Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #50

Welcome to Trivium Tuesdays!  This is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.

What is the number one question you get about homeschooling?  People always seem to ask me if I'm planning on homeschooling all the way through high school.  I'm not sure why they ask.  Small talk?  Teenagers need the social experience of public school?  High school is too hard to teach?  I know even many dedicated homeschoolers often think that they are not qualified to teach their children through high school.  Thankfully, in her link-up last week, Barb from Harmony Fine Arts offers us lots of encouragement and ideas, and promises that "you can't mess up!"  Sounds good to me =)  I was very encouraged by reading her post and I know you will be too!

Now onto this week's link-up!

Here are the rules:

• Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
• Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
• Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
• Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
• It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
• Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!

I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

Let's Celebrate Spring - Trees

This week we are taking a break from our normal studies to learn a little about SPRING!  This week we have learned about seeds and baby animals, and today we are learning about trees.  Tomorrow we will have fun doing things that most people do on Easter (egg hunt, baskets, egg decorating, etc.)

Here are some ideas if you would like to join us, either today or any day this spring!

Trees

Why do trees (and perennial flowers) wake up in the spring?

• As the hours of daylight get longer, and the temperature of the air gets warmer, plants and trees are able to make the food they need to grow and reproduce.
• Read more at http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Spring/TreesWakeUp.aspx?age=ks2

Activities for Learning:

• Coloring Pages
• Variety, including nice trees and blossoms
• Trees

•  Books (Check out what you have at your library, these are just some I found at mine.)
• A Tree is Growing
• Junior Science: Trees
• Tell Me, Tree

• Take a Nature Walk for new spring growth
• Take a look around your yard, walk around your neighborhood, or head out to a local park and see if any trees have started to blossom.  if you have bulbs in your yard, have they started to pop up?
• Check out this Spring Blossoms post from two springs ago.
• If you have any blossoms, take a few and press them to use in your nature journal.
• Pressed Flowers
• How to Press Flowers
•  Don't forget to record your findings in a nature journal!  Feel free to use this page and See my post about Starting a Nature Journal for ideas on how to use it.

download

I hope you have fun learning about trees today or any day this spring!

Let's Celebrate Spring - Baby Animals

This week we are taking a break from our normal studies to learn a little about SPRING!  Yesterday we learned about seeds, today baby animals, and tomorrow we will learn about trees.  Then on Saturday we will have fun doing things that most people do on Easter (egg hunt, baskets, egg decorating, etc.)

Here are some ideas if you would like to join us, either today or any day this spring!

Baby Animals

Why do animals have babies in the spring?

• Many birds and animals have their babies in the spring because that is when there is more food available to feed them and more hours of daylight to find food.
• Mammals who nurse their young need the nutrients from the new-growing plants to make milk to feed their young.
• Read more at http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Spring/BabyAnimals.aspx?age=ks2

Activities for Learning:

• Coloring Pages
• Baby Birds
• Baby Animals
• A Variety (including baby birds and animals)

•  Books (check your library, these are just some I found at mine)
• Baby Animals
• Amazing Eggs
• Baby Animals: Chick
• Baby Animals: Ducklings
• Watch it Grow: Duck
• Birds in Spring

•  Make a Bird's Nest
• Take a nature walk outside and think like a bird!  Pick up anything you see that a bird might use to build a nest.  Try to assemble your own and appreciate a bird's great skill =)

• Go Birdwatching
• Take a nature walk outside and bring your binoculars!  Try to see what birds are starting to pop up in your neighborhood.
• Use this nature journal page if you'd like!  See my post about Starting a Nature Journal for ideas on how to use it.

download

• Make A Birdfeeder
• Check out this website for lots of great ideas for making different kinds of birdfeeders:  http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/bird-feeders.htm 
• We're going to be trying to make the Early Bird Diner bird feeder today!

I hope you enjoy learning about baby animals today or any day this spring!

Let's Celebrate Spring! SEEDS

Today is the first day of spring, so for the rest of the week we are taking a break from our normal studies to learn a little about spring!  Today we are learning about seeds, tomorrow about baby animals, and Friday about trees.  Then on Saturday we will have fun doing things that most people do on Easter (egg hunt, baskets, egg decorating, etc.)

