Some fun art and a little learning for your Thanksgiving holiday

One thing that goes well with kids and school is arts and crafts. Kids love arts and crafts no matter how creative they are. As long as the craft is simple, kids want to do it.

I have always liked combining my arts and crafts with school and giving purpose to what we are doing. One way of doing this is with a bulletin board. Bulletin boards have always been a friend of mine. I love how they not only can brighten up your schoolroom walls, but they constantly reinforce what it is you are teaching. Until your students have the skill pretty mastered, a bulletin board should be around.

Thanksgiving bulletin boards are a great way to teach several things. First, they could actually teach students about geography. Plan out a course that the pilgrims took and have the students make a map charting the course. The younger students could have a very basic map and the older the children are the more details they could add. If you wanted to study mapping skills this would be optimum.

Perhaps the students could make a giant cardboard ship with the different levels of the ship. They could add supplies made from construction paper or raw materials that could depict what would be needed to make the journey. Different mediums could add a 3D effect to the project. This could be adapted to each grade level by offering pre made things to add to the ship and help from the teacher to the students making the project all themselves.

Another thing you could do is study the pilgrims themselves. What did they do that first year and how were they helped, making a big collage to depict that. Again, this could be very rudimentary or detailed depending on the grade and ability of your student.

You could teach art by going on line and looking at various artists and how they portrayed thanksgiving. Study about how Thanksgiving was portrayed in the 1600’s as compared to now. Look at greeting cards and see if students can notice how art has changed from then to now. Then, the students could design their own art pieces depicting what thanksgiving is to them.

It would be fun to study clothing of the period and find out when the black and white came in and when it went out or did they really wear black and white at all.

The possibilities are endless! So, while you are teaching your kids about this important holiday why not add in some fun by offering an art and craft to go with all that learning. It is like getting fries with your hamburger.

Tags: Art, Art and Crafts, home school, homeschool, kids, parents looking for help, resources, school help, school projects, school tips, teaching, teaching art, teaching methods, Teaching tip, Thanksgiving

One thing for sure is; when it comes to schooling we get creative.

I am not one to sit and push paper after paper at my kids. I never knew a kid that enjoyed learning that way. Kids like things that are visual. They learn and retain the information better. That is why I believe every homeschool classroom needs to have some sort of visual element to it.

Have you decided to homeschool your kids and not provide them with some sort of regular learning environment? If you have not put aside someplace for your kids to learn you are going to make your school year challenging for not only you but your children. This is especially true if you have grade school children. Visualization helps to reinforce what it is that you are teaching and what they are learning.

When we decided to study entomology we started off with a small bulletin board. But then, as we began making our projects we found that we were going to quickly run out of room. I had always liked when we made a tree for our wall and added our fall leaves for decoration but this year I thought I would go a little further and make it 3D. This began as a great idea but quickly turned into a challenge when I decided to look on line for others who had built trees. I had figured that I could find lots of ideas on line but I was totally wrong. The web had very few ideas and the ones they had were very elaborate and expensive to build. So, I got my creative juices flowing and Tada, a free standing tree in the middle of my classroom.



Now that it is there we can continue our study of entomology and we now have the freedom to study biology, learn about birds, discover the differences of regions and so much more.  Really, the sky is the limit.



Another great thing about having the tree is we can incorporate our art projects and add them to the tree to watch it grow. When we study birds we can make birds for art and attach it to the tree. Same goes for monkeys or snakes, anything that lives in a tree we can study and add to it.



We can study the seasons too and as they change we can change the leaves that are on the tree. With this project, we can leave it up all year and change with it. Then, periodically we can refer to it asking the kids questions about the things on the tree which will help them to remember what they have learned.

Now, I am not saying that you need to make a great big tree in the middle of your living room but I am pointing out that with homeschooling you can be as creative as you would like. I am saying get visual in your learn space. Don’t forget that school needs to be fun and educational for the children to have maximum growth.

Keep watching for more post about how you can make your school year not only victorious, but rewarding too.

