Blessings of a Homeschool Library</a></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sonlight " src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Are you in planning mode for next year? If you need help choosing your curriculum don’t forget the helpful Sonlight users on the <a href="http://forums.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight forums</a>, or feel free to <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/help/choosing-your-curriculum/advisors/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180731-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">contact a Sonlight Curriculum Advisor via live chat</a>.<br />
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-89024842574281220112018-06-13T10:29:00.000-06:002018-06-13T10:33:14.624-06:00The Blessings of a Homeschool Library<i>I wrote this post, The Blessings of a Homeschool Library, for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TcTkNOFous/WoGv58k8HwI/AAAAAAABrIM/X3k-bT06MzMo-75yumstln-Fcg03YTisACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_2038.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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I'll never forget how happy and proud my son Jordan was after we completed our first year of homeschooling with Sonlight. All the books he read that year sat on the shelf in the order he read them, and he beamed with happiness.<br />
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"I read <i>all</i> those books!"<br />
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They were not as shiny and new as they had been when we started. Little hands had worn and tattered the books. Evidence of dog-eared pages, bent covers, and smudges were noticeable from handling as he carried the books around with him, outside in the sandbox, or in his bed late at night.<br />
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But most of the wear was from the trudging hands of a little boy who didn't like to read and who didn't think he was good at it. His confidence was at an all-time low when we began homeschooling.<br />
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It was hard, but he read every single book on the schedule that year and was so proud.<br />
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At that moment, I was decidedly thankful I chose Sonlight for our first year of homeschooling.<br />
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Had I not had the books displayed on the bookshelf though, he might not have felt such an accomplishment because the next year I tried to save money. I bought an old <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/ig/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">IG</a> and borrowed the books. We had all the books we needed that year, but not all at the same time, and it was a lot of work and hassle to round-up a book when I needed it.<br />
<br />
We had a wonderful year of learning, but at the end of our school year, my son did not feel as accomplished. In fact, he felt a little sad. He remembered how good he felt at the end of his first year of homeschooling and missed seeing all his books lined up on the shelf. In fact, he even asked me if we could buy his books the next year!<br />
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We did because we could see that there really was something to working on his book list <i>and</i> seeing the books on the shelf, as he went <i>and</i> at the end of the year. Seeing them all lined up made him feel accomplished.<br />
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So we built our library one year at a time, and I'm delighted to have a homeschool library of our own right here in our home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1600" height="564" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Umo_SFYjwM/WoEZS_aJHQI/AAAAAAABrGc/83frFvk1d_gRPpfhdHo_t1Umkh20nm88ACKgBGAs/s640/7516791056_IMG_3369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking at all the books lined up on the shelf makes<b> </b><i>me</i> happy knowing that we have had 12 wonderful years of homeschooling with the blessings of a homeschool library!<br />
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<h3>
A Homeschool Library is a blessing because...</h3>
<ul>
<li>it builds self-esteem and confidence in your child. I'll never forget how proud my son was for reading "all those books!" and the impact it had on him. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>it's really nice to just grab the next scheduled book right off the shelf when you need it. Our library is wonderful in that you can give them a book list and they will find the books for you, but it is still a hassle, takes time, and often involves a fee.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>you can use the books over and over. As my kids grow, they reread many of the books I have read aloud to them — sometimes two or three times if it's a favorite book. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>with homeschooling multiple children, we will go through each level three times, so building a library has been well worth the money spent.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>you can help other homeschool families who are in need. I've been known to loan out complete levels from our Sonlight shelves when I see a need. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-XwcuHTAdE/Wx6LV142j_I/AAAAAAABsc0/uQptrggt4vMIfuN0_yRLY3B3I2q9HaWBQCKgBGAs/s640/7583883280_IMG_4312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Malachi, 13, is pictured here reading a <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Level F</a> reader from our homeschool library. He has read all the read-alouds from Levels A, B, and C which are books I originally read <i>to</i> him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
How to Care for Your Homeschool Library</h3>
</div>
<div>
Here are a few things I have done over the years to help keep books nice:<br />
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>I try not to worry about it. I like to keep our books nice, but I didn't want to add any extra stress to a struggling reader, so I decided to let my kids wear them out and replace beloved books as needed. <i>I'd rather they love a book than have the book rest on the shelf unread. In fact, I remember when I had to replace the Usborne Book of World History from Levels B and C. Malachi carried that book around as a preschooler until the book fell apart, and of all my kids, I think he loves History the most! I've also had to replace The Beginners Bible more than once!</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<ul>
<li>I use a miracle eraser to remove fingerprints, dirt, smudges or other marks on glossy covers - even from permanent ink. Just a light rub with a slightly damp miracle eraser should get it clean, but be careful because if you scrub too hard, the ink will rub right off the book. <i>They really do clean up nice! </i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<ul>
<li>if you like to keep your library organized, have children use a ruler as a bookmark when they take a book off the shelf to keep books in order. <i>I like to put them in order on the shelf so I can see how far we are along and so I can grab the next book with ease, but with giving my kids free access to our library, I've never been good about keeping them organized! I just grab the book list and put them in order when we start a new level. </i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<ul>
<li>don't forget to dust! A<i> light dusting with a feather duster is a fun job for kids!</i><i> </i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The investment we've made to build a homeschool library is an investment we've made in our children and was well worth the effort. With twelve years of homeschooling down and twelve more to go, it's a blessing to have a homeschool library!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Previous editions on Delightful Learning:<br />
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html">Being Content with Your Curriculum</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html">How I Set Up Our Sonlight Instructor Guides | No Flipping Required</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html">Itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere Education</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html">Travel to China from the Comfort of Your Couch</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/keeping-up-with-current-events-north.html">Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-through-russia-southeast-asia.html">Reading Through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/02/why-my-husband-loves-homeschooling-with.html">Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html">Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day</a> (Moving on to the Middle East, Israel, and Saudi Arabia)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/04/homeschooling-through-seasons.html">Homeschooling Through the Seasons</a> (Adventures in Africa)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/05/rhythm-ritual-and-rest-in-homeschool-day.html">Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day</a> (Paddle to the Pacific — the last leg of our Eastern Hemisphere journey!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sonlight " src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/MG20148372"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180613-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Switch to Sonlight</a> and discover an education that is beautiful, complete, rewarding, flexible, engaging, easy to use, rigorous, inspiring, worthwhile, encouraging, guaranteed, fulfilling, life-changing, relationship-building, and an investment in the future. </div>
</div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-85243318281506223052018-05-10T21:30:00.000-06:002018-06-13T10:26:21.502-06:00Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day <i>I wrote this post, Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day, for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="While every homeschool is different, I believe there is one constant that helps us get through our homeschool days, and that is rhythm, ritual and rest." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0cotESViMI/Wujndt8d1_I/AAAAAAABr50/AYenZgnm-YMhmByDrVfHGUF_UDtMz-iagCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" title="Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day" width="266" /></a></div>
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While every homeschool is different, I believe there is one constant that helps us get through our homeschool days, and that is rhythm, ritual and rest.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Rhythm in the Homeschool Day</span></h4>
<br />
Rhythm is a meaningful element of our homeschool day that represents movement. We start our day with the end in mind, but homeschooling is not a race to the finish line. Slow, intentional, rhythmic movement is ideal to create a steady flow in our homeschool day.<br />
<br />
Movement in homeschool is turning pages, <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/read-alouds/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">reading aloud</a>, going on a nature walk, baking cookies with your children, or working through your day one subject or task at a time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Rhythm in the homeschool is just like knitting one stitch at a time until our project is complete. Just like each stitch we make moves us forward, each day we complete moves us forward." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REqm8HBeKuQ/Wn-u2wMZ3vI/AAAAAAABrCs/55MzaNb__cEok0jytDYuLQBvACKn9lVeQCKgBGAs/s400/7583861200_IMG_3142.JPG" title="Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day" width="266" /></a></div>
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Rhythm in the homeschool is just like knitting one stitch at a time until our project is complete. Just like each stitch we make moves us forward, each subject or task we complete moves us forward.<br />
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As you move through your curriculum, you make slow, steady progress while also making connections with your children through the books you read, the subjects you study, and the value they bring to your life. <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History / Bible / Literature F</a> brought much value to our lives this year because it gave us perspective during hard times and helped us remember that things could be worse. When are tempted to complain, we remember the purpose of Minli's journey in <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FA01.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</a>. We not only move ahead in our homeschooling, we move ahead in life.<br />
<br />
Movement involves being present in your homeschool and doing the next important thing — whatever that is. With Sonlight, it's opening my IG and doing the next day on the schedule. It keeps us progressing steadily through our curriculum. Lately, I am in the habit of asking, "What's next?" If I focus on the next important thing, it keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. First things first.<br />
<br />
Because we experience life moment by moment, rhythm is moving through these moments one at a time.<br />
<br />
Adding rhythmic movement to our day flows into ritual.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Ritual </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">in the Homeschool Day</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ritual in the homeschool is how we deal with our day. It’s the strategy we use as each day begins and ends.</div>
<br />
Rituals remind us that we can do hard things. They give us special ways of remembering why we’re doing what we’re doing and how we’re going to get through it.<br />
<br />
In our homeschool, these rituals are <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html" target="_blank">stacking up our homeschool day</a> with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/literature.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">a literature-rich homeschool curriculum</a>. It's having tea and toast while reading poetry around the breakfast table on Monday mornings. It's lighting a candle, diffusing essential oils, or playing classical music to create a peaceful learning environment.<br />
<br />
These rituals ground us. They remind us who we are and what is important to us. They reinforce our ability to do the next thing. When we ground ourselves, we are not vulnerable to being thrown off-balance, so we naturally feel more balanced, peaceful, and present.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Reading aloud as a family with Sonlight is a ritual that grounds us in our homeschool." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2qvUNiEFnA/WulB399B3JI/AAAAAAABr6E/b9ULvvRUuiICJtk8umiL5d1g4h1ZTEacACLcBGAs/s400/7516791056_IMG_3340.jpg" title="Rhythm, Ritual, & Rest in the Homeschool Day" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Paddle to the Pacific — the last leg in our Eastern Hemisphere journey!</span></div>
<br />
Reading aloud as a family with <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight</a> is a ritual that grounds us in our homeschool. We are present and connected with our children when we read to them. In fact, reading aloud is one of the best uses of my time while homeschooling my kids. With our <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/ig/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">IG as our guide</a>, the books we read make us think and provide opportunities for meaningful conversation.<br />
<br />
But rhythm and ritual will only get us so far if we are not well rested.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Rest </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">in the Homeschool Day</span></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
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You have a list of things to do today. School. Appointments. Groceries to buy. Dinner to fix. Problems to solve. Things to do.<br />
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Rest is more vital to our ability to homeschool successfully than any other facet. But in a society that is all about do-do-do and go-go-go, rest may seem counterproductive.</div>
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But rest is what makes it possible to get through to the end of each long day. A homeschool mom who doesn’t find rest for her mind, body, and spirit while homeschooling today is draining the energy she’ll need to homeschool tomorrow.<br />
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Rest allows us to refresh ourselves for the journey we’re on.<br />
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Rest is more than getting a good nights sleep (though that is crucial).<br />
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It's more than ceasing from physical or mental effort (though that's important, too).<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180510-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Reading aloud as a family with Sonlight is a ritual that grounds us in our homeschool. We are present and connected with our children when we read to them. In fact, reading aloud is one of the best uses of my time while homeschooling my kids." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45PqLlfCWN4/WsrH20FXzNI/AAAAAAABrsc/v-qrYgXS0V8E_nPq0KXDDyP2yit3Ue5RQCKgBGAs/s400/7583861200_IMG_3102.JPG" title="Rhythm, Ritual, and Rest in the Homeschool Day" width="266" /></a></div>
