Received this from an "Usborne Friend" and had to share it :) ENJOY !
Answers given by elementary school age children to the following questions:
Why do we have mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. Clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why do you have your mother and not some other Mom?
1. We're related.
2. The doctor knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your Mom?
1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your Mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work & work at home, & dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on her back.
THE MOMMY TEST
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that."Why?" my daughter asked."Because it's been laying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?""Uh," ...I was thinking quickly, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy."We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information."OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy." "Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Dear Santa....
Dear Santa:
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, educated and cuddled my child on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, played strategy game after strategy game, drove her to many field trips all over the state, went to (almost) every soccer game and provided her with all the reading material she could go through.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my daughter's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing, playing, keeping up with my daughter (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to give all the cuddles necessary to my ten year old. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays NPR; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one dauther who will always independently complete her schoolwork, two people (daughter and husband) who live with me who will learn to pick up their dirty clothes and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and 'Take your plate to the sink' because my voice seems to be just out of my daughter's hearing range and can only be heard by the cat.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my daughter to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my husband didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door I think she wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,Mom
PS One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in you.
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, educated and cuddled my child on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, played strategy game after strategy game, drove her to many field trips all over the state, went to (almost) every soccer game and provided her with all the reading material she could go through.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my daughter's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing, playing, keeping up with my daughter (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to give all the cuddles necessary to my ten year old. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays NPR; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one dauther who will always independently complete her schoolwork, two people (daughter and husband) who live with me who will learn to pick up their dirty clothes and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and 'Take your plate to the sink' because my voice seems to be just out of my daughter's hearing range and can only be heard by the cat.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my daughter to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my husband didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door I think she wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,Mom
PS One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in you.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
21 Reasons Why Books Makes the BEST presents
1. Books don't need to be assembled before being given.
2. Books don't need batteries.
3. Books never come in the wrong color or size.
4. Books don't need to be serviced by a dealer.
5. Books don't need spare parts.
6. Books are easier to wrap than footballs.
7. Books look good with any decor.
8. Books don't need watering or fertilizing.
9. Books don't irritate your allergies.
10. Books don't go out of style.
11. Books don't get aphids or draw ants.
12. Books don't bark or need to be walked in the middle ofthe night.
13. Books don't stretch, shrink, or fade.
14. Books don't need extension cords.
15. Books won't scratch the coffee table.
16. Books don't get stale before they arrive.
17. Books never need ironing.
18. Books don't have zippers that break.
19. Books can be used over and over by many people.
20. When you are finished with a book, it is not empty.
21. A book is a gift you can open again, and again, and again.
2. Books don't need batteries.
3. Books never come in the wrong color or size.
4. Books don't need to be serviced by a dealer.
5. Books don't need spare parts.
6. Books are easier to wrap than footballs.
7. Books look good with any decor.
8. Books don't need watering or fertilizing.
9. Books don't irritate your allergies.
10. Books don't go out of style.
11. Books don't get aphids or draw ants.
12. Books don't bark or need to be walked in the middle ofthe night.
13. Books don't stretch, shrink, or fade.
14. Books don't need extension cords.
15. Books won't scratch the coffee table.
16. Books don't get stale before they arrive.
17. Books never need ironing.
18. Books don't have zippers that break.
19. Books can be used over and over by many people.
20. When you are finished with a book, it is not empty.
21. A book is a gift you can open again, and again, and again.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
She is leaving tomorrow.....
Tomorrow morning is certainly a day I have been "nervous" about for quite some time. Back in June, we decided our family would be going to Disney for a week in December. We told Shayna that she could invite her close friend. I called her close friend's mother and ironically, they had decided to book a vacation mid-December for a 8 day cruise and told her daughter that she could invite Shayna. The good news is that the trips are back to back; so the girls get to go on both.
Tomorrow is the day she is leaving for ten days. I can't remember a time when I had TEN days to myself (and obviously ten days alone with my husband) since Shayna's birth in 1996. It almost seems surreal that I will have TIME alone every day for eight days before we head to Disney to meet up with the girls. I am not sure what I will do with myself. Well actually, as sad as it is, I have a TO DO list with many things I want to accomplish. Some of those things are for me, some are for our writing group, other things for homeschooling and some are for the house. I doubt I will get to everything on my list. But, hey, I will certainly give it a try.
I can't believe my daughter will be gone for ten days. What a sweet reunion we will have in Florida and then we get to be with both girls and share memories for eight days !