L

Tags: bugs, bulliten boards, encouragement, entomology, family fun, homeschool, homeschool deals, homeschool science projects, insects, kids, resources, school help, school projects, school tips, Science, things to do with your kids, training, trees

Nick and Beth had a great time making scarecrows for the Lomabardi Ranch annual scarecrow contest. They entered with their homeschool group Homeschool Explorers of Santa Clarita. Our Leader Gina came up with the idea “Homeschooled Forefathers of Americorn”. Each child participating was asked to make a scarecrow representing an American forefather who was homeschooled. Nick and Beth originally choose George Washington Carver for their forefather but after realizing that one of our friends was deathly allergic to peanuts, we decided to change our person. We then decided on the Wright Brothers which was fun because now Nick and Beth got to make their own scarecrow. Well, all the hard work that the students did paid off. The group won second place in the 10 and under category which was a $250.00 prize. Mrs Gina is going to use the prize money to host a party for the whole group! That will be a hoot and something that I am sure the kids will remember for a long time!

Here, the kids are setting up their display.

The final product! Beth and Nicks scarecrow is the one sitting at the desk and the one right behind him.

Here are some of the other displays from the 10 and under.

We had a great time at the Lombardi Farms

By the way, I thought I would post some of the other entries from the groups of teen and adults

Here are some teens entries

Here are the adult entries

This one is my favorite!

As you can see, there are all sorts of entries!

Tags: adult made scarecrows, home school, homeschool, kid made scarecrows, kids, Lombardi Ranch, pumkins, scarecrow contest, scarecrows, school projects, teen made scarecrows

Swimming in the pool every day, barbeques and parties are all the fine things that make summer so fun and relaxing. Well, those lazy summer days are just about finished. It is time to hang up your towels, put away your flip-flops and get out the schedules. The school year is about to start and there are a few things you can do to help make the beginning of your school year the start of something wonderful.

Start a schedule
You will find that having a schedule is the key to success. Schedule in when you will work, teach, clean house and take time for yourself. Most experienced home schooled moms will tell you that having a schedule not only keeps your life running smoothly, but it helps children know what to expect on a daily basis. Personally, I keep several calendars. It helps keep each thing that I have to do in order so I can jump from one thing to another easily.

Main calendar- This calendar sets aside the things that I am going to do in that month
For instance
7:00 to 8:00 will be my time for getting ready
9:00 to 2:00 is school. During this time, I pull out my school calendar.
2:00 to 4:00 is work. During this time, I pull out the work calendar.
4:00 to 9:00 is home and family. This is where I have scheduled any doctor’s appointments, kid’s activities, farm chores etc…

Then I have three more calendars, which tracks my daily work.
Work calendar- The work calendar list what work assignments and deadlines I have.
School calendar- The school calendar list what we are working on, our assignments, our deadlines of field trips
Home calendar- The home calendar helps me to keep household chores on time and in order. Now, I have a farm and farming tasks need to be done therefore, I have farm tasks and house tasks scheduled.

Now, you do not need to go crazy like me, I must be organized for my brain to think, but you must have some sort of plan for your school year. When are you going to school, what times, what days, and how many hours? You must decide and stick to it!

Have fun assignments!

I once knew a woman who complained that she could not get her kids to like school. She told me they only schooled for about 2 hours a day and the kids were unhappy and complained the whole time. She was worried that even though they seemed to do well, they were not reaching their full potential.
After spending time discussing what she did for curriculum I was lead to the conclusion; know wonder, your kids are bored. She would give them work sheets every day. Three for each subject and that was it. She tested on Friday to see their progress. Ugg! That is not school, that is torture.

School needs to be fun. Kids need interaction, hands on, gooey, messy and fun. Children need and want to be challenged. The libraries and bookstores are loaded with fun and interesting ideas for you. Get out of the box!

Take school outside.
No one said you had to do school in a classroom (or a kitchen table). Sometimes it is easy to take school outside. I am not just talking field trips here, which is a terrific idea but I mean school outside. After all, school just started and you will have warm weather for a couple of months. My kids have always loved when I packed a picnic and some schoolbooks and headed to the creek for some learning. After picking a spot and setting up our blanket and a picnic, we read aloud for a while and then have a discussion. Then we play in the creek pretending to be someone that we had studied. Perhaps we act out Lewis and Clark and pretend that we are in the wilderness. We will discuss what we are doing, perhaps draw a map, and pretend to make a campfire. After lunch we can discuss water current, trees, take water samples for science just about anything. The best part is the kids were learning as they were playing so it was really school in disguise.

Jammy school-

I am a believer in schedules and routines, but sometimes we are caught up in our days and lives and even though we should, we just do not want to get up out of bed. This is especially true when the weather turns cold and wet. That is why I love Jammy day. We read stories in bed and have great discussions about them. We cook a great lunch and call it cooking class. We play educational board games like Carmen San Diego for geography. Sometimes we watch a great movie that has an educational background like Really Wild Animals for the kids or Roots for the teens. Before we know it, the day is done and we had a full day of instruction. Sometimes you have to ditch the routine and just relax with school.

