I just have to tell you about the ‘Times Tales’ programme! I don’t often write posts about the products in our catalogue, as I do not want to appear as one who is ‘blowing their own trumpet’, but I probably should write more about them, seeings how they’re only in the catalogue because they are products we endorse….

Anyway, Times Tales. This is a product that I used a few years ago with my older children, with great success. Today, it was time to pull it out again, to help my younger ones, aged 13, 11, 10 and 8 with their upper level times tables. The claim is that, in under an hour, you can teach all the upper level tables for 6, 7, 8, and 9 – that is, 6x6 up to 9x9 – the ones children often have trouble with (Please note they’ve since updated the programme to include the upper level 3s and 4s, but I still have the older version, so that is the one we used today).

I gave the pre-test. My 13 year old was fine, she knew all the answers, although she had to certainly ‘think’ about them. My other 3 had NO idea – maybe one or two answers, but that was all. So, we sat down to go through the programme. It begins with simple stories that the teacher reads, explains, and then the children repeat. My ten year old had a very puzzled look on her face, as if to say, ‘what on earth has this to do with times tables?’

The trick is that you then use these stories, ‘Mrs Snowman’, for example, stands for the number 8. ‘The Tree house’ is number 9. The child learns, in one story, that there were 2 tree houses; one grew 8 apples, the other grew only 1. Tree house = 9 (the picture is shaped like a 9). So, 2 tree houses = 9x 9. And the answer? 8 apples, then 1 apple = 81.

That’s probably not a great explanation, but when you use the programme, it is so simple. After reading and repeating the stories, the child is then shown the picture, but no words, and they recite it from memory. Then later, you use only flashcards, and even when the child sees only 9 x 9, they see and remember the story, making it simple to recall their math facts. Once we began using the cards, it all ‘clicked’ for my 10 year old, who was delighted to realise that maths could actually be interesting for a change!

So many programmes promise so many things. This one delivers. My youngest daughter could not answer even one of the upper level multiplication problems. At the end, she completed the test once more, and answered EVERY ONE correct. Later, when Dad came home, we sat down for dinner, and chatted about the day. We spoke about Times Tales, and round the table we went, as I called out various math facts. Even though several hours had passed, they still recalled every single answer!

Now, I’ve no doubt we’ll need revision, and it’ll take some repeating before it is solidly ‘in their brain’, but that is easy, too. Times Tales provide a small flip-book with all the facts for the child to simply flip through if the stories ever become a little ‘rusty’. I was excited about this programme when we used it a few years ago, and I’m excited about it again – such a simple thing, and it only takes a couple of hours, but the learning lasts.

God bless,

24 July 2010

One of the favourite programmes we use in our homeschool is the writing programme from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. We've utilised the programme for around four years now- I ‘discovered' it back in 2006, when I purchased the ‘Student Writing Intensive' programme for my then fourteen year old, who was struggling to even put a sentence together. After using the programme for several weeks, I saw a definite improvement and knew that finally, we were onto a winner. We've used the programme ever since. A recent addition to our wall have been the wonderful, bright posters, which are fantastic. After each school year ends, the idea is to go back over the nine units again the following year, to ensure the student has a good grasp of the concepts. This week saw my youngest girls lining up for their very own writing lessons, and for the most part, we had a ball. They were still enthusiastic and eager on the second day, much to my delight. Once again, I'm discovering this programme is easy to teach, and is a proven success.

As you can see, our whiteboard is completely surrounded by writing posters from IEW. Normally, one would have only one, two, or three posters on the wall at one time, but with eight children, all at different levels, we tend to make use of all the posters concurrently. Certainly, it makes for an impressive display. Having the posters on the wall provides us with a constant reference that we can all use and refer to. They are quite large, so one does need room on the walls however, smaller posters can be made if need be or one can make use of the ‘portable walls', which are basically the same, but are presented in a fold-out booklet. These can be placed on the desk in front of the student for them to use individually. We love our posters though, and they are always right there in front of us, ready for use at any time.