Monday, December 11, 2006
FUN - Create your own snowflake !
Shayna and I spent about an hour today playing with an online "game" to create different snowflakes. It was HUGE entertainment and fun. Try it yourself !
http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Shayna's Newest Writing Piece
Shayna participates in an IEW Writing class. She has actually been using this curriculum for the last four years. She enjoys writing so much. The latest story she has done she is so proud of ! It is a "take off" to the Story from India The Ten Fools. Shayna wanted me to remind everyone that this is not "really true or insulting" just good old family fun !
On a lovely but chilly morning in December, I, Shayna Hume, was sent on an undertaking around my house. My royal, spoiled cat named Mittens, who did I mention is an awesome snuggler, assigned me the job to find ten of the biggest fools in the house. You maybe surprised at this because cats do not usually talk and definitely do not assign jobs; but this royal, spoiled cat does.
I laughed, “That should be easy, it is cheerful, caroling Christmastime and most of my relatives are already at my house, because they arrived early.”
Mittens, who looked majestically out a window, replied calmly, “Well you had better get started immediately.”
I had just gone by a window when I saw a blur speed into our driveway through a stop light. I went outside and saw it was my father, so I questioned him about what he was doing. He told me the stop light looked maroon so he did not stop because the light was not really red. Naturally he continued to speed into our driveway for there was no need to stop! I asked my father to come with me.
Next I walked into the kitchen with my father behind me and saw my mom break a single egg (nothing else) for a cake. I questioned her about what she was doing. She explained that she forced a hen that belonged to our neighbor to eat all the ingredients that would normally go into the batter for the delicious, delectable cake. Slyly, my mother took the egg, which the hen laid immediately. My mother believed that all the ingredients that were needed in the cake were held within this one egg and that she was about to bake as a cake. I asked my mother to come with me to see the royal, spoiled cat, Mittens.
So with my parents in my wake, I went into the spare bedroom. There I saw my Aunt Addie and Uncle Scott fighting. I asked my aunt and uncle, what is this fighting all about?
Aunt Addie whined, “I prayed for a good dream and your uncle prayed to snore loudly. Don’t you see that his snoring is going to interrupt my dream?”
Uncle Scott grinned and laughed, “Yes it is!”
I just stated to Aunt Addie and Uncle Scott, “Come with me.”
But before we could leave, George entered the spare bedroom and announced, “If Addie and Scott are serious about their argument may the wine in the bottle I am holding crack open and spill all over me.” And with that to show what he had just stated, George, smashed the bottle of wine on this head and cried out in shock and surprise because wouldn’t you be surprised if a wine bottle gets smashed on your head.
“Come with us George,” I recited.
When I went into the den which was full of plain, wood shelves, I saw Grandma Mary looking around. I questioned her about what she was doing. She explained that she had hid her son’s Christmas present on a shelf which was next to another shelf but now couldn’t find it. I stifled my giggles, because the room is built with wall to wall shelves, however, I just recited, “Come with me.”
As all of my relatives followed me into the living room, I saw Aunt Kathy looking puzzled. I asked her what she was doing. She replied that she threw mean, angry words at the couch to hurt the couch’s feelings. Now, when she went to find the words, she could just not see them anywhere. “Come with me, “ I dully recited.
Next, we entered the laundry room. There I saw Aunt Patty looking in the wash for what I soon found out were her crimson colored socks and cream colored socks. She explained to me that she put both pairs of socks, crimson and cream, into the washer together, because she was in a hurry, and now she only has two pairs of pink socks. “Where in the world did my crimson colored and cream colored socks disappear to?,” asked Aunt Patty.
I patiently replied, “You can look for those socks later, just come with me.”
Then I traveled back to my bedroom with eight people following me. My royal, spoiled cat, Mittens, who was soft but fierce, was waiting patiently for me, asked me about each of their stories. I shared all my relatives stories. Mittens laughed and laughed but then asked where the last two fools were. I replied, “One is you for setting the task and the other is me for carrying it out.” I held my breath after I stated this, worried that she might be angry. Fortunately, she laughed and announced that I did a good job.
Then all the relatives chorused in unison “Can we go back to what we were originally doing.”
I sighed, “What on earth could match the stupidity of relatives!”