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Rest is different for everybody. It's a refreshing walk in the park or an intense workout at the gym. It's a quiet hour reading a book by yourself or an enjoyable hour attending a book club with friends. It's taking an online photography class or attending an art show downtown. It's connecting with your spouse after the kids are in bed or taking the whole family on a much-needed vacation.<br />
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Whatever it is, rest leaves us relaxed and energized for whatever comes next. It gives our bodies the renewed energy to carry on.<br />
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Rest is about restoration.<br />
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It’s about reconnecting with the people and the things that bring us joy.<br />
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Rest is so important to our success as homeschoolers.<br />
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Would you like to move closer to a life of rhythm, ritual and rest in your homeschool? Why don’t you ask God what that might look like for you?Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-88411876092148336142018-04-10T21:57:00.001-06:002018-05-06T21:18:49.670-06:00Homeschooling Through the Seasons<i>I wrote this post, Homeschooling Through the Seasons, for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight</a>. </i><br />
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We often think of homeschooling in terms of years when choosing our curriculum, or in terms of days when implementing it, but we must also think of homeschooling in terms of seasons — seasons of the year and seasons of life because as each season changes, our homeschool changes. <br />
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Nutrition, sleep, and my mental well-being (reducing stress) is at the top of my list each season while caring for my family, homeschooling, and supporting <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/02/why-my-husband-loves-homeschooling-with.html" target="_blank">my husband</a>, however each season is unique and the days change as the seasons change. As they change, we can accept it, embrace it, and make the most of it — if we are aware of it. And if you are aware of the season you are in, you will give yourself the grace to be there.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Fall</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_bQ8I302cQ/Wg94kZ2P86I/AAAAAAABo6s/_fTZHosXqGIKrlnk64PQ1mXS8MGSLTvaACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_7583.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fall is usually a good busy.<br />
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Considering all we did this past fall, including participating in fall soccer, planning and hosting a family field day for 100 kids, taking a 10 day trip to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, and taking an extra two-week vacation, I felt good about where we were at the end of November — starting Week 10 in <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html" target="_blank">HBL F</a>. <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html" target="_blank">From the comfort of our couch, we traveled to China</a> in Weeks 1 through 5 and started a study of current events while we <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/keeping-up-with-current-events-north.html">learned about North Korea, South Korea and Japan</a> in Weeks 6 through 9.<br />
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We were a bit behind by my standards, but I wasn't worried. The sunny fall weather beckoned us, and we happily obliged, enjoying long afternoons at the park and spending time in nature doing nature study while we could.<br />
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Sonlight is an enriched literature based curriculum, and it can seem like a lot of reading when you first start, but you quickly see the fruit of your hard work when it suddenly becomes easy and a little addicting to read so many books! So, heading into winter, we were ready to do just that.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Winter</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZSZJHvIBlI/WsPcCgvrcsI/AAAAAAABrl8/GCFW00hcei8dWBZqJCT9vp9HNmUMP4L9ACLcBGAs/s640/A338D1E6-D191-4E17-8D8C-11ECD38F81B4.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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Winter is long and cold. This winter was longer, colder, and harder than usual.<br />
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One of the things I love about homeschooling year round is that it takes a little pressure off the school year. Since we do sports and activities outside of the home and have shorter days in the winter, we have less time in the day to get things done, but I also have less energy from the lack of sunshine.<br />
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Living in Wyoming, we have long, frigid winter months to hunker down, sip hot cocoa, hit the books hard, and catch up. We did and <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-through-russia-southeast-asia.html">read through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India</a> in Weeks 10 through 21, and then we moved on to the <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html" target="_blank">Middle East, Israel, and Saudi Arabia</a> in Weeks 22 through 26. Finally, we were off to find adventure in Africa for weeks 27 through 32 as winter came to an end.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">To imagine our Adventures in Africa, just picture us with a wonderful stack of books, fluffy pillows, and cozy blankets!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Adventures in Africa with Sonlight HBL F" border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1600" height="577" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FvP9RAZOuY/WoEdy_Mg6eI/AAAAAAABrHI/8RX5EqGKM1YMhdkqJJh9UuMXWtPKPswuwCKgBGAs/s640/7516791056_IMG_3309.JPG" title="Adventures in Africa with Sonlight HBL F" width="640" /></a><br />
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One of my favorites this season was <i>A Long Walk to Water</i>. This was my second time reading this book aloud, and knowing how it was going to end up had me in tears before I should have been. What an amazing story that makes me so grateful for the simple things in life we take for granted! When life seems hard, reading books like this really puts things into perspective and asks the question, "Do we really have it that bad?" The truth is, it could always be worse. </div>
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We all really liked <i>Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters</i>. What a colorful, interesting, and touching book. This is a great book to inspire a love of stories and a love of words. </div>
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It was a long, hard winter. But, instead of letting myself slip into a winter depression, we got productive, and reading so much helped me get through a hard season of life. Since my husband is doubling up to get his bachelors in one year, I thought it was a good idea to double up to make the most of our time while he's doing his school. It is a relief to not have the added stress of worrying about being behind in school, but I'm mostly happy because I did the best I could do to embrace this season.<br />
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I can see how God used this season to grow, humble, and change me. It's been hard, but I am better for it.<br />
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But, after a long winter, I am ready for the promise of spring,<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Spring</span> </h4>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODownJ4seUI/Ws1YKJrZaLI/AAAAAAABrvw/zFYmXCM2KykSHZzaHpzwglyA5OcqKvO4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODownJ4seUI/Ws1YKJrZaLI/AAAAAAABrvw/zFYmXCM2KykSHZzaHpzwglyA5OcqKvO4ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3344.jpg" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the hope that warmer days bring when the snow begins to melt and the sun climbs higher in the sky to warm us and color our world. However, now that spring soccer season is here, things pick back up, life gets busy, and warm weather will bring more outside activity.<br />
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During busy times, caring for myself is a priority so I can have the energy to care for my family. Sleep is a priority, and I am usually in bed by 10 because I wake up early. I also need to eat nutrient dense foods, stay away from sugar and processed foods, remember to take my supplements, and reduce stress.<br />
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School in the spring is different almost every year. I used to always start new curriculum in the spring with the younger kids, so we could school through the summer and take a break in the fall when I started school with the older boys. This gave me time to get ahead on school with the three younger kids, while giving the three older boys my full attention until they were well established with their new curriculum. Now that I am down to homeschooling the three younger children, we have more flexibility.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/buy-curriculum-early-spring.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Spring is also a good season to make curriculum choices</a> for the coming school year. I enjoy having all those decisions made before summer break, so I have the peace of mind that comes from having a decision-free summer.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Summer </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--98eqoSJNrU/WsPXT-r4SCI/AAAAAAABrlU/szJUTDNZh1sV6vDib4Sciv4z-GZHdyEwACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1195.jpg" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though we homeschool year round, I try to have our basics wrapped up by the end of May so we can have an easy, fun summer of learning. However, we still do a few basics. This summer we will be doing some math and a little writing, but to make it fun, I'll take the kids to get an ice cream cone on Friday for completing their lessons. We do this every summer, and the kids love this incentive!<br />
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While I love the sunshine and the boost of energy it gives me in the summer, too much sun will drain my energy, so on those hot days that we aren't playing in the water or eating frozen watermelon pops, we're inside cooling off, doing "school."<br />
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Plus, some learning is just better suited to warmer weather. Summer is the perfect time for nature walks, studying insects, and growing things!<br />
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Plus (another one), I'll go crazy if I don't do some form of learning. If we school for 1 hour a day, there will still be plenty of daylight hours for other work and play — plenty of time for playing in the water and dirt, jumping on the trampoline, taking walks to the park, making homemade lemonade, participating in summer camps, doing crafts, and more.<br />
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However, this summer will be a season of change — my husband is planning to finish his degree, we are planning to renovate a house, and we are planning a move. Because I don't know when/if all these things will happen, I'm going to press on with what I have planned, but I will give myself the grace to take a summer break and stop all school if I need to.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Throughout the Year</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzPOhhw_J-4/WsqFfhjuqxI/AAAAAAABrp4/JqjRF_L2OgI8UB4ha2VpM7fZbAa2DQGSQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6931.JPG" title="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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No matter what season I am in, I do what is most important each day — whether it is caring for myself and the family, school work, house work, appointments, etc. I either get the kids going on their independent work while I do my work or vice versa. I prefer to have school done by noon if I am feeling energetic, but we often wait until the afternoon to even start school.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Regardless of when we do our school, we use <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/" target="_blank">Sonlight</a>, so our IG keeps us on a steady routine because we just do the next thing!</i></span><br />
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I am a mother, teacher, and wife, but I have plenty of hobbies and interests to keep me productive and happy most of the time. One of the surprise blessings of <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html" target="_blank">being content with our curriculum</a> this year is all the extra downtime I have — time I've needed to just rest and focus on my health, my home, and my homeschool.<br />
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I'm thankful for that time.</div>
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So, when thinking about homeschooling seasonally, consider that seasons come and go. We naturally find what works best and then fall into that pattern for a season. Life always has a way of shaking this routine up, but that's expected. A new routine is working itself out, and everything works out in the end.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">What a Homeschooling Day Looks Like</span></h4>
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<a _blank="" href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referraltarget="><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EMZBTdu6Nk8/WsrGdmDR78I/AAAAAAABrsI/OJOXa8sjycg_JjXLUUy1NAwArQqpVneQgCKgBGAs/s640/7585940032_IMG_3443.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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One morning, I got up to drink my morning tea and while Eliana, 11, made steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast, I started school with Boaz, 7, my youngest, who is doing <a href="https://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/box-day-for-youngest-child-unpacking.html" target="_blank">HBL A</a>. We worked on his school for 50 minutes. We did writing, spelling, reading, history, and literature. Dad does Bible with Bo before bed or on the weekends. Math is on the computer and done independently. We did not do science this day, and I regret that because I let it slip one too many times and we fell behind.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>When I start to feel behind in a subject, I don't get down on myself. I just know it's time to give it more attention!</i></span><br />
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After school with Bo, I took a shower and got ready for the day while he played and the older kids did their independent work. Our history and read aloud that day was at lunch with dad. We don't have dad's help during the week now that his busy season at work has started, so we eat lunch as a family and I do our history, read aloud, and science after lunch now.<br />
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Since we started <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/03/stacking-up-your-homeschool-day.html" target="_blank">stacking up our homeschool day,</a> we have a very steady routine going and our days flow more efficiently. I love working through our Sonlight stack!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">How Long Does Homeschooling Take?</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFNaJKGCQ5Y/WsrHCGD_fdI/AAAAAAABrsQ/mmKc7YlLyyE4EHK2kTENFsnmq4KkyBn6QCKgBGAs/s640/7518857328_IMG_3157.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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As far as time goes, school doesn't really take us that long if we get to it and stick to it — 3 or 4 hours at the most, but sometimes we play, knit, sew, craft, cook, or bake while doing school, or we play all morning and wait until the afternoon to even start school. We do this on days we can — when we don't have to leave the house. But I find as my kids get older, they want to get school done in case a friend drops by, so they like to finish by 3 or 4. But even when we don't start school until 1:00, we still finish by 4:00. Of course, the kids like to do most of their reading in bed at night!<br />
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Once a week we have a writing lesson (usually on Monday), and the kids work on their assignment the rest of the week. Twice a week we do science (usually on Tuesday and Thursday), but this changes too. Lately, we've done science everyday to catch up.<br />
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No matter what we get done, I put all school away by 4 o'clock. Except for reading at bedtime, we clean up the house, cook dinner, do a craft or hobby, watch a movie, or take part in an extra curricular activity such as guitar lessons, art lessons, chess club, volleyball, dodgeball, swimming lessons, or soccer at the Y (kid's activities this year).<br />
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We school 4 or 5 days a week depending on the season, but we usually start on Sunday evening to get ahead start on our week. We school Monday through Friday, but Friday is a catch up day since it's also my Sabbath prep day.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Finding A Routine Around the House While Homeschooling</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMRnljpBhf4/WpsellePstI/AAAAAAABrYE/0LhqSBhLO3sTmq2yTOS-ajx8kR_JS53igCKgBGAs/s640/7516768896_IMG_2636.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the school week, we keep up the house the best we can. We like to do a ten-minute tidy here and there and before my husband comes home for dinner. I like cleaning a little here and there, schooling a little here and there, and working on projects a little here and there.<br />