Being the new term, this week saw my three youngest lining up to return to Unit 1. Normally, the units are covered over the course of the year, and then the plan is to begin back at Unit 1 the following year, but move through the programme at a faster pace. Since it was the beginning of term, we began by using a short article on rocks. The idea is simple. Beginning at the first line, we read through the paragraph, and then make key word outlines from each sentence. At first, I asked the question, ‘who likes to write'? Thankfully, I was met with a positive response, which was encouraging. We completed the exercise, and ended with my ten year old standing up and presenting her report orally. There were some giggles, some smiles, and definitely some concentrated faces. All had ended well, and the girls seemed quite enthused about their writing lesson.

The following day, I glanced up to see my girls bringing out their school books, with their new writing folder on top of their pile. I was most pleased! Not only that, but my oldest asked, ‘is writing a part of our school work every day now?' When I answered ‘yes', a smile of delight spread across her face. ‘Excellent!' she responded. Oh, what a delight for a homeschooling Mum! Who wouldn't want that sort of a response? Certainly, this is a rare comment, so it's one that was definitely savoured. Commencing once more, we sat down with another short article in front of us. We began our key word outline, with me writing the words on the board while the girls copied them onto their papers. Shortly after we began, Dad popped his head in, with a comment of, ‘Are you having fun?' I answered, ‘I think so', and turned to the girls to ask them. ‘Yep!' came the first excited reply. ‘Yeh', came the second-she was intently copying the key words, so her response was not quite so passionate. The third response though, deflated my enthusiasm. ‘Not really', announced my ten year old, with a huge sigh to follow. Oh well; nothing is perfect! We returned to our outlines, added in a few more ‘interesting' words, which ended with the four of us in hysterics, so we all enjoyed it in the end! After a wonderful oral presentation by my twelve year old, we popped the papers into their folders, and we were done.

The first few Units of the IEW programme are truly delightful. Although the idea is so simple, it is so effective. It is so much fun returning to the early units each year, and this week has reminded me of that. The posters certainly help, and offer a constant reminder of all of those elements. Having achieved success, the girls are feeling confident and happy with their writing lessons. Even my ten year old, who would much rather be outside building a cubby house or playing with the animals, is accepting the lessons with minimal fuss. Yes, the assignments do get longer and more difficult. But by that time, they have the skills that are needed. The IEW programme builds upon each step, adding in one element at a time. And these new elements are only added as the child is comfortable and confident in using those components that have already been taught. The girls have achieved so much in just this one week. They are learning what words are best to use in the key word outlines, and how to make their oral presentations fun and interesting. The programme is fun to teach, and it is certainly one that is ‘a keeper'-I can't wait until we get to unit 5, ‘writing from pictures', that one usually makes for some interesting stories!

22 July 2010

I've just been listening to a lecture given by Andrew Pudewa of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, entitled 'The Parental Rights Amendment'.

While it is directed at American parents, and discusses American law, it is a fascinating talk that discusses the International Treaty on the 'rights of the child'. He presents some very interesting information, some of which is just downright terrifying.

It can be downloaded for free from the IEW web-site, at:

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/free-downloads

19 July 2010

Over the past few months, I've been viewing Australian movies / mini series, to put together a list of historical films that can be enjoyed by families, especially as they study Australian History.

Please note that some of these movies contains scenes that may have objectionable content. If this is of concern, please research and preview the movies before allowing your students to view them.

The Little Convict (with Rolf Harris - set approx 1800)

Against the Wind (mini-series - 13 episodes) (approx 1800)

Ned Kelly (Starring Heath Ledger -1880)

Seven Little Australians (mini-series - 10 episodes, approx 1880s)

The Man from Snowy River (1888)

The Man from Snowy River 2 (approx 1889)

All the Rivers Run (mini-series-4 episodes ,1890 - )

I Can Jump Puddles (early 1900s) - I recommend the 1st disc only in this 3-disc series.

The Anzacs (mini-series-5 episodes, 1914-1918)

Gallipoli (Starring Mel Gibson, 1914)

The Lighthorsemen (1917)

Phar Lap (-1932)

Storm Boy (1977)

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

I would list Breaker Morant as well, but I'm not too sure about that one;  there are a few scenes containing inappropriate behaviour - definitely one to preview before viewing it with the family.