The Stupidity of Relatives
A Take Off of the Story from India "The Ten Fools"
By Shayna Hume
December 2006
On a lovely but chilly morning in December, I, Shayna Hume, was sent on an undertaking around my house. My royal, spoiled cat named Mittens, who did I mention is an awesome snuggler, assigned me the job to find ten of the biggest fools in the house. You maybe surprised at this because cats do not usually talk and definitely do not assign jobs; but this royal, spoiled cat does.
I laughed, “That should be easy, it is cheerful, caroling Christmastime and most of my relatives are already at my house, because they arrived early.”
Mittens, who looked majestically out a window, replied calmly, “Well you had better get started immediately.”
I had just gone by a window when I saw a blur speed into our driveway through a stop light. I went outside and saw it was my father, so I questioned him about what he was doing. He told me the stop light looked maroon so he did not stop because the light was not really red. Naturally he continued to speed into our driveway for there was no need to stop! I asked my father to come with me.
Next I walked into the kitchen with my father behind me and saw my mom break a single egg (nothing else) for a cake. I questioned her about what she was doing. She explained that she forced a hen that belonged to our neighbor to eat all the ingredients that would normally go into the batter for the delicious, delectable cake. Slyly, my mother took the egg, which the hen laid immediately. My mother believed that all the ingredients that were needed in the cake were held within this one egg and that she was about to bake as a cake. I asked my mother to come with me to see the royal, spoiled cat, Mittens.
So with my parents in my wake, I went into the spare bedroom. There I saw my Aunt Addie and Uncle Scott fighting. I asked my aunt and uncle, what is this fighting all about?
Aunt Addie whined, “I prayed for a good dream and your uncle prayed to snore loudly. Don’t you see that his snoring is going to interrupt my dream?”
Uncle Scott grinned and laughed, “Yes it is!”
I just stated to Aunt Addie and Uncle Scott, “Come with me.”
But before we could leave, George entered the spare bedroom and announced, “If Addie and Scott are serious about their argument may the wine in the bottle I am holding crack open and spill all over me.” And with that to show what he had just stated, George, smashed the bottle of wine on this head and cried out in shock and surprise because wouldn’t you be surprised if a wine bottle gets smashed on your head.
“Come with us George,” I recited.
When I went into the den which was full of plain, wood shelves, I saw Grandma Mary looking around. I questioned her about what she was doing. She explained that she had hid her son’s Christmas present on a shelf which was next to another shelf but now couldn’t find it. I stifled my giggles, because the room is built with wall to wall shelves, however, I just recited, “Come with me.”
As all of my relatives followed me into the living room, I saw Aunt Kathy looking puzzled. I asked her what she was doing. She replied that she threw mean, angry words at the couch to hurt the couch’s feelings. Now, when she went to find the words, she could just not see them anywhere. “Come with me, “ I dully recited.
Next, we entered the laundry room. There I saw Aunt Patty looking in the wash for what I soon found out were her crimson colored socks and cream colored socks. She explained to me that she put both pairs of socks, crimson and cream, into the washer together, because she was in a hurry, and now she only has two pairs of pink socks. “Where in the world did my crimson colored and cream colored socks disappear to?,” asked Aunt Patty.
I patiently replied, “You can look for those socks later, just come with me.”
Then I traveled back to my bedroom with eight people following me. My royal, spoiled cat, Mittens, who was soft but fierce, was waiting patiently for me, asked me about each of their stories. I shared all my relatives stories. Mittens laughed and laughed but then asked where the last two fools were. I replied, “One is you for setting the task and the other is me for carrying it out.” I held my breath after I stated this, worried that she might be angry. Fortunately, she laughed and announced that I did a good job.
Then all the relatives chorused in unison “Can we go back to what we were originally doing.”
I sighed, “What on earth could match the stupidity of relatives!”
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Lapbooking !
What Is A Lapbook?
A lapbook is a wonderful homeschooling tool! It is a regular file folder (or folders) refolded and filled with mini books and flaps. These books and flaps can be filled with all kind of information on any topic you choose. There is no right or wrong way to lapbook. Each lapbook is an original creation and will be a treasure for years to come!
Why Lapbook?
1. Lapbooking is a wonderful tool to use to teach and learn with your children! Lapbooking is exciting! Each on is like a little adventure into learning.
2. It is a way to teach your children how to become researchers and writers! Children learn to research as well as compose what they have learned so it can be presented to others.