Here are some ideas if you would like to join us, either today or any day this spring!

Seeds

Why do seeds grow in the spring?

• Plants need water, light, warmth, and soil or compost to grow.  During spring, they get the conditions they need to begin to grow...The longer days mean they have more daylight and warmth from the sun... (read more at http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Spring/PlantsGrowInSpring.aspx?age=ks2)

Activities for Learning:

• Coloring Page

• Books (check your library, these are just some I found at mine)
• A Seed in Need
• Plant Packages
• How do Seeds Sprout
• Seeds
• A Seed is Sleepy

• Start seeds indoors
• The method in this post from The Homeschool Scientist is what we are going to be doing today!
• Use the "How My Seed Grows" chart that I made for you to track how your seeds change each day!  Draw the roots in the pot and then the plant sprouting up higher each day (hopefully =)

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 Would you like to have this How My Seed Grows sheet and printable instructions for this and 9 other science activities for preschoolers?

Get my Preschool Science (& Nature) printable pack for free!

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Seeds are such a great picture this time of year.  Something that is essentially dead, springs forth new life!  Just like we are dead in our sins, Jesus Christ offers to give us new life.  A seed cannot turn into a plant on it's own, and we cannot save ourselves from sin and bring ourselves to eternal life.  Praise God for drawing us out of death into life!  (If you don't know what I'm talking about, or do not know about new life through Jesus Christ, don't hesitate to ask!)

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.  John 6:44

Have fun learning about seeds today or any day this spring! 

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 Looking for more preschool information?  Click on the picture below to find a list of all the preschool posts here at Living and Learning at Home, plus some of my favorite preschool resources!

 

 

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #49

Welcome to Trivium Tuesdays!  This is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.

Did you see Teaching Stars' post last week about poetry?  Kristen talks about her experience with poetry growing up and her desire for her daughters to be exposed to it.  She shares with us some resources that they have been using and about their adventure going to read poetry at the park.  How do you include poetry into your child's days?  Do you have any favorite resources?  Make sure to take a minute to head over and read it if you missed it last week!

Now onto this week's link-up!

Here are the rules:

• Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
• Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
• Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
• Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
• It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
• Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!

I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton - The Lips of the Wise

The lips of the wise are as doors of a cabinet; No sooner are they opened, but treasures are poured out before thee.

I love the imagery of this quote.  When I read this, I immediately think of grandparents.  When elderly people are given the chance to speak, the treasures they can share are amazing.  Of course, not every elderly person is going to speak forth treasures; they must first be wise.  There also can be younger people who can posses this kind of wisdom.  This quote reminds me of Bible verses that speak this same truth...

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.            Matthew 12:34

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.       Proverbs 15:7

The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.    Proverbs 10:14

I would love to say that I am wise.  I would love to think that when I speak, treasures are poured out to all who listen.  Sadly, I know that the words I speak are often far from treasures.  These verses give me great encouragement to pursue wisdom and to be careful about the words I choose to use.

Do you have someone come to mind who spoke treasures into your life?

Like last week, I want to share with you a copywork page for this quote.  Use it with your teenagers to give them some great food for thought.  It will be available for you to download for FREE THIS WEEK ONLY.  If you like it and would like more, I have a whole copywork pack of quotes, like this one, from Pharaoh Akhenaton for just $1.00 at Classical Copywork.

 (download this copywork page)

Learn more or purchase the entire Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton copywork pack from Classical Copywork for just $1.00.  This pack contains 15 quotes, each having a print and cursive option.  Five of the quotes have the option of a colorful graphic or a black and white one.  This totals 42 pages of copywork.


Don't miss any of the posts from this series!

Would you like to be inspired by other great quotes?  Over 20 bloggers at the iHomeschool Network have shared quotes on a variety of subjects these past few weeks.

Grapevine Studies - Resurrection (Traceables) Review

I'm excited to announce that I am now a reviewer for The Curriculum Choice!  My first review is today and it is for Grapevine Studies.  Take a peak here, and then I hope you will head over to The Curriculum Choice to read the rest!

I'm guessing that you have heard of Grapevine Studies...what I want to talk about today is their new traceable studies. More important than (probably) anything else I have to say is that my children LOVE them. They ask to do the study every night and are very disappointed when we skip a night.