If you know of any more Australian Historical movies or mini series, please list them in the comments section below.

Student Intensive Continuation Course

6 June 2010

This year has seen some changes in our schooling routine. With five teenagers in the house, it was time to move onto a more ‘independent' approach with my older ones, so I could truly concentrate on the three younger ones - one of whom, due to problems with her eyes, was lagging a little, and needed some intensive ‘one-on-one' time.

We'd used products from the ‘Institute for Excellence in Writing' for several years, beginning with ‘Student Writing Intensive', and then moving onto such resources as ‘Bible-Based Writing Lessons' and ‘Medieval-Based Writing Lessons', so we knew the programme quite well. However, I needed something I could set for the teenagers that they could manage, for the most part, on their own.

The ‘Student Intensive Continuation Course' proved to be just the thing. Working as a group, my oldest four begin each week by watching the DVD, and then completing a writing assignment over the following days. Having completed the parent training DVDs, ‘Teaching Writing, Structure & Style', I am then able to confidently mark the work and discuss areas that need improvement.

This has proved extremely successful; firstly, because my highschoolers know exactly what is required of them, but also because they can complete their writing assignments without waiting for Mum to set their work - the lesson plans are all laid out, in an easy-to-follow format, for 32 weeks. Included are heaps of tips for improving the student's writing; such as using good quality adjectives, strong verbs, and exercises on the various ways one can begin a sentence.

What I have always appreciated about the IEW writing method is that the programme teaches students ‘how' to write. They are not simply told to ‘write an essay on such-and-such', but are told, and shown, step by step exactly how to accomplish the task. I have employed these methods even in my own writing, and I'll often call out ‘Help! I need a ‘vss' (very short sentence) to go in this paragraph!' The children are able to help me out, and likewise, I am able to help them when they have similar struggles.

I often read, on message boards, questions such as, ‘Is IEW really worth the money?'. There are a few suppliers in our catalogue who I am truly passionate about. IEW is one of them. I've said it plenty of times before, but it bears repeating; IEW has completely revolutionised our own homeschool. No other products have shown themselves to be so powerful, and so successful. Sometimes, it's a big step to try something new, or change curriculums. This is one time I'm glad I did.

25 May 2010

While some Mums have a natural talent for hands-on activities and lapbooking, I tend to struggle a little with it - maybe it's just trying to fit in 'school-work' for all eight children, every day, but regardless, lapbooking is quite a 'challenge' in our home.  Nevertheless, every now and then, I do muster up the energy, and we spend a few hours putting one together.  And last Friday was 'the day' to work with my three youngest girls and construct a project.

We've been learning about the weather and the water cycle, so to complete the unit, I thought it would be a good idea  to finish off by placing what we've learned into a lapbook.  We had some super-fun cutting out the shapes, and made wonderful use of the Creative Memories cutting system I'd recently purchased;  especially with the sun shape and the circles for the earth.  We also added an extra 'flap' on top, giving us two extra pages to fill.

As usual, I found myself exhausted by the time it was done;  but we did enjoy putting it together, and it was a wonderful way to finish up our weather unit.  Despite having a 'lapbooking handicapped' Mum, we did it! 

19 May 2010

Y'know, we've been doing all this scrapbooking and having stacks of fun - but it wasn't actually the ‘scrapbooking' part of it that ‘got' me in the first place. It was the cutters!

On occasion, we do Lapbooking, and have done various projects in the past. I recall standing for ages one day in the lounge room with a piece of cardboard and a pair of scissors, trying and trying to get some nice rounded corners on the rectangle. And then, there are the times when my children need a nice oval or circle shape for their projects. Of course, there's always the ‘trace around this and cut with scissors' approach, but it never seems to quite work out as nicely as I'd like.