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When we need more than ten minutes to tidy the house, I play a game with my kids called "What's Next?" To play, they come to me for a chore, go do the chore real quick, and come back and say, "What's next?" I give them another chore, and play continues. This works because if they do the chores quickly, I quickly run out of things to have them do! When I can't think of anything, they win and don't have to clean anymore. Sometimes, we play "Top of the Hour" where we set a timer and clean for 10 minutes every hour on the hour.<br />
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As often as we can, we do tedious jobs while doing something else, such as when I have the kids sort their laundry while I read aloud or while watching a TV show.<br />
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We do most of our school on my bed, and I sleep there, so clearing my bed off each day is a priority. And when my bed is not covered in books, it's usually covered in freshly laundered clothes because the laundry room connects to the master bedroom.<br />
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I have to give myself plenty of grace around the house. Right now, I have boxes of books stacked up in the hallway, my room, and the laundry room. I'm going through curriculum and books to see what I can get rid of, but it's been a slow process. The boxes won't sit here forever, so I don't want to wish this season away. I want to embrace it and give myself the grace to enjoy it, and not merely endure it. I'll get to the boxes soon enough.<br />
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Whatever season of life you are in right now, I hope you will embrace it and give yourself the grace to be there. If you struggle to give yourself grace, pray. The best way to understand and give grace is to go to the One who gives it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_kxUj81dTU/WsrB3PXWCnI/AAAAAAABrrs/_D7dEY5b590Arx_s1_Tl6V-JL-Lh-yExACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_2297.JPG" title="Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Giving yourself the grace to embrace the current season of your life" width="372" /></a></div>
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May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all in your homeschool and throughout all the seasons of your life!<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><span id="goog_437352040"></span><img alt="I use Sonlight. Join me!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jOudZNNjC8/Wf5MRVuM72I/AAAAAAABojA/AYeRDuiF9tAqN5TljaLG9FZZmf8Wi-jVQCLcBGAs/s200/Brand-Ambasador-03.jpg" title="I use Sonlight. Join me!" width="200" /></a><span id="goog_437352041"></span></div>
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After years of heaping curriculum on top of curriculum, it is a relief to say that I use Sonlight for our History, Bible, and Literature curriculum. There are <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/5-reasons-not-to-supplement-sonlight.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180410-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">good reasons NOT to supplement your Sonlight curriculum</a>, but my favorite is enjoying homeschooling without the added pressure. </div>
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-12077611821633712982018-03-02T07:17:00.000-07:002018-03-02T19:02:15.572-07:00Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day<h4>
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<i>This post, Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day, was written for <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i><br />
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While I don't need to have every minute of our day scheduled, I am always happy when our days fall into a steady routine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDrRCeZcbw8/Wn-u23eHjyI/AAAAAAABrCs/ne2RvPvu1toYPsIauTZHpVqRNdmqY4i3ACKgBGAs/s400/7583861200_IMG_3049.JPG" title="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used to rely on a checklist of subjects I wanted to get done each day to establish a routine, but lately I rely on our <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-stack-currently.html" target="_blank">Sonlight stack</a>.<br />
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When we start a new week, I now grab our stack of books and place them on my bed. One stack for Malachi and Eliana. One stack for Bo.<br />
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Homeschooling lately means I only have to grab our stack and work through it.<br />
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My favorite part is when I get to put a finished book back on the shelf and grab a new book to add to our stack. But I also love knowing that when we get through our stack, we have completed our day.<br />
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Of course, we don't always get through our stack, so the books we don't get to go on the top of our stack for the next day to do first.<br />
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Our Sonlight stack is always changing, so at the end of the week, I shelve any books we have completed and pull out any new books we will be using. Then I stack them in the cupboard and close the door, ready for a new week.<br />
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If you like making lists, you can list the books or subjects in the order you want to do them and work through your list much like we work through our stack, moving anything that doesn't get done to the top of your list to do tomorrow.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjD7fjvQIt8/WphYQzLd0aI/AAAAAAABrVM/XM8_n9UDPeUR7lzRe-N7_y9B0RoYSeOmACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_2147.JPG" title="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" width="300" /></a></div>
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The goal is to do school consistently everyday because children thrive with routine.<br />
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While I love the freedom we have as homeschoolers and don't mind taking a day off now and then or schooling at various times of the day, homeschooling is a priority in our day because it's our job.<br />
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So, what matters is that, barring unusual circumstances, we steadily progress through our curriculum.<br />
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So my top travel tip this edition of <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html" target="_blank">our Eastern Hemisphere travel journal</a> is to stack up your homeschool day!<br />
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Bonus points if you share on Instagram using Sonlight's hashtag #sonlightstack.<br />
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I'll be watching for your stacks!<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/fit-in-all-the-subjects.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">6 Steps to Fit in All the Subjects for Homeschooling Each Day</a> is another great article from the Sonlight blog that's worth a look for managing your homeschool day.<br />
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However, don't be confined to a daily routine if a weekly routine works better — schedule in blocks or chunks and only pull out the books you need based on which subjects you study that day.<br />
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No matter how your day stacks up, just keep working through it — one book at a time!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Moving on to the Middle East, Israel, and Saudi Arabia</span></h4>
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Our travels lately take us through another amazing pile of books!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pr7CWBSwQmo/WoEbC-eo46I/AAAAAAABrGs/FDMiWm1z_9QOK40It_XKZ5wSjutAn7lEgCKgBGAs/s640/7516791056_IMG_3335.JPG" title="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shadow Spinner was our favorite. I especially loved the lessons for life and storytelling, and that I'm learning to chew my words seven times before I let them out. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSKy68-aE-M/WoEdF0QEF6I/AAAAAAABrHA/XS_WXtOgTE4EXo725KbUUXl6HRLr45_BQCKgBGAs/s640/7585964192_IMG_2804.JPG" title="Stacking Up Your Homeschool Day with Sonlight" width="640" /></a></div>
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One lesson that really sticks out to me is that when we hear a story, certain parts of the story stick out to us more than others. So if I get an important message out of a story, that doesn't mean my children will get the same message. During our conversations about books now, I often ask what was meaningful to my children. Often, their answers surprise me.<br />
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I liked that the main character name, Sharazad, also appears in the book <i>Seven Daughters and Seven Sons, </i>which we also loved. And she will come up again when we get to Africa. </div>
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For our Choose Your Adventure, we decided on a recipe for <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/57998/apples-in-pajamas/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringId=1826&referringContentType=recipe%20hub" target="_blank">Apples in Pajamas</a>. I had just ordered a case of apples from our local food co-op, so I was happy to make something with apples... and well, fried food. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Apples in Pajamas for out Sonlight Middle Eastern Adventure" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jALip4oBc6o/WpXc_hQ-aUI/AAAAAAABrSo/6_ZSVxw_nQ8_GzjvBvoGkDMu1wQT_67zACKgBGAs/s640/7585940032_IMG_3449.JPG" title="Apples in Pajamas for out Sonlight Middle Eastern Adventure" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, I didn't follow the recipe. Instead, I made a batter using Pamela's gluten-free pancake mix for the pajama part, and we fried them in coconut oil. We sprinkled them with cinnamon "sugar." They tasted like apple pancakes. They were a hit!</div>
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Well, it's time to shelve a few books and add a few to our stack as we begin the next leg of our Eastern Hemisphere journey.<br />
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I'm really loving how our homeschool day is stacking up so far!<br />
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Previous editions, in case you missed them:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html">Being Content with Your Curriculum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html">How I Set Up Our Sonlight Instructor Guides | No Flipping Required</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html">Itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere Education</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html">Travel to China from the Comfort of Your Couch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/keeping-up-with-current-events-north.html">Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-through-russia-southeast-asia.html">Reading Through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/02/why-my-husband-loves-homeschooling-with.html">Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sonlight " src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/MG20148372"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180302-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Switch to Sonlight</a> and discover an education that is beautiful, complete, rewarding, flexible, engaging, easy to use, rigorous, inspiring, worthwhile, encouraging, guaranteed, fulfilling, life-changing, relationship-building, and an investment in the future. </div>
</div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-35480123354636913202018-03-02T06:00:00.000-07:002018-03-12T09:21:52.267-06:009. List the Places You Want to Go | 52 Lists<div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hX8hfk1KH2Y/Wp2_30P53fI/AAAAAAABrZM/P-Z-2Uxc7h8dK8IcgatCPVN7-EISzlSVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hX8hfk1KH2Y/Wp2_30P53fI/AAAAAAABrZM/P-Z-2Uxc7h8dK8IcgatCPVN7-EISzlSVgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I want to go:<br />
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<ul>
<li>someplace sunny and warm </li>
<li>on a picnic</li>
<li>to the our favorite pond for a nature study </li>
<li>on a long walk </li>
<li>on a hike up the canyon </li>
<li>canoeing at the lake</li>
<li>to Denver </li>
<li>to Ikea </li>
</ul>
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..when it warms up!<br />
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I'd love to take the kids to Elitch Gardens or Water World, and my husband would love to go to a game. </div>
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CHALLENGE: Try to plan visiting one of the places you want to go.<br />
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I'd like to intentionally plan a fabulous picnic with all my favorite picnic foods like:<br />
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<li>sandwiches (or cold BBQ chicken)</li>
<li>angel eggs</li>
<li>potato salad</li>
<li>chips</li>
<li>strawberries</li>
<li>chocolate cake </li>
</ul>
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What are your favorite picnic foods? And what do you take with you on a picnic?<br />
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Your turn: Where do you want to go? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCl89aC6R5A/WkmF-ioR7KI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/DpuQ96O8vy4VtiFw7XRM6M3eRKyQuNf2QCLcBGAs/s1600/52lists%2Bmain300.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-37128142538685296842018-02-24T18:42:00.000-07:002018-03-04T12:37:34.155-07:008. List Your Spring Bucket List | 52 Lists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2T3-zWxOQ/Wpwq2slRIuI/AAAAAAABrYg/GBxBZzAwTLogK16SaE3zQzOD5fBzWjytQCLcBGAs/s1600/A0AF2800-350E-4469-9553-1C1244C19B65-1-2048x1536-oriented.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Si2T3-zWxOQ/Wpwq2slRIuI/AAAAAAABrYg/GBxBZzAwTLogK16SaE3zQzOD5fBzWjytQCLcBGAs/s640/A0AF2800-350E-4469-9553-1C1244C19B65-1-2048x1536-oriented.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My spring bucket list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>spring clean my house</li>
<li>keep Passover at home with my family</li>
<li>make homemade unleavened bread</li>
<li>work on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdqOBjIAVCF/?taken-by=delightfullearning" target="_blank">our future home</a></li>
<li>watch for signs of spring</li>
<li>spend time outside as it warms up</li>
<li>start a new stack of books</li>
</ul>
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CHALLENGE: Share a post where you complete a task off this bucket list.<br />
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I love the accountability of this challenge — if I can remember!<br />
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Your turn: What's on your spring bucket list? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" title="52 lists with Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrvSOu1uRuo/Wkm25oiY6LI/AAAAAAAAAKY/WMUIvLC0n1Qfd9VNn3vPfqdOAvnOGjMEACLcBGAs/s1600/52listsGOLD300.png" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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P.S. The picture is Bo's artwork on the iPad. The kids have been using the drawing tools in Notes to do math problems and doodle. It's our house with the sun shining and perfect for this post because my spring bucket list is focused on "home" and things we can do at home. :)</div>
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-36631805490735268032018-02-19T07:55:00.002-07:002022-03-14T15:24:13.046-06:00Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight<i>I wrote this post, Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight, for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i><br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSVk34PlnYM/Wn-p2ccqodI/AAAAAAABrCc/t0yRDl6Khqswy5WaEb0gE4kvw1wvlfPcQCKgBGAs/s640/7518857328_IMG_3153.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I ask my husband how he feels about us using Sonlight, he always gives me his unprecedented support. He loves Sonlight. He tells me over and over that he would have loved to homeschool with Sonlight. It's the way he wished he'd been taught, and he loves that we are using this curriculum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owuVzhV_Yng/Wn-bsDw6ePI/AAAAAAABrBw/Z79UYyQZ1wA0Krn6LrlXsKSgEGYahOGTwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_1949.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="425" /></a></div>
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Indeed, he has always been my biggest supporter, but he's not merely cheering me on from the sidelines because he's in the game with me. This year we are studying the <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Eastern Hemisphere</a> and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/ACKR5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">World Cultures</a> with Sonlight and even though my husband works full-time and is attending college full-time, he still makes time to read to the kids.<br />
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<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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99WOq_Gxd2w/Wn-lxouGmmI/AAAAAAABrCE/W5BNYxW3wLY9lguOh2EXK8AXZ5sllm58gCKgBGAs/s640/7518857328_IMG_3151.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">My husband's current reading stack.</a></td></tr>