We are working our way through the Resurrection study right now, preparing for Easter. These traceables are designed for 3-5 year olds and you can choose from the Beginner studies or the Multi-level studies. In these lessons, a light gray stick figure is already drawn in each box so all your youngster has to do it trace over it. Tracing is a great activity for little hands and minds, teaching them how to make good work on their own.

This Resurrection study takes your family from the Last Supper through the Ascension of Jesus in nine easy lessons. Each lesson tells you what Bible verses to read, what colors to use in your drawings, words to look up in a Bible dictionary, a memory verse, and review questions. You can choose to incorporate all of those things into your lesson or you can pick and choose which elements you would like.

What I love the most is...

Find out and read the rest of my review at The Curriculum Choice!

Exodus Notebooking Pages

Download Exodus Notebooking Pages

We have been studying Ancient History this year.  So far we have made it through Genesis and Exodus, studying the Ancient Sumerians and Ancient Egyptians as we went.  I am excited to be headed to the book of Joshua now, and beginning to study Ancient Greece!

Most days I assign a copywork page to my son, but sometimes I switch things up by doing some other sort of writing assignment.  (He is still very young and I know that he can only handle one major writing task per day, though I see him increasing his abilities all the time!)  One of the things I had him do some days was a notebooking page.

I love notebooking pages because they let your child express what they have learned creatively and without feeling like they are being tested.  When my son does copywork, I make sure that everything is copied correctly, but with pages like these I let him work without any criticism or critique.  I really just want to see if he has absorbed anything that I have read =)

I created these pages (because that's how I roll) as we went along in our studies, and I wanted to share them with you before I moved on and forgot about them!

There are three pages, each with a picture, lines to write, and a box to draw a picture in.  You could assign your child something particular to write and draw, or let them retell what they have learned in whatever way they wish.

Pages Include:

• The Nile River
• Baby Moses in the Nile
• Moses and the Burning Bush

These are just pages that I created when I felt like assigning a notebooking page to my son.  I was not trying to capture each event in the book of Exodus, but if this is something that you would enjoy, I would love to make more for you!  Please let me know if these are a benefit to your family!

Download Exodus Notebooking Pages

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #48

Welcome to Trivium Tuesdays!  This is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.

Did you know that this week is National Reading Month? Now, I'm not a good celebrator of well, anything, but we all love books around here, don't we?  So, I'm going to feature two posts from last week that talked about this reading month!



First up, Jessica from My Teacher's Name is Mama shared with us about an online resource called Book Flix.  It is a site that pairs up classic fiction books with related non-fiction books for your child to enjoy.  They can either read the books themselves, or listen to them as a read aloud.  Check out Jessica's post for more info!





Janine from True Aim Education has a weekly link-up called Mom's Library, and in honor is National Reading Month, she featured a bunch of posts having to do with reading resources.  She even featured my review of My Book Boost!  Check out her features.  You will find resources for Dr. Seuss, Ancient China, Science, St. Patrick's Day, American History, and more!




Now onto this week's link-up!

Here are the rules:

• Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
• Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
• Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
• Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
• It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
• Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!

I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton - Contentment

To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increases his riches, increases his care; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble finds it not.        ~Pharaoh Akhenaton

This is so true, and so rich in wisdom.  The Bible also talks about being content...

 For the sake of Christ, then, I am CONTENT with weaknesses, and calamities.  For when I am WEAK, then I am STRONG.    2 Corinthians 12:10

 I have learned in whatever situation I am to be CONTENT.    Philippians 4:11

Godliness with contentment is great GAIN, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be CONTENT.  But those who desire to be RICH fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into RUIN and DESTRUCTION.      1 Timothy 6:6-9

Keep your life free from the LOVE of MONEY, and be CONTENT with what you have.   Hebrews 13:5

 When we can be content with nothing more than the sand running through our fingers, life is truly sweet.  Constantly thinking that you have to "Keep up with the Jones'" is tiring, and honestly only breeds unhappiness.  1 Timothy 6:6-9 goes so far as to say that the desire to be rich can lead you to ruin and destruction!  That is serious!

Please, friends, be content where you are and with what you have.  Thank God for where he has put you and for the things that you have.  This contentment will lead you to a trouble-free, happy life.