Arts and Crafts

Nothing breaks up a bunch of brainy days with some relaxing school. Arts and Crafts always provide a break from the dreary. Again, there are many resources for you to teach your children some simple arts and crafts, which not only will break up their day, but you can add it as part of the curriculum that you are studying.

Some people like to dive into the school schedule. Regrettably they find that 3 months into the school year they are burning out. Having a bit of creativity can increase not only your staying power but also your desire to teach. Break up your week with fun activities and your children will not dread going to school. School in places other than a classroom and your children will think they are the luckiest kids in the world, nope, on the planet!

Yep, school is just about to start for us. The classroom is ready and the books are bought. The kids are getting to bed a little earlier each night and I am getting to a morning schedule. Practice for the real show? You bet. School actually starts after Labor Day, so I am leaving my flip-flops out for a little longer.

Tags: family, first day of school, homeschool, kids, parents looking for help, resources, school help, school projects, school tips, starting school, teaching, things to do with your kids, training

This year we are launching a new program called “Fun On The Farm”
This will be open to any homeschooled families willing to make the drive to the farm in Littlerock. We will have a minimal charge for the program but it will be figured on a monthly basis according to the activity planned. We will be meeting once a month on Friday and every month there after on the last Friday of the month. Class will begin promptly at 1:00 pm until 4:00 with fellowship time afterwards. This program will be for all ages.

You will not have to sign up for the whole year of classes as the projects will be given month by month. The projects will be posted the first day of the month by going to my website at www.momteachessuccess.info Sign ups will begin on the first day of the month and will be close by the 15th so I can prepare. On many of the projects we will offer prizes and/or certificates ranging in different categories which will be announced along with the project.


We will have projects in Science, history, cooking and more. We will be studying in a group setting and in an almost unit study atmosphere, we will offer different levels of learning making it fun and educational for all ages.

Teens- we will have special assignments for those of you who wish to help with demonstrations and the teaching. Additionally, will be able to incorporate your skills into a great monthly assignment to add into your curriculum. From science to cooking we will have an extension for you and your grade level.

I am offering my classes on the last Friday of the month.

Sept 25 The Great cardboard Boat Races. This activity can be a challenge for any age. Kids, grab your mom and dad, sisters and brothers, for this fun family activity. Teens, how about joining forces with your friends and create a memory? Get all the details by going to http://momteachessuccess.info/?p=127 to find out all the information and to get the latest details. Hurry, sign ups are just about to start.

Oct 30 Cooking and Costume Contest- Lets practice those cooking skills and see if we can grab any ideas for our Thanksgiving dinner. Cook up your best wear for the judges to decide who makes the best cakes, pies, meals or sides. Stick around for the best costume of the season. Do you have the funniest, pretties, or most original? Show your duds for a special prize. Stay for a pot luck party afterwards.

Special note: We like to decorate our house for fall. We like to transform our house to old and dilapidated. We will be adding spiders and webs, lighting, and making some areas a bit spooky for the faint at heart. If you totally hate anything to do with Halloween we suggest you miss this one. If you like the alternative to Halloween and enjoy a fun decorated house while wearing a silly costume, then I invite you to join us for this fun farm day. Please no demonic spooky costumes. Lets keep this fun and clean. Suggested costumes will be given as the time nears.

Nov will be on the 3rd week which will be considered the last school Friday of the month because the fourth Friday is Thanksgiving. Therefore November will be on the 20th

Nov 20th Arts and crafts- At this fun farm day we will be making crafts for your families holiday gifts. We will have all kinds of lovely options from very inexpensive to moderate pricing. After all, What family member wouldn’t appreciate a hand made gift over a store bought one? Please be sure to register early for this one as payment will need to be in early. Prices to be announced by October.

December will be none

Jan 29 Fire Safety – During this class students will learn all different aspects of being fire safe. From burning candles to having an escape route your children will have a great learning experience at this class. We will try to have a uniform for the kids to try on. No Guarantee!

Feb 26 The Great American Gold Rush. Come celebrate the days of gold here on the farm. We will have a hootenanny of a time at this one. There’s gold in that sand at the farm! Your job, to find it. Then sell it, trade it or barter for your meal, or supplies. Git yur self here and bring your hoe down spirit with ya!