3. It is a great place to keep a record of their work over the years. Before we began lapbooking I really had very little as far as examples of my children 's work. We use a Literature Based Curriculum and other than Math Books, handwriting wookbooks & a report here and there I didn't have many concrete examples of what they had learned. Once they began lapbooking this quickly changed! Suddenly we had these bright, colorful, exciting packages we could look at again and again. We began to find ourselves saying "Wouldn't that make a wonderful lapbook?" as we read book and went on field trips. We began to "think" like lapbookers. Taking notes on topics of interest and planning out what lapbooks we would like to make.
4. They are great for reviewing what they have learned since they are so much fun to pick up and look through over and over. How many time are your children going to drag a out a report they wrote last year and re-read it? These are like scrapbooks of their education. They will get them out again and again reviewing without even realizing it.
5. They are wonderful to show-off what you have been doing in school, whether it be to a school official or Grandma. In some States work samples must be shown to school officials through the year. What a impressive presentation lapbooks would be for this purpose! Even if you are only showing them to Grandma your children will be proud to share what they have learned. Plus you will never have to dread that end of year Project Fair again!
6. Lapbooks can be done on any topic and with any age of child. Cutting, pasting, drawing, stickers, what's not to love?
7. They are less intimidating for reluctant writers.
8. The are compact and easy to store. Most of all they are FUN!!!Recommended Ages for LapbookingLapbooking can be done from Preschool through Highschool! The topics will change over the years but it can be adapted to any age.
What You will Need
SuppliesFile Folders of all colorsAdhesives (I like scrapbooking adhesives the best.)ScissorsRuler or paper cutter
White Cardstock
Color Paper
Color pencils, markers or crayons
Stapler
Clear packaging tape (To add on extensions.)
Optional - Ziploc baggies and a sewing machine (If you want to make the ziploc baggie lift tabs.)Optional - stickers, magazines, rubber stamps, scrapbooking supplies, etc...
The Nuts and Bolts of Lapbooking
Here is one method we have used...
1. Pick a topic you are interested in.
2. Find books, webpages, etc that have information on your topic.
3. Start reading the information you have and make notes on what information you want to include in your mini books.
4. Find folds that you want to incorporate into your lapbook. Once you know what you want to include start writing the information into the books. Keep the mini books in a large ziploc bag and keep adding more of them as you do your study.
5. Once you have completed your study lay out all the mini books you have made and decide how many folders and extentions you will need to have. Put the folders and extensions together and start gluing in your mini books.
6. Design and decorate your cover.
7. Add graphic, clipart, original drawings, stickers, etc.
8. Design and decorate your cover.
9. Sign and date the back. Include your childs name, age, grade, & date. This is also an excellent place to write up a bibliography of all your resources. Your DONE!
Here is the second method we have used
(Laying out the lapbook 1st.)
1. Pick a topic you are interested in.
2. Fold your folders and attach as many together as you want to the particular study.
3. Make whatever mini books you want to make and put them inside the folders.
4. Now that you know how many books you will be making start thinking of questions to answer about your topic. You will need one question for each mini book or flap.
5. Start researching your topics.
6. As you find the information write it into the mini books. You will probably want to write a rough draft on notebook paper before writing the info into the books. You can also type the info out and print it then cut and past it into the books.
7. Add graphic, clipart, original drawings, stickers, etc.
8. Design and decorate your cover.
9. Sign and date the back. Include your childs name, age, grade, & date.
This is also an excellent place to write up a bibliography of all your resources.
Your DONE!
Links to GREAT Lapbooking Resources!
Here are some site that shows you how to make mini books.
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.htmhttp://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htmhttp://www.txchess.com/minibooks.htmClipart!
http://www.teacherfiles.com/clip_art.htm
http://school.discovery.com/clipart/index.html
http://webclipart.about.com/od/webclipartatoz/l/blnettop.htm
http://www.kidsdomain.com/clip/
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/FX101321031033.aspx?pid=CL100570201033
http://webclipart.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coolarchive.com%2Fclipart.cfm%3Fparameter%3DOffice%2520and%2520Business
Other great Online resources
Make your own puzzles. (Excellent resource!!! Lot's of types of puzzles to create on your topic.)