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So why does he love Sonlight?<br />
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In addition to loving all the books, he loves order and routine. He would love it if I had all of our subjects scheduled at regular times in the day. Math from 8 to 9. Science from 9 to 10. History, Bible, and Literature from 10 to 12, and so on.<br />
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I cringe at the thought of being so rigid. I like to pray in the mornings and ask God to order my day, and then I do whatever I feel is most important that day. I enjoy the liberty and latitude we have as homeschoolers and like to capitalize on that freedom.<br />
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So a good <strike>compromise</strike> win-win has always been Sonlight. <br />
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<h3>
Why my husband loves Sonlight:</h3>
<ul>
<li>He loves the schedule, of course. He loves that our homeschool day is rich, but also planned and scheduled out. It gives the OCD in him comfort.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>He loves that Sonlight emphasizes world history and world cultures. One year, he read the entire American History history spine to the kids, and we took turns doing read alouds. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>He loves being ahead of me on the schedule, ha. He considers himself behind if he's not at least a week ahead of me. (And I love that when I turn to a new week, I can check off boxes before I even start.)</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>He is my substitute teacher. He can pick up my IG at any time and know exactly where we are in our week. It's nice to know that I have a back up when I am not feeling well or need a break from reading. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>He loves the books. He loves to read and loves that our kids are learning to love reading too. With Sonlight's real books approach, my kids are always asking for more. Sonlight schedules just enough to make you feel like you've had a productive day, and they often leave off at a riveting part of the story which elicits regular pleas to read just one more chapter. Of course he can't be there for every book, but he hears all about it and is always anxious to hear how a book turns out.<br />
</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKP4T4b_7A0/Wn-b5JYHNKI/AAAAAAABrB0/inhZTwXCH0UohdKzPowqlJUr9xSlPwLnwCKgBGAs/s640/7518857328_IMG_3216.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Praying for gateway cities in in Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau — Sonlight F.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjM1fytrVrg/Wn-nrV8JfWI/AAAAAAABrCQ/ar4NzsSnAlgGvjnSTMMbtRmy2TtQbiN2ACKgBGAs/s640/7518857328_IMG_3251.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Reading Mary Slessor: Forward Into Calabar — Sonlight F.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDOljTYoxII/Wn-nrRRKHQI/AAAAAAABrCQ/NjH_VyvwC-QX16KG26hqPJw8degKK5IDwCKgBGAs/s640/7583879520_IMG_3256.JPG" title="Why My Husband Loves Homeschooling With Sonlight" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Reading the Egermeier's Bible to Bo — Sonlight A. </a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband loves Sonlight because he's a very routine and scheduled person. But, I'm not. I don't like being tied down to a schedule. I want to fly by the seat of my pants. But, I still love Sonlight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<h4>
Why I love Sonlight even though I'm not a scheduled person: </h4>
<ul>
<li>Sonlight guides are all scheduled out for me. I'm not a very scheduled person which means I hate scheduling. I don't like planners. I've never actually been able to use one for any length of time, so I crave the structure Sonlight provides. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Sonlight guides don't micromanage my day. They don't tell me WHEN to read, just what to read on what day. I can work the schedule down or across, if I want. As long as I complete Week 1, it doesn't matter to me (or my husband) what order I go in or how fast I go. If I want to finish a read aloud and read the rest of the week, I simply work the schedule across for that book and pick up with the next book or the next day on the schedule. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>I like putting a little check mark in the box after I finish reading. It gives me a sense of satisfaction. But, since I don't have to do it all, I'm not afraid to slash the boxes I don't want to do and move on. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Of all my children, my youngest, Bo, is the most like his dad in this regard. He loves, loves, loves the schedule. If I grab a book to read to him without the schedule, he will go get the schedule himself so he can mark our progress. Like his dad, he also has a little competitive streak in him, so he wants to <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2018/01/reading-through-russia-southeast-asia.html" target="_blank">catch up to his older siblings</a>. In order to catch up, I am saving a few books to read over the summer, and we are reading a week's worth of history and science in one day which is not hard to do in Level A.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>After trying other literature based curricula, the Reader Guides are one of the reasons we came back to Sonlight. I love that Sonlight equips you to fully engage your student without having to read a single reader because I cannot read every book I hand my students. I love to read and care about what I give my children to read, but I'm not a fast reader. I say every word in my head, and it's annoying because it slows me down. I read book descriptions and summaries along with the notes in the IG for important information about each book, and then I hand the book to my child. I love that Sonlight does this work for me. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>After years of heaping other curriculum on top of Sonlight and burning myself out, doing Sonlight has been a breath of fresh air. Our days feel productive with plenty of downtime to enjoy other pursuits. I love that I can close the school room door at the end of the day and not have to think about what we are doing tomorrow. I just open the IG and do the next thing. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>There is nothing routine about reading the books. Each day is a new adventure! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
So, even though I'm not a scheduled person, Sonlight allows me the flexibility I need and love. Since <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html" target="_blank">being content in my homeschool</a>, I appreciate that all the more, and I'm grateful to use a curriculum that my husband loves and supports. <br />
<br />
To see more reasons we love Sonlight, please read <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/landing/why-sonlight/reasons-families-love-sonlight/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">19 Reasons Families Love Sonlight</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Sonlight" src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/MG20148372"></a> <br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Switch to Sonlight</a> and discover an education that is beautiful, complete, rewarding, flexible, engaging, easy to use, rigorous, inspiring, worthwhile, encouraging, guaranteed, fulfilling, life-changing, relationship-building, and an investment in the future. </div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-46241331313407218562018-02-17T22:24:00.001-07:002018-02-17T22:24:04.591-07:007. Things That Make You Feel Healthy | 52 Lists<i>This post, Things That Make You Feel Healthy, contains affiliate and referral links. </i><div>
<i><br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT54ws5Kstw/WokEgXp39EI/AAAAAAABrMk/x3X6YRBMtfkBrlm4bTnKr3aPyb86-SG1ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1593.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uT54ws5Kstw/WokEgXp39EI/AAAAAAABrMk/x3X6YRBMtfkBrlm4bTnKr3aPyb86-SG1ACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_1593.PNG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">My morning routine: essential oil scan, happy oils, and whole food supplements (as shared on Instagram). </td></tr>
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I love lists like these!<br />
<h4>
Things that make me feel healthy:</h4>
<ul>
<li>sunshine and lots of it</li>
<li>early to bed (and getting a full nights sleep) </li>
<li>early to rise (but not too early!)</li>
<li>peace and quiet</li>
<li>reducing stress </li>
<li>putting my phone down</li>
<li>picking up a book</li>
<li>finishing a project</li>
<li>homeschooling my kids </li>
<li>clean water </li>
<li>fresh air</li>
<li>organic, nutrient dense foods</li>
<li>eating Biblically clean and following God's health laws </li>
<li>healthy non-dairy hot cocoa mix</li>
<li>coconut oil and other healthy fats</li>
<li>moderate protein</li>
<li>low carb </li>
<li>eliminating all processed sugar from my diet (eating raw honey, pure maple syrup, or coconut sugar on special occasions) </li>
<li>raw oatmeal with <a href="https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Standard-Process/Calcifood-Powder#.WokIbmaZO8o" target="_blank">Calcifood powder</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2CtmPDo" target="_blank">collagen</a>, and sliced ripe banana for breakfast with unsweetened organic almond milk </li>
<li>home cooked meals </li>
<li><a href="https://www.standardprocess.com/" target="_blank">whole food vitamins, supplements, and herbs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2HmKwkF" target="_blank">probiotics </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2014/10/my-favorite-essential-oils-peace-calming.html" target="_blank">happy oils</a> </li>
<li>homemade, natural things like toothpaste, deodorant, and lip balm</li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2ELxzlX" target="_blank">3% hydrogen peroxide</a> drops in my ears at the first sign of a cold (it always starts in my ears)</li>
<li>colloidal silver </li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FcZ5Xg" target="_blank">natural eye relief drops</a></li>
<li>all natural make up</li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2sEmHkW" target="_blank">herbal iced tea</a></li>
<li>a hot bath </li>
<li>having a positive attitude </li>
<li>controlling my spending</li>
<li>nurturing my soul </li>
<li>drawing near to the Lord</li>
</ul>
<br />
The challenge is to try a new healthy recipe, so I made Skinny Chocolate Truffles from the <a href="http://amzn.to/2sDq7UT" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama cookbook</a> for the first time. Made with <a href="http://amzn.to/2HpmWUh" target="_blank">kosher gelatin</a>, coconut oil, cocoa, sweetener, peppermint essential oil, and crushed xylitol peppermint candies, they are a sweet, healthy treat.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrc4Ez28-wQ/WokJNZCQqKI/AAAAAAABrMw/Oq58xp8eD6EsUkNth0GLNFcG3vmscidiQCKgBGAs/s1600/7518838528_IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrc4Ez28-wQ/WokJNZCQqKI/AAAAAAABrMw/Oq58xp8eD6EsUkNth0GLNFcG3vmscidiQCKgBGAs/s640/7518838528_IMG_2897.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also made non-dairy hot cocoa mix with powdered coconut milk and coconut creamer (from Azure Standard), stevia, (and coconut sugar for the kids). I'm not supposed to have dairy (or sugar or a host of other things) with the MTHFR mutation. I've switched from raw cow's milk to organic almond milk and I'm limiting cheese, butter, and other dairy for now, but it's very hard. I went off all dairy for a week with Malachi who went off it to see if it improves his breathing at night (milk is mucous forming, so it's good to avoid it if you have a cold). It did, so I need to switch him to almond milk and coconut milk based products. It's really hard to eliminate all dairy, but I feel healthier when I don't eat it, and it's easier knowing it makes Malachi healthier too.<br />
<br />
Your turn: What things make you feel healthy? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.<br />
<br />
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-10369729523910162202018-02-10T19:50:00.000-07:002018-02-17T22:29:56.002-07:006. List the Ways You Can Love Others | 52 Lists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yL-3uneQTU/WokPJmS_LqI/AAAAAAABrNE/MpF94pIxCdMHrCUCbtjQ__RAhAfEclKMwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2051.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yL-3uneQTU/WokPJmS_LqI/AAAAAAABrNE/MpF94pIxCdMHrCUCbtjQ__RAhAfEclKMwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_2051.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I'd like to use the words of St. Francis to list how I can express God's love to others:<br />
<br />
<i>Lord make me an instrument of your peace</i><br />
<i>Where there is hatred let me sow love</i><br />
<i>Where there is injury, pardon</i><br />
<i>Where there is doubt, faith</i><br />
<i>Where there is despair, hope</i><br />
<i>Where there is darkness, light</i><br />
<i>And where there is sadness, joy</i><br />
<i>O divine master grant that I may</i><br />
<i>not so much seek to be consoled as to console</i><br />
<i>to be understood as to understand</i><br />
<i>To be loved as to love</i><br />
<i>For it is in giving that we receive</i><br />
<i>it is in pardoning that we are pardoned</i><br />
<i>And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life.</i><br />
<br />
The challenge is to try to act upon this list, and the best I can do is to try to imitate the love that God has shown me.<br />
<br />
In all practicality, I can:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>cook meals </li>
<li>beat my husband to the dishes</li>
<li>keep our house tidy</li>
<li>give of myself when I'd rather take </li>
<li>be uplifting and encouraging to others</li>
<li>offer a listening ear</li>
<li>say thank you</li>
<li>be a friend </li>
<li>pray for others</li>
<li>be patient and forgiving</li>
<li>be kind and thoughtful of others </li>
<li>write a letter to someone who is lonely </li>
<li>send a get well card </li>
<li>let people know I'm thinking of them </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Your turn:</b> What are the ways you can love others? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.<br />
<br />
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-14662099845442291932018-02-03T18:32:00.000-07:002018-02-17T20:41:16.890-07:005. List What You Are Grateful For | 52 ListsI am grateful for:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>everything! </li>
</ul>
<br />
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul admonishes that we should be thankful to God for EVERYTHING!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."</i></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8xrOpp52FA/WojypePQ-PI/AAAAAAABrLU/mTcd2kvLRyklw-Jo6LPBqfEIGmD-E97pwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2050.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8xrOpp52FA/WojypePQ-PI/AAAAAAABrLU/mTcd2kvLRyklw-Jo6LPBqfEIGmD-E97pwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_2050.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." — 1Th 5:18 </i></blockquote>
<br />
I was recently challenged to pause and consider all the many things God has done:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Consider the blessings of where you live.</li>
<li>Consider the blessings of being alive, even if you are having health issues.</li>
<li>Consider the blessings of your family - both physical and spiritual and the extended family God has blessed you with.</li>
<li>Consider the blessings that come with the knowledge of God's plan and purpose for humanity.</li>
<li>Consider the blessings of all God has done for you.</li>
<li>By considering these things we can go to God in prayer and give Him heartfelt praise and thanks for the many, many blessings he has poured out on us.</li>
</ul>
<br />
"Make this a Sabbath where you give thanks to God for all He has done for you, and while you're at it, also give thanks to others for the things they do for you, too. In doing this you will not only be praising God, but also edifying your brothers and sisters."<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>the blessing of a home to live in </li>
<li>the blessing of being alive and the health and the strength to make it through each day one step at a time</li>
<li>my little family, my big family, my church family, and close friends who are like family</li>
<li>knowing the love of God</li>
<li>the blessing of having a loving husband and great kids</li>
<li>the blessing of homeschooling</li>
<li>God's provision </li>
<li>healthy food to feed my family</li>
<li>peace and quiet</li>
<li>losing weight and the wonderful problem of needing new clothes</li>
<li>homemade skinny chocolate truffles and Treeses (Trim Reeses!)</li>
<li>sunshine </li>
<li>the hope of warmer weather and spring right around the corner</li>
<li>and so much more! </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Your turn:</b> What are you grateful for? Take some time to stop and think of all your blessings. And then give thanks to God for them! <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.<br />
<br />
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-43381177650262050382018-01-30T11:07:00.001-07:002018-03-02T16:25:35.921-07:00Reading Through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India | Homeschooling With Sonlight F<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>This post, Reading Through Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and India, was written for <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