So, when I attended the Creative Memories party, I was absolutely delighted when I spied the cutters! Let me explain. There's a cutting mat, with three different blades to choose from. Then, there are the shape cutters - circles, ovals, heats, diamonds, etc. You place your cardboard or photo on the mat, place the plastic shape on top, and using one of the blades, you cut out that shape. The absolute selling point of these particular ones are the ‘grooves'. The blades slot into a groove, so as you go around with the blade, you don't slip off-course! The three blades provide three different sizes, and the shapes have two grooves - one on the outside edge, one on the inside edge. This means that although you may only have one shape in your hand (eg. the diamond), together with the blades, you can actually cut out six differently sized diamonds - perfect for matting or overlapping, so you may have a lovely purple diamond in the background with a pink, smaller diamond on top.

Or.... and this is brilliant..... if you use the largest, and them the smallest, blade on the same piece of card, you'll end up with a lovely ‘frame', that you can use as a border over a photo or a journalling section! Take a look at the diamonds I cut - all by using the 3 blades and one plastic shape.

As we sat in the workshop, idea after idea popped into my head as to how these could be used.... not only with scrapbooking, but with notebooks, journals, projects, lapbooks.... the list is endless! I've since been to several art shops, to compare prices and quality on similar items. There are other templates out there, and other cutting systems. But I didn't find any with those lovely grooves to keep you, literally, on track. We'll been having a ball with our set! Obviously, I'd highly recommend this item, even if scrapbooking is not your thing - it's just the ticket to help add a little ‘pizzazz' to your child's projects.

Oh.... that's right - and as for cutting those nice, rounded, corners - they have the perfect tool! Just like a little ‘hole punch', slip your piece of card or paper into it, press, and wham! A perfectly rounded corner!

To view any of these items, simply go to Jodie's site ; http://www.mycmsite.com.au/jodiec , follow the links to the online catalogue, and view the items listed under ‘tools' - they are impressive!

Please remember, when placing an order to list my name as the ‘hostess' in the comments box - I'd really appreciate it.  Remember, this is an 'online' party, and orders need to be in by May 29.

Have fun!

17 May 2010

Hi all!   Recently, my daughter and I attended a 'Creative Memories' Scrapbooking party.  Now, to be honest, I didn't really 'get' the idea of scrapbooking - to me, photos are something you put in an allbum - and you sqeeezze in as many as possible!    I might have been wrong.  As it turns out, we had an absolute ball - and totally 'caught the bug'.  Here's my first ever scrapbooking page:

Not only have I discovered that scrapbooking is a beautiful way to present your photos, in such a way you enjoy looking at them like never before, but it is a wonderful way to spend time as a family - being creative and putting together pages that, when combined, form a beautiful keepsake.  After the party, the children and I put together a whole album for my Mum for Mothers Day - we had fun!  And, we had a beautiful gift for my Mum, which she was absolutely delighted to receive.

Now, since then, I've been doing some 'research'.  Scrapbooking can be expensive.  And, it can be not-so expensive.  But, I'm finding you 'get what you pay for'.  There are some products out there that simply are not worth the money, and there are others, although a little more costly, that you can see lasting many, many years.  Enter Creative Memories.  I am not a consultant, and am not considering that course of action at this time - I think I'm a 'little' bit too busy to take it on.  However, I've found their products to be of a quality far superior to any thing else I've found.  I love their stuff!   So, I'm hosting and 'online' Creative Memories Party - and you're invited!

It's all quite simple.  Check out my previous blog post below, click on the link, and have a look at Jodie's Creative Memories site.  You can purchase direct online - there will be some postage involved, seeings as we're spread out all over Australia, but, Jodie has promised she will keep those costs as low as possible.  In fact, if you got together with a few friends, you could easily share those costs.  Let me know if you wish to be involved - or if you have any questions.  If I don't know the answer, I'll find out from my consultant asap.  Please make sure you mention my name when ordering, so it is included in the online party.  The invite says May 29 - you can place orders at any time up until that date.

These types of parties are not something I normally do - but well, I'm hooked!  My girls love it, I love it, and we're having a ball, sitting together and scrapbooking together, and creating some wonderful albums that we will treasure in the years to come.  Our next project is 'Our Schooling Year' album - I can't wait to finish it!

Thanks so much for your support,

God bless,