http://www.puzzlemaker.com/
Jigsaw Puzzle Pattern (Heart) to print 7 pieces:http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/heartpuzzle3.htm
14 pieces:http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/heartpuzzle1.htm
Cool Shapes to cut and paste (suitcase w/clothing, paper chain of men w/ hearts, faces, etc.)http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/
Templates to Printhttp://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm
Templates, templates and more templates! (Including templates to make mini folders!)http://www.stampersmall.com/templates/
Templates For Pop-Upshttp://robertsabuda.com/popmakesimple.asp
Cool fold to include worksheets in Lapbookhttp://wildwood.homestead.com/expandbook.html
Create Your Own Crossword Puzzlehttp://www.edhelper.com/crossword_free.htm
Create Your Own Printable Awardshttp://www.dltk-cards.com/award/
Make a Venn Diagram Onlinehttp://teachers.teachnology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/venn_diagrams/
Make a Timeline to Printhttp://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/timelines/
Free Printableshttp://www.apples4theteacher.com/http://www.abcteach.com/
Free Printable MiniBookshttp://mrsjonesroom.com/teachers/minibooks.htmlhttp://www.dltk-teach.com/minibooks/index.htm
Cindy Rushton Websitehttp://www.cindyrushton.com
Cindy Rushton's Bloghttp://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cindyrushton
Scrapbooking To Learnhttp://scrapbookingtolearn.com/
Lots of Info on LapbookingTobins Lab Lapbooking Info Sheet. Here is the link http://www.tobinslab.com/downloads/Lap%20Book%20Info%20Sheet.pdf
This is a sheet with some good basic info on lapbooking. Here is the Tobin's Lab catalog section on lapbooking. Lots of good resources for sale. Here is the link to the catalog. http://www.tobinslab.com/shopping/catalog.aspx?scCatalogCategoryID=63&CategoryTrail=0
(This is a great place to buy Dinah Zikes books!)
Here are some great places to buy pre-made lapbook kits. All of these offer Freebies!!!
Hands of a Child http://www.handsofachild.com
Live And Learn Press http://www.liveandlearnpress.com
Knowledge Box Centeral http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/
Here is a site that shows a Human Body Lapbook and all the links to make your own.http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSBCompanyBlog/230284/#c422930
Lapbooking Yahoo GroupIn my opinion this is the BEST resource on Lapbooking. Over 3000 homeschooling Mom's sharing ideas about lapbooking! It is AWESOME!!! (And is brought to us by the ladies over at Hands of a Child.) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lapbooking/
Outside The Box IdeasNo law was ever written that lapbooks have to be in a file folder! How about making a GIANT lapbook using a Presentation Folder? -
http://homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/109818/Make A Paper Bag Book. -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/194729/Make A Scrapbook Page -
http://homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/105639/The Only Limit Is Your Imagination! (Or Your Kids!!!)The best advice I can give you for lapbooking is "Just Do It"!!! No one will be grading you. Get out your supplies, put on your thinking caps and have fun! You will be amazed what you and your kids can come up with together. Isn't togetherness the best part of homeschooling?
A lapbook is a wonderful homeschooling tool! It is a regular file folder (or folders) refolded and filled with mini books and flaps. These books and flaps can be filled with all kind of information on any topic you choose. There is no right or wrong way to lapbook. Each lapbook is an original creation and will be a treasure for years to come!
Why Lapbook?
1. Lapbooking is a wonderful tool to use to teach and learn with your children! Lapbooking is exciting! Each on is like a little adventure into learning.
2. It is a way to teach your children how to become researchers and writers! Children learn to research as well as compose what they have learned so it can be presented to others.
3. It is a great place to keep a record of their work over the years. Before we began lapbooking I really had very little as far as examples of my children 's work. We use a Literature Based Curriculum and other than Math Books, handwriting wookbooks & a report here and there I didn't have many concrete examples of what they had learned. Once they began lapbooking this quickly changed! Suddenly we had these bright, colorful, exciting packages we could look at again and again. We began to find ourselves saying "Wouldn't that make a wonderful lapbook?" as we read book and went on field trips. We began to "think" like lapbookers. Taking notes on topics of interest and planning out what lapbooks we would like to make.
4. They are great for reviewing what they have learned since they are so much fun to pick up and look through over and over. How many time are your children going to drag a out a report they wrote last year and re-read it? These are like scrapbooks of their education. They will get them out again and again reviewing without even realizing it.
5. They are wonderful to show-off what you have been doing in school, whether it be to a school official or Grandma. In some States work samples must be shown to school officials through the year. What a impressive presentation lapbooks would be for this purpose! Even if you are only showing them to Grandma your children will be proud to share what they have learned. Plus you will never have to dread that end of year Project Fair again!