When it comes to homeschooling and and life in general, it feels good to keep your head above water. Nevertheless, you sometimes reach a point where you start treading water and can only lift your head out for a quick breath before tackling the next wave, but you don't get a full life-giving breath of fresh air.<br />
<br />
This winter, I was desperate to breathe new life into my homeschool, but instead of slowing down, we got productive. Winter has always been my favorite time to hunker down with blankets and bust out school while it's bitter cold out, and my husband is doubling up on his school to get a Bachelors in one year, so I couldn't see a better time to not only work on getting caught up, but work on getting ahead, too. So we doubled up on our school, too, and it has been a breath of fresh air to feel caught up.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
You Don't Have to Miss a Thing, But You Can</span></h4>
We doubled up to catch up without missing a thing, however if you are feeling behind, it's okay if you don't do everything. With Sonlight’s “real” books approach your children will assuredly come back to read these stories to themselves, for years to come — I learned this when we first came back to Sonlight after wandering in the desert of homeschool curriculum desperate for an oasis. Importantly, this is true for my kids.<br />
<br />
Malachi, almost 13, has re-read most of the books from Sonlight Levels A, B, and C, sometimes more than once. It started one day when he wanted a new book, and the public library was closed. "Go grab a book off the shelf," I hollered above the hullaballoo of trying to get out the door for a day trip. Since then, he "checks out" books from our homeschool library on a regular basis on top of Literature F.<br />
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While they contain unusual customs, cultures, and religions that are strange to us — even shocking at times, there is beauty and wisdom in these stories. So, while we could skip some, I don't want to miss anything God may want to teach us through these books.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Travel tip:</span><b> </b>Remember, don’t try to do everything. Sonlight has included many, many ideas to give you lots of flexibility, but you will be overwhelmed if you try to do everything.<br />
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To be clear, I, personally, did not do everything, and I couldn't have done any of this without my husband's help and support, nor without the kid's buy-in. I missed some books that I hope to read later, but my kids did not miss anything because my husband read to the kids everyday at lunch to help us get caught up. However, when I did Level F with Dylan, my student who does not love to read, we skipped a lot of books — books I don't want to miss a second time!</div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVsba4-ycmA/WhDElv3N6YI/AAAAAAABo_0/mL3s2R7rR0M9uVx0gkkmQFfHyUyjytGPQCKgBGAs/s640/6241748080_IMG_1598.JPG" title="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" width="640" /></a><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
Feeling Behind</span></h4>
We had a rough go late fall heading into winter, so when we started Week 10 in late November, I was feeling behind. While we typically school year round, we need to stick to our scheduled plan this year to be done in time for a move, so I wanted to catch up and get ahead quick.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">
Doubling up </span></h4>
To double up, my husband and I did 4 weeks in 2. Starting in Week 10, we began our studies in Russia. I had my husband read <i>I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade, </i>scheduled out over Weeks 10, 11, and 12, and <i>Whatever Happened to Penny Candy</i>, scheduled out over Weeks 12 and 13. While he read that, and the kids worked on their Eastern Hemisphere Notebook assignements independently, I read <i>Breaking Stalin's Nose</i>, scheduled in Week 13. Thus, we did 4 weeks of school in two weeks.<br />
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<h3>
Reading Through Russia</h3>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqkCG7HYKIk/WmuTUmH67NI/AAAAAAABqmI/Q6x3inGFkc8hEDI4SbhlWzoVgxr9dc26QCKgBGAs/s640/7518885248_IMG_2552.JPG" title="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sites to see and topics to explore: </div>
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<ul>
<li>Russia: The Big Picture</li>
<li>Russia's Form of Government </li>
<li>Communism</li>
<li>Land, Water, and Climate in Russia</li>
<li>Meet the People of Russia</li>
<li>Everyday Life</li>
<li>Russian Culture </li>
<li>Russian Wildlife</li>
<li>Russian Economy</li>
<li>Russian Timeline</li>
</ul>
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Our favorite books:<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Breaking Stalin's Nose</i> because it brought communism alive in a way that kept us on the edge of our seats. It's set in Moscow during the days of the U.S.S.R. under Stalin's rule. </li>
<li><i>Whatever Happened to Penny Candy</i> because it was interesting and relevant to our study of socialism verses capitalism.</li>
</ul>
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Choose Your Russian Adventure: We had a film appreciation night and watched Mulan and Sleeping Beauty, which was the first time our kids had seen either movie.<br />
<b><br /></b><span style="font-size: large;">Travel tip:</span> Don’t forget about adding <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/electives/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Electives</a> here and there! Sonlight does not schedule electives so you can add them in where and when it works best for <i>you</i>. Consider adding in an art project or study a Russian artist.<br />
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I have been wanting to do an art project, so we painted Matryoshka dolls.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="457" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErPJk-ykbhI/WmuS1NwB9EI/AAAAAAABqmA/Vt8GlQyToOo7G6qb6D8L9ga5LKvlPtHjACKgBGAs/s640/7518885248_IMG_2604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Reading through Southeast Asia and Vietnam</h3>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXcc0lt8TpA/WjfcORDjxEI/AAAAAAABpnQ/uBUmlfvsNxo2weM-URRgmS2Fgwpa9RNVgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0509.JPG" title="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sites to see and topics to explore:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Southeast Asia and Vietnam: The Big Picture</li>
<li>Meet the People</li>
<li>Land, Water, and Climate</li>
<li>The Economy </li>
<li>Buddhism</li>
<li>Government</li>
<li>Culture</li>
<li>Vietnam's Wildlife</li>
<li>Vietnam's Economy</li>
<li>Southeast Asia Timeline </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Travel Tip:</span> Be sure to read the notes in the instructor guides for the read-alouds and readers. The notes give you detailed information about the book, it's setting, historical significance, important vocabulary words, and also discussion questions. Some books have graphic details that may not be appropriate for sensitive children or little ears that may be listening in, so you will want to make sure to read the notes for each book.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6nUjzR-R2A/WmuTJ9ZeJSI/AAAAAAABqmE/rfWx0pb3BeIW7dWvHNvWUKA89iBqa5f-gCKgBGAs/s640/7518885248_IMG_2583.JPG" title="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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My student's favorite book:<br />
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<i>Just So Stories </i>— this collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling tell how the world came to be — how the leopard got its spots, how the camel got its hump, etc. (I explained that cultures make up stories to explain how animals came to be, but we believe God created the world and everything in it.) The kids said the stories were fun to read.<br />
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Choose Your Southwest Asia Adventure<br />
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</b> My husband's good friend, who made a trip to the Philippines to meet his future bride, gave us a few souvenirs for our "Filipino market."<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBlF8GIdL88/WmuXxT4VawI/AAAAAAABqmk/CZMy5bu9KGEtoyaftVEn59Vrh2Fg6-4MwCLcBGAs/s640/6174670256_IMG_8889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And when I asked one of my Filipino friends what we should make for a Southeast Asian dish, she said, "Make noodles. We love noodles."<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1126" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7zSFyEJFWY/Wjfjz9nAGwI/AAAAAAABpng/lVOzTiP052EDCXuJPf0PzDXD2pKxB0YugCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We do too, so we made Lo mein noodles with veggies and chicken. <br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqYnk1tOwIs/Wjfjz2zN_RI/AAAAAAABpng/pxDiNNv-HN4hYwEAdYbf-i4s2PvKe0dkgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0500.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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There's a Downside to Doubling Up</span></h4>
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One downside to this method of doubling up is the fact that the kids don't get a break from notebooking when a History read aloud is scheduled. So, right after two weeks of notebooking through Russia, my husband read <i>The Land I Lost</i> while the kids started their notebooking pages for their two week jaunt through Southeast Asia — Weeks 14 and 15. In this case, I gave the kids a week break from their writing class.<br />
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Students on the younger end of the age range for Level F will not be able to keep up this pace if they are not voracious readers. I highly recommend you skip a book in that case, and let them read it over summer vacation.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">More Than One Way</span></h4>
<br />
There's more than one way to schedule Sonlight. Check out these helpful links:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/behind-homeschool-schedule.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">7 Ways to Catch Up When You're Behind Schedule in Homeschool</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/ways-schedule-homeschool.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Six Ways to Schedule Your Homeschool Year to Fit Your Family</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/scheduling-homeschool-day.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Scheduling Your Homeschool Day: 6 Principles That Work</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/schedule5-day-program.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180130-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">How to Schedule a 5-Day Program in a 4-Day Homeschool Week</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonlight/posts/10155193181292747" target="_blank">How to follow the schedule and not feel like you have to do everything</a> </li>
</ol>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">On Notebooking with the Eastern Hemisphere Notebook</span></h4>
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The ability to double up in HBL F is possible because of the natural breaks in notebooking. Notebooking in the Eastern Hemisphere Notebook naturally slow us down, but it also teaches my kids how to find and use reference material. It is both challenging and flexible because there really is no right or wrong answer. They simply write down what interests them.<br />
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Recently, we learned that it's okay to write in our books! We listened to a lecture on how to read a book and the talk could be summed up in four words: write in your book. The kids were shocked because of course they were taught to not write in books to keep them nice, but I write in my books all the time. It's how I learn. My husband had a little harder time with this than I did. He agreed it would be beneficial but preferred them to highlight words, sentences, or passages with a highlighter, rather than using light pencil marks which is my preference.<br />
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See more <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html" target="_blank">how I encourage independent learning while notebooking through History F</a>.<br />
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<h3>
Reading through India</h3>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q87kcC6O1Y/WmuUiaxb55I/AAAAAAABqmU/ef6JhsdBN7s7IzLPtmT5440g80qt7ScdQCKgBGAs/s640/7518885248_IMG_2626.JPG" title="Homeschooling With Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sites to see and topics to explore:</div>
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<ul>
<li>India: The Big Picture</li>
<li>Meet the People of India</li>
<li>Land, Water, and Climate of India</li>
<li>Everyday Life in India</li>
<li>Hinduism, Islam, and more</li>
<li>A Day in India</li>
<li>India's Goverment</li>
<li>India's Wildlife</li>
<li>India's Culture</li>
<li>India's Economy</li>
<li>India Timeline </li>
</ul>
Our favorites books:<i> </i><i>Daughter of the Mountains</i> and <i>Rickshaw Girl.</i><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">6 Weeks in 3: How We Doubled Up in India</span></h4>
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We felt so good about doubling up in Russia that when we got to India, my husband and I tagged team our time with terrific success to knock out six weeks in three. </div>
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Starting in Week 16, I read <i>Rickshaw Girl </i>as scheduled. </div>
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In Week 17, Malachi read <i>Theresa of Calcutta, </i>a read-aloud. My purpose for having Malachi read a read-aloud was two fold. First, he took one for the team so "we" wouldn't have to miss a book. Second, he's a voracious reader, and I like the practice of having him read aloud.</div>
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Also in Week 17, my husband started reading <i>William Carey: Obliged to Go</i>, while I started reading <i>Daughter of the Mountains </i>— both scheduled in Weeks 19 - 21. So by the time the kids finished their notebooking for India, we had completed 6 weeks of school in 3. </div>
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<i>Note from the trenches: </i>I often listen when my husband reads aloud to the kids, but I sometimes miss a chapter. That's okay because I enjoy the quiet time and my kids give me full narrations of what I miss! I don't often require a narration when I read to them because they are exceptional listeners and do well on the discussion questions, so it's fun to see them give an oral narration now and then. </div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Choose Your Indian Adventure: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">South Indian Lemon Pickles</span></h4>
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For our adventure for India, we made South Indian Lemon Pickles. </div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XLzJ1SVe48/Wm9g1x-ivOI/AAAAAAABqtk/_eu1yOamzk4qcmqbFxOtrloJ3snj_a7FQCKgBGAs/s640/7518838528_IMG_2912.JPG" title="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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Made with 16 lemons, 3 T sea salt, 1 t. cayenne pepper, 1 t. roasted fenugreek seed powder, 1 t. turmeric powder, and 2 T raw coconut sugar, these mouth puckering pickles are digestive enhancing pickles from India. They stimulate the saliva and gets those digestive juices flowing.</div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xP-48a2_0K0/Wm9g11iXJtI/AAAAAAABqtk/YSuqR1KOmFAuqfr1o-0kUkceaAYs4OpsgCKgBGAs/s640/7518838528_IMG_2921.JPG" title="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make, wash and rinse lemons and cut into 8 wedges. Mix lemons with salt, spices, and sugar, toss to coat, and place in two 1/2 gallon jars leaving extra room in the jar for turning the lemons daily, and place a loose fitting lid or cheesecloth on top secured with a rubberband. (Use two quart jars if halving the recipe). </div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3qF3W4vblI/Wm9g150mPPI/AAAAAAABqtk/SOhZn-PAA68FGd688ssL3rXTZDxDrwGRwCKgBGAs/s640/7518838528_IMG_2924.JPG" title="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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Set them in a sunny window to ferment, daily turn jar to mix spices, and they will be ready in 2 weeks. To eat, you cut one wedge into four pieces and eat 1 - 2 pieces per meal. These get better as they age and keep forever. </div>
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We may have raced through India to set a new reading record in our homeschool, but I will be making some of the recipes I found because there are so many I want to make.</div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9XkNgZO4tg/Wm9m2duOeqI/AAAAAAABquY/wuBXhwp9nVwWZmZURHYtt-JzzsFqQ8TeQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0211.JPG" title="Homeschooling with Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Using Sonlight As Is</span></h4>
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My goal this year was simply to use Sonlight as is because Sonlight HBL is certainly enough with it's real books approach. When you read these books, you can't help but be changed in some way. The stories affect you that way. I've already added chana dal to my shopping list, I just bought cardamon to make Indian Spiced Hot Chocolate, and I'm learning to chew my words seven times before I let them out. . . but that's a story for another time. </div>