Like last week, I want to share with you a copywork page for this quote.  Use it with your teenagers to give them some great food for thought.  It will be available for you to download for FREE THIS WEEK ONLY.  If you like it and would like more, I have a whole copywork pack of quotes, like this one, from Pharaoh Akhenaton for just $1.00 at Classical Copywork.

 (download this copywork page)

Learn more or purchase the entire Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton copywork pack from Classical Copywork for just $1.00.  This pack contains 15 quotes, each having a print and cursive option.  Five of the quotes have the option of a colorful graphic or a black and white one.  This totals 42 pages of copywork.


Don't miss any of the posts from this series!

Would you like to be inspired by other great quotes?  Over 20 bloggers at the iHomeschool Network are sharing quotes on a variety of subjects over the next few weeks.

Trivium Tuesdays-Classical Link-Up #47

Welcome to Trivium Tuesdays!  This is a link-up aimed at encouraging and informing other homeschoolers who use the Classical model of teaching.  Here we can share with each other and learn from one another.

This week's feature is How to Read Aloud to Your Kids Like a Pro from Intoxicated on Life.  As classical homeschoolers, we are all big on reading great literature and lots of it!  Another priority I am sure we all share is reading aloud to our children.  If you missed it last week, make sure to check out this post to find 12 tips on how to be a pro at it!

Now onto this week's link-up!

Here are the rules:

• Your post must have to do (in some way) with classical homeschooling (any age children).
• Your post may be from your archives as long as you only post it one time on this link-up.
• Please link to your direct post, not your blog in general.
• Please place my Trivium Tuesdays button (found on my right sidebar) on your blog post so others can learn about this link-up!
• It may be helpful to state in your link description what stage of the trivium or what subject your post is about, if applicable, so others can easily find posts they are interested in looking at.
• Remember, everyone loves comments =) So don't be shy, and tell someone if you liked their post!

I reserve the right to remove any link-up that does not have to do with classical homeschooling.         If you are a regular here at Trivium Tuesdays and have something to share that is a little off topic, but still would be an encouragement to the readers here, please still share it =)  I'm referring to people who are just trying to get their blog more exposure without following the rules above.

I will visit each of your blogs this week and feature my favorite link-up for all to see next week!  Also, if your blog has a button I will place it on my sidebar (under Friends to Visit) for the week until it is replaced by the next week's favorite =)

Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton - Beatuy

When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the luster of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist.         ~Pharaoh Akhenaton

With the definition of 'beautiful' turned up on it's head these days, a quote like this is refreshing.  This world values appearance so strongly, but laughs at virtue and modesty.  It is really sad.  The Bible tells us otherwise...

...Women should adorn themselves in RESPECTABLE apparel, with MODESTY and self-control...             1 Timothy 2:9

 Do not let your adorning be external---the braiding of hair and the putting on of jewlery, or the clothing you wear---but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the IMPERISHABLE BEAUTY of a GENTLE and QUIET spirit, which in God's sight is very PRECIOUS.       1 Peter 3:3-4

It is hard to have a true view of beauty when we are bombarded by contrary messages everywhere we turn.  Modesty in dress and of the heart are beautiful things.  Being upright and respectable is beautiful.  The world may not tell you this, but God's Word does.  It is good for me to reflect on this.  I suspect it is good for you to be reminded too, dear sister.

Like last week, I want to share with you a copywork page for this quote.  Use it with your teenagers (both your girls AND your boys!) to give them some great food for thought.  It will be available for you to download for FREE THIS WEEK ONLY.  If you like it and would like more, I have a whole copywork pack of quotes, like this one, from Pharaoh Akhenaton for just $1.00 at Classical Copywork.

 (download this copywork page)

Learn more or purchase the entire Wise Words from Pharaoh Akhenaton copywork pack from Classical Copywork for just $1.00.  This pack contains 15 quotes, each having a print and cursive option.  Five of the quotes have the option of a colorful graphic or a black and white one.  This totals 42 pages of copywork.


Don't miss any of the posts from this series!

Would you like to be inspired by other great quotes?  Over 20 bloggers at the iHomeschool Network are sharing quotes on a variety of subjects over the next few weeks.