| In This Issue | |
To Break or Not to Break?
Popsicle Stick Days
St. Patrick's Day Fun
From the Blog
Around the Web
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See Times Tales in Action!
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Grocery Cart Math
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The fun, easy,
practical way
to practice
math skills.
Download a preview HERE.
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Teach your child
in the classical style and have fun at the same time
with Writing Tales
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It's a common topic of conversation among homeschoolers to ask about schedules, vacations, etc. this month we thought we'd each answer the question, "Do you take a Spring Vacation?"
Jennie: Living across the street from a park, my children are very aware when "school's out". Once we see the park full on a Monday morning in March, they know it's Spring Break. Even though my children try every year to get the same time off, I always remind them of the breaks they take throughout the year when other kids are in school. So as a compromise, we usually just have a light week of school filled with lots of time in the park.
Marillee: We do usually take a spring break, however, it is not Oregon's spring break, but Washington's so we can do something with my sister-in-law. Homeschooling really works with our vacation schedule.
Dena: My answer is similar to Marillee's. We generally end up taking a week off in the Spring and I consider that our "Spring break". This year my daughter and I are considering attending a church retreat with my Mom, nieces and sister-in-law. If we do, that will be our Spring Break.
What about you? Do you have an interesting or unusual way to celebrate Spring Break?
Our new Group Buy option has been a huge hit. Check out the details below, gather a group and save big!We also have a special bit of "business" news. We are now offering a Times Tales Group Buy option, ideal for co-ops or homeschool groups. With this option, you'll be able to receive $10 off the cost of a Times Tales program, and the coordinator will receive a free Memory Trigger and Mini Flip as a thank you.
And be sure and check out our latest new product, Wordsmith Apprentice. My son loves this book, so we decided to add it to the store. Check it out!
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Popsicle Stick Days
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Spring is in the air! Ahhh....how wonderful! Except when it comes to schooling, that is. A major symptom of good ole' Spring Fever is a major decrease in attention span. No need for scientific studies on this one - it's a fact! You all know what I mean, right?
Fortunately, it doesn't take a major change to add a bit of spice to your school day and put things back on track. My kids love when we have Popsicle Stick Days. A PSD is when we work through our subjects "by the luck of the draw". I have a handful of popsicle sticks with each subject written on the back. I hold them in my hand (like drawing straws) and a child draws a subject.
This little trick of breaking the order and adding a bit of mystery to our school time is surprisingly effective, especially if they know that you've thrown in a surprise or two. Examples might be: "Run around the house three times!" or "Have an apple with peanut butter" or "See who can sing the entire Star Spangled Banner". A bit of fun never hurt anyone! You can also adapt this little trick to chore time. Sometimes simple "tweaks" make all the difference.
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The Social Network!
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I hope you've "liked" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We post fun learning activities and resources every day! You'll find printables, recipes, crafts, educational websites and more. If you're already following, be sure and tell your friends so they can join in on the fun.
Have you missed us on the blog? If so, hop on over and check out our recent posts.
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Around the Web
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Here are a few fun sites I found on the web this month. - Gift Card Granny lists 66 Teacher Discounts.
- Do you ever wish you could visit great art museums? Now you can (virtually, at least) with the Google Art Project.
- Visit Smarty Games for fun, educational online games.
- Check out Wonderopolis to see a new wonder every day. As of this writing, they have a neat video on how a dollar bill is made, but who knows what they'll be sharing when you read this!
- The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has a great special running. You'll receive 19 free gifts with a two year subscription. One of the gifts is a $25 gift certificate to Library & Ed. That alone, pays for the cost of the subscription.
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Happy Homeschooling!
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We wish you every success in your homeschooling journey!
Dena, Jennie & Marillee
Trigger Memory Systems |
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