6. Lapbooks can be done on any topic and with any age of child. Cutting, pasting, drawing, stickers, what's not to love?
7. They are less intimidating for reluctant writers.
8. The are compact and easy to store. Most of all they are FUN!!!Recommended Ages for LapbookingLapbooking can be done from Preschool through Highschool! The topics will change over the years but it can be adapted to any age.
What You will Need
SuppliesFile Folders of all colorsAdhesives (I like scrapbooking adhesives the best.)ScissorsRuler or paper cutter
White Cardstock
Color Paper
Color pencils, markers or crayons
Stapler
Clear packaging tape (To add on extensions.)
Optional - Ziploc baggies and a sewing machine (If you want to make the ziploc baggie lift tabs.)Optional - stickers, magazines, rubber stamps, scrapbooking supplies, etc...
The Nuts and Bolts of Lapbooking
Here is one method we have used...
1. Pick a topic you are interested in.
2. Find books, webpages, etc that have information on your topic.
3. Start reading the information you have and make notes on what information you want to include in your mini books.
4. Find folds that you want to incorporate into your lapbook. Once you know what you want to include start writing the information into the books. Keep the mini books in a large ziploc bag and keep adding more of them as you do your study.
5. Once you have completed your study lay out all the mini books you have made and decide how many folders and extentions you will need to have. Put the folders and extensions together and start gluing in your mini books.
6. Design and decorate your cover.
7. Add graphic, clipart, original drawings, stickers, etc.
8. Design and decorate your cover.
9. Sign and date the back. Include your childs name, age, grade, & date. This is also an excellent place to write up a bibliography of all your resources. Your DONE!
Here is the second method we have used
(Laying out the lapbook 1st.)
1. Pick a topic you are interested in.
2. Fold your folders and attach as many together as you want to the particular study.
3. Make whatever mini books you want to make and put them inside the folders.
4. Now that you know how many books you will be making start thinking of questions to answer about your topic. You will need one question for each mini book or flap.
5. Start researching your topics.
6. As you find the information write it into the mini books. You will probably want to write a rough draft on notebook paper before writing the info into the books. You can also type the info out and print it then cut and past it into the books.
7. Add graphic, clipart, original drawings, stickers, etc.
8. Design and decorate your cover.
9. Sign and date the back. Include your childs name, age, grade, & date.
This is also an excellent place to write up a bibliography of all your resources.
Your DONE!
Links to GREAT Lapbooking Resources!
Here are some site that shows you how to make mini books.
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.htmhttp://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htmhttp://www.txchess.com/minibooks.htmClipart!
http://www.teacherfiles.com/clip_art.htm
http://school.discovery.com/clipart/index.html
http://webclipart.about.com/od/webclipartatoz/l/blnettop.htm
http://www.kidsdomain.com/clip/
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/FX101321031033.aspx?pid=CL100570201033
http://webclipart.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coolarchive.com%2Fclipart.cfm%3Fparameter%3DOffice%2520and%2520Business
Other great Online resources
Make your own puzzles. (Excellent resource!!! Lot's of types of puzzles to create on your topic.)
http://www.puzzlemaker.com/
Jigsaw Puzzle Pattern (Heart) to print 7 pieces:http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/heartpuzzle3.htm
14 pieces:http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/heartpuzzle1.htm
Cool Shapes to cut and paste (suitcase w/clothing, paper chain of men w/ hearts, faces, etc.)http://www.msssbible.com/memoryverses/createyourown/
Templates to Printhttp://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm
Templates, templates and more templates! (Including templates to make mini folders!)http://www.stampersmall.com/templates/
Templates For Pop-Upshttp://robertsabuda.com/popmakesimple.asp
Cool fold to include worksheets in Lapbookhttp://wildwood.homestead.com/expandbook.html
Create Your Own Crossword Puzzlehttp://www.edhelper.com/crossword_free.htm
Create Your Own Printable Awardshttp://www.dltk-cards.com/award/
Make a Venn Diagram Onlinehttp://teachers.teachnology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/venn_diagrams/
Make a Timeline to Printhttp://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/timelines/
Free Printableshttp://www.apples4theteacher.com/http://www.abcteach.com/
Free Printable MiniBookshttp://mrsjonesroom.com/teachers/minibooks.htmlhttp://www.dltk-teach.com/minibooks/index.htm
Cindy Rushton Websitehttp://www.cindyrushton.com
Cindy Rushton's Bloghttp://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cindyrushton
Scrapbooking To Learnhttp://scrapbookingtolearn.com/
Lots of Info on LapbookingTobins Lab Lapbooking Info Sheet. Here is the link http://www.tobinslab.com/downloads/Lap%20Book%20Info%20Sheet.pdf
This is a sheet with some good basic info on lapbooking. Here is the Tobin's Lab catalog section on lapbooking. Lots of good resources for sale. Here is the link to the catalog. http://www.tobinslab.com/shopping/catalog.aspx?scCatalogCategoryID=63&CategoryTrail=0
(This is a great place to buy Dinah Zikes books!)