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Previous editions, in case you missed them:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html">Being Content with Your Curriculum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html">How I Set Up Our Sonlight Instructor Guides | No Flipping Required</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html">Itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere Education</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html">Travel to China from the Comfort of Your Couch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/keeping-up-with-current-events-north.html">Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sonlight " src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a></div>
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-83439571124078269732018-01-27T18:24:00.000-07:002018-02-16T17:27:58.647-07:004. List Your Current and Future Dreams & Goals | 52 Lists<div style="text-align: left;">
Because 2018 will be a year of change, I created the following s l o w goals to encourage me to slow down and enjoy the time I have with my loved ones and to make time for personal growth. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvvMzkGfyfM/WmvV3xlN_vI/AAAAAAABqnc/y5q-L4YkWN0glidoJ5lfsQOKFAMQBXGOQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1163.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvvMzkGfyfM/WmvV3xlN_vI/AAAAAAABqnc/y5q-L4YkWN0glidoJ5lfsQOKFAMQBXGOQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_1163.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I shared this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdqihrgAUI8/?taken-by=delightfullearning" target="_blank">on Instagram</a> as a part of the #megamotherhood daily photo challenge, except that I'm quite behind and rarely ever post daily, so it has really been a challenge to keep up. I wrote these on the fly, so when I posted this photo, I asked if I could add take 18 hot baths and go to bed early 18 times a month?<br />
<br />
Upon further reflection, I came up with a few dreams and goals:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>buy a house </li>
<li>sell our property in Montana </li>
<li>support my husband while he gets his bachelors in one year</li>
<li>get my health back on track and feel good</li>
<li>graduate Dylan and help him strategize his exit plan</li>
<li>stick to our budget</li>
<li>sell homeschool books</li>
<li>work on Project Life</li>
<li>knit something </li>
<li>sew something </li>
<li>learn to macrame</li>
<li>learn chess tactics</li>
</ul>
<br />
Challenge: Look at this list of dreams and goals often and reflect on them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" title="52 lists with Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrvSOu1uRuo/Wkm25oiY6LI/AAAAAAAAAKY/WMUIvLC0n1Qfd9VNn3vPfqdOAvnOGjMEACLcBGAs/s1600/52listsGOLD300.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Your turn:</b> What are your current and future dreams and goals? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-81237230983599308332018-01-20T20:16:00.000-07:002018-01-30T14:05:38.855-07:003. List the Things You Should Be Proud of | 52 Lists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD1I1eL4-F4/Wm_AONbpl0I/AAAAAAABqvY/x32PrvKboMIOm0wIHNFMJ2BzG-GytZ7OACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1753.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD1I1eL4-F4/Wm_AONbpl0I/AAAAAAABqvY/x32PrvKboMIOm0wIHNFMJ2BzG-GytZ7OACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_1753.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Things I <i>should be</i> proud of:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>my human frailties </li>
<li>that my heart is crippled </li>
<li>that I am still learning to have forgiveness and trust </li>
<li>that I have an overly strong sense of justice </li>
<li>that I don't chew my words 7 times before I let them out</li>
<li>that God's power is perfected in my weakness </li>
<li>that God sees me for who I will become, and not for who I am now</li>
<li>that all insight, understanding, and wisdom comes from above</li>
<li>that His grace is sufficient</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCl89aC6R5A/WkmF-ioR7KI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/DpuQ96O8vy4VtiFw7XRM6M3eRKyQuNf2QCLcBGAs/s1600/52lists%2Bmain300.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Your turn:</b> What are the things you should be proud of? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.</div>
</div>
</div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-83569162841567922682018-01-13T18:26:00.000-07:002018-01-30T14:06:31.617-07:002. List Your Greatest Comforts | 52 ListsMy greatest comforts are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>hope</li>
<li>my faith</li>
<li>walking with my Savior</li>
<li>my husband</li>
<li>my family</li>
<li>my home</li>
<li>my lizzy lou</li>
<li>my friends true</li>
<li>a hot sea salt bath</li>
<li>essential oils</li>
<li>hot compresses</li>
<li>back and neck rubs</li>
<li>a heating pad</li>
<li>a mason jar of iced herbal tea</li>
<li>a good nights sleep</li>
<li>a fresh perspective</li>
<li>a hot cooked nutritious meal and a clean house</li>
<li>checking things off on my to-do list</li>
<li>keeping things off on my to-do list</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1dl8oyDDz8/Wmy7GSDSyQI/AAAAAAABqnw/o4xM4D78Qygq0ByODp6xI7sBPtlsGbHVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-27%2Bat%2B10.44.15%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1dl8oyDDz8/Wmy7GSDSyQI/AAAAAAABqnw/o4xM4D78Qygq0ByODp6xI7sBPtlsGbHVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-01-27%2Bat%2B10.44.15%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
My list was considerably influenced by the fact that I had a headache everyday this particular week, but I am much better now. The photo is a cozy corner of my room.<br />
<br />
CHALLENGE: Ponder and pray over ways to offer comfort to someone else.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" title="52 lists with Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrvSOu1uRuo/Wkm25oiY6LI/AAAAAAAAAKY/WMUIvLC0n1Qfd9VNn3vPfqdOAvnOGjMEACLcBGAs/s1600/52listsGOLD300.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Your turn:</b> What are your greatest comforts? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-54079812945116020332018-01-07T11:48:00.000-07:002018-02-27T15:59:46.543-07:00Reading Stack | Currently Our current reading stack:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jX7YYYtXyq4/WlJP3wKpZ1I/AAAAAAABqAg/8EunkYFf-iAox4t7SCMEloQOgXwWnvj5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jX7YYYtXyq4/WlJP3wKpZ1I/AAAAAAABqAg/8EunkYFf-iAox4t7SCMEloQOgXwWnvj5QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Or should I say stack<b>s</b>?<br />
<br />
<b>Starting in the upper left:</b> Bo’s science stack. He is doing <a href="http://?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">@Sonlight</a> <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/AS5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Science A</a> — Biology, Botany, and Physics. He’s learning about our world (currently volcanos) and light. <i>The Usborne Book of Science Activities</i> has always been a favorite of ours, and the <i>Children’s Encyclopedia</i> has esepcially been a favorite of our boys.<br />
<br />
<b>In the upper middle:</b> Malachi and Eliana’s science stack. we have another <i>Usborne Science Encyclopedia</i>! Underneath is <i>Gizmo’s and Gadgets,</i> by Jill Frankel Hauser. I love her books. Current topics are energy and heat.<br />
<br />
<b>In the upper right:</b> my husband’s reading stack. He does Sonlight Bible A and F with the kids. He’s currently reading out of <i>Ergermeier's Bible Story Book</i>, <i>Case for Christ for Kids</i> by Lee Strobel (we just watched the movie Case for Christ and now I want to read this!), and he is also reading <i>100 Gateway Cities</i> from HBL F. I love that he does this! It’s such a big help to me. In fact, we recently doubled up on our Sonlight to catch up, and I will be sharing how we did this — without missing a thing.<br />
<br />
<b>On the bottom left:</b> our <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Eastern Hemisphere</a> reading stack. Luke just finished <i>William Carey: Obliged to Go</i>, and I read <i>Daughter of the Mountain</i>. So up next is <i>Shadow Spinner</i>, but I haven’t started it yet. Underneath is <i>All the Small Poems</i>. I’ve seen complaints about this book, but we love it! It’s so fun, and this is why: when I read a poem, I omit the title and have the kids guess what it is. They listen intently and enjoy the game. Give it a try!<br />
<br />
Under that is More Stories from Grandma’s Attic — Sonlight Grade 4-5 Readers (circa 2013), which is now <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/subjects/readers/readers-4-5/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Grade 4 Readers</a>. She was doing so good keeping up with Level F literature, but <b>I could see that working at what Ruth Beechick would call her challenging level all the time was wearing her out</b>. So, I bumped her back to an easy level to give her an opportunity to just enjoy literature for awhile, and I think she will because she's completed three weeks of the guide in just one week. I gave Malachi two years after he graduated from <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/p/all-about-learning-on-delightful.html" target="_blank">All About Reading</a> to read whatever he wanted, so I’m pleased that she even tried Level F lit, but she's ready for a break. (For the record, the last book she finished was <i>Just So Stories</i> by Rudyard Kipling and had started <i>Around the World in 80 Days</i>.)<br />
<br />
<b>On the bottom middle:</b> Malachi’s reading stack. He’s reading <i>A Beautiful Lie</i> and both he and Eliana are reading <i>The Journey to the Eastern Hemisphere</i> book, which is a part of <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">HBL F</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>On the bottom right:</b> our <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/ACKR5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180107-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight HBL A</a> reading stack. Currently: <i>Living Long Ago</i>, <i>The Apple and the Arrow</i>, and <i>The Good News Must Go Out</i>. I’m also still reading <i>Stories from Grandma’s Attic </i>which was scheduled a few weeks ago. I am reading this when we do Bo's <a href="https://www.iew.com/affiliate/201214/PAL-W-CP" target="_blank">PAL writing</a> because the chapter titles make excellent clinchers! On the very bottom is <i>The Llama Who Had No Pajama</i>. We lost this book our 2nd week of the school year and just found it this week. We had lots to catch up on, but it was enjoyable, easy to do.<br />
<br />
<b>Delightful links:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/12/eastern-hemisphere-and-world-cultures.html" target="_blank">Eastern Hemisphere and World Cultures with Sonlight | Our 2017-2018 Curriculum</a> {to see more details about what we are using for curriculum in our homeschool}<br />
<br />
Read more about <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/search/label/%23sonlightstories" target="_blank">our 2017-2018 #sonlightstories here</a>!<br />
<br />
See <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/p/our-sonlight-moments-through-years.html" target="_blank">our archived Sonlight moments over the years here</a>.Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-57675731280248376332018-01-06T21:46:00.000-07:002018-01-30T14:04:45.041-07:001. The Words That Touch Your Soul | 52 Lists <h3>
1. The words that touch my soul:</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>peace </li>
<li>calm</li>
<li>quiet</li>
<li>light</li>
<li>color</li>
<li>sunshine</li>
<li>warmth</li>
<li>life </li>
<li>love</li>
<li>family</li>
<li>home</li>
<li>stories</li>
<li>memories</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV4ZLwIJOiE/WlGdIaanwPI/AAAAAAABp_8/2G25YNgv0kQt80xBbZ9OQ31kO4l164AAgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1151.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV4ZLwIJOiE/WlGdIaanwPI/AAAAAAABp_8/2G25YNgv0kQt80xBbZ9OQ31kO4l164AAgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1151.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make my list, I said the word aloud, and if I had a good feeling about the word, it went on my list. There was a long list of things, so I narrowed it down to the ones I had the strongest feelings for. It was a meaningful exercise because it brought these things to my conscious awareness. For example, knowing that I crave light helps me to be aware of how much sunshine I get — even inside the house. If I can sit in front of a sunny window, I will. In fact, when it's time to read aloud, the kids will get my chair ready for me! </div>
<div>
<br />
Anyway, for fun, I pulled out a thesaurus so I could "dress up" my list and give it a little flair — IEW style!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The words <i>with style</i> that touch my soul:-)</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>tranquility</li>
<li>serenity </li>
<li>stillness</li>
<li>rainbow</li>
<li>daylight </li>
<li>toasty</li>
<li>living</li>
<li>charity</li>
<li>kindred</li>
<li>hearth</li>
<li>testimonies</li>
<li>accounts</li>
<li>reminiscence </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
For life, I was going to use flora or fauna, but I couldn't decide between the two and living won out over be or being. What would you have picked? Color was a hard one too. Rainbow won out over hue because I love the colors of the rainbow, but hue was growing on me.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> One Little Word Challenge</span></h4>
<div>
I want to be full of His joy!<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So, my word for 2018 is: </h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ENDURE</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Olive & Plaid"><img alt="52 lists with Olive & Plaid" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCl89aC6R5A/WkmF-ioR7KI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/DpuQ96O8vy4VtiFw7XRM6M3eRKyQuNf2QCLcBGAs/s1600/52lists%2Bmain300.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Your turn:</b> What words touch your soul? <a href="http://oliveandplaid.blogspot.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">Make your list</a> and share! Join us at <a href="http://www.oliveandplaid.com/">www.OliveandPlaid.com</a>.</div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-23101931546530501092017-12-15T10:56:00.001-07:002018-03-02T16:27:20.652-07:00Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan | Sonlight<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This post, Keeping Up with Current Events, North Korea, South Korea and Japan, was written for <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>. </i></div>
<br />
In this edition of <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html" target="_blank">your guided tour</a> through <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History / Bible / Literature F,</a> we careen through North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. Our top travel tip this edition features the elements of a Current Events study. We're hearing a lot about North Korea and South Korea in the news, and Sonlight schedules a study of Current Events beginning in Level F, so I'll share how we approach the study with the goal to cultivate a habit of keeping up with Current Events.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8haMMHApDCI/Wi3cS7sPC-I/AAAAAAABpTE/dJBNLl6dj3kprF_lIPp8lZXm8o72CRLNgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0217.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
What is going on in the world, how does it affect my family, and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/does-it-matter.htmlhttp://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">does it matter?</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To answer this for my family, I asked my husband what he thought.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Why study current events?</h3>
<ul>
<li>to help our children appreciate where they live and what they have; to keep things in perspective </li>
<li>so they are not ignorant of what's going on in the world; current events are history in the making</li>
<li>to be aware of storms, natural disasters, and other troubles brewing, so we can be prepared </li>
<li>to learn how we can help, volunteer, and pray for others</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cs5ILyW6tLI/Wi3dFGUgjvI/AAAAAAABpTM/Qw0hmy_FGPMYLGC2GjoiogoUenP_THGAACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0198.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reading the newspaper or a news magazine can be educational because it is another opportunity to practice reading skills. Students can improve vocabulary, word recognition skills, fluency, and comprehension, while reading the news. In the same way, they gain valuable listening skills while watching the news on TV or while listening to the news on the radio.</div>
<div>
<br />
Read <i>A Rationale for Studying Current Events </i>in Week 1 of your Instructor Guide for more!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
The elements of a current events study include:</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<h3>
1. A type of news media:</h3>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>print media like newspapers and magazines like <a href="https://teen.wng.org/">WORLDteen</a></li>
<li>broadcast news like radio, television, and documentaries</li>
<li>Internet news websites, blogs, and apps *</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