March 26 To be announced

Apr 23 Come on an archeological dig on the farm. During this farm day kids will experience some real diggin fun. We will discover what it takes to be an archeologist, learn about animals, understand habitats of different species, go to the village market to look for clues, learn how to read hieroglyphics and dig for treasure. Can you find the clues that will take you to the right spot? Well, come and find out at the archeological dig on the farm.

May 28 Colonial Days class is pending. More information will be given as the date draws near.

June End of the year School Tiki Party!!!!! June 25th. More information will be given as the date draws near.

Tags: family, family fun, homeschool, kids, resources, school projects, teaching, things to do with your kids

Welcome all to the 2009 Cardboard Boat Race.

What is the Cardboard Boat Race?

It is a race that originated in 1974 at the Southern Illinois University. This event has become so popular that more than 1,500 participants and more than 100,000 spectators now enjoy it across America each summer.

Now it is your turn to join in the fun. Grab your friends or you family to build your very own cardboard boat to race at the Fun On The Farm Cardboard Boat Race. This event is sure to bring some good ole fashioned family fun, community spirit and creativity to the end of your summer as well as some creative learning to the beginning of your school year!

The cost of the race is 5 bucks per boat to cover the cost of the prizes and awards.

Here is the Challenge!

To design and build a human-powered boat made of corrugated cardboard and other approved materials which is capable of completing at least 2 laps in our 40 foot long pool, propelled by paddles or ores made of cardboard, is able to fit into a doorway and is no longer than 6 feet. This boat must hold at least two people but no more than three people can race together. You may team up with family or friends to make and race your boats. (See special rules for non-swimmers or Kindergarten and first grade.)

Permissible Materials for Construction
For building- Large pieces of corrugated cardboard found from furniture stores or appliance stores, cardboard boxes from mailers, pizza boxes, and cardboard tubes.

For sealing-
Duct tape,
Masking tape,
Glue,
Cling wrap,
Trash bags,
Plastic tarp,
Paper binders,
Liquid nails adhesive,
Latex paint and varnish.

Materials NOT allowed
Wood,
Styrofoam or rafts
Plastic sheathing
Fiberglass
Sona-Tubes,
Coated cardboard
Silicon,
Wax,
Tar
Caulking compounds
Metal
Staples,
Clamps (except paper binders),
Screws or anything-sharp

Special Rules for Kindergarten, First Grade and Non-Swimmers!

All non swimmers or any kindergarten and first graders are able to make a boat no less than 12 inches and no more than 1 foot and have some sort of Barbie, GI Joe or other character of similar size. These boats will be raced by the children blowing into a large cardboard tube (to be provided) and they will race in the shallow end the width of the pool, which is 20 feet long

Sign ups and Registration

Sign ups will begin on September 1st and continue until September 15th. Your registration fee of 5 dollars must be made by September 15th to hold your spot. Additionally, I am not a cooperation and I cannot afford to front everyone’s’ fee for the prizes. After the 15th your 5 bucks is non-refundable!
Send your checks Payable to Alicia Dingman to, 11307 East Ave R-4 Littlerock CA, 93543. Checks must be post dated by the 15th to be considered. If for some reason you need to cancel, please call me at 661-944-0582 before the 15th and I will shred your check.
Checks only, no cash will be accepted.

Registration begins at 10:00 am allowing you enough time assemble or to make any last minute changes to your boat. The race begins at 1:00 pm and will run until about 5:00 pm. Those interested in staying for an after race BBQ should contact me no later than Friday September 18th.

Contact me at   schoolonthefarm@msn.com

Categories for Awards

• The Captains Award- Most spectacular or prettiest boat.

• The Pride of The Farm Award- Most creative design.

• Best Dressed/Best Spirit Team Award- The team that looks the best and has the best team spirit.

• Matchy Matchy Award- The team that best matches the theme of their boats

Prizes will be given to

• The fastest Boat -We will be timing the boats as they race.

• The Best Design- Everyone gets a say in this. You vote for the best!

______________________________________________________________________
School stuff! If you are interested in keeping this with your curriculum please send your request to School On The Farm and I will send you some science curriculum to go with your project.

Additional information about building cardboard boats and viewing pictures can be found on Google

Tags: cardboard, cardboard boat races, cardboard boats, family, family fun, fun, having fun in water, homeschool science projects, making boats, making cardboard boats, school projects, Science, things to do in summer, things to do with water, things to do with your kids