Here are some great places to buy pre-made lapbook kits. All of these offer Freebies!!!
Hands of a Child http://www.handsofachild.com
Live And Learn Press http://www.liveandlearnpress.com
Knowledge Box Centeral http://www.knowledgeboxcentral.com/
Here is a site that shows a Human Body Lapbook and all the links to make your own.http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HSBCompanyBlog/230284/#c422930
Lapbooking Yahoo GroupIn my opinion this is the BEST resource on Lapbooking. Over 3000 homeschooling Mom's sharing ideas about lapbooking! It is AWESOME!!! (And is brought to us by the ladies over at Hands of a Child.) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lapbooking/
Outside The Box IdeasNo law was ever written that lapbooks have to be in a file folder! How about making a GIANT lapbook using a Presentation Folder? -
http://homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/109818/Make A Paper Bag Book. -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/194729/Make A Scrapbook Page -
http://homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/105639/The Only Limit Is Your Imagination! (Or Your Kids!!!)The best advice I can give you for lapbooking is "Just Do It"!!! No one will be grading you. Get out your supplies, put on your thinking caps and have fun! You will be amazed what you and your kids can come up with together. Isn't togetherness the best part of homeschooling?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Great Wolf Lodge - WOW !
As part of our field trip to NASA - LANGLEY for our Scream Machine Day... many of the homeschoolers stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. We got the price to a reasonable 1/2 "the normal price" stay. This resort was absolutely gorgeous and amazing for our children.
The children LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the water park. They simply could not get enough of it. They loved the wave pool, water slides, lazy river, dumping bucket and so much more.
Many of us "indulged" our children and allowed them to play MAGIQUEST. In my personal opinion, this was an incredible use of money. I considered it an "inexpensive babysitter". The concept of MAGIQUEST is that the children have "magic wands" and have to problem solve different quests to get to the advanced levels. Once at that level, they go on adventures. However, in reality, it kept the kids running all over the hotel, waving magic wands and problem solving with one another.
Finally, we had an "all girls" slumber party in my room of the hotel. Shayna's girlfriends were invited to spend the night together. They had so much fun !
I can't wait to negotiate a 1/2 price rate again for the homeschoolers !
The children LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the water park. They simply could not get enough of it. They loved the wave pool, water slides, lazy river, dumping bucket and so much more.
Many of us "indulged" our children and allowed them to play MAGIQUEST. In my personal opinion, this was an incredible use of money. I considered it an "inexpensive babysitter". The concept of MAGIQUEST is that the children have "magic wands" and have to problem solve different quests to get to the advanced levels. Once at that level, they go on adventures. However, in reality, it kept the kids running all over the hotel, waving magic wands and problem solving with one another.
Finally, we had an "all girls" slumber party in my room of the hotel. Shayna's girlfriends were invited to spend the night together. They had so much fun !
I can't wait to negotiate a 1/2 price rate again for the homeschoolers !
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Field Trip: Virginia Air and Space ~ NASA Langley
What a GREAT field trip we went on yesterday. Virginia Air and Space helped me arrange a wonderful "Scream Machine" day for the homeschoolers.
We began with a demo of the "simple machines". This was basic for many of the kids - but a good review. Then we saw an incredible IMAX titled THRILL RIDE. Finally, the kids broke down into two different age groups and learned about Newton's Laws of Physics and using everything they learned constructed their own "scream machines" - roller coasters.
There are so many field trips that don't reach out and give you what you expect ! This was NOT one of them. The "museum educators" were fabulous ! They engaged the kids. We had five year old to fifteen year olds and they all had a GREAT time.
What an awesome time ! We are already talking about going back for another "theme day" at Virginia Air and Space.
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