To find <i>A Brief List of Magazines and Newspapers for Current Events Study - Christian and/or Kingdom Oriented Periodicals,</i> click on the downloads tab in your Sonlight account<i>.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> *The Internet has a way of drawing kids in, sparking their interest, and encouraging them to dig deeper, but the Internet can be dangerous, so when your student takes an interest in web-based news sites, be sure to check out <i>Tips When Using the Internet </i>which is also<i> </i>in your downloads tab. Even if you use an internet filter, you should follow Sonlight's tips for browsing safely, choosing better keywords, and getting specific results faster. With these tips, you can know what to ask for and how to find the right information. </div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<h3>
2. A type of news coverage:</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>local or community news</li>
<li>state or regional news</li>
<li>national news</li>
<li>international news</li>
<li>weather and forecasts </li>
<li>business and finance </li>
<li>economic news</li>
<li>politics </li>
<li>entertainment or celebrity news</li>
<li>health and education</li>
<li>arts and culture </li>
<li>sports news</li>
<li>science and tech</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
3. A frequency of news study:</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>daily</li>
<li>weekly</li>
<li>monthly </li>
</ul>
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Weekly or monthly periodicals and journals can give your students a deeper understanding of the news over a period of time because it gives more than just the facts. For news over a longer period of time which focus on a topic or theme, documentaries are powerful learning tools that kids enjoy because they tell a story.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGbQw3IZYhg/Wi3c1sDLTWI/AAAAAAABpTI/U4alXbo2-PApkHOn0FZJw74RRrqrUV51QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0201.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We recently started watching BBC's World News at 5 o'clock on television and look forward to it at night before dinner. After not having a television in our home for many years, I picked up an antenna to see what local channels we could tune into. Just like in the old days when people excitedly gathered around the set for the first time, the kids like watching the news simply because they are watching it on TV. So on evenings we are home, our routine is to have our school done by 4:00, then tidy the house, cook dinner, and watch the 5 o'clock news together.<br />
<br />
We like BBC World News because it tells about people’s stories, events, and experiences in a documentary style, and while watching on PBS one night, Boaz, 6, asked, "Why would North Korea attack South Korea when they are on the same team?" Malachi burst out, "Because they had a civil war that nobody ever won so the country divided in two!" which was something he read in the Journey to the Eastern Hemisphere book as a part of our <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Eastern Hemisphere studies</a>. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Whether you choose a print media like newspapers and news magazines, online media such as news websites or podcasts, the radio, or the 5 o'clock news, students can profit from studying current events.</span><br />
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<b>Travel tip:</b> Change things up and watch the news from a foreign perspective. What do other countries think about what's going on?<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1380" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeKy5_xWnvo/WjCJ-yORJQI/AAAAAAABpYA/ycbShNDmsBgJrQxDpsB1sKBEvhRCW7cjACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0187.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Your turn:</b> What do you use for current events? Do you use the library? Do you have any print or digital subscriptions? Do you have your students write a report or give an oral report at the dinner table?<br />
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<br />
<b>Books we unpacked and read for our studies of North Korea, South Korea, and Japan:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-narjZHMpUXc/WhDElj4UtmI/AAAAAAABo_0/QR3C8HfHmGIDrfO8n8UEMO_srjOLvRXzACKgBGAs/s640/6241748080_IMG_1554.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="564" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVnG2OEmzes/WjCPHNsnJsI/AAAAAAABpYQ/yniVtPoVOLYKdRDsT3EzAvymMG4vChLTwCKgBGAs/s640/6241748080_IMG_1545.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Our favorite books this trip: </b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Eliana: <i>The Kite Fighters</i></li>
<li>Malachi: <i>Born in the Year of Courage</i></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gkOWHCz2h4/WjCPHPwEnBI/AAAAAAABpYQ/9kMMlFINYI4tPSDJLcQJJ0bWKByd1RJJACKgBGAs/s640/6241748080_IMG_1572.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Travel tip:</b> Bookmark <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/contact/help/iglinks/" target="_blank">Instructor's Guide Links</a> - a compiled list of hyperlinks found in the Instructor's Guides. These links are updated, checked for accuracy, and all in one place for your convenience. For example, in Week 10, the notes for Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes includes a hyperlink to learn how to fold an origami crane. The book has detailed instructions, but the link also contains video instruction.</div>
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Our <b>Choose Your Adventure</b> <b>for North and South Korea</b> was to try Korean Kimchi.</div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2j7cECrwc8/WhDG1QDAA6I/AAAAAAABpAY/ezh_JTAFqYQqtwvhWEK2yWd85pX5UOBcwCKgBGAs/s640/6241748080_IMG_1618.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Here are some relevant current events we recently found on North Korea: </span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/09/asia/north-korea-secret-state/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Secret State: A Journey into the heart of North Korea</a><span style="text-align: center;">. You can even see </span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/15/vr/an-ordinary-day-in-north-korea/index.html" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">what an ordinary day in North Korea</a><span style="text-align: center;"> is like using virtual reality or 360 degree views.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/winter-olympic-printable?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0omDp4D3Qf4/WmU4dhNVymI/AAAAAAABqaI/bauslcSc11syKXdCq1xOuwHryjg5YS2HwCLcBGAs/s400/Olympic-FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our <b>Choose Your Adventure for Japan</b> was to make sushi, but it was a flop, despite three cookbooks and two YouTube videos. First, we used Jasmine rice instead of Japanese rice, and then we used maple syrup instead of brown sugar which didn't yield a sticky, compact-able rice. When we tried to roll it, everything just fell out, but the kids ate it anyways!<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3eLTYuRPYg/Wi3nFoARuvI/AAAAAAABpTo/LNy_Ph1-s0UFCvCeA2oYsWCIAp6rHtI_wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0209.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Tip:</b> Order sushi at a Japanese steak house or try your local supermarket for sushi in the deli, haha!<br />
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Or make Japanese fried rice which was so much easier.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-180219-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXhuIq34ZDY/WjCQ9uScp9I/AAAAAAABpYc/hhtThmRDtBkydFMWtRhH0fYNk63b3IuiwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0204.JPG" title="Keeping up with Current Events | Sonlight F" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, friends and fellow travelers, I hope you are enjoying my little guided tour. :-)<br />
<br />
Coming up in the next edition — a travel tip on how to double up when you need to catch up. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<b>Previous editions, in case you missed them:</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html">Being Content with Your Curriculum</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html">How I Set Up Our Sonlight Instructor Guides | No Flipping Required</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html">Itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere Education</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html">Travel to China from the Comfort of Your Couch</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank"><img alt=" Sonlight " src="//www.sonlight.com/style/images/sonlight-logo.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/MG20148372"></a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/about/switch/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171215-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Switch to Sonlight</a> and discover an education that is beautiful, complete, rewarding, flexible, engaging, easy to use, rigorous, inspiring, worthwhile, encouraging, guaranteed, fulfilling, life-changing, relationship-building, and an investment in the future. </div>
</div>
Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-90798513289159731702017-12-14T20:50:00.000-07:002018-01-01T19:36:00.356-07:00Eastern Hemisphere and World Cultures with Sonlight | Our 2017-2018 Curriculum <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This post, Eastern Hemisphere and World Cultures with Sonlight | Our 2017-2018 Curriculum, contains affiliate and referral links.</i></div>
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Hi friends! I know it's kind of late in the year to be sharing our curriculum for the school year, but I've had such a busy and stressful fall that I'm just now getting to share. I'll share in outline form (the short version) and in paragraph form for the long version. The long version explains my thoughts on choosing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwE_gXcmLBM/WXTGnDjEfFI/AAAAAAABkVw/pI7jvLxWtLk9Zino5fxEEkgu_jxsYuBLACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwE_gXcmLBM/WXTGnDjEfFI/AAAAAAABkVw/pI7jvLxWtLk9Zino5fxEEkgu_jxsYuBLACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_5346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Bo - 1st Grade:<b> </b></h3>
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<ul style="text-align: start;">
<li><b>History, Bible, and Literature:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/ACKR5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Level A - Intro to the World: Cultures</a> | <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight</a></li>
</ul>
<li><b>Science:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/AS5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Science A: Biology, Botany, and Physics</a> </li>
</ul>
<li><b>Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_44_3_46" target="_blank">All About Reading 2</a> - Guided Reading</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/2RL.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Grade 2 Readers</a> - Independent Reading </li>
<li><a href="https://www.iew.com/affiliate/201214/PAL-W-CP" target="_blank">Primary Arts of Language: Writing</a> w/ <a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_47_3_50" target="_blank">All About Spelling 1</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/10/online-math-with-ctcmath-review.html" target="_blank">CTCMath</a> — 2nd Grade </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Bo has done <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight</a> since he was three, and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/ACKR5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Level A</a> is next. I think it's a perfect level for 1st grade and is one of my favorites. I was planning to add in Five in a Row as it tied in with Sonlight, <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/p/our-sonlight-moments-through-years.html" target="_blank">as I have done before</a>, but Sonlight is enough. When we got to Russia, I was tempted to pull out Another Celebrated Dancing Bear, but I couldn't because I loaned my FIAR Volume 1 set to a friend, haha. I'm a little sad because Bo is the perfect age for rowing, but it would have been too much work.<br />
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I'm happy we are just doing Sonlight. Bo is a really organized and scheduled little boy, and he thrives on knowing exactly what is expected of him each day. He loves checking off the boxes in the IG, and when we misplace a book, he's not afraid to cross it off so we can keep moving forward. (We can't find Llama Llama No Pajamas right now). We are currently finishing up Week 12 in HBL A (at the time of writing). </div>
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The older two are working more independently (for now), and all three kids are doing their science experiments on their own — even Bo. He likes the Usborne Science Activities book and can read and follow experiment directions on his own which has made things easier on me. </div>
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Bo loves to read, and <a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_2_3_2" target="_blank">All About Reading</a> has been an amazing program. Since Bo wants to do his own literature, I am using <a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_44_3_46" target="_blank">All About Reading 2</a> for guided reading and <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/2RL.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight Grade 2 Readers</a> for independent reading (on his own — he even checks off his own boxes). He shares a room with Malachi, who is a bookworm, and he wants to read a book at bedtime, too. </div>
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I am loving <a href="https://www.iew.com/affiliate/201214/PAL-W-CP" target="_blank">PAL</a> for him. He's working on Part 1 because his fine motor skills are still developing. He's great at retelling stories and completing the Story Sequence Chart, but all his writing except letter practice is done orally. My boys seem to take off with writing at the age of seven, and Bo will be seven this month, so I'm not worried. He's becoming quite the competent communicator and thinker without having to lift a pen! He's on Lesson 17, and I'm using Stories from Grandma's Attic (Sonlight A) which is such a great little book because each chapter title hints at the clincher and has a clearly defined moral, lesson, problem, or surprise which is perfect for summarizing a story each day So, so, so happy with this program (and IEW). Of course, it includes <a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_47_3_50" target="_blank">All About Spelling 1</a>, which I love. Instead of giving him a spelling test on the letters in Book 1, we are progressing through <a href="https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=281_47_3_50" target="_blank">AAS 1</a> and are on Step 10. </div>
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I was planning on doing Math Lessons for a Living Education Book 3, the book he was working in before we <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/10/online-math-with-ctcmath-review.html" target="_blank">reviewed CTCMath</a>, but he loves doing online math, and it frees me up quite a bit. He worked in the 1st grade level for awhile before I challenged him to bump up a grade. He's liking the 2nd grade math because it's easy, and I'm fine with that even though he was well into multiplication — as long as he does math everyday. I get a report every week that tells me what lessons he completed that week, and that helps me keep him on track with daily reminders. (I should write it in the IG for him to check off!)<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEqK9aX56kw/WU1yGgm7MPI/AAAAAAABixw/VBf9jzp4SXwodHULn5FVxvSsCfjW5bUSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEqK9aX56kw/WU1yGgm7MPI/AAAAAAABixw/VBf9jzp4SXwodHULn5FVxvSsCfjW5bUSQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_3372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Malachi - 7th grade and Eliana - 5th grade:</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"><b>History, Bible and Literature:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/FC5.html?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">History, Bible, Literature F - Eastern Hemisphere</a> | <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/?utm_source=delightfullearning.net&utm_campaign=slb-gba-bl-171214-gb-gibson&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Sonlight</a> </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
I was originally planning a year full of country studies with plenty of cultural enrichment activities, but by the time I had my curriculum pulled together, I realized it was going to be too much. When I realized it was more than I could do, I initially thought I could spread it out over two years, but I can't really afford to spend that much time (or energy) on geography because Malachi will need to move on to be ready for high school, which is suddenly right around the corner! I had Sonlight HBL F on my list for Malachi (not Eliana at the time because I thought she was too young), so when I had a chance to get the HBL F package in exchange for blogging about it, I took everything I had planned off the shelf and boxed it up to see how I would feel, and I felt relieved. Since I had recently been challenged to stop doubling up and pick the curriculum that does it better, I felt good about choosing Sonlight because I started our homeschool journey with Sonlight 12 years ago and have had it running in the background as the base of our homeschool for the past 6 years. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So, far, I have shared <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/being-content-with-your-curriculum.html" target="_blank">how I plan to be content with just one curriculum</a>, <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/how-i-set-up-our-sonlight-instructor.html" target="_blank">how I set up our IGs</a> for ease of use, our<a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/09/itinerary-for-eastern-hemisphere.html" target="_blank"> itinerary for an Eastern Hemisphere education</a>, and <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/travel-to-china-from-comfort-of-your.html" target="_blank">our travels in China from the comfort of our couch</a>.<br />
<br />
Eliana, 10, is a bit young for HBL F. It has some mature themes that I would have waited on, but are using <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/blog/books-difficult-discussions.html" target="_blank">these books to spark difficult discussions about hard topics</a>. Malachi, 12, is doing just fine with the content. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Writing:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/" target="_blank">Student Writing Intensive* | IEW</a></li>
<ul>
<li>From Andrew's introduction to Student Writing Intensive: *<b>Each level (A, B, or C) presumes no previous experience; </b>levels differ mainly in the type of source texts used, speed of presentation, and sophistication of vocabulary.<b> Choose the level based on your child’s age and maturity rather than writing ability, </b>and if you wish to use the SWI with children of mixed ages, you can generally select level B, “shooting for the middle.” I didn't know this! I thought you did A, B, and then C, but you only do one of those. Then you move on to Continuation.<br />
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</li>
</ul>
<li><a href="https://www.iew.com/affiliate/201214/FIX-1-T" target="_blank">Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree</a> | IEW</li>
<ul>
<li>Students find and fix errors from passages that ultimately tell a story, such as The Nose Tree. With this program, students apply what they learn right away, so their knowledge transfers over nicely to their writing. <br />
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</li>
</ul>
<li>All About Spelling <a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling-level-5/" target="_blank">Level 5</a> and <a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling-level-7/" target="_blank">Level 7</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRqfOnZLk3U/WZBo6nbV48I/AAAAAAABlbk/7IpkP5j0EzYs6qH6YB1WTrhF_bB4d_ZgwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRqfOnZLk3U/WZBo6nbV48I/AAAAAAABlbk/7IpkP5j0EzYs6qH6YB1WTrhF_bB4d_ZgwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I fell in love with <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/" target="_blank">IEW</a> one year ago after <b>years</b> of resisting it. I even had a "things I say no to" list, and IEW was at the top of my list! It looked overwhelming, and I thought it would be too hard, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I even geeked out and bought a giant white board, switched to pens, and vowed never to return to workbook grammar/writing lessons again because while Malachi was passing the workbook exercises, he couldn't apply what he was learning in his actual writing. It was torture to read his writing, poor guy.<br />
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We did <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/SID-A" target="_blank">Student Writing Intensive - A</a> (SWI-A) last year while moving quickly through the first 6 units in 6 months, and his writing improved dramatically. I've never been more impressed with a writing program. It's such a natural way to learn that can be used across the curriculum and throughout life. I bought <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/SID-C" target="_blank">Level C </a>for Dylan to use last year, so I thought we'd just go through it again, using Level A and B source texts from the <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/WSP-BL" target="_blank">Writing Source Packet</a>. Then, I'll either choose a themed unit, such as <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/AFF-S" target="_blank">All Things Fun and Fascinating</a>, or wait until I can afford <a href="https://iew.com/affiliate/201214/SICC-B-D" target="_blank">Continuation B ($199)</a>, which is where we need to go from here.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7wQXXG6zkk/WZBo6kiAVeI/AAAAAAABlbk/ZTJrkPTm8bo9hvsU28tZ8I87bgBb1XLFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7wQXXG6zkk/WZBo6kiAVeI/AAAAAAABlbk/ZTJrkPTm8bo9hvsU28tZ8I87bgBb1XLFwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Malachi and Eliana have both used All About Spelling since the beginning (All About Reading too — see <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/p/all-about-learning-on-delightful.html" target="_blank">my reviews here</a>), so it feels natural to continue, especially since Malachi is on <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/05/in-home-stretch-with-all-about-spelling.html" target="_blank">the last level</a>, and <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2014/02/why-i-love-teaching-with-all-about.html" target="_blank">I love teaching with All About Spelling</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-811tfIS31e0/WZBo6pmbtpI/AAAAAAABlbk/EM81MdpWlKstUyyhSD069e4PticSbiEOgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-811tfIS31e0/WZBo6pmbtpI/AAAAAAABlbk/EM81MdpWlKstUyyhSD069e4PticSbiEOgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Science:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.logospressonline.com/physics-ii/" target="_blank">Noeo Physics II</a> w/ Physics Workshop, and Snaptricity from <a href="http://www.logospressonline.com/physics-iii/" target="_blank">Physics III</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBcqOdvTyqk/WZBo6uQAj6I/AAAAAAABlbk/g9TL9v29BOEVuIzkGtD0JUGb8eAchW4awCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1559" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBcqOdvTyqk/WZBo6uQAj6I/AAAAAAABlbk/g9TL9v29BOEVuIzkGtD0JUGb8eAchW4awCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHCzuwoHdHA/WZBo6urU0DI/AAAAAAABlbk/6MijmrtXuhwbyiEszzuWnko4NYAj14hkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHCzuwoHdHA/WZBo6urU0DI/AAAAAAABlbk/6MijmrtXuhwbyiEszzuWnko4NYAj14hkACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5888.JPG" width="276" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Noeo blends very well with Sonlight because the schedule is done in a similar manner. With Noeo we journal what we learn in a notebook — there are no science sheets or teacher's notes, but there are many hands-on activities with the book Gizmos and Gadgets.<br />
<br />
I wanted to keep Malachi and Eliana together for science (for at least one more year), so I initially thought I would add a few things from Physics III for Malachi; however, I don't want to do the Tiner book, The World of Physics, afterall because Malachi is doing <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/11/thinking-like-engineer-review.html" target="_blank">Thinking Like an Engineer</a>. </div>
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We are only on Week 3 in Noeo because we started our year with <a href="https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature-with-children/" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Nature with Children</a> to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. I wanted to spend as much time outside in the sun as possible while we could, and I'm so glad we did. We had a busy fall, took 3 weeks off for the fall festivals, and were still getting into our grove by the end of November, but we are settling into a nice, steady homeschool routine in December. </div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Math:</b></li>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Malachi: <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/06/unlock-your-childs-potential-with.html" target="_blank">Unlock Math Pre-Algebra</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Eliana: <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/10/online-math-with-ctcmath-review.html" target="_blank">CTCMath</a> Grade 5</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
I had Life of Fred Pre-Algebra written down for Malachi originally, but he is really liking UnlockMath. So far, he's completed 25% of the course with an 87%. I also have Pre-Algebra Concepts from Math Essentials on my list because it is affordable, non-consumable, and has video lessons. (I really liked <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/2017/08/no-nonsense-algebra-review.html" target="_blank">No-Nonsense Algebra</a> and wouldn't mind having <a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/products" target="_blank">all of their courses</a>, but I am using what I have for now).<br />
<br />
I was originally planning to have Eliana finish Math Lessons for a Living Education 4 then move on to Level 5, but she fell in love with CTCMath when I reviewed it. I'm glad because it is working out great. It's nice to have one less subject to teach.<br />
<br />
<div>
<ul><ul></ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Nature Study:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature-with-children/" target="_blank">Exploring Nature with Children</a> This book includes poetry, picture study, and literature to enhance nature study. We did this for science this fall and will hopefully do a few lessons each season — at the very least. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvNLHG89Kdw/WZBo6u0TPyI/AAAAAAABlbk/HIifgVDQOV0Yyk9rEOcrDwDNr_kkl34zACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvNLHG89Kdw/WZBo6u0TPyI/AAAAAAABlbk/HIifgVDQOV0Yyk9rEOcrDwDNr_kkl34zACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: left;">For French, we are using </span><a href="https://www.duolingo.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">DuoLingo</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1109425556?mt=8" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Tiny Cards</a><span style="text-align: left;">. It's fun and a little addicting. I'm on a 55 day streak and loving it! (We are using the free version).</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ATrBlNAL6k/WjHkSKaZDCI/AAAAAAABphY/LOWugEOiIFQLXY1Ckq0xzB0rtlMUWkpXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-13%2Bat%2B7.38.27%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="634" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ATrBlNAL6k/WjHkSKaZDCI/AAAAAAABphY/LOWugEOiIFQLXY1Ckq0xzB0rtlMUWkpXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-13%2Bat%2B7.38.27%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108448113218172291.post-14917599260481484672017-12-13T17:55:00.000-07:002017-12-16T13:17:37.420-07:00Magic Stix — Washable markers that won't dry out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This post, Magic Stix — Washable markers that won't dry out!, is a review written for <a href="http://thepencilgrip.com/" target="_blank">The Pencil Grip</a> and contains affiliate links. </i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd1HiGZSi-4/WjHEU_47inI/AAAAAAABpf8/LJJ50axE4io84VTcPQ85YAehPHjTxfxBQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd1HiGZSi-4/WjHEU_47inI/AAAAAAABpf8/LJJ50axE4io84VTcPQ85YAehPHjTxfxBQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0288.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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Magic Stix (washable markers that won't dry out!) are now available on Amazon in a <a href="http://amzn.to/2ynOPGo" target="_blank">12pk</a> and a <a href="http://amzn.to/2C2SmfT" target="_blank">24pk</a>, and I wanted to share a little review of them because I think these would be a great gift for your kids, your homeschool, and your peace of mind! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7P3xVXrC3M/WjF8K1JjQNI/AAAAAAABpeQ/pwTSE4LsZnIfm9DVei5LaCGWqtHKYVWjQCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7P3xVXrC3M/WjF8K1JjQNI/AAAAAAABpeQ/pwTSE4LsZnIfm9DVei5LaCGWqtHKYVWjQCKgBGAs/s640/7583885040_IMG_1811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wait. Markers that won't dry out? I wonder if it's true? </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7n-I07_I1cg/WjF8Kw52BuI/AAAAAAABpeQ/vWeLFlLiQQoEpd2vflAuVxmUSUd9UPcJACKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7n-I07_I1cg/WjF8Kw52BuI/AAAAAAABpeQ/vWeLFlLiQQoEpd2vflAuVxmUSUd9UPcJACKgBGAs/s640/7583885040_IMG_1833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0ADLhTyUPY/WjF8K5JX78I/AAAAAAABpeQ/RACe9hIB20cYKJfqTr2F6e9uSgguMPTQwCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0ADLhTyUPY/WjF8K5JX78I/AAAAAAABpeQ/RACe9hIB20cYKJfqTr2F6e9uSgguMPTQwCKgBGAs/s640/7583885040_IMG_1840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tested these out with Eliana, 10, who drew her two super hero brothers. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHx2R-_hGoo/WjHFqEB1OtI/AAAAAAABpgQ/2f9n0yDJLCg3nmLsMGD2Xe8MjrqLvA6JACKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHx2R-_hGoo/WjHFqEB1OtI/AAAAAAABpgQ/2f9n0yDJLCg3nmLsMGD2Xe8MjrqLvA6JACKgBGAs/s400/7583885040_IMG_1842.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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While she drew with the markers, I tested out each color and... well, <b>we couldn't leave the caps off! </b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iw-eIz44-PQ/WjGlRrqMsEI/AAAAAAABpfo/1BdEvAp4osEw4DVqx_p9MS_fDkM3MeHLgCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iw-eIz44-PQ/WjGlRrqMsEI/AAAAAAABpfo/1BdEvAp4osEw4DVqx_p9MS_fDkM3MeHLgCKgBGAs/s200/7583885040_IMG_1845.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XgCVk6uOsk/WjGlRnEy0zI/AAAAAAABpfo/UDQ9RxtElPIpLSx_pdSNatK9yx5ayUlhQCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XgCVk6uOsk/WjGlRnEy0zI/AAAAAAABpfo/UDQ9RxtElPIpLSx_pdSNatK9yx5ayUlhQCKgBGAs/s200/7583885040_IMG_1850.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The colors are pretty. They're bold, bright, and colorful. It's really a fantastic set of bullet tip markers. Malachi, 12, says he would love to see them come out with a fine tip set. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeoAjLTOQgY/WjGlRh4KW0I/AAAAAAABpfo/Cr3iawjq2m8kNksG3pCFfvM1nX9r0exmgCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeoAjLTOQgY/WjGlRh4KW0I/AAAAAAABpfo/Cr3iawjq2m8kNksG3pCFfvM1nX9r0exmgCKgBGAs/s400/7583885040_IMG_1867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The colors bled through the paper a little, but they are not too wet — the color doesn't bleed out, run, or drip. They are easy to color with — the color fills in easily, nicely, and vividly without a lot of effort. They are smooth and nice to color with. </div>
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I love coloring and lettering with a rainbow of colors, but the hard part about using a rainbow of colored <b>markers</b> is putting the caps on after each use — and that is what I was doing with these until I got tired of it and decided to leave them all off. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsWkdkKEtbc/WjGVzFVApVI/AAAAAAABpfE/j9SH0_A2CvQaxGaXYSRI_UA12QuH4tgIACKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsWkdkKEtbc/WjGVzFVApVI/AAAAAAABpfE/j9SH0_A2CvQaxGaXYSRI_UA12QuH4tgIACKgBGAs/s400/7583885040_IMG_1888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's lovely! It's so much easier to be creative when you don't have to worry about the caps — at least while we are drawing. . . but for 7 days?</div>
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We're doing the 7 day #MagicStixCapTest to find out!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3xFQf7hVyM/WjGQX73axUI/AAAAAAABpe0/rirPRBOMFzw4u9BjGG7OVAAKgzaPi6d6gCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3xFQf7hVyM/WjGQX73axUI/AAAAAAABpe0/rirPRBOMFzw4u9BjGG7OVAAKgzaPi6d6gCKgBGAs/s400/7583885040_IMG_1894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To do the test, we picked a color we were willing to sacrifice, lol! We picked a dark green since there were three other greens. It was really a hard decision, though. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWZ6pP9IIlw/WjF8K72e0yI/AAAAAAABpeQ/0OyD7VUW38UDllwlCnr5zBlI1eJAkkKkgCKgBGAs/s1600/7583885040_IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWZ6pP9IIlw/WjF8K72e0yI/AAAAAAABpeQ/0OyD7VUW38UDllwlCnr5zBlI1eJAkkKkgCKgBGAs/s400/7583885040_IMG_1882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But, then I thought about the guarantee, and I'm pretty sure they've tested these markers for longer than that to see how long they take to dry out. We really like these markers, so we don't want to find out how long <i>that</i> takes, but we'll leave the caps off while we color — that's for sure! </div>
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Magic Stix washable markers are vibrant, washable, odorless, non-toxic, bright, bold, colorful, and will not dry out with the cap off for seven days - guaranteed! </div>
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Find Magic Stix, <b>washable markers that won't dry out for 7 days</b>, at Amazon in a <a href="http://amzn.to/2ynOPGo">12pk</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2C2SmfT">24pk</a>.</div>
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Be sure to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/delightfullearning" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> to see the results of our 7 day test!<br />
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Find more of <a href="http://www.delightfullearning.net/search/label/The%20Pencil%20Grip" target="_blank">my reviews for The Pencil Grip here</a>!<br />
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<i>Disclosure: I received this product as a gift for blogging about it. My opinions are my own or that of my family. </i><br />
<br />Michelle Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06381380110120976720noreply@blogger.com0